Where to shop on UChicago’s campus for last-minute gifts
Everyone’s been there: You forgot your friend’s birthday. You’re leaving on a trip tomorrow and need a host gift. There’s a baby shower or birthday party tomorrow and you still haven’t picked up a present. Or maybe, you’d like a unique holiday present for a family member back home. And what about a bottle of champagne for a celebration?
If so, all is not lost. There are multiple options on the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus or within a 10-minute walk to save the day. We’ve listed a roundup of some of them below.
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) museum gift shop
1155 E 58th St.
Step across University Avenue to visit the museum run by the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (formerly the Oriental Institute) and its excellent gift shop. Small plushies (like the new cuneiform sensation, Tuppi) would make a wonderful host or birthday gift. For a partner, maybe a copy of Persian Love Poetry, or check out earrings, scarves, cufflinks, or cuneiform socks. For kids, there are coloring books, a selection of children’s books, and a series of pins for satchels reproducing highlights of the museum.
Hours: Wednesday, Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday 10–8 p.m., or shop online.
Robie House gift shop
5757 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Just north of the Chicago Booth School of Business is the Robie House, a Frank Lloyd Wright-built home that has tours and a small but classy selection of gifts. Pick up midcentury modern trivets, Prairie Style patterned mugs, blankets, and mousepads, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired socks, or even a small piece of stained glass.
Hours: Thursday–Monday 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. or view a selection of Frank Lloyd Wright items online.
57th Street Books
1301 E. 57th St.
A 10-minute walk from campus is the 57th Street Books, which has an lovely array of children’s books. Those include picture books (including Quantum Physics for Babies) and young adult selections, with an exceptional collection by authors of color—perfect for baby showers or for young family and friends. There is also a small selection of educational toys and games. For older recipients, there is popular fiction, as well as cookbooks, cards, and small gifts like calendars, puzzles, posters, or a set of Chicago-hot-dog-branded pencils.
Hours: Weekdays 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m., or order online.
L1 Retail Store at the Green Line Performing Arts Center
319 E. Garfield Blvd.
UChicago’s Arts + Public Life runs L1, a creative business accelerator program and retail store housing three POC locally-owned businesses at their location at the Green Line Garfield stop. Currently they are hosting Balm Yard, selling botanics, body butters, and bath products; Red Elephant Candle Co., selling scented candles and accoutrements; and Hyde & Park Co., selling candles, room sprays, and wax melts.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seminary Co-Op bookstore and Plein Air
5751 S. Woodlawn Ave.
For adults into literature or politics, or for books by UChicago-affiliated authors, try the Seminary Co-Op bookstore on Woodlawn. Next door is the Plein Air Café, which carries bottles of wine or champagne for an emergency celebration or host gift.
Hours: Seminary Coop is open weekdays 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Plein Air Café is open weekdays 7 a.m. - 8 p.m., weekends 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
More places to shop:
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For UChicago-branded apparel or kitsch, try the University of Chicago Official Bookstore on the corner of Ellis Avenue and E. 58th Street (970 E. 58th St.)
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For flowers or other small gift items, stop in any of the gift shops at UChicago Medicine, or order online.
Do you know more great spots on or near campus to pick up a gift? Email us at uchicagointranet@uchicago.edu and we might include it in our next Citizen newsletter or on the UChicago Intranet!