Local Goods Chicago
Make a trip to the far northwest side for Local Goods Chicago. It’s your one-stop shop for all things Chicago pride. If you’re looking for something incorporating the city’s flag, they are almost sure to have it. They feature handmade items from more than 100 local artists and include a holiday gifts section on their website. Browse Chicago Cubs championship mugs, gourmet popcorn, and more. You can even visit their temporary pop-up location through the holidays at the Loyola University campus on Sheridan Road.
Local Goods Chicago, 5422 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 800 0158
Neighborly
Neighborly on Montrose is prepared to get you into the Christmas spirit with their artisan ornaments, holiday trinkets, home décor, and Midwest-themed gifts – produced by locally crafting artists – for all ages. The boutique was opened in 2012 by a trained graphic designer with an eco-friendly, all-inclusive atmosphere in mind. Much of what’s for sale has been inspired by the mid-century modern era, big on bright colors and playful, graphic elements. Shop for gifts online or at their brick-and-mortar store.
Neighborly, 2003 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 840 2456
Virtu
Virtu’s tagline promises to be ‘the perfect place to find something for someone who has everything,’ so there’s no better place to do your holiday shopping. Their website is organized by product type and artist name, meaning you can shop from one particular creator or sample several. Choose from handmade jewelry, ceramics, textiles, holiday cards, wrapping paper, twine, and ornaments. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable about their items, so you can pick their brain if you’re having trouble choosing which present to buy.
Virtu, 2035 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 235 3790
Open Books
This independent bookshop in the West Loop works to be a ‘nonprofit social venture that provides literacy experiences for thousands of readers each year.’ Open Books works directly with Chicago’s youth to improve literacy rates through reading and writing programs. Support their efforts by shopping for your bibliophile friends this holiday season in their store or online. They stock more than 50,000 books, as well as mugs, hats, mousepads, apparel, and more.
Open Books, 651 W Lake St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 475 1355
P.O.S.H.
P.O.S.H. is Chicago’s premiere location for handmade, high-quality gifts. Shop all things home, décor, and holiday at their cozy Loop retail outpost where they stock their quaint showrooms with flea market finds, china, and silverware. The items are almost always one of a kind or limited quantity, which means every shopping trip is a new adventure. They also have an extensive online store including holiday pieces and a sale section. The pieces are labeled when they come from overseas, like tea towels from France, fruit preserve from England, and chocolate from Italy.
P.O.S.H., 613 N State St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 280 1602