Give Better this Holiday Season 2019
Gifting can be an art form. Shopping small, local, and through artists ensures a unique product that is thoughtfully produced. Your hard earned dollars lining Jeff Bezos pockets will never be found, he has too many pants. Colleen Walsh, a talented painter that you should know about, and I are often collaborators, but always shopping buddies. Scroll down for the details of our list of items we love to get and give. Who doesn’t appreciate Amazon for emergencies and basics? But consider spending this holiday season supporting the unique, small businesses that flourish in the world around you. Just like the unique people who make you flourish in the world.
Side Note: Though this list is Chicago-centric, many items are available via shipping.
Beam Paints is 100% indigenous female owned. The high quality natural paints are created by drawing on the owner’s Alaskan upbringing. The no plastic packaging, has elevated these pigments into an art form unto themselves. This O’Keefe inspired palette, has removed the hard work of choice, so you may create and paint in confidence. ($45)
Sidenote: Chicagoites are lucky to have a Beam outpost through Andersonville’s foremost fancy office & art supplier, Martha Mae. Go there. You won’t be sorry, but your wallet might be.
FIVE
East Grove’s signature Neighborhood wooden drawings have been winterized with wreaths, snowmen, and a pair of [loathed/loved] lawn chairs dibbing a parking spot. The detail is insanely cute! Eastgrove offers flexible ordering options to best suit your own personal Christmas Village. Eastgrove is a thriving family run business based out of Chicago’s Western suburbs.
(Starting at $65)
SIX
Cornell is housed in a 1939 Florist’s shop in Hyde Park, Chicago. The new owners let its’ history shine, effortlessly layered into the modern style. The same can be said of Cornell’s arrangements. Though owner and operator, Lindsay, harkens on well honed rules of the trade, she evolves them into one of a kind artistic masterpieces. Cornell shops small and local, sourcing many of the goods through local artisans and seasonal, locally grown plants. Cornell also stocks a collection of rare plants and artisanal goods, curated thoughtfully all year. These are not your Mama’s Poinsettias...
If you don’t ever find your way to Cornell, Lindsay’s floral arrangements can find their way to you if you are in the Chicagoland area.
