Warm Your Wallet
From December 11-17, open up your wallet and finish buying those holiday gifts by supporting Uptown stores and restaurants. Shop locally within the Uptown neighborhood and be included in a prize drawing! Share a photo, tag the business and @exploreuptownchi on Instagram or @uptownchamber on Facebook, and include #winterwarmthuptown. In addition, general receipts from local Uptown businesses will also be accepted when you email us at info@nullexploreuptown.org with the subject line #winterwarmthuptown.
Where to Shop
Check out these local and independent Uptown businesses for your gift giving inspiration this holiday season! For a full listing of Uptown businesses, you can click here for our business directory.
Bodi Shak
Offering something more than just another workout, their mission is to bring you and others together on an exciting journey of discovery through fitness. Monthly memberships or individual classes are available for you or as a gift. This month, Bodi Shak is also offering 50% off all fitness gear in the studio! Visit bodishak.com for more details!
Chicago Market
Celebrate the holidays cooperatively with Chicago Market!
• Belong. Give yourself the gift and become an Owner of Chicago Market, the local, sustainable grocery store where everyone is welcome.
• Connect. You know a good thing when you see it, so you were an early adopter. Now use your powers for good! Awaken a friend to the promise of Chicago Market. Give the Gift of Co-op this holiday season.
• Refresh. Already a Founding Owner? Level Up to Cultivating now to renew the Co-op and build strength in our neighborhood.
• Energize. The more you put into a project, the more you get out of it—and there’s nothing like the thrill of making something work! Donate to Chicago Market today. (tax-deductible option available)
City Grange
City Grange provides an authentic, rooted, friendly, functional and community-building experience – one that brings to life their whole-hearted belief that, United We Blossom. City Grange is here to help people experience for themselves how gardening can transform not just their personal lives, families, neighborhoods and cities, but the life of the planet as well. Visit in person or shop online at citygrange.com.
Dispensary 33
Dispensary 33 was the first medical cannabis dispensary to open in Chicago in December 2015. Recognizing that important work has come before them and is happening now within the larger culture of cannabis is a necessary part of living the Dispensary life. They know that they have to look to the past to understand the future of cannabis. Legalization only means that they work harder to achieve understanding and to create their own impact in cannabis. dispensary33.com
Everybody’s Coffee
20% off all merchandise when visiting their cafe at 935 W. Wilson from Dec. 11-17 (mention “winter warmth”)! Everybody’s Coffee is more than just a coffee shop. They opened their cafe to be a place of welcome for everybody and to provide a space of connection and creativity. Everybody’s Coffee was founded by a racially diverse group of women and men committed to helping their community through coffee, relationships, and resources. From their neighbors in Uptown to their coffee growing partners, the focus has always been relationships. everybodyscoffee.com
First Ascent
First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is a locally grown, world-class group of climbing, yoga, and fitness centers in Chicago. Their mission is to serve and grow Chicago’s vibrant climbing community. Give the gift of climbing this holiday season! Gift cards can be used for FA Pro Shop purchases, classes, workshops, personal training, or private instruction sessions, 10-Passes, memberships and more. Visit firstascentclimbing.com for more information.
Foursided
Foursided began its journey in 2001 by merging several of their founder’s loves – the world of art and framing with paper and beautiful gifts. They strive to cultivate communities that enjoy art, whether it’s framing a showcase work of art for your home or the art of giving a handcrafted card or vintage gift. They have a wonderful team whose mission is to bring each of their guest’s imagination to life with art, custom framing, curated gifts, ephemera, and vintage objects. Please stop by and say hello. Bring your dog, too! foursided.com
Hearthstone & Terrace
Taken at face value, they are a Furniture, Rug, Lighting, and Botanical showroom, but they hope you see them as much more than just a store. They provide a relaxed environment for you to shop without pressure, seek design and botanical guidance, browse for ideas in a live curated setting, or just enjoy a sojourn from your hectic day. They are open to everyone, always. hearthstoneterrace.com
Mind Body Defense
Mind Body Defense uses kickboxing and self-defense as a vehicle to unlock the human potential of the modern professional. Mind Body Defense was created to serve those who want to improve their fitness through purposeful action. Moreover, once you achieve your fitness goals and become empowered, they help you protect your new found confidence and quality of life. Gift cards are available at mindbodydefensechicago.com.
The People’s Music School
The People’s Music School mission is to deliver access to the benefits of high-quality, tuition-free music education. Through intensive instruction and performance, students achieve excellence in music that transfers to other areas in life. They grow musically, socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience and purpose. The People’s Music School has an official merchandise shop and half of every purchase goes back to the school! peoplesmusicschool.org.
PlayMakers Laboratory
PlayMakers Laboratory has extended its signature revue online with That’s Weird, Grandma: House Par-Tay, featuring a creative line-up of stories written by elementary school students, adapted and performed by professional actors and directed by Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd. via Patreon, with a new line-up released every Monday. Ring in the new year with That’s Weird Grandma! Shows premiere on Patreon every Monday night at 8pm with a a weekly changing cast! Subscribe for yourself or as a gift at playmakerslab.org.
Provisions Uptown
Provisions Uptown is the sister store to Rogers Park Provisions located in the Uptown neighborhood. They are a “one stop” general store. Get their specially curated charcuterie, cheese, gourmet snacks and condiments delivered directly to your door. Focused on locally made gifts, craft spirits, beer, and wine, they strive to bring unique products to the neighborhood. Shop in person or online via their mercato site.
Qideas
Qideas is a minority family owned & operated business for over 10 years in Uptown Chicago, offering endless options of unique indoor and outdoor plants for every plant collector/enthusiast. Visit in person at 1134 W. Argyle or shop online. Minority owned small family business. Qideas Facebook Page
Shopping Girl XOXO
Shopping Girl XOXO is a personal stylist for clients nation-wide. Owner Lora LaPratt prides her business on really getting to know her clients on a personal level and helping to bring out each individual’s style based on their interests, body shape, coloring, and overall way of life! Book a free 30 minute virtual consultation to hear all of the options and let her customize the perfect styling package for you or a friend. Gift cards and products are also available at shoppinggirlxoxo.com.