Crunchy Culture Local Gift Guide
25 Handpicked Gifts from around Chicagoland!
Mindful Gifts for You and Yours
Crunchy Culture’s mission is to connect naturally-minded folks in Chicagoland and introduce them to local resources that align with their interests. As I began building our community, I found so many of these incredible resources right in my own backyard - or just a short drive away!
I’ve compiled many of them in an inaugural Local Holiday Gift Guide with the goal of helping you gift a little more mindfully this year.
Let’s raise our glasses (or kombucha bottles) to a season filled with nature, wellness and local community. Cheers!
What Makes this Gift Guide Unique?
The idea for the local gift guide came to me while I was scrolling through yet another “expert” guide stuffed with Amazon links for products made in undisclosed locations. The Crunchy Culture gift guide is the antithesis to those impersonal lists.
Here, you’ll find natural, mindful, or wellness-oriented products and experiences created by folks I personally know in (or near) the greater Chicago area. Why should the idea behind Small Business Saturday be limited to just one measly day of the year? I believe it should be every day!
In addition to physical gifts, you’ll find a variety of experiential ideas for the minimalist who doesn’t want any more stuff. And don’t miss the ‘Gift Back’ section featuring a few of our favorite local non-profits; supporting them with a donation makes an amazing gift to the local community!
How to Use the Guide
Grab a cup of locally-roasted coffee (or herbal tea if it’s getting close to bedtime) and cozy up! Read the stories behind the featured gifts and the talented folks who create them; carve out time to stop in if they have a physical space; and support them by purchasing a unique gift for your family and friends…or yourself!
The gifts are sorted by categories of interest; click on a category or featured gift link below to jump right to that section. Look closely, and you’ll even find a fashionable (and sustainable) way to support Crunchy Culture’s mission. Bookmark this guide as an evergreen reference for crunchy gift inspiration for any occasion, all year long!
Categories
Wellness, Self-Care and Adventure
Ahimsa Yoga Studio (Oak Park, Berwyn, Elmhurst, Evanston and Wicker Park)
Green Life Swaps (Virtual)
Homestead Saunas Getaway Gift Card (Sharon, WI)
Just Bee Yoga Gift Card (Long Grove)
Nourisherpa Wellness Bundle (Buffalo Grove)
Tarli Cosmetics (online and select stores)
TFI Sauna and Cold Plunge Experience (Chicago and Vernon Hills)
The Bar Above (online and select markets)
The Pilates PT Gift Card (Libertyville and virtual classes)
Crunchy Culture Hemp Hats (Online; support our mission!)
Matchmaker Bookshop (Highland Park)
Remnant Trading Co. (Online and select markets)
Sorella Sol (Online and select markets)
Eden Gift Card (Chicago)
El Molcajete Sauces Gift Pack (Online and select markets)
Iron and Acre Gift Card (Online, delivery)
Park Avenue Hot Sauces (Online and select markets)
Tala Coffee Roasters Class (Libertyville)
Free Time Treasures Craft Kit (Online and select markets)
Jen’s Book Garden Books and Toys (Online and pop-ups)
Rawsome treats (Plainfield, online and select markets)
“Gift Back” to the Local Community
Bernie’s Book Bank (Lake Bluff)
Border Tails Rescue (Northbrook)
The Talking Farm (Skokie)
Wellness and Self-Care
Ahimsa Yoga Studio Gift Card
With locations in Berwyn, Elmhurst, Evanston, Oak Park and Wicker Park, Ahimsa Yoga Studio is a place to find wellness, inspiration and community. Chicago resident and Ahimsa owner, Kelly Merydith believes yoga is a path back to harmony with yourself, each other, and the earth. The warm and welcoming community gathers in beautiful spaces to breathe, move, and reconnect with the simple joy of being.
Use promo code postcard20 to take $20 off most pricing options or grab a gift card for a loved one.
Green Life Swaps: Healthier Home for the Holidays
Locally-owned Green Life Swaps helps families create healthier, more sustainable homes—one simple swap at a time. Through personalized in-home consultations, Hinsdale mom and founder, Lindsey, guides clients in replacing everyday products with cleaner, eco-conscious alternatives that reduce toxins and waste. The mission of Green Life Swaps is to make healthy, sustainable living effortless, accessible, and inspiring for every household. Book an appointment and gift a healthier home for you and your family or a loved one this season!
Homestead Saunas: Getaway Gift Card
Give the gift of rejuvenation and adventure this year! Grab your partner or a friend and escape to Homestead Saunas, the ultimate wellness retreat in Sharon, Wisconsin (about 1.5 hours from Chicago). Owner, Gloria, is a nature-enthusiast who has handcrafted a truly unique experience while combining her passion for wellness, sustainability and community. Indulge in a wood-fired sauna experience with optional herbal infusions, aroma-therapy, and massage therapy.
Just Bee Yoga Gift Card
Tucked away in the quaint town of Long Grove is Just Bee Yoga - a beautiful studio offering classes, community-building workshops and retreats. Owner Kris draws her inspiration from nature: “It was important for me to create a space that reflects nature and its elements. In nature we can accept things just as they are, without judgement. We can take this same approach when we practice yoga.” The farmhouse decor incorporates many natural elements bringing an airy and peaceful energy to Just Bee.
Sign up for a class or workshop, or grab a gift card to share Just Bee Yoga with a friend!
Nourisherpa Wellness Bundle
The holidays should offer a break from the daily hustle, but stress always finds a way to sneak in. Naturopathic doctor and Nourisherpa owner, Dr. Jen Stotlar, is helping folks manage stress and feel their best using traditional wisdom and modern technology at her practice in Buffalo Grove. Dr. Stotlar, along with chiropractor and massage therapist, Dr. Eric Mai, guide folks to optimal wellness with naturopathic and restorative therapies like red light, massage, sauna and Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency.
For a limited time, Nourisherpa is offering a holiday bundle including therapeutic massage and red light therapy for $120 (a $40 savings). Simply mention the offer when booking your appointment.
Tarli Cosmetics: Travel Set and Jade Gua Sha
Give the gift of radiant, healthy skin with locally-owned holistic skincare brand, Tarli Cosmetics. Founder, Maya, harnesses her esthetician background and the power of plants in her all-natural skincare line. Discover Tarli’s Holistic Skincare Travel Set — a glow-on-the-go ritual that nourishes, restores, and awakens youthful energy. Pair it with the Jade Gua Sha to lift, tone, and boost circulation for that naturally luminous holiday glow.
TFI: Recovery Room Experience
TFI is a locally-owned sports performance center with locations in Chicago and Vernon Hills. TFI takes a holistic approach to wellness with group training sessions, physical therapy, Pilates Reformer classes and a recovery room. We had an amazing Crunchy Culture wellness workshop at the Vernon Hills recovery room hosted by TFI co-owner Brian Hansen.
Gift a rejuvenating experience in TFI’s recovery room with sauna, cold plunge and compression boots! Contact TFI at the link below to set up an appointment.
The Bar Above: Tallow Skincare
A natural skincare routine doesn’t mean you have to give up the luxurious experience. Meet THE BAR ABOVE®, tallow based skincare. Established in 2018, founder Hilary believes in simplifying skin care and getting back to the basics. The Sugar Mama scrub is one of Hilary’s best-sellers, and Balm Sunday is the perfect moisturizer for any day of the week.
Order a bundle as a gift for the all the crunchy, tallow-loving friends on your list. Use code CRUNCHY20 at checkout to save 20% on any online orders, valid thru 12/12/25.
The Pilates PT: Gift Card
If prioritizing your health is on your new year’s resolution list, The Pilates PT, Dr. Rachel Miller, can help you (or your loved ones) stay on course. She blends her physical therapy and Pilates backgrounds into a holistic and personalized approach to women’s health. Find offerings like the “Mommy Tune Up” and Pilates reformer classes in her sun-filled studio in Libertyville. The Pilates PT also has virtual classes for busy folks that want to feel their best while juggling a jam-packed schedule.
Grab a gift certificate for physical therapy, private Pilates training, group classes and workshops, and wellness services like Mommy Tune Ups, Pregnancy Prep, and Annual Wellness Exams.
Fashion, Literature and Art
Crunchy Culture Hemp Hats (Airetage collaboration)
Even better than tinfoil! Our all-new Crunchy Culture snapback hemp hats are designed in collaboration with Airetage. Founded in Chicago by Miles Lazar, Airetage is showcasing the sustainability and versatility benefits of hemp with a fashion-forward comfortable clothing line. Made from an all-natural blend of hemp and cotton, Crunchy Hemp Hats are a fashionable, breathable and sustainable gift for friends, family and yourself! Offered in structured and unstructured unisex fits and a variety of colors, each hat features the iconic “Crunchy Connections” leaf representing nature's power to unite.
All proceeds support Crunchy Culture’s mission. From now until 12/31 get $10 off with code HEMPHAT10. Orders may take 2-3 weeks.
Matchmaker Bookshop: Gift Card
Located in downtown Highland Park, Matchmaker Bookshop is an independent, locally-owned bookstore with two floors of inspiration. Stop in to browse; soak in the stunning, nature-inspired decor; bring the kiddos to the magical kids’ library upstairs; and find the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life. In case the name didn’t give it away, owner Lauren and her team are experts at guiding folks to their next favorite read. Gift wrapping is complimentary, and gift cards are available in store. P.S.: join us for a special Crunchy Crew meetup and story time here on 12/16/25!
Remnant Trading Company: Wool Christmas Stocking
This isn’t your average (polyester) Christmas stocking; it’s a family heirloom in the making! Resembling the mantel adornments of yesteryear, each Remnant Trading Company stocking is crafted with wool straight from the farm, and prepared, spun, and knit entirely by hand. Remnant Trading Co. is a collection of home goods and clothing made with traditional hand methods and directly sourced materials by Chicago-area artisan Emily Côté. You can find all of Emily’s creations on her website and meet her at local farmers markets.
Sorella Sol: Goat Wine Bag and Cotton Pajamas
Sorella Sol founder and Lake Forest resident, Nora, blends fashion, culture, art and sustainability for her mindfully made cotton bags, home goods and accessories. Each fabric is thoughtfully designed by Nora’s sister and hand block printed in India by manufacturers the sisters know and trust. There are too many beautiful gift options to choose from, so we asked Nora for her recommendations:
Goat Wine Bag; “Inspired by the goats at our local Elawa Farm in Lake Forest, this playful design has become one of our signature prints. It's insulated and fits two bottles plus a wine key — the perfect hostess or holiday gift. ($68) and fits two bottles.”
Block-Printed Pajama Sets – “Handmade in India from soft, breathable cotton, our pajama sets bring a touch of everyday luxury and that “vacation spirit” Sorella Sol is known for. ($68)”
Both pieces celebrate craftsmanship, pattern, and the joy of thoughtful gifting — each one designed to feel special and made with heart.
Mindful Food & Beverage
Eden: Gift Card
Gift the ultimate crunchy dining experience at one of Chi Town's top farm-to-table restaurants (or should we say “greenhouse-to-table”?). Located in Avondale, Eden partners with nearby farms to source fresh, seasonal ingredients. Co-founder and executive chef, Devon Quinn, helps care for the myriad of plants grown in the on-site greenhouse, and incorporates nearly all of them into his recipes. We savored the brunch served at our Crunchy Culture Friendsgiving, and got a tour of the greenhouse by the chef himself!
Grab a gift card to Eden and drop a hint to your loved one that you’re overdue for a night out!
El Molcajete Sauces: Gift Pack
Traditional Mexican mole sauces get a healthy (and crunchy) twist thanks to El Molcajete Sauces owner, chef Ernesto. An Evanston local, you’ll find Ernesto sampling his famous sauces and chatting with folks at the farmers market or cooking for a farm-to-table dinner. His mindfully sourced ingredients and deep passion for community become evident with each interaction (and tasting!). I have sampled nearly all the sauce varieties, and would not be able to choose one, so I’d recommend going with the variety gift pack!
Honey House: Raw Local Honey and Loose Leaf Teas
Beekeeper and “local honey dealer” Anita offers raw honey in its purest form along with a variety of functional loose-leaf teas at Honey House. Plan a visit to her charming shop and garden in Vernon Hills and infuse the holiday season with wellness and flavor. Go with a gift pack of pure raw honey matched with the signature hot and cinnamon varieties (the cinnamon is a fan favorite, and the hot honey is my personal go-to).
Help save the bees…and your jars! After you finish a jar of honey, bring it back to the shop for 20% off your next large jar!
Iron and Acre: Gift Card
Gift a bag of farm-fresh kitchen staples delivered right to your door! Iron and Acre is a Deerfield-based company that sources the highest-quality pasture-raised eggs and chicken, grass-fed meat, responsibly-grown veggies and other goodies like sourdough and sauerkraut. Iron and Acre founder, Peter, personally traveled to over 100 farms to ensure responsible, regenerative practices are used for all the products he offers.
As the outdoor farmers market season wrapped up, I found it tougher to find some of those staples, and Iron and Acre provided a convenient and flexible solution. Currently, delivery is available in the north and northwest suburbs.
Park Ave Hot Sauces
Park Ave founder, Daniel, was always a hot sauce fan, but he thought the big brands (i.e. Tabasco and Cholula) were the best he could get. Then, inspiration struck! After watching the popular web series “Hot Ones”, Daniel decided to experiment with making his own. After some raving reviews and encouragement from friends, Daniel got a cottage food license and Park Ave was born! Daniel sells his handcrafted sauces online, and at a few pop-ups around Chicagoland. You can feel good gifting these to all the flavor fanatics you know: the sauces are made from all-natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives, and Daniel uses peppers grown in his friends’ garden.
I’m a fan of the Green Rush, Sweet Turmoil and Smokey Bobby.
Tala Coffee Roasters: Coffee Class
Tala Coffee Roasters is a locally-owned coffee shop with locations in Libertyville, Highwood and Winnetka. One of the coolest gifts my husband has given me was a filter coffee class at Tala (after 10 years of marriage, I guess he knows me pretty well!). Led by Tala co-owner and head roaster, Keith, the comprehensive class was filled with insights on Tala’s responsible sourcing practices and practical tips for making the perfect pour-over (along with tastings).
I recommend gifting a Tala class pass to all the coffee home brewers in your life.
Crunchkins and Creatures
Free Time Treasures: DIY Craft Kit
When it comes to gifts for little ones, I look for options that let them channel their creativity. Free Time Treasures is a small, family-run craft business created by Jennifer and Paul Morrison in their home workshop in Illinois. What started as a fun hobby making crafts with friends has grown into a passion for helping others find time to relax, create, and connect. They design and laser-cut interchangeable DIY craft kits that come with everything you need to paint, glue, and decorate your own home décor piece. The mission is to help people create, connect, refresh, and treasure through fun, hands-on crafting.
Choose from a holiday-themed kit or go with your kiddo’s favorite theme like farms, sports dogs and more!
Jen’s Book Garden: Kids’ Books and Kits
Libertyville mom, Jen, has some big gifting ideas for your little reader! Jen’s Book Garden offers thoughtfully curated children’s books and activity kits that make cozy reading moments easy. From holiday stories to hands-on learning fun, there’s something to delight every young reader. They’re wonderful to gift—and even better to enjoy together.
Visit jensbookgarden.com or @jensbookgarden to browse seasonal favorites and timeless picks! Complimentary personalized book recommendations are also available.
Rawsome: Treats for the Crunchy Creatures
Our furry friends may land on the naughty list sometimes, but those puppy eyes always seem to get them out of the doghouse. Give them the gift of wellness with Rawsome! Rawsome founder, Angela, is passionate about nourishing pets and people with ethically sourced “Gate-to-Plate” nutrition from local, regenerative farms & ranches. You’ll find an array of health-minded food, supplements and treats for your pets at Rawsome’s shop in Plainfield, select farmer’s markets and online.
Here are Angela’s recommendations: Green Lipped Mussels, Blue Spirulina, Rawsome Duck Uggs, Protein Pops (Buy 2, get 1 free for Protein Pops with the promo code crunchypops), Whey Better Topper (Buy 3, get 1 free for Whey Better Toppers 40g with the promo code CrunchyWhey). Get 10% off all other items with code Get10.
Gift Back
Bernie’s Book Bank
Reading is so much more than just a skill required to succeed in school; I believe it sets kids on a path to lifelong learning and wellbeing. Unfortunately, many children lack access to books, especially books in their homes. Based in Lake Bluff, Nonprofit Bernie’s Book Bank is on a mission to source, process and deliver free high-quality books to children who need them most, transforming children’s lives through book ownership.
Founded by Brian Floriani in 2009, Bernie's Book Bank has gotten over 29 million books into children’s homes. Fueled by generous donors, committed companies, and a passionate team of partners, and volunteers, Bernie’s Book Bank is driven by the belief that better futures begin with books. Donate or volunteer at Bernie’s Book Bank this season to support an amazing cause.
Border Tails Rescue
Located in Northbrook, Border Tails Rescue is on a mission to help underdogs find their “furever” homes. And while they're waiting, these dogs get to enjoy some quality time outside of the shelter. I met some adorable (and adoptable) dogs from Border Tails at a few farmers markets and events this summer; as a dog-lover myself, the mission pulled at my heartstrings.
Border Tails offers a unique Dog Day Out program allowing volunteers to take a shelter dog out for the day (up to 5 hours). I’d say a stroll through the nearby forest preserve makes the perfect outing for all parties involved.
The Talking Farm
The Talking Farm has an incredible mission to educate folks of all ages about sustainable farming. The urban farm’s main location in Skokie provides hands-on experience to community members as young as preschool-age through adulthood. Luckily, there’s a preschool right next door, where the kids get to come volunteer, get their hands dirty and see where their food comes from!
The farm also makes their responsibly grown fruits and vegetables available to the community through local farmers markets and an annual CSA.
