Before making your list and checking it twice, explore these 13 luxe gifts and experiences in Chicago that are sure to impress everyone on your list this holiday season.
Bubbles & Caviar at Dom's Kitchen & Market
For the foodies in your life, Lincoln Park food emporium Dom’s Kitchen & Market is offering private bubbles and caviar tastings ($520) for four. The experience features fresh oysters, caviar with French cocktail bellinis, water crackers and tuna nigiri—all paired with Lanson Black Label, Argyle Brut Rose and George Lavel Brut Nature Champagne.
Dinner at The Omakase Room at Sushi-San
Talk about an exclusive setting: With just 10 seats, every guest gets a front seat to the action as master sushi chef Kaze Chan works sushi magic over 18 delectable courses ($250 per person, $425 with wine and sake pairings). A must for any lover of Japanese cuisine.
Private Pasta Class at Formento’s
Formento’s private pasta class ($2,500), hosted in one of three private dining spaces, is led by chef Don Walker and is the perfect experiential gift your group won’t soon forget. With a group of 10 to 15, learn the process of making gnocchi and more while enjoying a selection of passed appetizers and beverages.
Steak Boxes from Gene & Georgetti
Gift the deliciousness of house favorites from Chicago’s oldest steakhouse with Gene & Georgetti Meats’ curated steak boxes (from $189), which feature a range of the spot’s beloved cuts of beef from filets and T-bones to New York strips and prime rib.
Private Dinners by Duck Sel
This culinary experience created by chef Donald Young, one of the youngest chefs to be awarded a Michelin star in the U.S., is the perfect gift for the gourmand in your life. Featuring modern and classic techniques, the at-home dinners (from $1,200) range from three to 12 courses and can be a collaborative experience or a surprise prepared completely by the chef.
Timepieces from Marshall Pierce & Co.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Collection (from $4,750) from Marshall Pierce & Co. features stunning watches inspired by the Art Deco movement and is the perfect “his and hers” gift. The recently released are crafted in an eye-catching rectangular shape with uncluttered lines that create a sleek, timeless look.
Private Spa Membership at The Peninsula
There’s no going wrong when gifting your loved one a membership to The Peninsula Spa (initiation fee, $1,500; monthly fee, $250). With an extensive menu of Ayurvedic and Asian philosophy-inspired treatments, the spa offers a relaxed sanctuary complete with amenities such as a half-Olympic length swimming pool, a relaxation lounge, a fitness center and a studio space for group classes.
Candles from Frankfort Candle Co.
This Frankfort, IL-born brand’s luxe candles ($34-$108) are perfect for gifting this season. The handmade, sustainable creations are each one-of-a-kind and can be refilled or repurposed after burning, making it a gift that keeps on giving.
Stay and Skate Package at Pendry
Pendry’s seasonal Stay and Skate package (from $250) offers an unforgettable ice skating experience for two at the Maggie Daley Ribbon, with skate rentals and a pair of cozy Pendry scarves included. The package also includes drinks at rooftop lounge Château Carbide’s winter concept or hot sips at Bar Pendry in the lobby to warm up post-skate.
Gold Fashioned from Sunday’s Finest
This ready-to-enjoy bottle ($149.99), which serves 10 to 15 Old Fashioneds, was created by Chicago-based Sunday’s Finest from award-winning bartender and spirits producer Robert Haynes. The ingredients include 15-year, and 9-year Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, 6-year Indiana straight rye whiskey, fair trade Malawian demerara and Sunday’s Finest saffron bitters. The best part? Each bottle comes with a personal orange zest atomizer and a professional pourer spout, so anyone can become a mixologist with this gift.
The Power of Zen Package from Bestowal Gifts
Everyone could use a little Zen in their life, and this luxe self-care box ($119.99) from Bestowal Gifts offers just that. The curated set includes self-care products like mindfulness brain training puzzle cards, therapy dough, sleep aids, candles and more.
Macaron Boxes from Vanille Patisserie
Vanille Patisserie, the award-winning French-inspired bakery in Lincoln Park, makes holiday shopping for the sweet tooths on your list a breeze with its new line of gift boxes ($43). Packed with holiday-themed macarons for Hanukkah or gourmet flavors including Nutella, red velvet, cappuccino and more, a box of these treats is bound to impress.
La Grande Crème from Waldorf Astoria Spa
In partnership with Biologique Recherché, the Waldorf Astoria Spa is offering the cutting-edge La Grande Crème ($700) that will level up your loved ones’ skincare routines. The skin cream tackles age-related skin concerns and contains active ingredients that improve the functional architecture of elastin and collagen fibers to combat wrinkles.
Photography by: Photos courtesy of brands
