Give the gift of the Windy City with these fun stocking stuffers.
If you have a loved one who just can’t get enough of Chicago, we don’t blame them! Obviously, we love the city, too. Here are 21 gifts any Chicago fan would love to receive. We’re not being sponsored by any of these products. We just love the gift-giving season!
1. This CTA-themed transit game
There’s nothing more Chicago than the El. Dodge construction and visit Chicago landmarks in this CTA-themed board game as you attempt to make your way back to the State/Lake station. Make sure you have enough fare tokens, though, and prepare for major delays. Available on Transit Tees’ website or in-store.
2. A classic bundle from Chicago’s best popcorn makers
If you haven’t had cheddar and caramel popcorn, trust us it’s a lot better than it sounds. In fact, it’s absolutely heavenly. Available from Garret Popcorn for $33 a tin.
3. This book about must-see places in Chicago for their next vacation.
If you have a friend who’s visiting our city soon, this easy guide, 111 Places In Chicago That You Must Not Miss, has tons of exciting attractions to make their trip a breeze. You could also send them the link to our website for on-the-go tips! Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore.
4. Chicago deep-dish delivered to their door.
Many of the most popular deep-dish pizza joints in town ship their pies nationwide! Uno’s, Gino’s, and Lou Malnati’s all ship their signature pizzas to your door. Can’t decide what pizza to order? Check out our pizza guide first!
5. These cozy socks with the Chicago flag printed on them.
Chicago winters are cold! Keep your loved one’s feet warm with these fashionable socks sporting the Chicago flag. Available for $16 on Transit Tees website or in-store.
6. Scare them silly with a visit from Chicago’s most notorious pests.
Chicago is the nations “rat capital.” Scare them silly with this toy rat as it scurries around the corner just like real rats on the CTA do! (Seriously, please don’t feed the rats.) Available on Amazon for $10.99.
7. Support Chicago teachers with this solidarity cap.
Everyone deserves to have access to a good education. Stand with Chicago public schools with this white embroidered baseball cap and while you’re at it, donate supplies to a CPS school in your neighborhood. Available for $21 at Raygun.
8. This Michelle Obama pin inspired by the gorgeous painting by Amy Sherald.
Chicago is where Barack and Michelle Obama met and the Obama Foundation is based on the south side. Help them flaunt their love for the former first lady with this enamel pin. Available on Etsy for $12.
9. Or this Oooombama sticker to remind them to keep calm during this election season.
Between the holiday season and the 2020 election, it’s no wonder your friend it stressed out! Remind them to take a deep breath with this cute sticker of Obama meditating. If he can keep his cool, anyone can. Available on Etsy in three sizes starting at $1.99.
10. Help them keep track of which Chicago breweries they’ve visited with this scratch-off map.
If your loved one loves Goose Island, get them a little outside of their comfort zone by encouraging them to visit (and then scratch-off) the breweries on this Chicagoland map! Available on Etsy for $25.
11. A Christmas ornament of Chicago’s beloved Cloud Gate statue in Millennium Park.
Remind them of pleasant afternoons walking through Millennium Park with this adorable ornament. Available on Etsy for $21.08.
12. Ease their homesickness with this candle that smells just like chocolate by the Chicago River.
Is someone in your life feeling a bit home sick for the Windy City? Gift them this candle that smells just like their favorite places in Chicago. Available on Homesick’s website for $29.95.
13. Or if they’re from the suburbs, give them this Illinois candle that smells like the fields.
This candle smells like honeysuckle, lavender, white flower, and violet (the state flower). Take a deep breath and float away back to the grain fields of Illinois. Available on Homesick’s website for $29.95.
14. A CTA transit magnet to represent where they commute to/from.
These magnets are great for holding up your family photos and reminding you of where you’ve been. Our editor actually collects these, adding one to their fridge every time they move. The magnets come in red line, blue line, brown line, purple line, green line, orange line, pink line, and yellow line designs. Available for $5 each on Transit Tees’ website on in-store.
15. This commemorative Chance the Snapper tee to remember their favorite Humboldt Park reptile.
Remember the alligator that evaded police for a full week during the summer of 2019? Oh, Chance the Snapper, we barely knew thee. Remember our little escapee from Humboldt Park with this commemorative t-shirt designed in Chicago by Rayban. Available in-store or online for $23.
16. Or get them these Chance the Snapper and Frank “Alligator” Robb Bobbleheads.
Choose between Chance the snapper on his own or being held by the Aligator hunter brought in from Florida to capture him. Available the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame’s website for $25.
17. Help them watch the game in comfort with these knit Cubs slide slippers.
Whether it’s baseball season or not, these slippers make great gifts for any Cubs fan. Available on MLBshop.com for $34.99.
18. Or if they’re more of Bears fan, keep them warm with this reversible sherpa hoodie.
Snuggle up with this super soft reversible Bear hoodie for tailgating even when it’s cold out. Available on the Bears Pro Shop for $59.99.
19. A tank top with the most used word in the midwest.
Ope, sorry! Let me just squeeze right past ya to get this definition tank top. Available on sale at Raygun for $7 (normally $23)
20. Celebrate Pride with this Chicago star pint glass.
Get four to make it a full flag collection. Available at Raygun for $13.
21. Help them decorate their space with this beautiful art print of the Windy City.
Allow them to enjoy Chicago’s beautiful skyline from anywhere in the world. Available on Etsy for $18.13.
Looking for more inspiration?
There are tons of stores in Chicago that make incredible souvenirs as well as regular, well-made products crafted right here in Chicago. We recommend Quimby’s Books, Secret Agent Supply, and The Christkindlmarket to get started on finishing your Christmas shopping list.
Feature photo: @transittees