Holiday by Joel and Christine Schaub
Joel and Christine Schaub lead one of the top lending teams in Illinois
at Rate — and they’ve been our trusted go-to partners for years. Beyond
their professionalism and expertise, they live out a “Givers Gain” philosophy
that has earned Joel the honor of Most Charitable Lender of 2023. Together,
they’ve raised over $20,000 for gun control advocacy following the Highland
Park tragedy, supported children’s health and education through Cubs
Charities, volunteered with Lakeview Pantry, and even served on the board
of Real Estate to the Rescue. They’re also proud supporters of the Advocate
Charitable Foundation and donate to local Chicago charities, particularly
supporting underserved communities and LGBTQIA rights. Truly inspiring.
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We asked them to share their take on one of the season’s trickiest challenges: finding the perfect gift for the person who has everything. Here’s what they came up with…
FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE MAN
(You know the one: he shrugs at gift suggestions, already owns every gadget, and swears he “doesn’t need anything.” Challenge accepted.)
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1. The Nostalgic Treasure Tap into his childhood. Search eBay, Etsy, or vintage shops for the toys and pop culture moments that defined his growing-up years. One Christmas, I tracked down a vintage Mr. GameShow my husband adored as a boy — batteries, buttons and all. His face when he opened it? Pure wonder. If his first love was G.I. Joe or the Cubs, search keywords like “Cubs + Vintage + Rare” or his birth year to uncover oneof-a-kind finds. Why he’ll love it: Nostalgia is Christmas magic. A forgotten childhood favorite instantly becomes the most meaningful gift in the room.
2. The Bespoke Adventure Give him something you can’t wrap — an experience. Think guided fly-fishing, a sommelier-led wine tasting, or an exotic car test drive. For the foodie, book a coveted reservation at Oriole or Alinea. For the thrill-seeker, try private flying lessons or a skyline helicopter tour — Fly Heli Tours . Why he’ll love it: Memories last longer than gadgets — and this one says, “I know you and your passions.”
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3. The Gift of Legacy Maybe it’s education, food insecurity, animal welfare, local arts, social justice, or neighborhoods in transition. Our personal favorite is Paws Chicago. Pick a cause that is something that ties into his values or passions will transform the gesture from generic to deeply personal. Present it beautifully as a wrapped gift. Why he’ll love it: There is nothing like being truly known by the people who love you. It shows that you know him deeper & gives back to a cause that means so much to him.