Ultimate Local Gift Guide: Perfect Picks for Holiday Hosting
This holiday season, we’ve curated a selection of locally inspired gifts recommended by Chicago’s food community and beloved by our Edible Chicago team. Whether you’re searching for the perfect host gift or something special for your own gatherings, these items celebrate the best of our small business community.
Al Dente Hat from Tortello
Chef’s hat for a long day of prep in the kitchen? Show your love for pasta with this playful hat from Tortello. For an extra special something, pair the hat with one of Tortello’s take home fresh pasta meal kits.
1746 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Bombay Chili Crunch
“The essence of Bombay in a jar!” says Chef Jasmine Sheth of Tasting India. This Indian chili oil bursts with flavors of curry leaves, three different chilis, and a house made spice mix. Perfect as a small, thoughtful gift for the condiment fiends in your life.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Candle
Made in Italy, these charming candles are available at The Center of Order and Experimentation and are seemingly the most sought after gift this season. The cakes are captivating, but we can’t help but swoon over the vegetable selections, too. “The perfect gift for the person on your list who already has everything. These candles have been made in Italy since 1840 and their only job is to be absolutely delightful,“ Danielle Chutinthranond, ceramic artist and owner of Monsoon Pottery.
1727 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Unbothered Foods Crackers
Locally made, better-for-your-gut, crackers perfect for pairing with cheese or dips. Find them at Ándale Market in Andersonville, recommended by Edible Chicago contributor Laura Scherb. “I love a good shoppy shop, but none compare to Ándale Market in Andersonville. Make a custom gift box with Ándale so you can stuff it with all your Chicago made favorites!”
5232 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Ceramic Chopstick Holders from Five Elements
Creative and functional, these ceramic chopstick rests make for a delightful small gift or addition to table settings throughout the season.
5239 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
Rush Creek Reserve Cheese
Chef Jake Potashnick recommends this seasonal Midwestern cheese: “A perfect gift for the cheese lover in your life. At Feld we serve it warmed up and draped over roasted parsnip ice cream.”
2119 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Lakeshore Drive Seasoning from The Spice House
Jill Gray, co-owner of Tortello suggests this seasoning as a kitchen staple—great for whipping up a vinaigrette or marinade. The blend utilizes chives, scallions, green peppercorns, and shallots for a delicious pop of flavor.
1512 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Nam Prik Pao from Pink Salt Chicago
Chef Palita Sriratana calls this Thai-inspired chili paste the ultimate host gift: “It’s a unique addition that brings bold, Thai-inspired flavor to any gathering.” There are endless applications. Our favorite? Dolloped on top of deviled eggs with fresh scallions and crispy fried shallots.
Specialty Ornaments from Humboldt House
Adorn your tree with ornaments shaped like olives on a toothpick, vine tomatoes, or a disco ball with champagne. We can’t help ourselves from the food themed dog toys at Humboldt House either – pups need treats too!
1045 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Hand-Painted Zodiac Figurines
Celebrate the upcoming Year of the Snake with these intricate paper mache animals from Five Elements Home. Taylor Choy, Director of Operations and Programs at Green City Market shares, “My go-to gifts to give are handmade, paper zodiac animal figurines based on the Asian lunar calendar, based on the birth year of the recipient. They’re so cute and personal — each animal has its own characteristics.”
5239 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
Hoste Cocktails Mezcal Negroni
Amy Cavanaugh, Dining Editor of Chicago Magazine, praises this ready-to-drink cocktail: “I wasn’t a fan of ready-to-drink cocktails until Chicago’s Hoste arrived — their offerings, like my favorite mezcal Negroni, are high quality and taste just as good as freshly made drinks.”
Hoste Cocktails are available for shipping to 46 states.
BOS 2023 Methode Agricole
Toast to the Midwest with this local wine pick suggested by Conner O’Byrne, owner of Nettare. Carleigh Connelly, Hospitality Consultant, recommends Nettare’s bottle shop: “Yes, Nettare is a gorgeous restaurant in West Town that makes some of the city’s best cocktails, but they also have a market that is almost 100% comprised of wine, beer, and sprits from the Great Lakes region. Whether you’re looking for the perfect party host gift or want to send a wine subscription, their Midwest-proud team has you covered.”
1953 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Big Sis Roasted Cardamom Maple Syrup
A perfect gift for coffee enthusiasts, bakers, and cocktail lovers. Big Sis offers high quality syrups made with sugar alternatives like honey, monk fruit, and maple syrup. Editor in Chief, Megan Marshall says “The roasted cardamom is my favorite—a small drizzle in coffee or over home made granola.”
Vintage Glassware from Happy Hour Shop
Elevate any home bar with vintage glassware from this Chicago-based boutique. But it’s not only glassware! Vintage bar signage, specialty cocktail books, Edgewater Candles and more make this a great one stop shop for holiday gifting needs.
1919 West Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Edible Chicago Gift Subscription
This gift guide contains no paid promotion and in fact, Edible Chicago purchased each item featured in this guide and accompanying photographs.
Please consider supporting our magazine with a subscription this season so we may continue supporting Chicago.
Looking for a last-minute gift this holiday season?
Need a little help finding the perfect present for the local food lover in your life? Send us a message on Instagram, and we’ll do our best to help connect you to a great local option in your neighborhood. Follow us at @ediblechicago for more inspiration!
