Chicago Holiday Gift Guide

Small business support doesn’t just have to be on a Saturday, it can be everyday! 

Therefore, in an effort to raise awareness for these local brands I wanted to share a list of a few of them with you here. I deeply admire these creators for their expressions and what their brands represent. Furthermore, isn’t great to know that the support we provide goes directly to them, their families and what they believe in? This domino effect of support and love spreads throughout our communities like wildfire. In a time where most of us are struggling in one way or another, our dollars would mean so much more to small businesses fueled by their passion providing fantastic services and products to their supporters.

With all of this in mind - please consider choosing from these wonderful options for your holiday season!

oonaCeramics

This beautiful soul lives in my neighborhood! I came across her while walking home from the local farmers market in Logan Square and was attracted to the expressive clay creations she had displayed. I instantly connected to a coffee mug (of course, because I love coffee) with blue drips, as if she had just finished painting it moments ago. That movement was captured forever in these designs and I knew I had to have that one and another one similar to it. They are durable, machine washable, microwavable and absolutely adorable. I have started many of my mornings in the past month with these mugs, and I am so excited to share some of her other creations with my loved ones. Check out her website to see some of her other offerings including vases, bowls and other useful objects. She does this FULL TIME and her dedication and love of her work is truly recognizable with every piece. 

Tracy Danet Studio

Tracy Danet is originally from the suburbs of Chicago and currently goes back and forth from here and Florida. I was recommended to check her out by my friend and fell in love with her modern, floral style. While she is known for her handmade paints, inks and chalks she also creates AMAZING wall murals for home offices, baby rooms and any room! She has a beautiful eye for color, a fantastic technique that, in some cases, adds an abstract flair to contemporary imagery and is incredibly sweet. She is planning on creating some holiday gift options ranging from $15-$30 including painted clay plant pots! I have a stunning artwork by her in my office and it brightens up the space instantly. Check out her Instagram to see her in action and to find out about her upcoming holiday options! They will all be incredibly memorable gifts this season! 

Arya Athleisure

Working out & comfort marry BEAUTIFULLY with this Chicago athleisure brand. This company was started by one of my good friends from Second City and supports everything that this city stands for. Giving back up to 100% of their proceeds to charities, you can definitely get behind their values and their style. Additionally, when I asked the owners about why they chose “Arya” they explained to me that in Latin it means lioness and they want all of their customers to feel empowered and united. This is the perfect local and small business to support if you need to find gifts for your workout buddies or your work-at-home team. This gear will make you feel all the strength and all the comfort at the same time! Take a peek at their Instagram for some comfort & workout inspo and see their full collection on their website!

LaRue Papier 

OKAY for some totally unique and fantastic gift options or Christmas cards - consider working with Alyssa Priest. For my wedding last year my mom gave her 8 bottles of wine and she labeled them with every celebration a couple has during their first year of marriage. Do you know a couple that had to postpone their wedding? Customize a pack of wines for them with everything they will have to celebrate in the coming year. “New Date Picked” “Virtual Ceremony Set Up” “Small Wedding Day” “One-Year Anniversary of Original Wedding Date”

And, if you need wine bottles for that idea, I highly recommend checking out Webster Wine Bar where Charles is curating some delicious packs of natural vino from around the world - including some crazy surprises if you’re a wino!

While these are hard times for all couples, give your favorite bride and groom-to-be a few reasons to be excited for what is to come this year. Alyssa’s skills are incredibly versatile and she puts in so much time and dedication to her clients. You won’t be disappointed working with her to find the perfect gift idea for your besties or to design your 2020 holiday cards! Check out her Instagram for more information and to see pictures of her beautiful creations!

(And, for all of you dog people out there, she named her company after her pup, Rue!)

Chicago Makers Pop Up Shop

This is a very special place in Wicker Park. If you want to find a store that is SOLELY filled with Chicago made products to find gifts for everyone in your family, this is the place! Not only is this shop super adorable, bright and colorful but with several artists bringing in new pieces often you can return again and again to find new special products. When you support them you are given information about the creators of your pieces and shown how to best connect with them and how to build a relationship with them directly. This public space gives new visibility to these artists and it is definitely needed now as there weren’t many expos or craft shows open this year and not many planned for next year. I didn’t know what to expect during my first visit so I didn’t have any specific gifts in mind. After walking around the store twice I left with three amazing gifts for my family members. I can’t share anymore than that so they don’t figure out which one is for who, but you will not regret stepping into this little pop-up shop. Stop in before it closes and check out their Instagram to see what is new this week and to follow along with their artists! 

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There are of course many more - but these are individuals I have worked with and have supported for one reason or another and had a great experience! I am so excited to share them with you!

Happy Holidays!!