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BEVERLY — If you are overdue for a visit to the Far South Side, consider this your sign to hop on the Metra, grab some Top Notch Beefburger and have yourself a shopping day.
Small businesses in Beverly, Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park have outdone themselves this year with thoughtful and one-of-a-kind finds for everyone on your list. Even if you can’t make the trip, you can still support many local businesses from the comfort of your couch, thanks to online shops.
Whether you’re looking for something custom or you’re on a budget this year, these shops are a must-visit for your holiday shopping. Fair warning: You might accidentally treat yourself to a little something, too. It’s fine — you’ve earned it!
Beverly & Morgan Park
Cardinalis Cardinalis, 9915 S. Walden Parkway. Website.
Why does it sometimes feel so hard to find the perfect gift for the guys on your shopping list? Cardinalis Cardinalis is overflowing with gift options for all of the men in your life — even the ones who insist on wearing their athletic shorts well into winter.
The father-and-son-owned store has a curated selection of men’s fashion, accessories and grooming products that are somehow both on-trend and timeless. Their collection of sweaters and outerwear are particularly impressive, boasting a high-end look and feel without the designer price tag. Big and tall kings, fear not: Most items are available up to size 3xl.
Other great giftables include super cool horizontal ($35) and lantern ($45) beeswax candles (pictured above) and a ton of Lineage scented candles ($26) and room spray ($15). They also have a men’s manicure kit ($24) for the man in your life who is working on his self-care routine.
Open 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. 773-991-4111.
Oleander & Artesian, 9911 S. Walden Parkway. Website.
Once you’re done at Cardinalis Cardinalis, stop by Oleander & Artesian next door. Whether you are trying to find some dopamine decor for the Gen Z-er on your list or something thoughtful for your in-laws, this woman-owned and operated family business is bursting with gift options that feel personalized for everyone on your list.
Some favorites include the best-selling Hazel Ray Leather Key Fobs with snarky and South Side-specific references ($16 each with customization available). Pair that with a handcrafted leather curve Bags ($150) or a toiletry bag ($78). There’s no shortage of colors to choose from.
You can’t go wrong with some trendy dip dye candles (set of 4 for $32), watercolor tea towels ($20 each), or one of their cozy throw blankets (obsessed with this beautiful Hillside Village Tapestry Blanket for $74.40). Also keep an eye out for their bespoke holiday gift boxes that are set to return this month. They feature local favorites and new collaborations that are perfect for the holiday hostess.
Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. 773-661-7131.
Miss Purl, 1824 W. 95th St. Website.
Didn’t you hear? Doomscrolling is OUT and crafting is IN. For the creatives in your life, Miss Purl stocks incredible gift options.
Miss Purl is known for its very giftable knitting and crochet workshops, as well as weekly meet-ups with fellow crafters of all experience levels. However, if you like the idea of giving a wrapped present, the store has craft and project kits available for purchase in-store and online ($15-$35). Each kit comes with all the materials you’ll need and step-by-step tutorials for beginners. A jumpstart on a new hobby is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Check out Miss Purl’s class schedule here and the online shop here. Drop-in classes start at $20.
Open noon-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. 312-513-6464.
Sweet Freaks, 9927 S. Wood St. Website.
My in-laws have been bringing goodies from Sweet Freaks to family events for years now, and it would be a disservice to the sweet-toothed community to gatekeep. This family-owned and operated candy shop has been making downright delightful handcrafted treats since 2013. But seriously, their cherry bites (a medium bag starts at $7) and chocolate pretzels (8 for $13.50) hate to see me coming.
Not only are all of Sweet Freaks’ treats delicious, they are also beautifully decorated and aesthetically pleasing, down to their packaging. You can gift a “flavor of the month” subscription starting at $20 (available in three-, six-, or 12-month options, which include a randomized mix of candy bars, chocolate-covered Oreos or pretzels in one or more of their classic or monthly flavors).
Extended holiday hours started Nov. 5. Open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. 773-610-6320.
Haven 1890, 2501 W. 103rd St. Website.
If you want to add “incredible gift giver” to your resume, a shopping trip to Haven 1890 is a must. Its selection of gifts, home decor and items for kiddos always impress, but this year a few things stand out as the holiday shopping season approaches.
Exclusive items at Haven 1890 include a collection of adorable Southside merch, the perfect upgrade to your parade-day wardrobe (grab this Southside knit scarf for $46 or this Southside knit sweater for $98). The shop also carries a hefty selection of the hugely popular Kind Bags ($76-$106), ideal for a Rock Island commuter or anyone who needs a work or school bag upgrade.
Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 11a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. 708-793-7420.
Beverly Records, 11612 S. Western Ave. Website.
What never goes out of style? Vinyl. Swing by Beverly Records to pick up an album for the music lover on your list this year. This family-owned rare record shop is one of the oldest in the city and has been going strong since 1967.
Round out your brother’s Pink Floyd collection (albums starting at $34.98) or snag Caamp’s “By And By” ($38.98) for your favorite millennial or Gen Z-er. Show your true South Side pride by grabbing a copy of the famous “South Side Irish” song in Beverly Record’s Limited Edition Green Vinyl 45 ($3.99). Best enjoyed while drinking green beer, of course.
Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and noon-4 p.m. Sundays. 773-779-0066.
Mt. Greenwood
Newborn Apothecary, 11104 S. Kedzie Ave. Website.
Prepare yourself for cuteness overload before walking into Newborn Apothecary in Mt. Greenwood. Specializing in all things infant, you are sure to find something for the new cutie pie on your list this year. Shop organic clothing, accessories, lotions and more for 0-12 months.
Speaking of cuteness, check out these matching Mommy ($28.95) and Mini ($12.95) embroidered teddy bear bags.
Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sundays. 773-999-4167.
Second Chance Thrift Shoppe, 10444 S. Kedzie Ave. Website.
Last but certainly not least, make a trip to Second Chance Thrift Shoppe for truly unique finds, from housewares to handbags.
The store offers an impressive vintage ornament collection, most for just 50 cents a piece. The glass and homeware section is a thrifter’s paradise, with tons of high-quality colorful glassware and even a nearly complete collection of vintage Tulip Tyme Stoneware.
All of the store’s proceeds go toward supporting adults with intellectual disabilities at Garden Center Services.
Store hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Donations accepted 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays at the northwest corner of the building. Click here for additional details on how to donate.
Previous gift guides:
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