8 made-in Illinois gift ideas your relatives will love

When making your holiday gift list and checking it twice, consider getting some help from elves right here at home and gifting items made in Illinois. There are some great companies creating products right here in the Land of Lincoln. Gifting these items makes it possible to delight your gift recipients, celebrate Illinois’ bicentennial and support the state’s economy all in one purchase. Now that’s a holiday win.

For the baseball lover and/or Cubs fan: Dinger Bats

If the baseball player on your list isn’t quite at the Major League Baseball skill level, they can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into these bats made in Ridgway. Cubs fans will appreciate that this company makes maple wood bats used by the Chicago Cubs. (You may not want to mention to die-hard fans that the St. Louis Cardinals also use them.) Dinger offers bats for all skills levels, each handcrafted.

For those ready to take off on two wheels: Heritage Bicycles

A bike is a classic Christmas gift that kids love for years to come, and Heritage Bicycle is a Chicago company creating very cool hand-welded bikes. They also have balance bikes for those as young as two and bike accessories, including a child’s seat, lights and locks.

For those looking to light up the holidays: Bright Endeavors Candles

Light up your holidays with candles from Bright Endeavors, a company on Chicago’s West Side where young moms hand-craft soy candles and gain valuable job skills. We are partial to the Chicago candle gift set, but the other holiday gift sets will work well for anyone, anywhere.

For the coffee lover: Ipsento Coffee

The coffee lover in your life is sure to smile when unwrapping beans that have been freshly roasted in-house at this Bucktown coffee shop that is committed to sustainable coffee. Another option is gifting one of their classes for the java junky in your life. Experiences make great gifts for all ages and this is a unique and fun one.

For the chocoholic: Ethereal Confections

Forget visions of sugar plums, we have visions of chocolate bars from Ethereal Confections dancing in our heads. This shop in Woodstock is one of the only bean-to-bar chocolate shops in the nation. Chocolate bars make fun stocking stuffers.

For the foodie who likes things spicy: Galena Canning Company

Chef Ivo’s salsas and BBQ sauces will bring the heat to your holiday celebration and make great gifts. Don’t miss their Hot Sauce Emporium. If you’re purchasing for those with less adventurous palates, stick with their jams and jellies.

For the host and hostess: Illinois Sparkling Co.

Your hostess gift will really pop—wine is a classic hostess gift but put a unique twist on it by giving sparkling wine made with grapes grown in Illinois. They also add a lovely local twist to your New Year’s Eve bash. There are five varieties available, and they offer pairing advice. (NB: Demi Sec Rosé or Brut Ombré Rosé both go well with fudge.) Raise a glass to 200 years of statehood, the holidays, health in 2019 – there’s a lot to toast!

For the beer lover on your list: Revolution Brewing

Revolution Brewing has made a name for itself and boasts the title of Illinois’ largest independent craft brewery. From IPAs to barrel-aged beers, they have a wide selection, and many of their brews have won awards. If you’re looking to gift an experience, make plans to go on a tour of their Logan Square berwery–there are lots of weekend options for public tours or you can schedule your own private tour.

Follow Shannan’s blog, Between Us Parents.