Celebrate Andersonville’s eclectic independent businesses community this holiday seasonChicago Readeron November 23, 2022 at 10:40 pm

Held on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving (this year November 26), Small Business Saturday celebrates independent business owners during the bustling holiday season. Shopping local is an easy way for anyone to support independent businesses and help neighborhoods thrive, and in Chicago, one of the best places to get in on the fun is Andersonville. Located on the city’s north side, the vibrant, diverse, and friendly neighborhood has become a destination spot for its unique and quirky assortment of boutiques, dining establishments, and cafes. 

For this holiday season, we’ve compiled a gift guide featuring some of the neighborhood’s amazing independent retailers, dining establishments, and more. 

For the anything goes

With its mix of independent boutiques and galleries, Andersonville makes holiday shopping a breeze, even when the people on your list are famously hard to shop for. At ENJOY, An Urban General Store(5307 N. Clark), you can find art, apparel, collectibles, puzzles, home goods, holiday cards, and stocking stuffers for every age and sense of humor. 

Foursided (5061 N. Clark) and Andersonville Galleria (5247 N. Clark) are the perfect places for custom art, vintage and antique finds, artisanal wares and more. And with Strange Cargo’s(5216 N. Clark) custom-printed t-shirts, you know your gifts are always the perfect fit.

For the bejeweled 

Give your loved one the gift of fine jewelry at Bryn Mawr Jewelry Co. (5139 N. Clark). Family-owned and operated since 2004, the local retailer is known for its meticulously crafted custom jewelry designs, repair services, and its gorgeous array of watches, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other timeless gifts. We also recommend Milk Handmade (5137 N. Clark), which features not just jewelry, but also clothing and bath and beauty products.

For the bookworms

Winter is the coziest time of year to snuggle up with a cup of cocoa and dig into a great book, and there’s no place like Andersonville’s small business district to shop for titles to please everyone on your list. Intersectional feminist bookstoreWomen & Children First (5233 N. Clark) carries more than 20,000 books that center BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women’s voices, while friendly neighborhood comic shopAlleyCat Comics(5304 N. Clark) stocks a mix of comics for all ages and tastes, including youth- and young adult- oriented selections, iconic series from DC and Marvel, and titles by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creators.

For the fitness enthusiasts

The cold weather and comfort foods that are synonymous with the holiday season can make it challenging to stick to your health and wellness goals, but Andersonville’s small business community has got your back. State-of-the-art fitness facility Cheetah Gym(5248 N. Clark) offers gift certificates for personal training sessions, group instruction, Yoga Tree classes, and more. Chicago Dance Supply (5301 N. Clark) carries a selection of dancewear, tights, and training equipment suitable for men, women, and youth. And for those interested in sports recovery, injury prevention, or relaxation,  Andersonville Cryotherapy and Athletic Recovery Center (5052 N. Clark) provides a variety of services, including whole body, spot, and facial therapy.

For the friends and lovers

Pioneering women-owned, gay- and trans-friendly boutique Early to Bed(5138 N. Clark) has won awards for their progressive, inclusive approach to sex. Along with their vast selection of high-quality sex toys for any taste or budget, they’ve got plenty of G- and PG-rated gifts including scented massage oils, instructional and educational books, and wearables for any body. 

For the foodies 

Along with top-notch restaurants and cafes, Andersonville’s variety of grocers, bakers, and specialty food businesses make the neighborhood the perfect place to stock up for your holiday party or office potluck. Middle East Bakery & Grocery (1512 W. Foster) carries a delectable selection of house-made breads and pastries, imported sweets, and plenty of dates, nuts, olives, and other craveable bites. For those avoiding gluten, Defloured (1477 W. Balmoral) has got you covered with their artisan-baked gluten-free breads, cakes, cookies, party trays, and more. And at Twidley Bits, they know few things go better with fresh bread than scrumptious, spreadable toppings, so visit them online or find a local retailer (in Andersonville, that includes the Fromagerie & Tasting Room) to mix and match their giftable assortment of shelf-stable fruit butters, plant-based cheeses, and jams.

For the holiday spirits

Celebrate the holiday season and say cheers to the new year with a bottle of an adult beverage of your choice from one of Andersonville’s independent retailers. Stop at In Fine Spirits(5418 N. Clark) to peruse their curated selection of wine, beer, and specialty liquors for any occasion, or visit The Fromagerie & Tasting Room (an extension of Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar at 5555 N. Clark) for select wines, cheese, charcuterie boards, and gift baskets. And don’t forget to pop in to the neighborhood’s beloved bar Simon’s Tavern (5210 N Clark)for a holiday cocktail or warm spiced homemade glogg. 

This sponsored content is paid for by Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.

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