If you still have a few names to cross off your holiday gift list, you’re not alone. According to a poll by market research firm NPD Group, 52% of holiday shoppers expect to buy gifts in the week leading up to Christmas. For those of you among that 52%, here’s some holiday cheer – there’s still plenty of time to find handmade gifts that do artists and artisans good, not only in Chicago but also across the country. whole world.
In Evergreen Park, Brewja Co hosts a one-day pop-up on 23 december, featuring freshly roasted coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, and items from Chicago-area artists. Owner Esperanza Salgado said she wanted to provide an option for last-minute shoppers as well as local women of color to showcase their work.
“I draw on my own personal experiences, and as a trained musician and artist, I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to find these opportunities with other people and I knew I had to make room. at the table, â€Salgado mentioned. “But it didn’t just mean to me, it also meant to my community and the people who also share identities with me.”
At Evergreen Park, Brewja Co is hosting a one-day pop-up on December 23, featuring freshly roasted coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, and items from Chicago-area artists. (WTTW News)
In Andersonville, Chicago Fair Trade holds its 8th edition pop-up holiday shop until December 24th with a wide range of handmade items, from home decor to jewelry from over 30 countries.
“Everyone is so happy when they come here and buy things that they know the money will be used to pay fair wages. Environmental sustainability and community development are part of fair trade, â€said Katherine Bissell Cordova, Executive Director of Chicago Fair Trade. “So this is just a way to vote with your dollars and when you buy fair trade you are voting for a fairer and more just world.”
In Andersonville, Chicago Fair Trade is hosting its 8th annual holiday pop-up store until December 24 with a wide range of handmade items, from home decor to jewelry from over 30 countries. (WTTW News)
And on the Magnificent Mile, the small business of Belmont-Cragin Mexican colors offers handmade craft items in all states of Mexico through the end of December. The pop-up is one of three such partnerships in the Small Shopping District to bring local small businesses to Michigan Avenue.
“We are very lucky and very lucky to be here, to represent our culture,†said owner Erika Espinosa. “It was a very important step for us as a community, as a family business. We are very proud to represent our culture here in downtown to be the premier Mexican cultural venue on the Magnificent Mile.
On the Magnificent Mile, Belmont-Cragin Colores Mexicanos small business offers handcrafted, artisanal items from states across Mexico until the end of December. (WTTW News)