10 Must-Have Souvenirs from Chicago that Capture the City’s Spirit 

Are you looking to bring home some special souvenirs from Chicago? As with any destination, the best Chicago souvenirs are items that truly reflect both the spirit of the city and your own memories of the place.

As a local, I’m sharing the 10 best souvenirs to buy in Chicago – whether you want to give someone a gift or keep them all to yourself.

10 Best Souvenirs from Chicago

From foodie finds to art, music, sports memorabilia and more, here are 10 Chicago must-have souvenirs: 

1. Deep dish pizza 

It’s no secret that deep dish pizza originated in my city, and trying some Chicago-style pizza while you’re in town is a must.

But, did you know you could also bring this taste of the city back home with you?

Italians have been settling in Chicago since the 1850s, particularly in the Near West Side and on Taylor Street.

Their influence on local cuisine and culture has been phenomenal, and the development of deep dish pizza reflects that perfectly.

You can buy it half baked and frozen to finish baking it yourself at home. You can also have it shipped to your home if you prefer. I recommend buying from Giordano’s, my personal favorite place to get deep dish in Chicago.

Deep dish pizza may well be the ultimate souvenir of Chicago to share with friends and family back home.

2. Chicago relish

Chicago-style hot dogs are also synonymous with the city – and you cannot make a Chicago hot dog without the right relish! Which is Chicago relish, of course. 

The relish, with its signature bright green color, is used to top hot dogs all over the city. This condiment goes right alongside the other usual additions including mustard, onions, tomatoes, peppers, pickle and celery salt. But not ketchup. 

Never ketchup.  

If you want to buy some, it’s hard to beat the green Vienna® relish, which is widely available across the city.

3. Giardiniera 

Like deep pan pizza, Chicago giardiniera is another example of Italian-American fusion. And as with Chicago relish, it’s also one of the city’s best-loved condiments. 

While Italian giardiniera comprises a collection of chopped vegetables pickled in vinegar, Chicago’s version involves bigger, bolder flavors (of course it does). Think -lots of hot serrano peppers preserved in oil rather than vinegar, for a richer result. 

Look out for the Divina’s or Marconi brands. Alternatively, head to J.P. Graziano Grocery on W Randolph St or a farmer’s market to find the best Chicago giardiniera.

4. Garrett’s popcorn 

Garrett Popcorn shops can be found in the suburbs as well as downtown. They make what they call the “original Chicago-style popcorn.” Which comes in a range of sweet and savory flavors.

A tin of this gourmet popcorn makes a great gift for anyone. Pick between CheeseCorn and CaramelCrisp – two of the most popular types – or opt for a Limited Batch special, such as Frango Chocolate Mint. 

You can also buy bundles and mixed packs; build your own; or opt for a sports, split, or mini mix tin. If you don’t have space to bring tins back with you don’t worry, they also have popcorn bags in different sizes. 

And if you’re looking for a last minute gift, you’ll also find a Garret’s stand at O’hare airport. 

5. Malört 

If Chicago has a signature liqueur, then Jeppson’s Malört is it. So – if you’re uninitiated – what is it?

Malört is a type of “Brännvin,” which means “burning wine” in Swedish. It’s a plain distilled liquor that’s often compared to vodka.

It’s flavored with wormwood, which is a bitter herb often thought to have medicinal properties. Other alcoholic drinks like absinthe and vermouth may also contain the herb.

You can buy Malört at bars and stores across the city. Locally, it’s seen as a rite of passage – and sometimes even a cure for a hangover.

Order at your own risk and don’t expect it to taste great, that’s not the point.

6. Frango Mints

Though they were originally created for Frederick and Nelson in Seattle, Marshall Field later became the department store of choice when it comes to Frango Mints. Now, Garrett Popcorn owns the right to sell the candy from Macy’s. 

Frango’s history goes back to 1918. Then 11 years later, in 1929, Marshall Field came up with their own recipe, which was made on the store’s 13th floor for 70 years. 

For anyone with a sweet tooth, the mint chocolate trio and milk chocolate mint gift boxes make perfect presents from Chicago!

7. Sports memorabilia 

Whether they’re into baseball, NFL, or basketball, sports-themed gifts featuring Chicago’s most famous teams will always be a winner. 

From the Chicago Bears or Bulls to the Chicago Cubs or White Sox, there are so many team items to choose from.

Pick between apparel, drinks accessories, and limited edition items, or choose something featuring iconic Wrigley Field. 

The official team stores are a great place to shop if you’re any kind of a fan. Find the Cubs team store on Michigan Ave, for example, or try any local sports store to pick up that must-have gift.   

8. Jazz or Blues records & CDs

Both the jazz and blues scenes in Chicago are legendary. So what better gift for any music fan than some blues or jazz music? 

Jazz and blues festivals are held in the city to celebrate both genres. You’ll also find bars all over town where you can hear the music for yourself, including innovative new sounds. 

Bob’s Jazz and Blues Mart on W Irving Park Rd is a reputable shop if you want to find something unusual, or that’s a little hard to track down. They sell both new and used items. 

9. Gifts from local shops 

There’s a number of Chicago stores I can personally recommend, which are perfect when you want to pick up a unique gift. 

You can find Foursided in five locations across the city, including three in Lakeview and two in the Andersonville neighborhood.

The latter is a great area to shop in general. Stop by Andersonville Galleria, where you can find close to 100 artsy retailers under one roof. 

With shops on N Clark St and N Milwaukee Ave, Transit Tees offers more than apparel. You can also buy locally themed games, homeware and stationery items.  

If you’re not sure what to buy, browsing the shops along N. Lincoln Ave in the Lincoln Square area is always a good bet.

10. Architecture or art gifts

Two more favorites are the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) design store and the Art Institute of Chicago Museum shop. 

Go to the CAC Design Store to pick up all sorts of Chicago-themed gifts. Many items here feature the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, or other Chicago architecture and designs. 

Choose between apparel and accessories, housewares, books, photographs and other stand-out souvenirs. 

The Art Institute shop, meanwhile, sells exhibition catalogs, books, reproduction art, prints, exclusive apparel, accessories, jewelry and homeware.  

How to choose the best Chicago souvenirs for you

When picking out the perfect souvenir to take home or a gift for someone else, first of all think about who it’s for. What do you – or they – like, and can any special interests provide some inspo?

If you can, I recommend getting something reflective of your Chicago itinerary and actual experiences in the city.

What would really help you to remember your stay, or enable you to reminiscence about and even recreate your own trip highlights?

Rather than going out of your way to get a specific item on this (or any) souvenir list just because it’s on here, try to think about it from a more personal angle. 

The best souvenirs of Chicago are the ones you’ll actually wear, use, or look at often to be reminded of a good memory or story from your stay. 

Final thoughts on the 10 must-have souvenirs from Chicago

Chicago is a great city and one you’re sure to love spending time exploring. Bringing home a meaningful Chicago gift, whether for yourself or for someone else, can extend your connection with the city beyond the few days you spend here. 

Chicago is known for so many things – food, art and architecture, music, sports. You can hardly go wrong when it comes to picking out a great gift representative of this city’s spirit!