{"id":424023,"date":"2025-12-04T11:55:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T11:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/424023\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T11:55:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T11:55:53","slug":"holiday-gifts-from-museum-shops-put-a-bow-on-chicago-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/424023\/","title":{"rendered":"Holiday gifts from museum shops put a bow on Chicago culture"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>For Chicagoans who dread the frenzy of holiday shopping, there\u2019s a calmer alternative. Instead of heading to mall, you can head to a museum.<\/p>\n<p>The city\u2019s cultural institutions offer festive shopping options that you may find inspiring, and you likely won\u2019t find in big-box aisles. Museum gift shops brim with festive cards, clever stocking stuffers and unique items that carry real stories.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, it\u2019s a chance to support the organizations that make Chicago a cultural hub.<\/p>\n<p>Admission is not required to visit these museum shops, but you may also enjoy browsing the galleries for things that aren\u2019t for sale.<\/p>\n<p>Art Institute of Chicago<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mng-gallery-initialized mng-gallery-slider\">\n<li data-index=\"1\" class=\"mng-ge mng-gallery-active\" id=\"mng-ge-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Plush green lions ($25) at the Art Institute of Chicago...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops01.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Plush green lions ($25) at the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Shop, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Edward Hopper \u00e2\u0080\u009cNighthawks\u00e2\u0080\u009d socks ($16) at the Art Institute of...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops10.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops10.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Edward Hopper \u201cNighthawks\u201d socks ($16) at the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Shop, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tiffany stained-glass earrings ($40) at the Art Institute of Chicago...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops07.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops07.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Tiffany stained-glass earrings ($40) at the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Shop, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"4\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" chicago=\"\" abcs=\"\" board=\"\" book=\"\" at=\"\" the=\"\" art=\"\" institute=\"\" of...=\"\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops09.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops09.jpg\"\/>\n<p>&#8220;Chicago ABCs&#8221; board book ($14.99) at the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Shop, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"5\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bronze lion paperweight ($75) at the Art Institute of Chicago...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops02.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops02.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Bronze lion paperweight ($75) at the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Shop, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"6\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Claude Monet \u00e2\u0080\u009cWater Lilies\u00e2\u0080\u009d eyeglass case and cloth ($24) at...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops03.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops03.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Claude Monet \u201cWater Lilies\u201d eyeglass case and cloth ($24) at the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Shop, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"7\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Chicago flag plush ($28) at the Art Institute of Chicago...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops08.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops08.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Chicago flag plush ($28) at the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Shop, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"8\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tiffany Hartwell Memorial Window silk scarf ($45) at the Art...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops05.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops05.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Tiffany Hartwell Memorial Window silk scarf ($45) at the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Shop, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 8<\/p>\n<p>Plush green lions ($25) at the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Shop, Nov. 20, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The AIC\u2019s two museum shops are filled with art\u2011inspired gifts that incorporate masterpieces into everyday life.<\/p>\n<p>For kids, show a little love for sweet home Chicago with a Chicago flag plush ($28) or the colorful \u201cChicago ABCs\u201d board book ($14.99). The plush green lions ($25), modeled after the museum\u2019s Michigan Avenue guardians, can even be adorned with removable holiday wreaths.<\/p>\n<p>For fashion and accessories, the Tiffany Hartwell Memorial Window silk scarf ($45) and Tiffany stained-glass earrings ($40) transform Art Institute icons into wearable works.<\/p>\n<p>Desk d\u00e9cor lovers can protect their workspace with a bronze lion paperweight ($75).<\/p>\n<p>Art fans can keep their feet cozy with playful socks featuring masterpieces such as Edward Hopper \u201cNighthawks\u201d ($16), or hold their eyeglasses safe with the Claude Monet \u201cWater Lilies\u201d eyeglass case and cloth ($24).<\/p>\n<p>Gift shops are located at the Michigan Avenue entrance and the Modern Wing entrance.<\/p>\n<p>111 S. Michigan Ave.; <a href=\"http:\/\/shop.artic.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shop.artic.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Museum of Contemporary Art<\/p>\n<p>For the basketball fan who also loves art, the MCA X Bulls crew sweatshirt ($110) could be a slam dunk. Designed by Chicago artist Cody Hudson, this piece unites two city brands \u2014 the Bulls and the Museum of Contemporary Art.<\/p>\n<p>Pop art lovers may gravitate toward the Haring Radiant Baby &amp; Barking Dog hoodie ($120). Inspired by Keith Haring\u2019s original Pop Shop designs, this heavyweight cotton blend hoodie features his playful artwork on both front and back, and has a kangaroo pouch.<\/p>\n<p>For a unique accessory, try the Isabelle Gougenheim X MCA Good Vibes silk scarf ($240).<\/p>\n<p>Design enthusiasts might appreciate the L\u1edbp lamp ($195), created by French designer Thomas Vincent. Its layered acrylic planes and hovering sphere create an illusion of motion when lit.<\/p>\n<p>And for the collector who values both art and activism, Yoko Ono\u2019s limited\u2011edition \u201cAdd Color Where the World Needs Peace\u201d print ($515) offers a chance to own a numbered work authenticated by the artist herself.<\/p>\n<p>220 E. Chicago Ave.; <a href=\"http:\/\/mcachicagostore.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mcachicagostore.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Shedd Aquarium<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mng-gallery-initialized mng-gallery-slider\">\n<li data-index=\"1\" class=\"mng-ge mng-gallery-active\" id=\"mng-ge-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cuddly plush moray eels ($23 each) decorate a Christmas tree...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops002.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Cuddly plush moray eels ($23 each) decorate a Christmas tree at the Shedd Aquarium gift shop in Chicago, Nov. 18, 2025. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Great Lakes coasters ($10 each) on display at the Shedd...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops006.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops006.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Great Lakes coasters ($10 each) on display at the Shedd Aquarium gift shop in Chicago, Nov. 18, 2025. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sea otter plush slippers ($37) on display at the Shedd...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops007.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops007.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Sea otter plush slippers ($37) on display at the Shedd Aquarium gift shop in Chicago, Nov. 18, 2025. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"4\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Beluga whale pajama pants ($45) at the Shedd Aquarium gift...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops009.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops009.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Beluga whale pajama pants ($45) at the Shedd Aquarium gift shop in Chicago, Nov. 18, 2025. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"5\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cuddly plush moray eels ($23 each) at the Shedd Aquarium...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops004.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops004.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Cuddly plush moray eels ($23 each) at the Shedd Aquarium gift shop in Chicago, Nov. 18, 2025. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"6\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Octopus chandelier ornaments ($40) at the Shedd Aquarium gift shop...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops011.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops011.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Octopus chandelier ornaments ($40) at the Shedd Aquarium gift shop in Chicago, Nov. 18, 2025. The ornaments are a tribute to the Tiffany pendants that hang in the rotunda at the Shedd. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"7\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A marine animal-themed clock is seen set against the blue...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops014.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CTC-L-museum-gift-shops014.jpg\"\/>\n<p>A marine animal-themed clock is seen set against the blue glass octagonal skylight in the rotunda at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Nov. 18, 2025. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 7<\/p>\n<p>Cuddly plush moray eels ($23 each) decorate a Christmas tree at the Shedd Aquarium gift shop in Chicago, Nov. 18, 2025. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Comfort seekers can cozy up this winter with beluga whale pajama pants ($45) or sea otter plush slippers ($37). Seal the deal with a cuddly plush moray eel ($23).<\/p>\n<p>Great Lakes coasters ($10) celebrate regional ecosystems with artwork by Chicago\u2019s own Bagman Studios.<\/p>\n<p>And if you have a marine creature lover in your life, a Shedd Aquarium animal encounter offers a chance to go behind the scenes and get up close with animals such as penguins, belugas, sea lions and sea otters. Experiences start at $99.95 per person, depending on the animal.<\/p>\n<p>1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.sheddaquarium.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sheddaquarium.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Glessner House<\/p>\n<p>When you visit the Glessner House Museum in winter, the venue in the Near South Side\u2019s Prairie District is dressed up in its Gilded Age holiday best. The in-museum shop has gifts that celebrate Chicago\u2019s architectural heritage and design traditions.<\/p>\n<p>Choose from coaster sets featuring tiles from the house\u2019s fireplaces ($14.50) or inspired by carved wood furniture details ($14.50), both adding a touch of history to your coffee table.<\/p>\n<p>A set of William Morris notecards ($18.95) emblazoned with eight of the designer\u2019s iconic patterns used throughout the house are new for 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Bookworms and Chicago history buffs may appreciate the book \u201cClarke House: Chicago\u2019s Oldest Building\u201d ($14.95), chronicling Chicago\u2019s oldest surviving home as it approaches its 190th anniversary in 2026. And for architecture enthusiasts, the museum\u2019s own publication \u201cLouis Sullivan: An American Architect\u201d ($39.95) offers fresh insight into the legendary designer\u2019s work and legacy.<\/p>\n<p>1800 S. Prairie Ave.; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glessnerhouse.org\/online-store\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">glessnerhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>National Museum of Mexican Art<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mng-gallery-initialized mng-gallery-slider\">\n<li data-index=\"1\" class=\"mng-ge mng-gallery-active\" id=\"mng-ge-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Wooden alebrijes (Mexican folk art creatures) for sale at Tienda...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-33.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Wooden alebrijes (Mexican folk art creatures) for sale at Tienda Tzintzuntzan (\u201cplace of the hummingbirds\u201d) gift shop in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago\u2019s Lower West Side neighborhood, Nov. 19, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A paper m\u00c3\u00a2ch\u00c3\u00a9 doll by Brittani Walker Morales of Guanajuato,...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-11.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-11.jpg\"\/>\n<p>A paper m\u00e2ch\u00e9 doll by Brittani Walker Morales of Guanajuato, Mexico, is sold for $200 at Tienda Tzintzuntzan (\u201cplace of the hummingbirds\u201d) gift shop in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago\u2019s Lower West Side neighborhood, Nov. 19, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A capulineado vase from Michoac\u00c3\u00a1n, Mexico, is sold for $100...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-15.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-15.jpg\"\/>\n<p>A capulineado vase from Michoac\u00e1n, Mexico, is sold for $100 at Tienda Tzintzuntzan (\u201cplace of the hummingbirds\u201d) gift shop in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago\u2019s Lower West Side neighborhood, Nov. 19, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"4\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Handwoven huichol dresses from Chiapas, Mexico, are sold at Tienda...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-18.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-18.jpg\"\/>\n<p>Handwoven huichol dresses from Chiapas, Mexico, are sold at Tienda Tzintzuntzan (\u201cplace of the hummingbirds\u201d) gift shop in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago\u2019s Lower West Side neighborhood, Nov. 19, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"5\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A leather bag from Guerrero, Mexico, front, is $72 at...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-27.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-27.jpg\"\/>\n<p>A leather bag from Guerrero, Mexico, front, is $72 at Tienda Tzintzuntzan (\u201cplace of the hummingbirds\u201d) gift shop in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago\u2019s Lower West Side neighborhood, Nov. 19, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"6\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A ceramic mug from The Found that showcasing different Chicago...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-21.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-21.jpg\"\/>\n<p>A ceramic mug from The Found that showcasing different Chicago landmarks is sold for $18.50 at Tienda Tzintzuntzan (\u201cplace of the hummingbirds\u201d) gift shop in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago\u2019s Lower West Side neighborhood, Nov. 19, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"7\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"West Aurora High School students browse the Tienda Tzintzuntzan (\u00e2\u0080\u009cplace...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-42.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-museum-gift-shops-42.jpg\"\/>\n<p>West Aurora High School students browse the Tienda Tzintzuntzan (\u201cplace of the hummingbirds\u201d) gift shop on Nov. 19, 2025, in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago\u2019s Lower West Side neighborhood. The shop sells various items made by Mexican artisans and artists as well as books and jewelry. (Dominic Di Palermo\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 7<\/p>\n<p>Wooden alebrijes (Mexican folk art creatures) for sale at Tienda Tzintzuntzan (\u201cplace of the hummingbirds\u201d) gift shop in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago\u2019s Lower West Side neighborhood, Nov. 19, 2025. (Dominic Di Palermo\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>At Tienda Tzintzuntzan, or \u201cplace of the hummingbird\u201d, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagotribune.com\/2025\/10\/03\/national-museum-mexican-art\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Museum of Mexican Art<\/a>\u2019s gift shop retail manager, Raquel Juarez, curates treasures directly from artisans across Mexico.<\/p>\n<p>Highlights include a paper\u2011m\u00e2ch\u00e9 doll by Brittani Walker Morales of Guanajuato ($200) and a Capulineado vase from Michoac\u00e1n ($100), decorated with intricate dotted patterns.<\/p>\n<p>From Chiapas, handwoven Huichol dresses showcase traditional craftsmanship. The green dress ($65) and white huipil dress ($140) are both wearable works of art.<\/p>\n<p>Everyday items get a cultural twist with a ceramic mug from The Found ($18.50) and leather bolsas, or bags, from Guerrero ($72).<\/p>\n<p>Collectors may be drawn to the wooden alebrijes from Oaxaca \u2014 fantastical creatures carved and painted in vibrant colors, including owls ($420-$450), a coyote ($320) and a jaguar ($400).<\/p>\n<p>1852 W. 19th St.; <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org\/events\/gift-shop-tienda-tzintzuntzan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Griffin Museum of Science and Industry<\/p>\n<p>Spark curiosity and wonder with science\u2011themed gifts, including a detailed U\u2011505 Submarine build-it-yourself model ($123), celebrating one of the museum\u2019s most iconic exhibits, a type IXC submarine launched by the German Kriegsmarine on May 24, 1941.<\/p>\n<p>Night Sky Playing Cards ($5.95) teach constellations while you play, and the Pocketscope ($35) is made for magnifying on the go.<\/p>\n<p>The desktop Foucault Pendulum ($45) is a reminder that the Earth is indeed still spinning.<\/p>\n<p>5700 S. Lake Shore Drive; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.griffinmsi.org\/amenities\/dining-and-shopping#shops\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">griffinmsi.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Chicago Architecture Center Design Store<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"The Chicago Architecture Center's multicolored Kinetics Necklace ($168.95) has handmade paper designs by Takara Beatheagudell. (Emmelly Aldave, Chicago Architecture Center)\" width=\"6000\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-gift-shops-02.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"29816413\" \/>The Chicago Architecture Center&#8217;s multicolored Kinetics Necklace ($168.95) has handmade paper designs by Takara Beatheagudell. (Emmelly Aldave, Chicago Architecture Center)<\/p>\n<p>Design meets \u201cThe Bear\u201d with the Franklin Barstool ($675), a custom piece from Navillus Woodworks\u2019 Franklin Dining series, the same woodworkers that outfit the fictional Chicago restaurant aspiring for a Michelin star in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagotribune.com\/2024\/07\/02\/column-class-social-status-in-the-kitchen-and-the-bear\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hit television series<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Chicago skyscraper playing cards ($24.95) showcase 56 buildings that illustrate our city\u2019s architectural evolution from the 19th century to today.<\/p>\n<p>When you buy the multicolored Kinetics Necklace ($168.95), with handmade paper designs by Takara Beatheagudell, you\u2019ll also help support area women reentering the workforce.<\/p>\n<p>Art created by locals is another option. The \u201cJazOnVinyl\u201d print ($275) by artist Jaz captures Chicago, movies, music and pop culture in a nostalgic 24-inch-by-36-inch illustration. And Nick Ulivieri\u2019s \u201cSurge\u201d print ($400) of the same size, available exclusively at the CAC Design Store, offers a glimpse of the city through his lens.<\/p>\n<p>111 E. Wacker Drive; <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.architecture.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">architecture.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Chicago skyscraper playing cards ($24.95) showcase 56 buildings. (Chicago Architecture Center)\" width=\"4192\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ctc-l-ent-gift-shops-01.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"29816389\" \/>Chicago skyscraper playing cards ($24.95) showcase 56 buildings. (Chicago Architecture Center)<br \/>\nAmerican Writers Museum<\/p>\n<p>For the bookworm in your life, the gift shop at the American Writers Museum offers literary\u2011inspired ideas.<\/p>\n<p>Carry your passion for writing everywhere with a typewriter bag ($45), a nod to the bygone tool of authors past.<\/p>\n<p>The \u201cA book a day keeps reality away\u201d mini cross stitch kit ($18.95) could serve as a stocking stuffer for crafty readers.<\/p>\n<p>And for those who love quirky accessories, the Tiniest Book Club Earrings ($22.95) featuring the covers of iconic American novels are a way to wear your love of literature.<\/p>\n<p>180 N. Michigan Ave.; <a href=\"https:\/\/americanwritersmuseum.org\/shop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">americanwritersmuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Amy Bizzarri is a freelance writer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For Chicagoans who dread the frenzy of holiday shopping, there\u2019s a calmer alternative. Instead of heading to mall,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":424024,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5124],"tags":[648,1022,960,5386,1818,1370,8160,1072],"class_list":{"0":"post-424023","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-chicago","8":"tag-arts","9":"tag-books","10":"tag-chicago","11":"tag-il","12":"tag-illinois","13":"tag-latest-headlines","14":"tag-museums","15":"tag-things-to-do"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115661177323652431","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424023","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=424023"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424023\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/424024"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=424023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=424023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=424023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}