Give this year the rating it deserves and chuckle every time you glance at your tree! The 2020 Rating Ornament ($10) makes a perfect stocking-stuffer, and a great gift set when paired with the other 2020-themed ornaments available from Ravensgoods.

Shop their online gift store at www.ravensgoods.com for those items, as well as handmade jewelry, soy candles, embroidered dish towels, greeting cards and more.

Hazel’s staff tells us that Frazier Fir Home Fragrances are a customer favorite holiday item year after year. The line includes a selection of candles, scent diffusers, soaps, and more. We recommenced the Frazier Fir Bundle ($58), which includes a 4 oz scent diffuser in a glass vessel with a decorative pine needle design, a matching 2 oz candle, and a decorative satchet that’ll look great on your tree, in your car, or as a gift topper.

For the holidays, Hazel is offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Find details and shop online at wwww.hazelchicago.com.

Located in the historic Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, DEFY Mfg. has gained fans across the world who seek out their expertly-crafted, handmade bags and accessories.

New to their lineup is the Insidious Jr. Sling Bag ($198), made from durable X-Pac™ composite fabric. The material is perfect for bags because it’s lightweight, waterproof, UV resistant, and has solid tear, puncture, and abrasion resistance. Insidious Jr. is the quintessential ‘Daddy Diaper’ bag and perfect for cyclers, bikers, and festival bros alike.

Check out DEFY’s full-line of bags and accessories at www.defybags.com.

Located along Malt Row, KOVAL creates a memorable line of whiskey, gin, and specialty spirits using unique locally-sourced grains, signature “heart cut” techniques, and only the absolute best quality distillate. As one of the largest independent and woman-owned craft distilleries in the US, KOVAL is frequently awarded internationally for its bright flavors and eye for design.

Our go-to around the holidays is KOVAL’s Cranberry Gin Liqueur ($30), a unique spirit that’s delicious alone and sublime in cocktails. A blend of fruit-forward and bittersweet flavors and the crisp, gin botanicals make this a perfect pairing for holiday meals. All KOVAL products are available for online order and local pickup at www.koval-distillery.com.

Urban Pooch is a state-of-the-art facility designed to support canine health and wellness, while increasing the bond between human and pup. Their large, colorful retail store carries an extensive line of food, toys, treats, and just about anything else else a dog-owner could ask for.

Co-founders Ed Kaczmarek and Daniel Gaughan always go all-out for the holidays, hosting Santa photos for pets and their families, sponsoring trolleys for Small Business Saturday, and organizing a slew of fun promotions and sales. This year they’ve also helped out by tapping their in-house experts to create the Urban Pooch 2020 Top Ten Gift List. Our favorite picks from their favorite picks are the Lumps of Coal Soft & Chewy Treats from Bocce’s Bakery ($6.50) and the Christmas Beach Santa Toy (small $15, large $23), which we chose mostly to share a photo of this adorable pooch!

Learn more about all of the products and services Urban Pooch has to offer at www.urbanpooch.com.

One of Chicago’s longest-running Christmas traditions, American Blues Theater is putting on their annual performance of “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago.” For over 19 years, the acclaimed, Ravenswood-based theater company has treated audiences to a retelling of the Frank Capra classic. Performed in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast, the show is ripe for a virtual adaptation. Purchase tickets ($25-55) at www.americanbluestheater.com.

A true Ravenswood institution, Spoken is a warm, relaxed café serving breakfast and lunch fare with Acadian Cajun respects, plus caffeinated drinks, baked goods, and housemade goods.

Spoken’s line of house-made jams, sauces, and pickles ($10-12) are budget-friendly and offer a little something for everyone. From Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce and Gin & Juice Pickles made with KOVAL spirits, to “Chicago Dog” Relish and Apricot Chipotle Jam, the variety of colors and flavors is dizzying. All items can be shipped, so you can send your friends the tastes of summer all winter-long. Peruse the menu and place your orders at www.shop.spokenchicago.com.

Lucila’s authentic recipe of melt-in-your-mouth Alfajores will transport you to her native Argentina. Two crumbly cookies sandwich rich dulce de leche caramel, and are then coated in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or coconut.

Lucila’s “Classic Trio” six-pack ($22) always make for a great holiday gift, whether you’re shopping for a loved one, participating in a grab bag, or looking for a nice corporate gift. A variety of gift sets and products can be ordered directly from www.lucilas.com.

Treat your way around the Midwest with sweets from 5 different states! Neighborly’s Midwest Treats Gift Box ($55) includes McCall’s Classic Toffee from here in Chicago, plus Snowballs Cinnamon and White Chocolate Carmel Corn from South Bend IN, Candied Pecans from Madison WI, jam or Apple Butter from Grand Rapids MI, and Annie B’s Assorted Caramels from Mahtomedi MN.

For more home goods, gifts, and artwork that are handmade, fair trade, or eco-friendly, visit www.neighborlyshop.com.

Everything you need for an antipasto board, right in one basket! This set from Tuscan Hen Market includes Sopressata Salami, Pecorino Cheese, Taralli Crackers, and a reusable bread basket ($45).

While you may know Tuscan Hen as a BYOB Italian sandwich and pasta spot, their Italian market also offers take-home options like fresh pasta, ravioli, lasagna, pizza dough and sauces. Explore their menu and order online at www.tuscanhenmarket.com.