Best Souvenirs From Chicago: Unique Local Gifts To Buy

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Your foodie plans Team

A collage featuring a variety of souvenirs from Chicago,
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Discover the best souvenirs From Chicago! Explore unique foodie and non-foodie gifts that reflect Chicago’s culture. Find local treasures you won’t want to miss.

Chicago, known as the “Windy City,” is a bustling metropolis that blends rich history, diverse cultures, and a love for architecture, sports, and food. From the towering skyline to the lively neighborhoods, Chicago offers visitors an experience like no other. Whether you’re taking a stroll along Lake Michigan, exploring Millennium Park, or enjoying the vibrant arts scene, there’s no shortage of ways to appreciate the essence of this iconic city.

But no visit to Chicago would be complete without picking up a souvenir that captures its spirit. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or someone looking for unique keepsakes, Chicago offers a wide range of authentic souvenirs to bring home. In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Authentic Souvenirs from chicago you can’t miss, highlighting both foodie and non-foodie options that perfectly reflect the Windy City’s culture and charm.

Foodie Souvenirs: A Taste of Chicago

Chicago is renowned for its diverse and delicious food scene, offering everything from deep-dish pizza to world-class hot dogs. For foodies, taking home a taste of this city is one of the best ways to remember your trip. These foodie souvenirs from chicago provide a unique way to savor the city’s culinary culture long after you’ve left.

1. Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza Kit

There’s no dish more iconic in Chicago than the famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Known for its thick crust, generous layers of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce, this pizza has become a symbol of the city’s culinary culture.While enjoying a slice in one of Chicago’s famous pizzerias is a must, you can also bring home a pizza kit to recreate the iconic dish yourself.

The Chicago-style deep-dish pizza kit typically includes the essential ingredients: pizza dough, cheese, tomato sauce, and seasoning. With a little help from the instructions, you can make your own version of the city’s famous dish and enjoy it at home, sharing a slice of Chicago with friends and family.

  • Where to Find: You can find deep-dish pizza kits at local pizzerias like Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Art of Pizza, which offer both frozen pizzas and kits to take home.

2. Chicago-Style Hot Dog Kit

No trip to Chicago is complete without tasting the famous Chicago-style hot dog.This unique hot dog is served on a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, and sport peppers—all without any ketchup.If you’ve fallen in love with the taste of this iconic snack, why not bring home the ingredients to recreate it?

A Chicago-style hot dog kit typically includes everything you need to make this delicious meal at home, including the hot dogs, buns, and condiments.It’s a fun way to share the flavors of Chicago with your friends and family, ensuring that the taste of the Windy City lingers long after your visit.

  • Where to Find: You can find hot dog kits at local spots like Portillo’s and Gene & Jude’s, or you can visit specialty food stores like The Spice House for authentic condiments and ingredients.

3. Garrett’s Popcorn

If you’ve been to Chicago, then you’ve likely smelled the irresistible scent of Garrett’s Popcorn wafting through the air.Known for its signature Garrett Mix (a delicious blend of caramel and cheese popcorn), Garrett’s is a Chicago institution and one of the best places to pick up a unique edible souvenir.

Garrett’s popcorn comes in a variety of flavors, but the sweet and salty combination of their Garrett Mix is by far the most popular. This crunchy treat is perfect for snacking while traveling or as a gift to share with loved ones back home.The popcorn is made fresh daily and can be purchased in a variety of sizes to suit your needs.

  • Where to Find: Garrett Popcorn Shops are located throughout Chicago, including the flagship location on North Michigan Avenue.

4. Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich Kit

The Italian beef sandwich is another beloved dish in Chicago.This sandwich features thinly sliced beef, simmered in a flavorful broth, and served on a crusty Italian roll, often topped with giardiniera (a spicy pickled vegetable relish). If you’ve fallen in love with this savory sandwich, you can bring the experience home with an Italian beef sandwich kit.

The kit typically includes seasoned beef, au jus (the flavorful broth), and all the ingredients needed to assemble this hearty meal.Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a Chicago classic, this kit makes it easy to enjoy this iconic dish at home.

  • Where to Find: Al’s Beef and Portillo’s both offer Italian beef kits for purchase, and you can also find them at specialty food stores throughout Chicago.

5. Chicago-Style Candy and Sweets

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll find plenty of Chicago-style candy and sweets to satisfy your cravings. From rich chocolate truffles to artisanal fudge, Chicago is home to some of the best confectioneries in the country. A box of locally made chocolates or candy is an excellent souvenir for anyone who loves sweets.

  • Where to Find: You can visit famous spots like Blommer Chocolate Company or Fannie May for delicious local chocolates. The Original Rainbow Cone offers unique ice cream treats and gift packs to bring home as well.

Non-Foodie Souvenirs from chicago: Unique Local Finds

While Chicago’s food scene is certainly worth celebrating, the city also offers a wealth of non-foodie souvenirs that capture the artistic and cultural spirit of the Windy City. From locally made crafts to iconic themed items, these souvenirs from chicago are perfect for those who want something more than just a snack.

6. Chicago Architecture Prints

Chicago is renowned for its stunning architecture, and one of the best ways to commemorate your visit is by taking home a Chicago architecture print.These prints often feature famous landmarks such as the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), the John Hancock Center, and the Chicago Water Tower. They make for beautiful, high-quality artwork that captures the essence of Chicago’s skyline.

  • Where to Find: You can find Chicago-themed architecture prints at The Art Institute of Chicago, The Chicago Architecture Foundation Store, or local galleries throughout the city.

7. Chicago Cubs Memorabilia

For baseball fans, there’s nothing more iconic than the Chicago Cubs, and picking up some Cubs memorabilia is a must.From jerseys and hats to vintage pennants and autographed baseballs, there are plenty of ways to show your love for this beloved team. Whether you’re a lifelong Cubs fan or simply appreciate the history of Wrigley Field, there’s something special about owning a piece of Cubs history.

  • Where to Find: Wrigley Field offers a range of Cubs gear at the Team Store, or you can visit Sporting Goods stores like Lids and The Cubs Store for a variety of fan gear.

8. Handmade Jewelry

Chicago is home to many talented jewelry artisans who create stunning pieces inspired by the city’s culture and history.Handmade jewelry from local artists makes for a thoughtful and unique souvenir that’s both wearable and meaningful.From necklaces and bracelets to earrings and rings, these one-of-a-kind pieces make for the perfect gift or keepsake.

  • Where to Find: Visit The Randolph Street Market or local jewelry shops in neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Bucktown to find beautiful, handmade pieces by local artists.

9. Chicago Bears Gear

Football fans can’t leave Chicago without picking up some Chicago Bears gear.Whether it’s a hoodie, a scarf, or a classic Bears jersey, these items are perfect for any football fan looking to represent the city’s beloved team.With the Soldier Field atmosphere in mind, Bears memorabilia is always a popular item for visitors to bring home.

  • Where to Find:The Chicago Bears Pro Shop at Soldier Field offers a variety of team apparel, or you can visit Dick’s Sporting Goods for a wide selection of gear.

10. Chicago Windy City-themed Apparel

Since Chicago is known as the Windy City, it only makes sense that visitors would want to take home Windy City-themed apparel.From T-shirts with the Chicago flag to cozy hoodies with the city’s skyline, these items make for casual and stylish authentic souvenirs from chicago that remind you of your time in the city .

  • Where to Find: You can find Windy City-themed apparel at The Chicago Store or Chicago’s City Apparel, both offering a variety of T-shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories with the Chicago skyline or flag.

Conclusion

Chicago is a city rich in history, culture, and creativity, and its souvenir offerings reflect that.From delicious food items like deep-dish pizza kits and Italian beef sandwiches to unique handmade crafts and sports memorabilia, there’s something for everyone.Whether you’re a foodie or a sports fan, or simply looking for a memento to commemorate your visit, these authentic souvenirs from chicago will help you take a piece of the Windy City home with you.

Contact Information

For more information on where to buy the best authentic souvenirs from Chicago, check out the following local shops and markets:

Enjoy shopping, and take home a piece of Chicago’s heart and soul!