Max Herman/Borderless MagazineBilingual books, handcrafted vases and more gift ideas from local immigrant-owned businesses this holiday season.
From home decor to accessories, Borderless Magazine has compiled a list of immigrant- and minority-owned businesses to support this holiday season.
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Gracida Ceramics, 3279 W. Armitage Ave.
Paola Gracida, a ceramic artist from Mexico City, showcases a selection of her handmade vases, sculptures, and more at her new shop in Logan Square. When she is not at an art show, she is often at her storefront working and ready to chat with anyone interested in her work. Her unique modern vases and colorful tabletop canisters with lids make great last-minute gifts.
— Aydali Campa, Environmental Reporter
Pilsen Vintage, 1430 W. 18th St.
Pilsen Vintage is a curated resale store that stocks a mix of thrifted and second-hand designer clothes and accessories. Their selection is wide-ranging, consistently high quality and reasonably priced. You really cannot ask for more. If you’re doing last-minute shopping, you can also take advantage of their Cumbia & Krampus Party on Dec. 18, during which the whole store is 20% off.
— Camilla Forte, Photojournalist
Los Amigos Bookshop, 2207 N. Western Ave.
Los Amigos, a Bucktown bookshop specializing in Spanish and bilingual children’s literature, is a great place to shop if you have to gift little ones this holiday season. They also maintain a fairly extensive collection of Spanish or translated books for adults, so this is worth checking out if you have people in your life who prefer to read in Spanish.
— Camilla Forte, Photojournalist
Rica Arepa, Multiple Locations
Rica Arepa is my go-to restaurant when I want a taste of home. The co-owners are a husband-and-wife dynamic duo that offer traditional Venezuelan dishes with rich flavors and culture. The restaurant offers imported products from Venezuela, including candy and other party favors, which make perfect sweet treats for the holiday season.
If you’re also a busy bee like me and looking to surprise your guests with a flavorful South American dish for dinner, the restaurant offers catering with a limited-time holiday menu — including my childhood favorites, such as the Venezuelan Hallaca.
— Hillary Flores, Bilingual Deputy Editor
Oromo Cafe, 4703 N. Lincoln Ave
I stop by this Turkish cafe in Lincoln Square at least once a week for coffee and a snack. They make their own nut milks and offer a wide variety of drinks. I’ve gifted their Turkish coffee kit in the past, which includes a special coffee pot and beans. For local folks, I recommend giving a gift card and a protective evil eye charm, which can be found near the register.
— Nissa Rhee, Cofounder and Executive Director
Hendrickx Bakery, 100 E. Walton St
I recently discovered this Belgian bakery hidden in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Founded by Belgians Dominique Schewebach and Renaud Hendrickx, the small bakery is known for its croissants. Their traveling cakes, however, make great gifts and are designed to stay moist and flavorful without refrigeration, making them ideal for packing when traveling during the holidays.
— Nissa Rhee, Cofounder and Executive Director
Restoried Bookshop, 4613 N. Kedzie Ave
Restoried is my go-to local bookshop! They are an Asian American, family-owned bookseller, with a wonderful selection of books by Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander authors. The owners also curate books by Black, Indigenous, and Latinx authors in Chicago. If you’re looking for a gift for a loved one or to add something to your book collection, Restoried is the place to go!
— Siriluck Poontong, Finance and Admin Manager
