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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!