In the Windy City, let your holiday gifts carry the breeze of local charm. From doggie delights to cocktail kits, Chicago’s holiday magic lies in supporting the businesses that make the city shine.
For the daredevil: Bad Axe Throwing
Why you should support this business: If you want something a little different from a night of bowling, it’s time to take up an ax. The good news is, you don’t have to be skilled at throwing sharp objects to join in.
Potential gifts: Bad Axe Booking for a group of 6+ people, or a walk-in for smaller groups
Check out Bad Axe Booking’s website here.
For your family: The Fig Tree
Why you should support this business: No matter what family member you’re struggling to buy for, The Fig Tree has your back. They’ve got gift collections for mom, for dad, for tweens and teens, little ones, and even pet-lovers.
Potential gifts: Balsam & Cedar Large Vanity Tin Candle, Meowy Christmas Socks, Chicago Handshake Marble Coaster
Check out The Fig Tree’s website here.
For the dog: Haute Diggity Dog
Why you should support this business: That Chewy Vuiton collection will have you crying tears of mirth. Need we say more?
Potential gifts: Checker Chewy Vuiton Bone Toy, Peppermint Muttini, Furcedes Car Bed
Check out Haute Diggity Dog’s website here.
For the healthcare hero: Code Blue Memes
Why you should support this business: If you can withstand a few irreverent slogans, Code Blue Memes has apparel that any nurse, doctor, or social worker will relate to.
Potential gifts: Emergency Department Flowchart Hoodie, Healthcare Hero Juice Mug, Did You Try Icing It? Christmas Tree Ornament
Check out Code Blue Memes’ website here.
For the lusciously-locked person: CurlMix
Why you should support this business: This Black-owned and operated business has hair products that will take your curls, kinks, and coils to the next level.
Potential gifts: Master’s Collection: Wash and Go System with Ultra Hold for Curly Hair, The Ultimate Deep Conditioner Set, CurlMix Satin Bonnet 2-in-1 Reversible with Adjustable Drawstring
Check out CurlMix’s website here.
For the artist: Bloqsy
Why you should support this business: Bloqsy reinvents the meaning of “canvas.” If you’re looking for an alternate surface to see your artistic creation on (and want to see people wearing it or carrying it around), this store is for you.
Potential gifts: Your custom art on a graphic tee, a water bottle, a coffee mug, and more
Check out Bloqsy’s website here.
For the sweet tooth: AmazCakes
Why you should support this business: Sometimes, the easiest way to someone’s heart isn’t a wrapped-up gift, but a mouth-watering array of cakes and puddings.
Potential gifts: The Holiday Catering Special, with layer cakes and pound cakes in flavors ranging caramel and red velvet to carrot cake and oreo crunch
Check out AmazCakes’ website here.
For the cocktail connoisseur: Aged and Infused
Why you should support this business: The husband-and-wife duo behind Aged and Infused are self-taught mixologists who want to democratize the art of homemade cocktails for the masses.
Potential gifts: Happy Hour Membership, Spiced Orange Infusion Kit, The Holiday Punch Pack
Check out Aged and Infused’s website here.
For the adult who wants adulting to be easier: Mac & Cheese Productions
Why you should support this business: Saya Hillman, the mastermind behind Mac & Cheese, got fired from her job once upon a time. In the aftermath of being fired, she began to write down all the things she loved doing: Organizing, making lists, and more. She turned that into a lifestyle business that helps make adulthood easier, and now offers both in-person and virtual workshops and kits on everything from storytelling to overcoming your stage fright.
Potential gifts: The Adulting Kit, Fear Experiment
