Indie Gift Guide: Chicago

Unearth some great gifts from the city of big shoulders

By Tori Rosin
Published: December 11th, 2008 | 11:15am

It's a mistake to think of Chicago as just the home of the 44th president of the United States this holiday season. The city (and its suburbs!) boasts a plethora of independent crafters for your gift buying needs during the twelfth month of the year and beyond.

Bangerang Bake Shop
Why not give cupcakes this holiday season instead of cookies? This licensed bakery sells a trademarked cupcake in a jar, serving 1 to 2 people each. In this author’s opinion, the Candy Cane Christmas Party Cupcake, Fat Daddy’s Little Pumpkin, and Sunshine Gingerbread Gang Cupcake look especially tasty and Bangerang will also be introducing Sweet Seasonal Seduction Cupcakes for Holiday 2008.

Citzen Shay
Most don’t advise wearing your heart on your sleeve. Wearing your zip code on your chest? That’s a different story. Artist Steve Shay says he’s a citizen of the world, but sells t-shirts, mugs, and panel artwork for Chicagoans and the people who love them.

Shay’s work is available both in Chicago and in his online shops. Visit Sacred Art in Roscoe Village or citizenshay.com to pick up one of his “L” transit signs.

Wastes of Time
Are you someone who is counting the minutes until March 20? A clock from Etsy storeowners Lindsay and Theo will make the dark days of winter a little less painful. The couple makes their timepieces from vintage camera or bicycle parts, which allows clock owners to look into the future while appreciating the past.

Starving Artist Designs
The silver and copper earrings, rings, and pendants from this shop have a sophisticated sensibility sure to please a discerning person on your list. They also feature paper goods with a botanical bent and mouse pads that could beautify even the oldest computer.

Babytopia
Babies need gifts too. The brightly colored bibs, hats, and accessories found in Babytopia will make your little one stand out.

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This list of businesses doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of independent crafters in Chicago – a true representation of what’s out there could fit into a book, so use this list as a starting point. If you’re buying holiday gifts from crafters and artists, keep city businesses such as Sacred Art and Renegade Handmade in mind. Happy holidays!