CHICAGO — From Little India to Little Village to Chinatown, Chicago is home to a multitude of ethnic enclaves and the nation’s fourth-largest number of immigrants.
For those who want to support immigrant-owned businesses this holiday season, here are six in Chicago where you can grab gifts for your loved ones.
Blazed Bakery, 2415 N. Milwaukee Ave. Website.
Located in Logan Square and founded in 2024, this Pakistani-owned bakery sells THC-infused freshly baked goods, with its offerings ranging from cupcakes and cookies to espressos and lemonades. Weed-free bakery items are also for sale. Besides food items, Blazed Bakery sells CBD-infused skin care items like body butter and gel for $29.99 and $39.99, respectively. Order online or book Blazed Bakery for custom cake catering here.
For those who want a bit of everything, the business will offer coffee flights and gift boxes available for purchase, both of which will be curated by staff. The coffee flights, which can be bought in store, start at about $18. Items could be made to be either infused or non-infused.
Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and 9 a.m.-midnight Thursday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays. 773-799-8811.
Jazmin Flowers & Balloons, 1414 W. 18th St. Website.
For those who want a little color in their life, this Mexican-owned vibrant flower shop in Pilsen offers a catalogue of flower types, including roses, orchids and lilies. The store offers themed bouquets and arrangements for all occasions.
For that someone special, check out one of their best sellers, Honeymoon Bouquet, featuring roses, lilies and carnations starting at $60.
Place an order online, in person or call the store at 312-226-0972.
Hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.
Vinoteca, 3035 N. California Ave. Website.
For the friend who enjoys the finer things in life, Vinoteca in Avondale sells curated Spanish and Portuguese wines. Wines ranging from $20 to $40 can be ordered online, in store or can be directly shipped from wineries in Spain.
The boutique, whose owner is originally from Mexico City, also hosts a Wine Club where members can enjoy handpicked bottles of wine each month, each including tasting notes, pairing suggestions and background on the vineyards. The package starts at $250.
The storefront also hosts occasional wine tastings for those who want an in-person experience.
Hours are noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and other select days.
Colores Mexicanos. Website.
Previously located on the Mag Mile, this now fully online Mexican gift shop sells Mexican knickknacks, clothing, tequilas, home decor, jewelry, ornaments, fashion accessories, books and more.
Owned by Mexican immigrants in Chicago, Colores Mexicanos partners with over 100 artisans and also hosts Mexican craft workshops, where class topics range from weaving to embroidery to painting with some of Chicago’s top Mexican artists.
For the home decor lover, get the Oaxacan Teotitlan pillowcase and rug, starting at $48.99 and $230, respectively. For the jewelry connoisseur, check out this handmade beaded sunflower earring from Guerrero, Mexico, starting at $24.99.
Dulcelandia, 3253 W. 26th St. in Little Village, 4612 S. Kedzie Ave. in Brighton Park, 3855 W. Fullerton Ave. in Logan Square. Website.
Located in Little Village, Brighton Park, Logan Square and online, Dulcelandia was started by two Mexican immigrants in the ‘90s and is now the largest Mexican candy distributor in the Midwest.
Run now by their son, Dulcelandia sells imported products from Mexico like candy, piñatas and party favors. Their Mexican candy selection spans over 600 products, listed around $2-$20.
For kids interested in candy flavors such as mango, guava, coconut or even spicy “roasted chicken,” get the Pulparindo Mango Squeeze for $5.99. It’s a sour mango pulp gel-type candy.
Nouvie Wine, sold online and at various locations.
Founded to create healthier and better-tasting non-alcoholic wine, Nouvie Wine offers sparkling non-alcoholic Spanish wine online and in select bars and restaurants across Chicago, including Pats Pizza and Ristorante, 2679 N. Lincoln Ave. in Lincoln Park; The Dearborn, 145 N. Dearborn St. in the Loop; and Bottles and Cans, 4109 N. Lincoln Ave. in North Center.
So far, the brand is selling non-alcoholic sparkling white wine starting at $27.99 per bottle, but it also offers gift vouchers for the store.
For those looking for a non-alcoholic way to end the night, Nouvie Wine boasts only 3 grams of sugar, a dry and crisp taste and pairs well with oysters, soft cheeses, grilled seafood or charcuterie, according to its website.
773-241-1263. Instagram. Facebook.
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