From overnight shipping to fast fashion, the holiday shopping season isn't always environmentally friendly. That’s why we’ve rounded up some eco-friendly shopping spots and creative experiences to gift your loved ones instead.
Gifts
- 💙 Neighborly has outposts in Lincoln Square, West Town, and on the riverwalk. The fair-trade store sells Chicago–themed gifts.
- 🫙 The Refilleri in Humboldt Park is a zero-waste store selling personal care and home goods. Pick something out or get a gift card.
- 🌵 Suds & Succulents repurposes cans and bottles into succulent and cactus planters. DM for commissions.
- 🐝 Bike a Bee sells homemade honey and lip balm.
- 🧶 Chicago Creative Reuse & Exchange in Gresham is a haven for crafters in search of unique materials.
Experiences
- 🧖♀️ King Spa in Niles is a Korean spa. Snag e-coupons to treat your friends and fam with facials, massages, scrubs, and more.
- 🏟️ Chicago sports teams have seen better days, but at least that means tickets are probably cheaper.
- 🎭 Broadway in Chicago has a six-show package — including musicals like “Mamma Mia!” and “Peter Pan” — that starts at $150.
- 🤤 Dinner is always a good idea, especially at fine dining spots like El Ideas in Douglass Park and Schwa in Wicker Park.
Shop memberships at Chicago institutions like the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. (Jeffrey Greenberg / Universal Images Group / Getty)
Memberships
🛠️
Chicago Tool Library has a pay-what-you-can model that will give your loved one access to the tool inventory at the Garfield Park spot.- 🎟️ Give cinephiles memberships at the Gene Siskel Film Center or gift cards to the Rooftop Cinema Club.
- 🖼️ Chicago has no shortage of museums big and small from the Adler Planetarium to the National Museum of Mexican Art.
- 🌱 WasteNot Compost has 1–12 month gift options you can give to a future composter as well as stocking stuffers.
- 😎 Hey Chicago and the City Cast Chicago podcast have a new membership program featuring ad-free listening, exclusive perks, and more starting at $8 a month.
🍷 Plus, a wine club subscription
