Best Places For Stocking Stuffers In Chicago
Puh-lease stop yourself from last-minute shopping at the corner of cheap and careless (insert the name of your closest chain pharmacy here) for holiday stocking stuffers. Sweet little items from any of these Chicago spots will get you a nod of appreciation for being thoughtful and stylish.
Elevenzees
1903 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-1150
www.elevenzees.com
This Division Street store most definitely fits in the stocking stuffer category not only because it does big indie Christmas business (the holiday window goes up the first Monday and Tuesday of November), but the shop just has so many really cool things. Items include mini hand creams, candles, exotic chocolate bars, flasks with cool sayings, luggage tags, funky magnets handcrafted from retro toys, handmade jewelry appropriate for stockings, mini tea sets from Tea Forte and a heck of a lot more. Between local vendors and the shop's regular inventory, expect an extensive and wide ranging variety of items.
Anastasia Chatzka Pop-Up Shop
1500 E. 53rd St.
Chicago IL 60615
(586) 610-4096
www.anastasiachatzka.com
Chicago-based fashion designer Anastasia Chatzka launched a new pop-up shop concept in Hyde Park and it is open Tuesday through Sunday until December 24th. Anastasia has brought along a strong group of other designers to anchor a prime retail location for the holiday season. Other local designers include Laura Garza (jewelry), Emily Shift (womenswear) and Brynn Capella (handbags). Pick up accessories that fit into stockings such as lingerie, candles from Chicago Candle Company, jewelry designs with varying price points and men's bow ties, among other selections.
Fig & Olive
104 E. Oak St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 445-0060
www.figandolive.com
The Fig & Olive retail collection features housewares, spice blends, olive oils and vinegars, available for purchase in-store at the Oak Street restaurant (or online at www.bestoliveoilstore.com). A budding or even quasi professional cook may not feel extravagant enough to buy these for themselves which is why any would make a welcome stocking stuffer. These items also serve as excellent hostess gifts for the holiday season. Choose among various Fig & Olive olive oils (the sweet and buttery Arbequina or the peppery Picual from Spain, for example), Fig balsamic vinegar, deliciously scented candles such as the Mandarin scented number or even a Fig & Olive CD of tunes "inspired by the elegant lifestyle of St.Tropez and Cannes."
Related: Best Sporting Goods Stores In Chicago
Komoda
2559 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 276-8229
www.shopkomoda.com
In what could be the best curated gift shop in the city, you'll discover charming cooking timers, clever coasters, good looking wallets, sweet stationery, fabulously scented soaps, interesting jewelry by local artists, candles, Bohemian accessories and even Christmas cards. Komoda is located in an historic hardware store and all of the treasures are displayed among the apothecary furnishings, making a spree there particularly satisfying.
Ravensgoods
4703 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 878-1566
www.ravensgoods.com
A cute play on the neighborhood name, Ravensgoods is more than clever wordplay. It offers super affordable trinkets that any stocking owner would love. Find lip gloss, locally made jewelry, bath products, skin lotions, mittens, scarves and hats, distinctive glass jars, Chicago-centric items, teas and so much more that fits into the small shop.
Related: Best Shops For Fall And Winter Shoes In Chicago
Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
