Shopping local is a personal investment in your community and city. Luckily, Chicago is one of my best cities in the world for shopping. I’ve compiled my favorite LGBTQ+-owned Chicago businesses perfect for holiday gifts. Shop til you drop, in-store or online!
Foursided
Foursided is a shop and resource for those who appreciate art and its sentimental value, as well as for advancing select independent artisans and makers.
AKA artsy things you never knew you needed. A Chicago-themed miniature Christmas tree? Check. An ornament with Cardi B’s face on it? Check. Hilarious, one-of-a-kind greeting cards? Check. Foursided has something for everyone, perfect for a unique holiday gift. They also offer customing framing.
Bonus: they are offering Winter Mystery Boxes for $25!
Foursided, multiple locations, Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Humboldt House
A feminist shop filled with beautiful goods to elevate self care & daily rituals.
Humboldt House offers a curated collection of local furniture and goods, as well as the work of local jewelry designers, ceramic artists and apothecary makers. Humboldt House is home to local artists and female artists from around the world.
Humboldt House, 1045 N. California Avenue, Mon-Fri 12-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm.
Women & Children First
Women & Children First is one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country, stocking more than 20,000 books by and about women, children’s books, and the best LGBTQIA+ literature. carry cards, magazines, journals, posters, calendars, buttons, flags, and more.
Books make the best gifts. Women & Children First believe books are tools for liberation and hold transformational power.
Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., 11am-5pm everyday.
*CURBSIDE PICKUP ONLY (located behind the bookstore)*
Related article: 12 Best Travel Memoirs of All Time
Early to Bed
Early to Bed is a sex-positive, woman/trans-friendly sex shop welcome to people of all genders, orientations, and experience levels. Early to Bed is committed to helping people of all genders and orientations explore their sexuality to the fullest. You can find toys, books, accessories for a happier, healthier life. *Voted Chicago’s Best Sex Shop in 2019*
Early to Bed, 5044 N. Clark St., limited hours
*Available only for pick-up or discreet shipping.*
Related YouTube video: Sex Ed with Courtney: The Sex Talk I Never Got (But Needed)
Out of the Closet Thrift Store
Chicago’s most fabulous thrift store.
Out of the Closet is the nation”s largest not-for-profit retail fundraiser for HIV/AIDS medical care. 96¢ of every dollar directly funds AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV/AIDS programs and services in the U.S. and abroad.
Thrifted gift ideas: coffee mugs, tea sets, fancy dishware sets, art, books, clothes, hats, vinyl records, children’s clothes, decor, suitcases, etc. I like to pair thrifted gifts and retail gifts together.
Shop sustainably and find one-of-a-kind pieces!
Out of the Closet Thrift Store, 3311 N Halsted St., Open 10am-7pm everyday.
Related article: 7 Best Thrift Stores in Chicago
Andersonville Galleria
The Andersonville Galleria is a retail market building that currently features over 100 vendors offering apparel, jewelry, artwork, home furnishings, giftware, accessories, antiques, fair trade, and gourmet treats.
Andersonville Garlleria showcases the work of many queer artists.
Warning: there are 3 floors – it’s easy to spend hours wandering around!
Andersonville Galleria, 5247 N. Clark St., 11am-7pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun
Jameson Loves Danger
Need a gift for your furry best friend or fur-mate? Jameson Loves Danger’s got you covered!
Jameson Loves Danger is a small, independent pet supply and grooming store in the heart of Andersonville in Chicago, IL. James Love Danger is named after two rescue pups, Jameson and Danger!
Jameson Loves Danger, 5208 N Clark St., Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm
*Free delivery on orders $49.99 or more.*
Any shops to add to the list? *comment them below!*
Full list of queer-owned businesses in Chicago
More Chicago Resources:
- Best Vegan Restaurants in Chicago
- Delicious Sweets & Desserts in Chicago
- 7 Cute, Affordable Airbnbs in Chicago
- 50+ Free Things to Do in Chicago
- Midwest Bucketlist: Things to Do and See in Midwest, USA
No Comments