Best Local: Holiday Shopping

Visit any of these small-business friendly locations in Chicago for holiday shopping!

It’s the holiday season, which means holiday shopping. If you’re rushing to find the perfect present, Chicago is home to retail stores galore including hometown gems from Merchandise Mart to Jewelers Row. Stop by these Chicago locations for unique gifts!

Courtesy of timeout.com

Courtesy of timeout.com

Shop through an array of small businesses and local vendors at the Randolph Street Market Festival! The holiday sale features over 125 vendors selling gifts such as jewelry, houseware, cooking goods and art pieces. Get your gifts wrapped for free, too! Only a 10 minute walk from State & Chestnut.

Courtesy of writers-bloc.tumblr.com

Courtesy of writers-bloc.tumblr.com

Visit After-Words Bookstore, one of the few independent bookstores still located in the downtown center of Chicago. The two-floor warehouse holds over 70,000 new and used volumes. Their selection includes fiction, poetry, art and photography, cookbooks, local books, history books and much more. If you can’t find the book your looking for, After-Words can also special order books if a specific copy is unavailable. Stop by for readings and book signings, too, only a 3 minute walk down State St. from Grand Plaza, or a 5 minute walk from AMLI River North.

Courtesy of antiquejewelrymall.com

Courtesy of antiquejewelrymall.com

Wabash Jewelers Mall Open since 1921, the mall is holds the largest collection of jewelry in the Midwest with over 180 fine jewelers in the one location. Secondhand or custom-made, watches or rings, the mall ranges in vendors and sales. A 5 minute walk from Marquee at Block 37, or a 7 minute walk from 73 East Lake.

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Courtesy of Naperville magazine

Dress up for the holidays! Open since 1959, Dean’s Clothing originally started as a children’s clothing store and is now grown up, featuring classic staples for men and women. For men, choose from a selection of custom suits and evening dresses for women. Dean’s also offers free gift wrapping. Only a 9 minute drive from Iroquois Club, or an 11 minute drive from Lincoln at the Parks.