Forget socks and generic gift cards. This holiday season in Chicago, let the city inspire your gift shopping list. From made-in-Chicago goods to Chicago-themed items to experiences you can only have here, these gifts will make you a hometown hero. Check out our roundup of some of the top holiday gifts from Chicago.

Giftable only-in-Chicago experiences

This holiday season, treat your loved ones to a one-of-a-kind experience gift. Choose from these quintessential Chicago activities, from guided food tours to exhilarating helicopter rides and beyond.

Theatre tickets
With an array of can’t-miss shows coming to Chicago this winter, tickets to a local theatre are a perfect gift for the culture lover in your life. Check out upcoming productions at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Second City, Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, and more.

Explore more: Check out these festive holiday shows coming to Chicago this winter.

Museum memberships
Give the history aficionado in your life access to some of the best museums in the world. Try an annual membership to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, The DuSable Black History Museum, and more.

Holiday getaway
Whether it’s a staycation or a weekend away, a hotel stay can be the perfect experiential gift. Book a night or two at a classic Chicago hotel, like the Palmer House, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, or The Langham, Chicago.

Explore more: Check out our list of Chicago hotels decked out for the holidays this year.

Concert tickets
Live music never stops in Chicago, and winter brings an array of can’t-miss concerts to the city’s local venues. Check out who’s playing at top spots like The Salt Shed, the Ramova Theatre, the Aragon Ballroom, Thalia Hall, and beyond for the perfect giftable tickets.

Magic shows
Chicago’s magic scene is hotter than ever. Grab your loved ones tickets to the Chicago Magic Lounge in Andersonville or The Magic Parlour downtown.

Top Chicago attractions
This year, gift tickets to a bucket-list Chicago attraction. Check out sky-high observation decks like 360 CHICAGO and SkyDeck or family-friendly favorites like Navy Pier.

Circus classes
Get A Grip Trapeze is a circus school in Edgewater that offers an array of beginner friendly classes, including the flying trapeze, trampoline, silks, and other heart-pounding acrobatic arts.

Spa days
Gift a candlelit spa day at the stunning AIRE Ancient Baths in River West or splurge on a relaxing massage at a luxe hotel spa like The Peninsula Spa. Perfect for unwinding after a busy holiday season.

Cooking classes
Know someone looking to sharpen their skills in the kitchen? A technique bootcamp at The Chopping Block in Lincoln Square, a cooking class at The Wooden Spoon in Andersonville, or a dumpling-making workshop at the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute are all great ways to learn a new skill while enjoying delicious food.

Chicago food tours
Give a taste of Chicago with a guided food tour. Choose from experiences that highlight classic Chicago cuisine like deep dish pizza and Italian beef with Bobby’s Bike Hike or go for a more pop-culture-inspired experience with a The Bear-themed food tour from Chicago Food & City Tours.

Animal encounters
Book a Shedd Aquarium animal encounter, where the animal lover in your life can meet penguins, feed stingrays, or get a behind-the-scenes look at Beluga whales and sea otters. Yes, it’s as adorable as it sounds.

Sports tickets and experiences
Don your favorite jersey and snag tickets to a Chicago Bulls or a Blackhawks game at the iconic United Center. Go all out with a personalized welcome message or a Zamboni ride.

Interactive museum tickets
Chicago is a hub for unique museums and exhibits. Check out tickets to immersive spaces like WNDR Museum, the Color Factory, or the new Balloon Museum.

High-flying tours
Gift an unforgettable experience with a helicopter tour of the city skyline. Fly Heli Tours offer a variety of options, from group tours to VIP packages.

If you’re looking for something a little closer to earth, book tickets to the immersive Flyover Chicago at Navy Pier. Your loved one will experience the city like never before.

More giftable Chicago experiences:

Gifts for Chicago lovers, made in Chicago

Find the perfect gift made right here in Chicago. Check out these unique Chicago artisans and shops carrying a selection of locally made goods.

Optimo Hats
For the style icon in your life, bespoke headwear from Optimo Hats is the perfect gift. Choose from classic styles like a fedora, bowler, or Panama hat from this shop located in the Loop.

Dearborn Denim
Give the gift of ethically and sustainably made denim. Dearborn Denim is a family-owned and operated shop that makes all its jeans from start to finish in Chicago.

Pistachio Contemporary Art Jewelry
Head to Pistachio Contemporary Art Jewelry for Chicago-themed handblown glass made by local artist Laurie Freivogel of Kiku Handmade — an elegant holiday gift, infused with Chicago pride.

Chocolat Uzma
Chocolat Uzma is a Pilsen shop that bakes up South Asian-inspired treats with global flavors and local care, including truffles, caramels, and chocolate bars.

Laudi Vidni
Accessorize your loved one’s holiday season with a custom-designed leather bag from Laudi Vidni, created right here in Chicago. Choose your own colors, lining, hardware, and more.

The T-Shirt Deli
This local shop has been crafting unique custom shirts and accessories for more than 20 years. Head to The T-Shirt Deli to create your own one-of-a-kind item, or choose from special collaborations like the new Choose Chicago shop.

Grab your Choose Chicago essentials

Rep your Chicago pride with this limited-edition line of merch, an exclusive collaboration with Choose Chicago and The T-Shirt Deli honoring the authentic spirit of Chicago. Get yours before they’re gone!

Shop the limited-edition drop

Lillstreet Art Center Shop
Support local artists and shop an array of handmade ceramics, prints, and textiles at Lillstreet Art Center for gifts that feel like they belong in an art gallery.

Neighborly
Be a good neighbor this holiday season and shop Neighborly for a selection of modern, eco-friendly, and handmade home décor and goods, including a selection of made-in-Chicago items.

One Strange Bird
For the quirky folks in your life, explore One Strange Bird for a selection of handmade jewelry, candles, games, and gifts imbued with flair by the local artists who created them.

Transit Tees
Browse locally produced and Chicago-inspired gifts at Transit Tees, including fun shirts, games, and accessories that pay homage to the CTA and other elements of city life.

More made-in-Chicago gift ideas:

Explore more: Check out our ultimate guide to holiday shopping in Chicago, from Christmas markets to neighborhood retail districts.