2020 hasn't been anywhere near normal so why would this year's holiday shopping be easy?! The coronavirus pandemic has had a HUGE impact on Chicago's Small Business community and it's so important NOW more than ever to shop small this upcoming giving season. We've already started crossing gifts off our lists at these small businesses we absolutely adore. Here's a portion of our long list of Chicago's greatest ( and online! ) go-to spots for gifts that we will be supporting this year:
SIDESHOW GALLERY
2219 North Western Avenue
WHAT IT IS: A magical place to find unique one of a kind natural specimens, skulls and taxidermy, handmade jewelry, oddities and vintage treasures, candles, herbs and tools to perform magic, and lots and lots of ART!
WHY WE LOVE IT : Sideshow Gallery is a truly unique place in the heart of Chicago with an ever changing creative spirit that will inspire you. Their love for the occult, obscure travels, heavy metal music and hunting for the most unusual and oddball things make Sideshow Gallery a one-stop gift shop, filled with treasure. You are sure to find a little something unique for everyone on your list, especially the witchy ones! Run by two incredibly badass ladies, Sideshow Gallery was created to continually inspire people to live FREE!
GIFT PICKS:
Sideshow Ritual Candle- Exclusive Collaboration with Half Moon Candles
This beautiful candle is a special collaboration with Half Moon Candles. The Ritual candle is created so you can focus on your intention, perform your ritual, and manifest your desire! This violet candle is scented with eucalyptus, cedar, saffron, oak moss, tonka & sage - completed with a smokey quartz crystal.
Seeing Eye Matches
Matches in a reusable cardboard box with seeing eyes design on both sides. One edge of the box has a strike strip and each box includes approximately 50 matches measuring 4" long. These matches will make your candle lighting experience even more delightful. Makes a nice little gift idea for almost anyone. The box measures 4 1/2" long by 2 1/4" wide.
SOCIALS:https://www.instagram.com/sideshowgallerychicago/
https://www.facebook.com/sideshowgallerychicago
PONNOPOZZ
4824 N. Damen Avenue
https://www.ponnopozz.com/
https://www.ponnoplace.com/
WHAT IT IS: Ponnopozz is the studio of Chicago-based artist Adrianne Hawthorne. Adrianne comes from a graphic design background but prefers the act of making art with her own hands. Ponnopozz is named after two imaginary friends, Ponno and Pozzer, that the artist had as a child. The name is a daily reminder of the unbridled creativity of childhood that she continues to nurture through the act of painting and drawing.
WHY WE LOVE IT : Bright, bold maximalism! As soon as you walk into this joyful space, you are assaulted with color, pattern and joy! The Ponnopozz space is packed with colorful treasures made by Adrianne and other small business creators. You’re guaranteed to find a unique piece of jewelry, clothing and of course, art! Adrianne hopes her playful approach to art and life will inspire you and make you happy. We think she nailed it. PLUS: 20% of all online sales will be donated to My Block My Hood My City, an organization in Chicago that provides underprivileged youth with an awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhood.
GIFT PICKS:
Card Set
Send some brightness to those who love. A poppy 4 pack of greeting cards featuring designs from Adrienne's PAPER series collages. Each pack comes with 1 of each card design and envelopes included.
SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/ponnopozz/
ESKELL
2029 N Western Ave
https://www.eskell.com/
WHAT IT IS: Founded in 2005, Eskell offers a diverse collection of meaningful treasures for your home, lifestyle and gifts for the people you love. The Chicago retail location and web store showcase unique home decor, including lighting, tabletop, and a curation of new, vintage and custom designed furniture. This beautifully curated shop also offers a fresh selection of thoughtful gifts items such as fine jewelry, sustainably made clothing, premium fragrance and wellness products.
WHY WE LOVE IT :
When searching for the perfect gift ( for others or ourselves ), we ALWAYS think of Eskell. Eskell creates the perfect balance of trend-driven finds while also creating a feel that is totally timeless. Just a couple blocks north of us on Western, Eskell is one of those sure-to-find-something-perfect spots, curated beautifully, stylish and fun to shop.
GIFT PICKS:
Gift Cards:
Win at gift-giving every time and make sure they get exactly what they want with an Eskell gift card.
Plant Life Socks :
It’s 4:20 somewhere. These novelty socks features pot leaves glowing green against a black background and electric blue accents on the heel and toe.
Black Eye of Providence Noble Flask:
This 6 oz. antique patina hip flask takes inspiration from maritime, macabre, and vintage Americana. Stainless steel with etched eye embellishment atop a moody flat black. Made in Colorado.
Chicago Enamel Pin
Black silhouette of the city, full moon and howling wolf with groovy "Chicago" font. Black on gold high quality pin with pin back.
Peace Aromatic Concentrate
An aromatic aid for meditation and creativity, Peace is a blend of natural woods and resins that have been used for generations to enlighten the mind, release negative energy, and create a sense of serenity. Purifying palo santo meets sweet frankincense and grounding patchouli in a fusion that quiets the mind and calms the spirit.This Aromatic Concentrate is ideal for travel, with a fine, focused mist that can be used to purify your space. Spray onto delicate garments, scarves, and textiles. 3oz bottle contains crystals charged under the full moon with intentions of peace and harmony.
NIGHT EYES LEATHER
https://www.etsy.com/shop/NightEyesLeather
WHAT IT IS: Hand-tooled leather goods by Caitlin McCafferty. Inspired by nature and fueled by David Attenborough nature documentaries.
WHY WE LOVE IT: One-badass-woman-run micro business, Caitlin tools, cuts, stains, paints, and stitches all pieces herself in her home studio, alongside her unpaid intern cat. She's also just a gem that makes us laugh at every event.
GIFT PICKS:
Leather Cat Beanie
Handmade By Night Eyes Leather
Hand Tooled And Dyed Leather Cat Patch Beanie
One Size Fits Most
SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/nighteyesleather/?hl=en
EFFIN RELAX
https://effinrelax.com/
WHAT IT IS: Handmade incense from all natural herbs, spices and woods for maximum chilling. No additives, fillers or accelerants so that you can breathe easy and have no worries about what you are inhaling.
WHY WE LOVE IT : They don’t mess around with the toxic stuff. To get your home smelling fresh as a necessity for a calm and focused mind state, Effin Relax uses all natural ingredients in the incense cones, with no additives, accelerants or fillers. Just woods and spices. Rather than fill your home with toxic fragrance, they use the natural resources available to them, living within the awe-inspiring beauty of northern California. They don’t use any manufactured ingredients in their incense, and they make them in a relaxed and mellow mind state to help suffuse the incense with calming vibes. They believe that in a culture that is constantly striving for noise and attention, it’s important to take some time to Effin Relax. And damnit, so do we!
GIFT PICKS:
Cleansing :
The perfect incense to burn while meditating, practicing Yoga, or relaxing however you may see fit (no judgment). It incorporates a soothing essence of Sandalwood to inspire healing and relaxation, as well as a hint of Lemongrass which will soften anxiety and stress, and work to clarify your mind. It also includes Palo Santo, which is good for keeping your energy grounded and clear; not to mention warding off winged afflictions like mosquitoes.
Harvest Moon :
This scent uses their own special blend of natural spices to incorporate the atmosphere of an evening in the fall. That’s why this is a good incense to burn when you’re wanting to feel productive; even when that means productively relaxed. A Harvest Moon honors the full moon closest to Autumnal Equinox, which is ideal for harvesting, as it is the year’s brightest moon and allows farmers to collect their pay dirt well into the evening.
SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/effinrelax/
SQUASHT
https://squashtboutique.com/
2556 W Chicago Ave
WHAT IT IS: A designer-focused clothing & jewelry boutique in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago.
WHY WE LOVE IT : Each season these talented folks design and produce their own Squasht brand collection of women’s ready-to-wear clothing and signature reversible hats right here in Chicago. They are passionate about supporting fellow artisans and carry a wide selection of items from dozens of other independent designers, both local and national. We love that we can always count on Squasht for a unique and handcrafted gift. Squasht is a 5 minute drive, 12 minute walk from The Fox Club!
GIFT PICKS:
Triangle Marv Grey + Quilted Grey
Easy on, easy off! This item keeps your neck cozy while keeping you looking stylish this fall and winter! The top part is a functional mask that has a little elastic band in the back that may be used to hold the Marv up, or you have the option to tuck the elastic down inside to hide it. Want to take the mask off? Just fold it down inside the scarf and BAM! - now you're just wearing a super-cute scarf! Made in Chicago by the Squasht team, they feature a malleable wire at the top to create a tighter fit on your face. There is a filter pouch for disposable filters ( Shop towels work great! )
Quilted Bella Hat Sweater Knit (Reversible)
The cozy Bella Hats are embody a timeless style. Perfect for traveling, dog walks, commuting in cities and enjoying the great outdoors. We love the grey hat that reverses to stripe interior!
Nooworks Muscle Tee Bananas
Made in stretch cotton jersey in the USA.
Featuring artwork by Isa Beniston of Gentle Thrills.
Texture Knit Mitts
practical, cute, and reversible Knitt Mitt fingerless gloves by Texture
SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/squasht/
JWOSKA CUSTOM CHAINSTITCH
https://www.jwoska.com/
WHAT IT IS: A chain stitcher based out of Chicago who uses a hand crank chainstitch machine from the 1950’s — the hand crank machine allows Jessi to freehand embroider each design.
WHY WE LOVE IT: The hand crank machine Jessi uses allows her to freehand embroider each design. Because of this, every chain-stitched piece is completely one of kind. She’s a one-woman show. Everything from sketching her own designs, constructing the dog bandanas and banners by hand, designing the packaging, chain-stitching each project, and packing and shipping them to you. We love a hustler! Jessi not only creates beautiful, wearable art but she’s cute as hell and fun to dance it all out with too.
GIFT PICKS:
Custom Flannel Pet Bandana
A handcrafted pet bandana chain-stitched to order with your pets name!
All bananas are crafted from super soft, 100% cotton flannel and are machine washable. Chanel’s dog, Bruce has one and looks absolutely dapper in it if we do say so ourselves.
SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/jwoska/
PIZZA FRIENDLY PIZZA
https://www.pizzafriendlypizza.com/
WHAT IT IS: A rock and roll inspired casual neighborhood eatery featuring Sicilian style pan pizzas, specialty sandwiches, and side dishes.
WHY WE LOVE IT: From the great minds at 16" on Center and Chef Noah Sandoval, this alley-entry laid back neighborhood spot serves delicious menu items all made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients plus beer, wine and cocktails. This hidden gem is just a couple doors down from us at The Fox Club and really livens up the once-boring alley!
GIFT PICKS:
Pizza Friendly Gift Card
Gift card for all your Pizza Friendly Friends! Everyone loves a pie!
SOCIALS:
https://www.instagram.com/pizzafriendlypizza/
GHOST EYES
https://ghosteyes.net/
WHAT IT IS: Humboldt park based Sustainable handmade fiber art pieces to empower All Bodies. Everything in the shop has been hand stitched by Nat. Their style and subjects are usually of fruit, bodies and animals influenced heavily on the vibes of mid 60's funk, 70's goo-groove, 80's hair metal and early 90's sparkle pop.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Through action and art Nat strives to empower all bodies and keeps Ghost Eyes sex & body positive. Most of their designs are heavy on the sparkle, which we couldn’t love more! The hand stitched details really speak to us over here at The Fox Club!
GIFT PICKS:
No Pins
NO means NO means NO means NO!!!!
Hand-beaded “NO” in pink up cycled sequin beaded lettering on black felt made from recycled plastic bottles.
SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/_ghost_eyes_/
PAPERS + INK
https://papersandink.com/
Use code CHANEL20 for 20% off your first purchase.
WHAT IT IS: Papers and Ink creates small batch custom printed organic rolling papers kits and the chicest smoking accessories around.
WHY WE LOVE IT: A female led collective of creators, Papers + Ink Studio develops products for the sophisticated smoker. During quarantine, we've been entertaining ourselves by coordinating our rolling papers with our PJs, which makes the stay at home lifestyle a lot more glamorous. These soft, smooth, slow-burning papers are the best gift for the stylish stoner friend in your life.
GIFT PICKS:
City Palace Mini Pak
Organic unbleached rolling papers inspired by the hand block prints of Jaipur, India. 5 king sized sheets printed with non-toxic vegetable based colorings with 5 smart slim ultra premium filters.
Loubado Peru Pink Mini Pak
Peruvian prints, ayahuasca journeys, and floral mandalas, oh my. 5 king sized organic unbleached rolling papers sheets printed with non-toxic vegetable based colorings with 5 smart slim ultra premium filters.
SOCIALS:
https://www.facebook.com/papersandinksesh
https://www.instagram.com/papersandinksesh/
More on these awesome papers HERE
AND IT WOULDN'T BE A COMPLETE LIST IF WE DIDN'T TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OURSELVES!
THE FOX CLUB // FENTON FOX
https://fentonfox.net/
WHAT IT IS: A women-led showroom featuring travel ready vintage clothing + accessories alongside handmade sustainable swimwear by FENTON FOX.
WHY WE LOVE IT: We refer to The Fox Club as the Cutest Store in the World. Pop in and let us know how right we are! The showroom is stocked with Fenton Fox handmade swimwear, Chicago's best vintage clothing and accessories and plenty of unique gifts to chose from! Plus, it's run by 2 chill babes ( wink wink ) and our important pup interns. The space is bright and warm, with special details everywhere. Watch out! You might fall in love!
GIFT PICKS:
Fenton Fox Sweatshirt
Nothing beats a soft cozy pullover sweatshirt as the weather cools. Printed on fluffy Alternative Apparel sweatshirt, this lightweight baby will be your new go-to. This classic surf staple looks great over your bikini as the evening as the beach gets chilly and is a necessity around the campfire. Printed in small batches in Chicago, IL. Support small business and stay cozy forever! 50% polyester 46% cotton 4% rayon
Fenton Fox Handmade Undies
Undies in our custom printed recycled plastic fabric. These bold cuties have a cheeky cut with a ruched back and high waist. Handmade by Lizzie at the shop using scraps from Fenton Fox swimwear to further minimize waste!
The Fox Club Gift Certificate
Shopping for someone else but not sure what to give them?
https://www.instagram.com/thefoxclubchicago
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-fox-club-chicago-7
https://www.facebook.com/TheFoxClubChicago
More about our awesome Chicago location HERE
BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON OUR INSTAGRAM @THEFOXCLUBCHICAGO THIS WEEK FOR AN EXCITING GIVEAWAY FEATURING ALL THE GIFTS WE PICKED FORM EACH OF THESE AMAZING BUSINESSES.
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