Gift Guide: Chicago Foodie Edition
Ready to check your list (and check it twice) on your holiday shopping this year? Let’s get to it! And now that Black Friday emails have gone to spam and you’ve checked out of your Cyber Monday carts, it’s time to turn your attention to the most important shopping of all.
Shopping local and supporting small businesses!
Luckily, Chicago has plenty for us all to choose from! From much-loved restaurants to small businesses based right in the Windy City to brands you already know and love, our city has plenty to offer for your favorite foodie friends and family. So, let’s shop!
Everyone needs a little caffeine to get them through all the holidays, and this West Loop coffee shop has kits that focus on flavor and the full Vietnamese coffee experience. The kits come with a roast of your choice (“Early Heaven” Medium Roast , or “People & Boats” Dark Roast) as well as a filter + other goodies for a delicious cup of coffee, and a moment of calm in the morning. It’s perfect for coffee-lovers who want to experiment at home!
Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula
We love a gift that’s also an experience, and the Holiday Afternoon at The Peninsula’s stunning lobby is an experience you won’t soon forget! Afternoon Tea during the festive season is an annual tradition at this Chicago staple features a traditional English tea menu including finger sandwiches, scones with house made preserves and Devonshire clotted cream, and petite seasonal pastries. You can relax and enjoy in their beautifully decorated lobby full of festive cheer!
Vanille Patisserie Gingerbread House (or Man) Kits
Another fun experiential gift is a sweet treat you can customize! Vanille has all KINDS of holiday sweet treats, from macarons and cookies to their famous Bûche de Noël, but we love the treats you can create together. Their kits come with all the fixings and decorations needed to make your dream Gingerbread Man or Gingerbread House. These are fun for aspiring bakers or to give to the grandparents!
A Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Chicago Tour or Tasting
Have family in from out of town? THIS is the gift to get the group! The Starbucks Reserve Roastery has tours and tastings (both coffee and cocktails) for every level of coffee knowledge. If you’re not a coffee expert yet, you likely will be by the time you leave! Pick the experience that fits you best - we love the Arriviamo Cocktail Bar Trio - and get ready to be amazed.
Holiday happy hour is now handled! City Winery's West Loop retail shop has two wine gift packs this year, one for red wine lovers and the other for white wine fans. Both come with three bottles of wine and a wine key, with all wines being produced at City Winery Chicago by award-winning winemaker Caroline Schrader. These are great to bring to holiday parties or as a Secret Santa present.
XO Marshmallow Gourmet Peppermint White Hot Chocolate (+ Other Treats)
You really can’t go wrong with any of the desserts at this women-led small business! Their marshmallows are stellar (hence their name) but the Peppermint White Hot Chocolate is the perfect sip for Christmas Eve while you wait for Santa or at New Year’s Day brunch. Pick it up for a stocking stuffer or White Elephant gift this year!
Here Here Market Female Founders Food Collection
The only thing we love more than shopping local is shopping local AND women-owned! This basket features local food from some of the most gifted female culinary leaders in Chicago, including Everything Sauce from Mott St. and Dried Gnocchetti from Monteverde. Get it for your favorite female foodie, or ship it to someone who could use a little taste of Chicago this holiday season.
The Goddess & Grocer Cookie Decorating Kits
Another women-owned favorite in Chicago is Goddess & Grocer! You can shop in-store for everything from cards and candles to great bottles of wine and other festive gifts. But did you know you can also ship some of their most-loved baked goodies across the country? Send some Goddess love this year to far away friends and family! We recommend the Rainbow Cake (of course) and their Cookie Decorating Kits. It’s a great way to let your favorite foodies know you’re thinking of them over the holidays.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor