Ravenswood is a hub for creativity and craftsmanship, making it an annual destination for holiday shoppers. Boutiques like Hazel, Bon Femmes, District, and Ponnopozz are a gift-giving cheat code, sure to have something for the hardest-to-satisfy on your list. Artisans at Lillstreet, Starshaped Press, and DEFY Mfg. have an incredible range of gifts available for all ages and price ranges.
Gifts for Everyone
Common Pantry + Hazel Charity Candle
1835 W Montrose Ave
Cheer: The perfect wintery scent to fill your house this season! Hazel’s new holiday candle ($25) features notes of orange, sage, fir needle, pine, clove, cinnamon, jasmine with chypre, patchouli and exotic musk.
All proceeds from this soy wax candle go to Common Pantry (3744 N Damen Ave), whose mission is to meet the emergency needs of our community by providing healthy food, kinship and support to help overcome poverty-related challenges.
For the holidays, Hazel is offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Find details and shop online at wwww.hazelchicago.com.
Maximalist Art Prints from Ponnopozz
4839 N Damen Ave
Ponnopozz Studio + Store is the creative wonderland of Ravenswood artist Adrianne Hawthorne. Everything in the shop is from a local, independent maker or a small company. Adrianne believes in supporting other small businesses, especially those that are women-led and/or Black owned.
Bring a bit of joy and a lot of color to someone’s life with a print of one of Adrianne’s original works (from $25). Explore artwork, apparel, and home goods by Adrianne and a rotating cast of other creatives at her shop on Damen or at www.ponnopozz.com.
Give the Gift of Creativity at Lillstreet
4401 N Ravenswood Ave
Lillstreet Gallery represents emerging and established artists working in ceramics, textiles, photography, painting, drawing, metalsmithing and more. Shop the Gallery Store in-person or online this season from an ongoing display of handmade pottery, jewelry, creative toys, cards and books.
With all those options, we suggest getting your creative friends and family a Lillstreet Gift Certificate (from $50). These can be used for classes, workshops, gallery purchases, and tools or materials at Lillstreet Art Center. Shop online at www.lillstreetgallery.com.
Tickets for “It’s A Wonderful Life Live in Chicago!” from American Blues Theater
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 20 years, this 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 the second longest-running holiday play in Chicago.
Note the new location for 2021! American Blues Theater is back to live, in-person performances at the beautiful Victory Gardens Theater (2433 N Lincoln Ave) in Lincoln Park. Purchase tickets (from $29) at www.americanbluestheater.com.
Prepare for the Holidays: $25 Dry Styling at HG Studio
2010 W Foster Ave
HG Studio is a new hair salon tha offers hair extension and styling services for special events. Owner and stylist Margot Wojdyla is your “Hairy Godmother,” available by appointment to help prepare you for your holiday celebrations.
Through December 30, 2021, HG Studio is offering $25 Dry Styling (no wash and no updos). Get more information and book your appointment at www.hgstudio.hair.
Dovetail Brewery Winter Beanies
1800 W Belle Plaine Ave
“We brew like monks, minus the vows, plus some cute beanies.” That’s how the Dovetail slogan goes, right? Brewery founders Hagen and Bill met in Germany while earning their Master Brewer certifications from the Siebel Institute. Upon returning to Chicago, the duo opened a new brewery and taproom dedicated to Old World beer styles and brewing methods. And amazing winter swag.
A cozy beanie with pom-pom from Dovetail ($20) is perfect for the Malt Row fan girl or craft beer bro in your life. Or that friend with perpetual bed-head. You can place orders for beer and merch at www.dovetailbrewery.com.
Lena Rose House Line Gift Set
4645 N Rockwell St
Lena Rose’s new house line of beauty products are handmade in small batches with the purest-sourced ingredients from local farmers. Their House Line Gift Set ($60) together a gift box collects spa-favorite products to pamper mind, body and spirit.
Set includes bath soak, body scrub, body oil, aura mist, healing balm, nourishing nail oil, and House Blend Beauty Tea. All items are infused with the aromas of Lena Rose’s reserve floral blend of chamomile, rose petals, rosemary and orange blossom.
Shop for beauty products from over 25 green brands, purchase gift cards, and book spa appointments at www.lenarosebeauty.com.
Holiday Treats + Toys from Urban Pooch
4501 N Ravenswood Ave
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.
Our favorite picks from their store are the Lumps of Coal Soft & Chewy Treats from Bocce’s Bakery ($6.50) and the Hero Chuckles Holiday Penguin Toy ($16.99). Learn more about all of the products and services Urban Pooch has to offer at www.urbanpooch.com.
Smile Crew Neck Sweater from Bon Femmes
4917 N Damen Ave
Give someone a little happy for the holidays! The Smile Crew Neck Sweater by The Things Between ($60) is embroidered on a cozy, solid colored sweater. Founded by Jessica Kim, The Things Between creates “goodies that are made to always find the good in the things between.”
A recent and exciting addition to Damen Ave, Bon Femmes boutique showcases art, home decor, beauty products and more- all created by women! They also donate a percentage of sales to women led charities dedicated to helping our community. Learn more and shop online at www.bonfemmes.com.
Made in Ravenswood
Each winter, foodies from across the city flock to Ravenswood, in search of specialty sweets from Amy’s Candy Bar, seasonal jams and sauces from Spoken Cafe, and holiday treats from Hilary’s Cookies. Buying for a hop head or cocktail connoisseur? No doubt there’s something they’ll enjoy from Malt Row, whether it’s a locally-brewed winter stout or a bottle of festive cranberry gin.
Limited Edition Holiday Whiskey from KOVAL Distillery
4241 N Ravenswood Ave
KOVAL is releasing a special new whiskey for the holidays! This limited-edition KOVAL Rye is finished in maple syrup casks for an extra touch of sweetness and seasonal flair.
Using the same unique mash bill of organic rye grain as their classic rye, this single grain expression spent extra time aging in former maple syrup casks! This finish imparts enticing flavors of cinnamon, tart cherry, and molasses. A delicious base for holiday Manhattans, and a delightful gift for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors of unique barrel aged spirits. Once they’re gone they’re gone, so place your orders quickly at www.kovaldistillery.com.
District Lumberjack Candle
4835 N Damen Ave
Our favorite from the fall District Fall/Winter Collection, The Lumberjack candle ($22) is a magnificent combination of Birch, Fire, and Sandalwood. This 100% soy wax candle burns for 60 hours, filling any home with the spirit of the holidays for weeks.
District is best known as a highly acclaimed showroom for restored mid-century modern furniture and home furnishings. A carefully curated selection of vintage items and works from local artists and designers. You just may knock out all your holiday shopping in one visit to www.districtchicago.com.
Holiday Cards from Starshaped Press
4636 N Ravenswood Ave
We’re obsessed with the line of Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s cards and gift tags (from $5) from Starshaped Press. Wishing You a Happy New Year (pictured) is made using a collection of nineteenth century metal type paired with an intricate border.
For over 20 years, Starshaped has stayed true to the original craft of letterpress. Or in Principal Designer and Printer Jen Farrel’s words: “We are proudly one of the very few shops in the country printing entirely like it’s 1929.” Learn more and make your purchases at www.starshaped.com.
DEFY Mfg Barrel Handlebar Bag
4527 N Ravenswood Ave
A bike bag inspired by beer and whiskey barrels! How Ravenswood is that? Meet the Barrel Bag from DEFY. ($77). A wonderful gift for commuters, urban cyclists, and rugged explorers on any number of wheels.
Comes with a head tube stability strap, water-resistant truck tarpaulin interior, and an adjustable/removable MIL-SPEC Molle strap with velcro system for handlebars of all shapes and sizes. There’s also Molle webbing on the front of the Barrel, making it simple to attach carabiners, lights, bluetooth speakers and more.
Located in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, DEFY has fans across the world who seek out their expertly-crafted, handmade bags and accessories. Check out their full-line at www.defybags.com.
Architecture of the Animated! Print from Wonder City Studio
4636 N Ravenswood Ave
Know someone who loves the animated greats, architecture, or a little bit of both? This print from Wonder City Studio features twelve homes from a variety of animated series. From The Flintstones and Peanuts to Adventure Time and Bojack Horesman, Architecture of the Animated! ($29) celebrates the architectural “styles” of iconic shows. For you or the cartoon lover in your life, these prints are fit for a bedroom, dorm room, or playroom.
Wonder City Studio was founded by Katie Lauffenburger and Phil Thompson. Together, they create artwork that honors the architecture and history of places worth preserving, with a special love for Chicago. Learn more and shop online at www.wondercitystudio.com.
Christmas Ale from Begyle Brewing
1801 W Cuyler Ave
Located in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, Begyle prides itself on offering a diverse and approachable selection of quality beer that brings people together. They’ve built a devoted following of beer lovers with their Community Supported Brewing (CSB) program, which offers members a growler or two of fresh craft beer every month. Begyle’s brewery and taproom are a neighborhood favorite and a destination for travelers.
An annual favorite, Begyle Christmas Ale ($12) is a spiced beer showcasing bay leaves, cinnamon, and sassafras. The spices are rounded out by a blend of European style malts and an American ale yeast. Order online for local pickup at www.begylebrewing.com.
Gifts for Foodies
A Decadent Gift Box from Lucila’s Alfajores
4527 N Ravenswood Ave
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) is a holiday classic, whether you’re shopping for a loved one, participating in a grab bag, or looking for a corporate gift. A variety of gift sets and sweets can be ordered directly from www.lucilas.com.
Jams, Sauces, and Pickles from Spoken Café
1812 W Montrose Ave
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 Spoken’s menu and place your orders at www.shop.spokenchicago.com.
River Valley Ranch Fire Roasted Bloody Mary Mix
1820 W Wilson Ave
This isn’t your typical store-bought bloody mix! Every bottle of RVR Bloody Mary Mix ($16) boasts 5 pounds of chemical-free heirloom tomatoes. Zesty and delicious with a mild amount of heat, it’s ready for mixing with your favorite vodka– or a beer for a twist on a classic Michelada.
To create a Bloody Mary Kit, we suggest adding some RVR Spicy Pickled Mushrooms ($9) and RVR Smoke Bomb Hot Sauce ($9).
Order online for pickup or local delivery at River Valley Farmer’s Table’s online shop.
Gifts that Rep Chicago
Chicago Love Coaster Set from Ravensgoods
4703 N Damen Ave
Ravensgoods has lots of great Windy City-themed gifts, including these Chicago Love Coasters ($42). This set of 4 handcrafted coasters are beautiful on display and guaranteed to keep your coffee table safe.
Shop Ravensgoods’ online gift store at www.ravensgoods.com, and visit their Damen Ave boutique for even more handmade jewelry, soy candles, embroidered dish towels, soaps, greeting cards, and local art.
Typographic Neighborhood Map from Neighborly
4710 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and this typographic map ($18) represents all of them! From Ravenswood and Bowmanville to Pilsen and Hegewisch, this map from Ork Posters (owners of Neighborly) will delight fans of the city from all sides of it.
Posters are offset printed with USA-sourced, 100% post-consumer waste paper and veggie based inks here in Chicago. Screenprints are silkscreen printed with USA-sourced, recycled paper and water based inks (also in Chicago).
For more home goods, gifts, and artwork that are handmade, fair trade, or eco-friendly, visit www.neighborlyshop.com.
Holiday Homes Greeting Cards by Catherine Elizabeth
This beautiful Holiday Homes Greeting Card Set ($32) from artist Catherine Elizabeth features signature Chicago home styles; the Bungalow, Greystone, and Workers Cottage. Includes 12 cards along with lively red envelopes to spread a little extra cheer.
A portion of sales goes to Thresholds (4101 N Ravenswood Ave), who provides innovative behavioral and primary healthcare that promotes empowerment, well-being, and full participation in community life. Through unwavering community-based engagement, support, and advocacy, Thresholds helps people living with mental health and substance use conditions find home, health, and hope.
Catherine Elizabeth is Ravenswood-based collage artist. Her artwork, constructed using only upcycled newspaper, exists to tell stories and preserve memories. Find upcoming market appearances and shop at www.catherineelizabethart.com.
Send Some Chicago
Have some loved ones that relocated and miss the Windy City? Want to share your favorite local flavors with friends from afar? Send Some Chicago helps you create a Chicago-themed gift box that can be shipped for free anywhere in the US!
You can put together your own 5, 7, or 10 item box featuring local and iconic Chicago products. Among the goodies are staples like Long Table pancake mix, Garrett Popcorn, Co-op Hot Sauce, and Jay’s Potato Chips.
Based out of Lincoln Square, Send Some Chicago is making it easy for locals to share what they love about the city this holiday season. Start customizing your own box at www.sendsomechicago.com.