Local Business Gift Guide
Happy December, friends! Wow I cannot believe we are just two weeks from Christmas. This year has flown by! Albeit this year wasn’t the greatest, at least we have the holidays coming up to add some joy to our lives! I published a Chicago Gift Guide a couple of weeks ago for those interested in shopping local this holiday season. Since then, I’ve discovered some more amazing local companies so I wanted to share a local business gift guide!
Local Businesses to Support in Lincoln Park
- Bliss & Belle Boutique – last year I stopped by the cutest boutique in Lincoln Park called Bliss & Belle. They have an amazing selection of women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and more. And their shop is super cute and insta worthy! Don’t worry, if you’re not in Chicago you can still support this local business online.
- Art Effect – If you’re going to Bliss & Belle in person, then you also need to stop by Art Effect – it’s just down the block! I’ve shopped at Art Effect for years now and had to include them in this local business gift guide. I used to live a few blocks away and it was my go to spot for any type of gift – holiday gifts, housewarming gifts, something for my sister, and more! They also have a full e-commerce site, so if you’re not in Chicago, you can order from anywhere!
- Monica + Andy – you may have heard of Monica + Andy since they’ve grown quite a bit in past few years and have store locations around the US, but what’s pretty cool is that they’re actually a local Chicago business. They opened their first store in Chicago on Halsted Street in 2013. Monica + Andy is my go-to baby gift shop – seriously, ask any of my friends who are pregnant or have recently had babies and they’ll tell you that I sent them a gift from M + A. They have a variety of the cutest prints and a range of sizes for kids of all ages. Bonus: their products are so dang soft and organic!
Local Businesses on the West Side
- Bow & Arrow Collection – another adorable boutique that’s the perfect spot to grab a housewarming gift or a thoughtful gift for your bestie. Bow & Arrow is located in Wicker Park on Milwaukee Ave just off the Bloomingdale Trail. I always find super cute cards, journals, beauty items, and more at this shop.
- Verde Holistic Wellness Studio – I discovered this local Chicago company a couple of weeks ago on Instagram. They offer a variety of services to help restore your body, reset your mind, and renew your soul. Check out their site to explore their offerings and see if it might be something fun to gift to a loved one and support a local business!
- Scratch Goods – ohhh this place is so dreamy. I know it’s not ideal to shop in stores right now, but if you have the opportunity, you need to go check this place out! I attended an event at Scratch Goods last year and fell in love with their space and products. During non-Covid times, they offer mask making classes where you go into their store, mix up your own mask, and apply it while there. It’s super fun for a girls day out or bachelorette party. For now, you can shop their products online and even plan a virtual mask bar party.
Shop Small this Holiday Season
I think it’s really important for all of us to do our part and shop small this holiday season. That’s all I have for now, but I’m sure I’ll continue to find more local businesses and I will be sure to share them. I may even have a part two to the local business gift guide eventually!
xoxo,
Whit