ENGLEWOOD — Holiday shopping can be a pain, but this list could make gift buying a little easier for South Siders.
While the businesses are local, the best part is that most of these items can be bought online, so you don't have to worry about crowds or parking headaches.
And the list helps you support South Side business owners from neighborhoods like Englewood, Chatham and Roseland.
Scented Candles, Body Oils and More From Annie Bell Fragrances
Annie Bell Fragrances carries handmade soy candles in over 20 scents. [Photo/Facebook]
Create a gift basket full of items made locally featuring tantalizing scents and aromas. Annie Bell Fragrances offers several products, but it might be hard to choose just one, so why not throw in a few?
The store carries handmade soy candles with no dyes or additives for $10 each. Choose from over 20 different scents such as the Lavender Soy Candle, Pineapple Bliss Soy Candle or Coco Mango Soy Candle. If candles aren’t your thing, there are plenty of essential oils, soaps, massage oil and more. Annie Bell Fragrances can be found in the Englewood Whole Foods, 832 W. 63rd St. They are also in three other locations. Visit the website at www.anniebellfragrances.com.
Holiday sweater from My Block My Hood My City
My Block My Hood My City is selling holiday hoodies for $40. [Facebook]
Rock a stylish hoodie or T-shirt while giving to a good cause. My Block My Hood My City is an organization founded in 2014 by Chatham resident Jahmal Cole. The program exposes teenagers from underserved Chicago neighborhoods to other parts of the city. Proceeds from the sales help fund the explorations. Holiday hoodies in green or red are $40 and shirts range from $25-35. Shop online at www.mbmhmc.com.
“I Am Englewood” Photography Series by native Kenneth J. Johnson
This is a sample of work from Kenneth J. Johnson's "I Am Englewood" series. [Provided/Kenneth J. Johnson]
The 13 photo series captures residents in their natural element. Kenneth Johnson is a native of the community and said he wanted to give the world a positive image of the community he grew up in. A 20x30 framed print is $400. Order online at www.kjohnsonpictures.com.
Children's book "Amenia's Pink Polka Dotted Rain Boots" by Samaiyah Muhammad-Wright
Samaiyah Muhammad-Wright, a Chatham author, is selling her book on Amazon for $9.70.
Custom cakes, cupcakes and dessert bars by Penthouse Sweets
Penthouse Sweets is located in Alsip at 4043 W. 115th St. [Photo/Penthouse Sweets]
Leave the baking for the professionals this year and enjoy time with loved ones instead.
Roseland native Yvonne Ivy-Stephens appeared on this season of the Food Network's "Cake Wars.” The pastry chef has served cake to some of the city's most famous residents, including President Barack Obama. Her dessert studio is located in suburban Alsip, 4043 W. 115th St. Check out her full menu online at www.penthousesweetschicago.com.
Handmade body scrubs, scarves, accessories from Absolutely Anything Essential Gift Shop
Body scrubs from Absolutely Anything Essential can be found at 3521 S. King Dr. [Facebook]
The Bronzeville store acts as a one stop shop for South Side customers who have multiple gifts to purchase, but not a lot of time. The gift shop includes products from more than 10 different businesses. Customers can get gourmet treats, artisan merchandise, jewelry, cards, aromatherapy gifts and more. The body scrubs are $10-12. Take 20 percent off your purchase with the coupon which can be found online at www.absolutelyanythingessential.com. The store is at 3521 S. King Dr. and closed Sundays and Mondays.
“On-Fleek” by Nelly Bernal at Lure Chaussures
“On-Fleek” by Nelly Bernal is sold at Lure Chaussures for $99. [Provided/Lure Chaussures]
The Chatham shoe boutique offers fun and funky shoes for women. The store isn’t for the dull. Many of the shoes are brightly colored, sparkled, and include high heels. “On-Fleek” has a 4.5 high heel and runs in sizes 6-11. It's on sale for $99 (down from $120). There are also flats and boots of all lengths. The shop carries some clothes, handbags, jackets and accessories, but a larger selection can be found online at www.lurechaussures.com. Visit the store at 319 E. 79th St.
See DNAinfo Partners' Neighborhood Picks in the 2016 Holiday Guide
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