Your Sustainable Chicago Gift Guide

From overnight shipping to fast fashion, the holiday shopping season isn't always environmentally friendly. That’s why we’ve rounded up some eco-friendly shopping spots and creative experiences to gift your loved ones instead.

Gifts

• 💙 Neighborly has outposts in Lincoln Square, West Town, and on the riverwalk. The fair-trade store sells Chicago–themed gifts.
• 🫙 The Refilleri in Humboldt Park is a zero-waste store selling personal care and home goods. Pick something out or get a gift card.
• 🌵 Suds & Succulents repurposes cans and bottles into succulent and cactus planters. DM for commissions.
• 🐝 Bike a Bee sells homemade honey and lip balm.
• 🧶 Chicago Creative Reuse & Exchange in Gresham is a haven for crafters in search of unique materials.

Experiences

• 🧖‍♀️ King Spa in Niles is a Korean spa. Snag e-coupons to treat your friends and fam with facials, massages, scrubs, and more.
• 🏟️ Chicago sports teams have seen better days, but at least that means tickets are probably cheaper.
• 🎭 Broadway in Chicago has a six-show package — including musicals like “Mamma Mia!” and “Peter Pan” — that starts at $150.
• 🤤 Dinner is always a good idea, especially at fine dining spots like El Ideas in Douglass Park and Schwa in Wicker Park.

Memberships

• 🛠️ Chicago Tool Library has a pay-what-you-can model that will give your loved one access to the tool inventory at the Garfield Park spot.
• 🎟️ Give cinephiles memberships at the Gene Siskel Film Center or gift cards to the Rooftop Cinema Club.
• 🖼️ Chicago has no shortage of museums big and small from the Adler Planetarium to the National Museum of Mexican Art.
• 🌱 WasteNot Compost has 1–12 month gift options you can give to a future composter as well as stocking stuffers.
• 😎 Hey Chicago and the City Cast Chicago podcast have a new membership program featuring ad-free listening, exclusive perks, and more starting at $8 a month.