Skip the line and head to these 5 Chicago sites for your holiday shopping

Written by James Risley
Published on Nov. 23, 2016
Skip the line and head to these 5 Chicago sites for your holiday shopping

With the rise of e-commerce, there is almost zero reason to brave the crowds at the big retailers on Black Friday. And if you want to shop local, heading to Amazon or other e-commerce giants isn’t always your best bet. We’ve gathered some local e-commerce startups that you can patronize this holiday season as you avoid the crowds and recover from an overstuffed Thanksgiving.

 

Want a gift that keeps on giving? Inventables’ lineup of 3D carvers lets your loved one build almost anything they can think of, helping them put their DIY sensibilities to good use. The company is offering as much as $250 off much of their lineup, including upgrade kits for those who’ve already gotten hooked on building.

 

Sometimes it’s nice to encourage your techie friends to get away from it all. With Mystery Tackle Box, your recipient will get a monthly box with new lures and other fishing gear designed for the type of fish the angler is hoping to catch. The company offers gift plans for three, six and 12 months at a time, and whoever you’re giving to can choose which package they’d like to use.

 

We often don’t give shoes a lot of thought. They have to go with a lot of stuff, and put up to lots of conditions— but BucketFeet also believes they should be works of art. The company lets customers vote on shoe designs from pro artists and hobbyists alike, offering a range of art-infused shoes. The kicks are a great gift for your stylish friends who are always on the search for something out-of-the-ordinary, and BucketFeet is offering 30 percent off for the shopping season kickoff.

 

Shopping for someone with traditional designer tastes, but don’t have the cash to make their dreams come true? Luxury Garage Sale brings consignment online, so you can find some great deals on high-fashion items in great condition. And for those who got a stodgy gift from a great, great aunt, Luxury Garage Sale is a great way to turn that clutch into cash.

 

Anyone with a friend who's a crafter knows how good life can be with photo books immortalizing weekend trips, handmade cards arriving right on your birthday and tailor-made gifts that really speak to you. What better way to give back than to give them the supplies they need to stick with their passion? Blitsy offers things for all crafters, from sewing and knitting supplies to sculpting tools and die cutters.

 

Images via listed companies

How are you shopping locally this season? Send us a tweet @BuiltInChicago

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