While many Chicagoans storms the big box stores this Black Friday (aka the day after Thanksgiving), we’ll be shopping some of our favorite local businesses and feeling great about it.
With the help of our friends at Korbel California Champagne, we’re bringing the focus back to all of the amazing holiday gifts you can get without ever having to place an online order or walk through a parking lot bigger than your high school football field.
We’re sure you have a few favorite independently owned businesses in your neighborhood but just in case you need a few stops to add to your Black Friday itinerary…..
Photo via Kokorokoko
Chicago has a plethora of vintage and throwback stores but Kokorokoko is the undisputed authority on the 1990s. Pop into this Wicker Park shop on Black Friday for clothing, accessories and collectibles from Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch's favorite era.
Photo via Facebook/Gemini Shop
Penelope's boutique in Wicker Park recently introduced its new sister store Gemini on the same stretch of Division Street. Find carefully curated clothing and accessories from designers across the world. Quality and sustainability are the gold standards here, so you can feel good about your latest shopping splurge.
Photo via Facebook/Handle With Care
Old Town womenswear boutique Handle With Care puts a cute twist on the seasonal essentials. Find that cozy cashmere sweater that's on your best girlfriend's wish list here this holiday season.
“Used” shouldn’t be a dirty word when it comes to holiday shopping. There are dozens of vintage and mid-century modern stores across Chicago that stock treasure troves of beautiful clothes, furniture and homewares waiting for their second life. If you’re looking for something special for a friend or family member that you can’t get anywhere else these days (meaning at least for the past decade), one of these shops will be your best starting point.
Photo courtesy of Merz Apothecary
Merz Apothecary keeps the glory days of curated beauty supplies and fragrances from your neighborhood drugstore alive. This North Side staple opened in 1875 and gradually became a more popular source of hard-to-find, natural products than a place to get prescriptions filled. Stop by the Lincoln Square location or Merz’s second location in the Loop to find a gift for your loved one to spoil themselves with.
Photo via Facebook/The Spice House
Spice Up The Holidays
Sure, you could send your friend or family member out for an excellent meal or you can provide them with the tools they need to make their own! What’s that phrase about teaching a man to fish? Add some spice to their life with seasonings from Epic Spices, The Spice House or Savory Spice Shop, and maybe stop by a local butcher like Paulina Market or The Butcher & Larder to grab something worth seasoning.
Photo via Transit Tees
Stock Up On Chicago Gear
One thing is certain about Chicago: We’re not shy about our pride. Wall art, t-shirts, home goods or other nick-nacks commemorating our beloved city make for great gifts. Don’t settle for cheesy Chicago gear though. Make it awesome. Stop by Transit Tees, The T-Shirt Deli or Strange Cargo for fun gifts that will make any local happy. (You can even get a custom t-shirt designed and printed at the latter two options.)
Photo via Facebook/Entente
Michelin Starred Meals
Did you know that 22 Chicago restaurants received 2019 Michelin stars? Help your foodie friends make their way through the list with a gift certificate the award-winning restaurant of your choice.
Music Feeds The Soul (And Stuffs The Stockings)
There are loads of ways to support the city’s local music scene and give a great gift! Kill two birds with one stone by checking out the “local music” section at one of Chicago’s many excellent record stores.
Photo via Facebook/RR#1
Stationary, candles, accessories, beauty products, oddball toys, knick-knacks—RR#1 in West Town has it all. It’s the perfect little store to stop in when you have someone in mind but need gift idea inspiration.
A Gift That Lasts A Lifetime
We know we live in the world of Kindles and e-books, but sometimes it’s nice to hold a real, physical book in your hands and get lost in its words. If you want to give someone that feeling this holiday season, stop by one of Chicago’s independent bookstores like Women & Children First, Quimby’s, The Book Cellar, Sandmeyer’s or Pilsen Community Books. You could pick up something by a local author.
Now get out there and shop local! Plus, don't forget to enjoy Korbel this Thanksgiving season.
