It happened. The “I have absolutely no idea” season is here. Your challenge – find an inspired, sustainable, craft-made gift that truly says, “I know you better than you know yourself.” Our hand-picked list of the best Holiday gifts designed in Chicago shines the spotlight on local retail sources to impress even the most urbane on your list. For those who simply do have it all, we’ve dropped a special tip in your stocking. So without further ado, here’s our holiday hot list. Enjoy!
Transit Tees
Loop Stripe Coffee Mug
The broad, colored stripes of the El may be esoteric to out-of-towners, but Chicago die-hards will know the loop detail when they see it. You can find this handsome mug at Transit Tees. The uniquely Chicago store was founded by designer by Tim Gillengerten in 2001. Chock full of locally designed and made Chi-City swag, it’s one of our Wicker Park favorites. They have anything a devoted fan of the Chi could want! Perfect for: Transit Fans, Color Lovers
Matthew Hoffman
A Decade of You are Beautiful
Sometimes a work of art becomes a movement. That’s just the case for Matthew Hoffman’s You Are Beautiful. This commemorative book celebrates ten years of sharing his iconic message with Chicago and the world. We think it’s an idea worth spreading. Perfect for: Kids-at-Heart, Art Devotees
Pagoda Red
Paperwhite Narcissus Bulb Kit
Pagoda Red specializes in Chinese artifacts—both unique and antique. While this gift tin isn’t an antique, it’s a living nod to ancient Chinese culture. Just add water, and the locally designed indoor planting kit pops to life. It’s said that if the Chinese Sacred Lily blooms on Chinese New Year, it will bring extra good fortune. Perfect for: Green Thumbs, DIY Interior Designers
Unison
Harvest White Throw Blanket
The Ukranian Village-based Unison commissioned artist and printmaker Hillery Sproatt to create a village-inspired scene. The result is the Harvest collection, including this 100% cotton blanket that’s made in the USA. The backside reverses to a bird’s-eye stitch. Perfect for: Rustic Revivalists, Warmth Seekers
MNML
Taktik 360 / Aquatik
High tech and high design, West Loop industrial design firm MNML built the Taktik 360 as the iPhone case to end all iPhone cases. Thinking of storing your iPhone in a snowbank again this winter? The Taktik shell protects your phone literally under lock and key, keeping water, dust, and everything else at a safe distance. Pre-order from the Lunatik store. Perfect for: Tech Geeks, Apple Fanboys
Rhine Hall
Apple Brandy
Distilled solely from Michigan apples (25 pounds go into each 750 ml bottle), Rhine Hall‘s Apple Brandy is amazing in seasonal cocktails. Smaller 375ml bottles fit nicely in a stocking. It’s worth a trip to the West Loop distillery to pick up a few bottles in person and why not take a distillery tour while you’re there? Tasting events are open to the public and take place every Thursday night at 2010 W. Fulton Street. Perfect for: Distillery Dilettantes, Toast Masters
Method Bicycles
Pearl Blue City Commuter
One-man dream team Garry Alderman custom-crafts each bike that rolls out of Method Bicycles. The Method Bicycle methodology is to craft a bicycle for each customer that blends the purity of material and precision of process, with individual experience. The result is a custom-fit ride without compromise. The City Commuter sports a litany of top tier parts. A Rohloff speed disc hub, Gates belt drive, Phil Wood / White Industries cranks, and AVID road SL brakes to stop you in the worst of weather. Perfect for: Fresh Air Fanatics, Commuter Connoisseurs
Special Olympics Illinois
Double the Difference
Every year Special Olympics Illinois makes our world a brighter place by empowering people with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, education, and community-building. Sparkfactor designed their website to bring that mission to life. Support this international organization where it all began—right here in Chicago.
With their brand-new employer match portal, you can double the difference you make this holiday season. Every dollar donated gives athletes in Illinois a chance to compete with pride. Perfect for: The Person With Everything
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