This holiday season, skip the Starbucks teddy bear cups and Labubus (if you can even find one) and give your friends and family something a little more unique. As members of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago community, we know the value of a gift handmade by an artist. But if you’re short on time, low on inspiration, or too busy worrying about Crit Week to knit a half-dozen scarves in a month, there’s no need to worry. Many Chicagoan artists sell their goods at small businesses throughout the city. With handmade by local artists, you can find something for everyone on your shopping list.
For the lover of camp and kitsch
Andersonville is a fantastic neighborhood for shopping small and local, and the Andersonville Galleria is the neighborhood’s beating heart. The Galleria, a four-floor maze of more than 200 independent vendors, is filled with all kinds of interesting handmade gifts, from patterned tights to perfume dupes to pottery.
My personal favorite of the Galleria’s vendors is Shrinery, a small business by the artist Lauren B. Shrinery deals in magnets, mirrors, and banners — what Lauren refers to as “instant shrines” — often depicting celebrity queer icons and tongue-in-cheek phrases. I can personally attest that the Little Edie Beale and the Trixie and Katya magnets on my own fridge give me great joy to look at every day. (You can also find these delightful creations here.) A magnet from Shrinery is the perfect gift for your friend who loves kitsch, camp, and pop culture. If there’s an environmentalist in your life, here’s an added bonus: all of Lauren’s pieces are made entirely from recycled materials. It’s a rare Christmas gift that doesn’t require putting more plastic into the world.
For the Chicago-lover in your life
Whether you’re shopping for a homesick former Chicagoan, a lifelong resident, or a faraway loved one who wants authentic souvenirs from your city, the locally-made gifts at Midwest Nice in North Center are, well, Midwest nice.
Local artists sell their wares at this store, so it’s not surprising that many of the gifts here are Chicago-themed. You can express your pride in the Chicago-born pope, rep your favorite neighborhood, or let everyone know that you stand against ICE and the Trump administration’s attacks on our community (and, of course, against the cardinal sin of ketchup on hot dogs).
My personal favorite Chicago-themed offering from Midwest Nice? This letterpress print by Starshaped Press, which declares in a color scheme inspired by our city’s flag that “Everything dope about America comes from Chicago.” You can’t argue with that.
For the fashionista
With locations in Lincoln Square and Wicker Park, you’re probably not too far from Neighborly, another home for local artist-made gifts, if you live on the North or West Sides of town. Every piece of jewelry made by Neighborly vendor Tiger Moth is made by hand in their Chicago studio and is astonishingly affordable for a handmade product. Pairs of earrings range from $12 to $34. (I’m personally partial to the beet and radish earrings.)
If you have a larger budget, Milk Handmade in Andersonville has some higher-end handmade jewelry that’s just as unique as the quirky pieces from Tiger Moth, if a little more subdued in its aesthetic. I love their labradorite hoop earrings made by Chicago artist Rach B, and the opal necklace by another local artist, Therese Kuempel, made using traditional metalsmithing and lost wax casting techniques.
To pair with your Chicago-made artisan jewelry, be sure to hit up Squasht Boutique in Ukrainian Village on the West Side for some clothing made by Chicago designers under Squasht’s own label. The price tags on these pieces are a little higher, too, but remember: you’re paying for high-quality, ethical labor, not fast fashion that keeps prices low by relying on low quality materials and exploiting workers. I have my eye on their collection of casual dresses made of ditsy floral print cotton and a cranberry-colored triangle scarf, which is perfect for a bitter Chicago winter.
For someone who wants to make a difference
For many people, the holidays are just as much about helping others and doing good in the world as they are about gifts. If your loved one’s idea of a happy holiday is one where they’ve made a difference, you can still get them a gift handmade by an artist by shopping at Planet Access in Lincoln Square. This gift shop has a unique premise: each item available for purchase benefits individuals with disabilities in the Chicagoland area, and a good amount of the wares available are handcrafted by disabled artists, too.
Original works of fine art are, of course, usually on the pricier side for purchase, especially when their profits also go towards a cause. But if you have a little more money to spare, the original paintings made by the disabled artists who sell at Planet Access are generally around the $150 range, and if you’re shopping on a budget, there are plenty of cheaper options. One of my favorite items at the store is a wooden Christmas ornament in the shape of a cheerful yellow stick of butter, each made by hand by disabled artist Theo H., who has been creating art with Search Inc., the organization which partners with Planet Access, for 33 years.
Back at Neighborly, check out the scented candles and bath products made by the women at Bright Endeavors, a job training program that helps new moms learn new skills and escape poverty. (This would be a great gift for your mom.)
So, this holiday season, put your money towards your fellow Chicago artists and give your loved ones some truly unique gifts. There’s something here for every budget and everyone’s taste, and whichever ones you choose are sure to be big hits with everyone on your list.
