In this age of stay-at-home life, receiving mail and packages is a highlight I look forward to. As I wave and shout my appreciation to our delivery drivers, I grab my gloves and designated “package scissors” to gleefully see what has arrived. Beyond the basics, I’ve been shopping small, with the goal of keeping it cozy and fun indoors.
Here are some items we’re loving from Chicago-area stores. Not only will ordering these help support local business owners and employees, but your purchase of many of these items also gives back to Covid-19 funds, healthcare workers and the hospitality industry.
Alice & Wonder
Chicago Will See It Through Camp Flag, $38
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Show your support to our beloved city by displaying this banner. A portion of proceeds will also go to the Chicago Covid-19 Respond Fund. I also have their Windy City Tee in my shopping cart, as seen above, to proudly show my Chi-Town love during my Zoom calls.
Bash Party Goods
Make Some Things Care Package, $72
The local party shop is offering Care Packages, including this “Make Some Things” package, so you can DIY to your heart’s content. (Send to your BFF, so you can craft and FaceTime, together!)
Bedside Manor
Orla Throw, $248
Cozy is the name of the game lately, and these super soft blankets from Best Of winner Bedside Manor are perfect for our Netflix marathons.
Winifred Grace
Be Kind Bundle, $105
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The perfect gift, or treat for yourself, this bundle from Andersonville’s Winifred Grace includes a cozy Be Kind sweatshirt, Loved Bracelet, Lifetherapy bracelet and candle.
Neighborly
Pick-Me-Up-Gift Box, $35
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You really can’t go wrong with any purchase from Neighborly, as they stock from local Chicago artists and creators. But if we had to pick one item, we love their Pick-Me-Up Gift Box—it includes surprises from their store, and supports their workers. (This would be a perfect surprise to send to a friend, too!)
Stock Mfg.
Laura Berger & C.H.U. “Earth Energies” Blanket, $180
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This blanket is part of their Chicago Hospitality United Collection, where 100% of proceeds go to hourly workers. Featuring artwork by Chicago artist Laura Berger, Virtue Cider also generously donated toward the cost of the blankets, so even more funds will go directly to hospitality employees out of work due to COVID-19.
The Lake Forest Shop
Personalized Shopping via Email & Gift Cards
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A Best Of winner year after year, The Lake Forest Shop is offering consultations via email or phone, and 20% off on gift cards, with 10% donated to the Women’s Board of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. Call 847-234-0548 to purchase.
Becky & Me Toys
Puzzles!
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There is a reason puzzles are sold out everywhere online, but luckily we can get our fix locally at Becky & Me Toys in Evanston, another Best of Winner.
Foursided
Anna Bond Wrigley Field Print, $24
Missing baseball season? Frame this unique Wrigley Field print and remember that there are good days ahead.
Andreas Hogue Salon
Beauty and hair products for curbside pickup
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If you need help with your roots, or are low on shampoo and hair care products, Best Of Winner Andreas Hogue is offering curbside pickup at their Glenview location. Call 847-272-1616 to order. (The Amika Dry Conditioner, that Andreas introduced to me, is a game changer!)
Hazel
Andy Warhol Dominoes, $30
From their “Social Distancing Collection,” these dominoes add a touch of fun to the classic game, that is fun for kids and adults alike.
Maze Home
Monogrammed Face Masks, $30-45
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If you are in need of a face mask, Best Of Winner Maze Home is selling masks made by Cari Raymond from designer fabrics, in adult and kid sizes. Plus, proceeds will go to a local restaurant to provide meals to healthcare heroes on the frontlines. Purchase through Instagram or by calling 847-441-1115.
Paper Hat
Together Again Soon Print, $30
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A sweet reminder that this stay-at-home life is temporary, this print made by a small business in Logan Square is a a comfort to proudly display.
Transit Tees
El The Chicago Transit Adventure Board Game, $40
It’s surprising how much you miss riding the El, huh? Test your Chicago and El train knowledge with this game from local store Transit Tees.
Looking for more ways to help small businesses? Here are some ideas:
- City of Chicago Small Business Advocacy Resources
- Purchase gift cards for future use
- ChiBizHub, an initiative of World Business Chicago, is supporting small during this time
- Share your love on social
- How to help hospitality workers during the shut down
- Buy direct (say no to Amazon!)
- Skip the discounts and free shipping offers—small businesses need to cover their expenses to get by right now
More from Better:
- 7 Items That Will Keep You Polished But Cozy During Quarantine
- Panic Baking? Delicious Recipes to Keep Your Hands (And Mind) Busy
- Families Are Spending 24 Hours a Day Together During COVID-19—Here’s How It’s Impacting Them
Macaire Douglas lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, more than 3,600 newborns have been safely surrendered and adopted into loving homes.
