Are you looking for unique Chicago gifts for someone who recently moved out of the city? Or do you need Christmas gifts from Chicago for relatives? Or perhaps you are just looking for souvenir ideas for some who is obsessed with The Windy City?
Whatever your reason for coming to this site, you will find 25 awesome Chicago gift ideas on today’s list. From beautiful items for a housewarming party to Chicago food gifts, there is something for everyone.
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three gifts from Chicago by budget.
- Large budget: Chicago bean necklace (#7)
- Mid budget: Chicago breweries map (#11)
- Small budget: Chocolate from Chicago (#20)
Table of Contents
Save these gifts from Chicago
Don’t forget to save these gifts from Chicago to Pinterest!
Chicago gifts for large budgets
#1 Chicago hot dog kit
If you are looking for the ultimate Chicago food gift, this Chicago hot dog kit is it!
It’s got all the essential ingredients to make a traditional Chicago-style hot dog: a Vienna beef hot dog, poppy seed bun, neon green relish, sport peppers, onions, tomato, mustard, and a pickle.
This works great for people who just moved to the city or to introduce out-of-towners to the city’s unique food culture.
#2 Chicago mug
This Starbucks collector’s mug is a great Chicago gift for anyone who loves to start their day with a piping hot cup of joe and a side of Midwest pride. It’s also a great way to remind them that, no matter how cold and dreary it may be outside, they’re still Chicagoans at heart.
And if they’re ever feeling homesick, they can just take a sip of their coffee and let the taste of deep-dish pizza and Italian beef flood their senses. Who needs therapy when you have a Chicago-themed mug?
#3 Chicago-themed glasses
Chicago-themed glasses are the best gifts from Chicago for a housewarming, or for someone who just can’t get enough of The Windy City.
On Uncommon Goods, you can find three different styles of Chicago-themed etched glasses. The beer glasses contain the city’s skyline, and the wine and whiskey glasses contain the map of Chicago.
#4 Skyline bookends
These bookends in the shape of Chicago’s skyline will make a great and unique gift for bookworms, or for people who own a lot of books (whether they read them or not).
#5 Chicago-themed sweatshirt
A Chicago-themed sweatshirt is a perfect gift for anyone who wants to show off their love for the Windy City and stay warm on those chilly, blustery days in the city.
And let’s not forget, it’s a great way to disguise the fact that they spilled ketchup from their hot dog all over their shirts. With a Chicago-themed sweatshirt, they’ll look stylish and on-brand while enjoying all the delicious (and messy) food the city has to offer.
#6 Chicago Bears gifts
If you are looking for Chicago gifts, then you are probably also looking for gifts for a Chicago Bears Fan (basically anyone who loves Chicago, loves the Bears).
So check out the NFL Shop to find all Bears Apparel or go for this long-sleeved shirt.
And for Chicago sports gifts, check out #12 and #17.
#7 Bean necklace
The Chicago Cloud Gate (aka the Chicago Bean) is one of the most iconic pieces of art in Chicago.
So if you are looking for cute Chicago souvenir ideas for her, this bean-shaped necklace is a cool idea. It will remind her of the Cloud Gate from her favorite city.
#8 Chicago skyline LEGO
Who said LEGO is just for kids?
The LEGO Architecture series contains some of the coolest building sets for adults and kids alike.
For example, this set of the Chicago skyline.
If you need unique Chicago gift ideas for an Architect or someone who loves LEGO (and who could blame them?), then you should definitely go for this LEGO set.
#9 Coasters
Do you need Chicago gifts for someone who recently moved to the city?
Then this set of 4 stylish Chicago-themed coasters is perfect! It will protect their furniture and introduce them to the city. The coasters feature some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier, Sears (Willis) Tower, and Marina Towers.
You may also like these 25 Illinois-themed gifts
Chicago gifts for mid-budgets
#10 Chicago travel guides
Fodor’s Travel Chicago
Are you looking for Chicago Christmas gifts for someone who will visit the city soon? Then a travel guide is always a good idea. I know, for people who have seen the city a thousand times, it may not be the best gift, but for them, check out the next guidebook.
Chicago food crawls: Touring the neighborhoods one bite and libation at a time
Are you looking for unique Chicago gifts for foodies or for people who think they’ve seen it all? Then this guidebook is what you need. It will show them new places to go for food around their favorite city.
Lonely Planet Chicago
The last guidebook on the list is perfect for budget travelers who will visit Chicago soon. With the Lonely Planet in their bag, they can explore the city while staying within their budget.
#11 Breweries map
I think this is one of the most unique Chicago gift ideas on this list. Especially for people who love beer.
A map that contains over 50 breweries everyone should try in Chicago!
#12 Chicago sports trivia
This is another great Chicago gift idea for sports lovers. They can test their knowledge of Chicago sports with this game.
Do they know all players of the Chicago Bears? Do they know the best coach the Bulls ever had? And do they remember the last time the White Socks won the World Series?
#13 Chicago photo album
This photo album is an awesome Chicago souvenir idea for people who love the Windy City and who want to collect their photos in a unique way.
#14 Wall art
For someone who is obsessed with The Windy City, Chicago-themed wall art is always a good idea.
One example is this cute illustrated print of the skyline, but check out Amazon for more options.
#15 Cookbooks for Chicago lovers
The iconic Chicago dishes, drinks, and desserts
The three cookbooks I selected for you today will make great Chicago food gifts for people who love food from The Windy City. The first one contains the recipes for all of Chicago’s classic meals.
The new Chicago diner cookbook: Meat-free recipes from America’s veggie diner
The Chicago Diner is the go-to restaurant for vegetarians in Chicago. And with this cookbook, the recipient can finally recreate the restaurant’s delicious meals at home!
The great Chicago-style pizza cookbook
One of the most iconic (and unhealthy, but hey we all need a cheat meal don’t we?) food from Chicago, is the Chicago-style pizza. And with this cookbook, the recipient can try to make this delicious pizza at home.
#16 Chicago highlights scratch-off poster
Do you need a housewarming gift for someone who just moved to the city?
Then this scratch-off poster with Chicago’s highlights is what you need. It’s the perfect gift for anyone new to the city who’s looking to scratch that exploration itch (pun intended).
It’s like a scavenger hunt for all the best things to see and do in the Windy City. And with 60 top-rated places to visit, they’ll never run out of things to scratch off your list.
#17 Gifts for baseball fans
Are you looking for Chicago gift ideas for someone who loves baseball?
Then you should definitely check out the MLB shop to find the best Chicago team’s apparel.
Such as this Chicago White Sox hat!
One warning before buying this gift though.
Chicago is home to two great baseball teams; the White Socks and The Cubs, so make sure you find out which team the recipient supports. Trust me, you do not want to gift something from the wrong team.
#18 Books about Chicago
Building Chicago: The architectural masterworks
Chicago is a great city for people who love architecture. And if you need unique Chicago gifts for someone who seems particularly interested in that aspect of the city, this is the perfect gift.
Mysterious Chicago: History at its coolest
For history buffs who love The Windy City, this is the book you should buy. It covers forty unsolved mysteries from Chicago starting from the 1800s until the present day.
The devil in the white city by Erik Larson
Even though it’s a non-fiction story, the book read as if it’s a thriller. And I guess the fact that it covers the story of a murderer who actually lived adds to that feeling. It’s about a man named Holmes who lived in the 19th century in Chicago.
#19 Map of Chicago cutting board
Here is another cute gift for foodies who love The Windy City! They can cut their food on this Chicago map-shaped bamboo board.
Chicago gifts for small budgets
#20 Chocolate gifts from Chicago
Are you looking for gifts from Chicago for a chocolate lover?
Look no further!
Vosges Haut-Chocolat is a famous luxury chocolate maker from Chicago. So if you want to bring a bit of nostalgia, chocolate from their favorite chocolatier is exactly what you need. You can buy various chocolate bars at iGourmet, such as this Barcelona flavor with Gray Seas salt and smoked almonds.
#21 Chicago-themed candle
Do you need Chicago gifts for out-of-towners who want to remember the city’s signature scents without having to endure the actual smells of the city (looking at you, El Train)?
Then this cute candle is perfect!
Plus, it’s a great way to set the mood for a cozy night in while they reminisce about all the delicious food they ate and all the sights they saw. And let’s not forget, it’s a lot easier to pack a candle in their luggage than it is to pack a deep-dish pizza. So, go ahead and light up their memories with a Chicago-themed candle, because sometimes the best way to experience a city is through your nose.
#22 Chicago-themed socks
Do you need Chicago gifts for someone who misses Chicago?
These socks with the iconic Chicago bean are perfect!
#23 Tote bag with Chicago theme
For those of you who are looking for small Chicago gift ideas, a tote bag is an ideal gift.
It’s small, you can get it with 1200+ different prints, and it’s a sustainable gift.
#24 Bracelet
A bracelet with the flag of Chicago is the perfect gift for out-of-towners who want to show their love for the city without having to permanently tattoo “I Heart Chicago” on their body.
#25 Chicago-themed shirts
Do you know a Chicago fan who wants to wear their love for the city on their sleeve (or chest, or back)?
Then head over to Etsy and check out all the fun Chicago-themed shirts they offer. It’s like a wearable postcard, but without the awkward “Wish you were here!” message. And let’s not forget, it’s a lot easier to fit in your suitcase than an actual Chicago-style hot dog.
Save these gifts from Chicago
Did you save these gifts from Chicago on Pinterest yet?
Final note on Chicago gift ideas
If you haven’t decided which gift you should buy yet, have a look at the editor’s top 3 Chicago gifts for out-of-towners and locals alike, maybe that will help you decide.
- Large budget: Chicago bean necklace (#7)
- Mid budget: Chicago breweries map (#11)
- Small budget: Chocolate from Chicago (#20)
