Growing up with family all in the small business industry, I hold an appreciation for the hustle and heart that belongs to locals that do everything they can to create a product or service that brings joy to their customers. That part of me will always favor small businesses and as much as I love Nordstrom like the next person, these past handful of years I’ve chosen to shop with more intention to support local business as much as possible when buying gifts. And as you know – I love Chicago. It feels like home (kinda a big statement since I was raised in the South…where it’s warm year round ha) and I have loved every single person that runs the small businesses I’ve shopped at in this beautiful city I get to call home. Whether you are local or not, here are some of my favorite small businesses in Chicago. I think you’ll be able to find something for everyone on this list! Again – I don’t do any affiliate links (except for the Caraway Pans, found here in my curated kitchen post if you use the link – you’ll get an automatic discount in cart) so this is all just to share with you – I don’t make a commission on anything else!
1) Smitten Boutique (West Loop)
I would say “kinda obsessed’ is actually an understatement for how much I love Smitten Boutique, which curates stationary and gifts that speak to my soul (also an understatement). Because I live just right down the street, I find myself in here to stress shop on days where I just *need* a new candle or two. From cookbooks to art prints, jewelry to engagement and wedding gifts, you’ll always find something chic here. They also do personalized gifts if you’re looking for that extra something. I love their collection of candles and cards.
2) Alice & Wonder (Lincoln Park, Southport)
First of all – there’s literally nothing I don’t want from Alice & Wonder because I literally, always want everything. You can ask Thomas how many times during quarantine I asked him to drive me to pick up a curbside order from Alice and Wonder because it was a lot and I had to bribe him with Chicago Bagel Authority most days to do it (he’s probably the most patient person I know, having to date someone who always orders too much stuff online). I met Ali Reff (she’s the owner!) a few years back when she started A+W and since then, it’s amazing to watch her take over Chicago with the best curated, original Chicago items and now TWO (not one – TWO!) storefronts. I own maybe 10 of these Chicago crewnecks (I’m very serious, at least 10) and always clear out their Mad Hatter beanies each season. Need a new outfit? Alice and Wonder. Need a hosting gift? Alice and Wonder. Need a birthday card? Alice and Wonder. Need a pick me up and a good laugh? Good vibes? ALICE FREAKING WONDER. Where is the Alice and Wonder Official Fan Club because we need one! (ps if you’re not a Chicago local, they ship across the country!) Putting these Chicago glasses on my own wishlist, ASAP.
3) All She Wrote (Lincoln Park)
If you live in Lincoln Park, you’ll most likely know All She Wrote is one of everyone’s go-to paper goods and curated gift stores in the area. As a lover of snail mail (still! FYI did you know they make fruit and vegetable stamps?), I love coming here to find that one special card and a gift to go along with it. I’m partial to these custom Chicago candles, this 2022 spiral planner, and this golden doodle stationary set (more to come on the doodle 🙂 ).
4) NOMAD Chicago (River North)
Part cafe, part event space, part perfectly decorated boutique – what can’t Nomad do? I love that they carry these Vicinity Candles, which has a scent for almost every neighborhood in Chicago.
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5) The Fig Tree (West Loop)
The Fig Tree is also another go-to of mine in the West Loop for stationary and gifts! I love that they carry Candlefish Candles (which are local to Charleston, SC).
6) Wilder House (Wicker Park)
This new storefront in WP has 100% received my full attention from the beautiful storefront to the expertly crafted collection of home goods – all in creamy neutral tones. I love the fun shape of this candle!
7) Jayson Home (Lincoln Park)
I get so much home decor inspiration from Jayson Home – how fun are these taper candle holders? Also love these neutral pitchers and wicker glasses.
8) Neighborly (Wicker Park)
Wicker Park has an amazing lineup of local stores to shop and this is one of them – art, home goods, accessories, Chicago goods – you name it, they have it. Ordering a ton of these Chicago Bright Endeavors candles as gifts!
9) Asrai Garden (West Loop, Wicker Park)
When I walk into Asrai Garden I just instantly seen – as you may know, florals are my weakness and Asrai makes some of the most beautiful arrangements around. In addition to florals, you can find a curated collection of unique jewelry, home decor, vases, planters, and candles. This Detroit Rose candle is my current new favorite in my candle lineup!
10) Scratch Goods (West Loop)
Skincare products made in Chicago with food-grade (which mean it’s technically edible), locally-sourced ingredients – say no more! I have loved supporting Scratch Goods over the years and keep their masks on rotation in my skincare cabinet. A ticket to their live, in-person mask bar would make an incredible gift idea, too!
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11) South Loop Lofts (River West)
I would like South Loop Loft to curate my entire home because their style is exactly what I love: timeless and classic but with a modern twist. They select furniture and decor pieces for the home from all over the world so everything you get is one of a kind. If you’re looking for a new piece for your home or a gift for a new homeowner, this is the place. In LOVE with this white boucle chair.
12) FELT Chicago (Logan Square)
Okay I absolutely had to include FELT – introduced to me by my friend Rachel and I can’t stop thinking about the store ever since the last visit. They offer you a drink as soon as you walk in and carry some of my absolute favorite clothing brands like Anine Bing and Nanushka. Can’t wait to get back over there to scope out their new arrivals. I picked up this reversible sherpa from Still Here NYC and it’s been one of my favorite fall purchases.
13) augustnoa (Chicago-based)
Leave it up to my friend Ally to put together a chic, sustainable backpack that you want to bring everywhere not only because it’s super functional and fits everything you need, but really because you want to show it off since it’s just so damn cute. I love the mini noa, which is made from 7 recycled plastic bottles. Made in the perfect, neutral shades, too – 100% ordering the cream classic noa because Thomas took my black one and hasn’t given it back (if he ends up reading this then maybe he can keep it for good – maybe).
