This might be my favorite gift guide I’ve done in the 6 years or so of blogging. Maybe I just get excited because I want to have the kids try all sorts of different things! This years guide is a little combination of gifts and experiences for the family, which I prefer.

Even better, everything is LOCAl. All LOCAL shops, boutiques and businesses for Chicago families in your life. Hope you like it 🙂

1. Kid Create Studio

This Chicago studio has some really cute art kits to keep kids busy while they are home right now! They have gift cards to purchase virtual classes or any of their kits would make a good gift. We have the holiday one on the way right now. I will definitely share in stories how are project comes along! They have a Lakeview and Oak Park location.

They are actually running a holiday gift card promotion now:

$25, get $5 free
$50, get $10 free
$100, get $20 free

Also, gift packages are available like $20 stocking stuffer bundle and $50 art gift bundles.

2. Kido Chicago

One of the best! I can’t say enough about this Chicago store. They have an amazing collection of books, shirts and toys that are all not only cute BUT focus on representation and inclusivity. This book, Mixed Them Up by Arree Chung, is one of Noah’s favorite books. It’s helped us teach him about his mixed background. He practically has it memorized by now. We ordered online and did curbside pickup for this book, a very easy process.

3. Chicago Kids Shirt

This cute shirt is made by a local vendor on Etsy from Chicago! There were a few other colors available too.

4. Fit City Kids

This has been on my list to bring Noah to this fitness center for awhile. I have a friend that did a mommy and son workout class here together and they loved it. This center has a wide variety of classes, camps & activities for kids. I think a gift card would be such a great gift.

5.Rey to Z

Another local Chicago company has nice hats for the kids (and moms!). You can personalize them and yes, they are adjustable 🙂

6. Cubs Sweatshirt

Honestly, we are more Sox fans BUT THIS SWEATSHIRT is TOO cute! Made my a Chicago vendor and available on Etsy.

7. Alice & Wonder

One of my favorite boutiques Chicago not only do they have the pretty women’s clothes, their Chicago Home collection for kids is awesome. We have a few shirts in the different designs. I’d definitely size up!

8. When you Dream of Chocolate Cake

This book is so cute! It’s written by a Chicago mom and even includes a chocolate cake recipe. It is a tale of a mother’s love expressed through baking. You can find it on Amazon or autographed copies at Barnes & Noble! Perfect gift for child foodie 🙂

9. Chicago Midwest Made

This shop is located right on 18th street in Pilsen and the owner makes all his own designs right there in the shop. Mila has this Frida shirt and Noah has the shirt, “A Kid from Chicago”. I would recommend sizing up.

10. Green Explorer Club

So many families are looking for things to do at home right? Green Explorer does different project boxes for kids! They include hands-on life science activities, detailed instructions, recipes, materials needed to complete your projects, and a corresponding picture book. They have gift cards or project boxes available to send as gifts.

Use code CHIGOODLIFE for 10% off Project Boxes! Expires 12/24/20

11. Women & Children First Bookstore

A classic bookstore in Andersonville that all families should experience. They have so many bilingual and cultural books available. We have quite a few favorites from this bookstore. When my nephew turned one, I bought him lots of books here, plus they also wrap it really nicely for free!

We spent a long time reading in their reading corner before COVID, the kids loved their selection. Right now, you can shop online and do curbside pickup. It is closed for browsing due to COVID.

12. Goldfish Swim School

We had Noah in swim lessons here when he was 18 months old and he learned how to swim during the two months of lessons. The facility is clean and the instructors are great with the kiddos and parents. My goal is to get Mila in next to have her learn how to swim next year. If you’d like to learn more about our experience, you can read it here.

Right now, they are having a huge GIVEAWAY! It’s a full holiday package including 2 months of free lessons, worth over $200. Enter here.

So that’s it! I hope you like it. If you are looking for other gift guides, you can check this one out here.

Until next time,

Christine