The Ultimate Gift Guide for Chicagoans
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'Tis the season for gift giving but picking out the perfect present for the Chicagoan in your life is no small task. That's why we did the hard work for you and rounded up the coolest gifts for this discerning crowd, from condiments made with fresh ingredients sourced locally from community gardens and handmade jewelry to city merch and deep dish, there’s something for every Chicagoan on our list. Here’s to keeping it local this holiday season.
1. A Blowout or Glow Up from goldplaited
Your BFF has a big event coming up and you know exactly what to get her—a gift certificate from goldplated, the blow dry + makeup bar with locations in Lakeview and River North (they can also do on-site services if she's not in the area). Or maybe your niece is starting to get into makeup and you want to win coolest aunt of the year award—you can also purchase lessons in blow drying and makeup (eye or full face). Or heck, maybe you just want to gift a service to yourself because you freakin' deserve it. Choose from a myriad of options (braids! Hair tinsel! Camera-ready makeup!) and price points.
2. Permanent Jewelry with Vo Jewelry
We’re big fans of Chicago-based designer Amy Vorel and her gold-filled custom necklaces and bracelets. Her designs are inspired by “Chicago's unique culture, architecture and style” and are the epitome of effortlessly chic. And now you can get one of these elegant bracelets, necklaces, rings or anklets welded together for long-term wear. Check out her site for more details on pricing and longevity. (Psst: She does private parties too.)
3. A Creative Photo Shoot
Your partner’s business is starting to take off. The one thing he needs to scale it? Killer pics of his art/event/product. Check out Chicago-based Dennis Elliott who works as a creative director and content director and whose previous clients have included Incredibles, Adobe, RCA, Red Bull, Xbox, Nike, Michelob, Sooper Records (and PureWow!). You can also book him for portraits (you know, in case you want to give your LinkedIn profile a serious upgrade).
4. Molly Anne Bishop Chicago Tote
Ponno Pozz
Ponnopozz Store in Ravenswood is our happy place (seriously, you can't not feel cheerful when stepping into the colorful storefront). Everything in the shop is from a local, independent maker or a small company, including this adorable tote from Molly Anne Bishop, a Chicago-based artist and illustrator. Consider this the perfect vessel for totting around a wallet, phone, foldable umbrella and CTA card (aka all your city essentials).
5. Membership to Chicago Botanic Garden
N. Vivienne Shen Photography/Getty Images
Your co-worker, your mother-in-law, your bestie, your dog walker... they could all use a little more peace and serenity in their lives. Gift them a membership card to the Chicago Botanic Garden, a 385-acre living plant museum that's beautiful and tranquil no matter the season, thanks to an array of trees, shrubs, vines and tropical plants. (We're also fans of the Model Railroard Garden for a fun-filled day out with the kiddos.)
6. Vargo Brother Chili Crisp
Here Here Market
Chili crisp is all the rage these days and can be found in just about every supermarket or grocer. But Chicago-based Vargo Brothers Ferments stands out for its seasonal ferments that use fresh ingredients sourced locally from community gardens and out of chef and creator Sebastian Vargo's own backyard garden. Yeah, your foodie pal is going to love it.
7. Monica & Andy Matching Family Pajamas
Monica + Andy
This Chicago-based clothing company makes the softest, most comfy pajama sets and they have an entire collection of matching family PJs for the holiday season that is practically begging to be Instagrammed. Choose from festive prints like tree haul, happy Hanukkah and festive ornaments. They even have matching PJs for the family pooch, whether you have a Chihuahua, Corgi, Golden Retriever or Great Dane.
8. Milk Handmade Sun and Moon Necklace
Permanent jewelry feel a little too...permanent? Check out his sweet pendant necklace from Milk Handmade, owned and operated by Chicago-native Hallie Borden who features independent designers and makers who produce locally, ethically, and using environmentally friendly practices. There's plenty to love on site (like these teardrop pearl drop earrings and this wave ring), so you're sure to find something for everyone on your list—yep, even your too-cool-for-school teenage cousin.
9. Manny’s Corned Beef Kit and 2 Lou’s Pizzas
Your brother moved out west and swears there are no decent Jewish delis north of Los Angeles. Send him a care package from this Chicago institution that has everything you need to create Manny's classic corned beef sandwiches at home (two pounds of thinly sliced, pre-cooked meat; a loaf of rye bread and horseradish mustard) and eight hand-made potato pancakes, plus two Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizzas. Yum.
10. Alice & Wonder Chi Classic Crew Sweater
Alice and Wonder
This chic sweater from Chicago-based Alice & Wonder (they have stores in Lincoln Park and Southport) can be styled casually with denims and sneaks or dressed up with a blazer for a night out. And the green color is so festive, no?
11. The Second City Gift Cards
The Second City
We all know someone who could use a laugh, and there’s really no better place on earth for it than The Second City. The comedy club has a list of famous alumni longer than a Chicago winter and you just may see one of them stop by to work on their new routine, and you'll definitely catch some up-and-coming talent. The buzzy spot offers live shows, improv classes and more, and gift cards start from just $10.
12. Homesick Chicago Candle
Homesick
For the friend who’s left Chicago but misses home, this soy wax candle is meant to capture the scent of The Windy City. With notes of jasmine, chocolate and sandalwood, we’re not entirely sure it smells like the city but hey, we’re not complaining. The 60 to 80 hours burn time ain't bad, either.
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Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
