Made-in-Chicago Gifts to Shop This Black Friday

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and with it comes the busiest shopping day of the year. And though this year’s Black Friday looks different than, say, any other Black Friday in history, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate, right?

That said, shopping during a global pandemic does mean that we should try to support local, small businesses when we can. So whether it’s for a friend or a “friend”—shopping for yourself? We’re not judging!—we rounded up 15 of our favorite made-in-Chicago gifts to pick up.

1. Chicago Comb Model 6 Carbon Fiber Comb

Get ready for your next Zoom meeting with Chicago Comb. Made from carbon fiber composite, the comb is strong yet light and naturally anti-static and comes with a Horween leather or waxed canvas sheath.

Buy it: Model 6 Carbon Fiber Comb with Horween Leather or Waxed Canvas Sheath, $24–34.99

2. Circa Ceramics “Do No Harm, Take No Shit” Tumbler

Why wear your heart on your sleeve when your coffee cup can do the talking? From tumblers to spoonrests and planters, Circa Ceramics has been making pop culture pottery since 2001. Pick this one up to let people know not to mess with you, or be damned.

Made in: Ravenswood

Buy it: 18-ounce “Do No Harm, Take No Shit” Tumbler, $35

3. DEFY Ultimate Overnighter

Planning a weekend away? Made of ballistic nylon, this weekender bag is durable, water-resistant, and ready for anything.

Made in: Ravenswood

Buy it: The Ultimate Overnighter, Silver Lining Edition with Ballistic Nylon, $148

Empty Bottle Tee

Remember what going to concerts was like? Me neither. Before we can all dance and sing together again, support local music venues like The Empty Bottle by buying merch. Their Artist Series tee features a bunch of local designers, with Bill Connors’s design currently for sale.

Made in: Ukranian Village

Buy it: EB Artist Series: Bill Connors Tee, $30

Federal Moto “Between Your Legs” Shop Tee

Whether or not you’ve got a Federal Motorcycle between your legs, the custom bike shop has got your back with apparel. Pick up one of their tees before your next ride.

Made in: West Town

Buy it: “Between Your Legs” Shop Tee, $28

Field Notes Journal

For the doodler, note-taker, or diarist in your life, a Field Notes journal is a beautiful blank canvas. Many of the designs are limited edition, which means that the outsides of the notebooks can be just as memorable as the scribbles inside.

Made in: West Loop

Buy it: United States of Letterpress three-pack, $12.95

Ghost Eyes Chicago Hotdog Pin

Every Chicagoan and non-Chicagoan alike knows that a classic dinner in the city is formed around either of two meals: pizza and hot dogs. And Ghost Eyes’ Chicago hotdog pin comes with all the right fixings and no ketchup, thank God.

Made in: Humboldt Park

Buy it: Chicago Hotdog Pin, $34

Jessi Woska Custom Flannel Pet Bandana

Chainstitcher Jessi Woska is here to make your pets even cuter this holiday season. Customize a super soft, 100% cotton flannel bandana for Fido or Tigger so they can get in on the festivities.

Buy it: Custom Flannel Pet Bandana, $35

MAKOKOMO URSLI Barstool

Inspired by the simple shop stool, the URSLI is made with American ash and powdercoated steel and hand-oiled with a non-VOC finish. The final result is a sleek-yet-industrial stool perfect for any kitchen, studio, or bar room.

Buy it: 30-inch URSLI Barstool, $399

Metric Coffee Subscription

Leaving the house these days is already a no-go, so why not skip the Starbucks line and get local brew delivered straight to your door? Whether espresso, dark roast, or a blend is your caffeinated poison of choice, subscribers can choose their coffee style, ground type, and delivery frequency so you never have to be without a good cup of joe.

Made in: West Town

Buy it: Metric Coffee Subscription, prices vary

Muirwood Terrazzo Geo Soaps

Muirwood sells everything from planters to bottle openers made from railroad nails. Made with plant-based oils and butters, these gem-like soaps will give your skin a soft, gentle cleanse that will leave you ready to lather, rinse, and repeat.

Buy it: Set of three Terrazzo Geo Soaps, $15

Ryan Duggan 2021 Shitting Dogs Calendar

Printer and illustrator Ryan Duggan is back with his beautifully illustrated calendar of dogs taking a dump. Let’s just hope 2021 isn’t as shit as 2020.

Buy it: 2021 Shitting Dogs Calendar, $18

Sideshow Gallery Ritual Altar Candle

Spooky season may be over, but there’s no time like the present for seance, right? (RGB, are you there?) Made with organic beeswax, hand carved, and dusted with gold, this skull candle is sure to light a fire in anyone looking to bring a little grunge home.

Made in: Bucktown

Buy it: Ritual Altar Candle, $15

Straight to Hell Bullitt Gloves

Does the man in your life have dry, roughed up hands? Straight to Hell’s Bullitt gloves are made of soft leather that conform to your hands and keep phalanges, palm, and all safe and smooth during your next ride.

Made in: Palmer Square

Buy it: Bullitt Gloves, $48

You Are Beautiful Beanie

Be it for warmth or a fashion statement, You Are Beautiful’s beanie is a nice reminder that you are perfect just the way you are—even on bad hair days.

 

Made in: Avondale

Buy it: You Are Beautiful Beanie, $15