Your Guide to UChicago Holiday Shopping
'Tis the season of giving! With the holidays fast approaching, many of us are on the hunt for special gifts for family, friends, and loved ones. Searching for the perfect heartfelt present, a practical gift, or a festive bottle of champagne to celebrate the season can be stressful, but we've got you covered. We’ve compiled a guide to shops right here on the Hyde Park campus or within a 10-minute walk. From museum gift shops to bookstores, discover hidden gems right under your nose.
University of Chicago Bookstore
The corner of Ellis Avenue and E. 58th Street (970 E. 58th St.)
For anyone in your life who wants to sport a little UChicago pride, the University of Chicago bookstore offers a wide range of UChicago-branded apparel and accessories including sweatshirts, mugs, ornaments, plushies, and more. Some items may only be available in store, but most can also be found online.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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 and its excellent gift shop. Small plushies (like the 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 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.
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.
Arts + Public Life L1 Creative Business Accelerator
Online
UChicago’s Arts + Public Life runs L1, a creative business accelerator program giving a platform to POC locally-owned businesses. While the physical location is closed until the spring, you can still support these small businesses online through the Arts + Public Life gift guide.
More places to shop:
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For flowers or other small gift items, stop in any of the gift shops at UChicago Medicine, or order online.
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For unique gifts for the artists in your life use code 'YAY25' (until December 21) for 25% off gifts from the Renaissance Society online store.
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Explore more local businesses in the Buy Local Resource Directory.
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!