the second annual queering the burbs gift guide.
the second annual queering the burbs gift guide.
Updated for 2023: Support local queer and ally-owned businesses this holiday season (and always).
Last updated on November 27, 2023
Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and the Honda Days Toyotathon are upon us once again. Of course, in the best of years, this time of year comes with a whole lot of additional stress for many people, and this year is no different.
Heaped on top of the heightened obligations and expectations around family events, gift giving, working overtime and so much more, the world feels just as chaotic as ever. We’re witnessing, in real time, a devastating human rights crisis in Gaza and we’re also right on the verge of an election year that could have devastating impacts for queer folks and so many other marginalized communities. It’s easy to feel pretty dejected and exhausted.
On top of that, these coming few weeks are absolutely critical for the survival of most of the small businesses you know and love, queer-owned and otherwise. As Batavia-based Hearth & Hammer has shared so eloquently, the money made by locally owned shops during the holidays is what allows them to stay afloat during the lean months. These businesses need your support so that they can continue to exist and help make our communities a better, more accepting place for people like us to live and flourish.
With that in mind, I first assembled this Queering the Burbs Gift Guide last year, and I’ve spruced it up with a number of updates this year. Included below are gift ideas featuring businesses in the Fox Valley area that are queer or ally-owned, so you can feel good about your gift giving this year.
TANGIBLES & EDIBLES
Stocking stuffers, host gifts, one-of-a-kind artwork, and so much more.
CatTalpa Manor (Batavia) offers a unique blend of plants you won’t see just anywhere, artwork from local artists like Joanna Goss and @KittensOfIndustry, and so much more. It’s the perfect place to shop for your creative niece or nephew, or your impossible-to-shop-for artsy friend.
Harvey’s Tales (Geneva) is an indie bookstore that feels like it was pulled straight out of a Gilmore Girls episode. The shop carries a bit of everything in the perfectly creaky old house it calls home, including a Banned Book room and an extensive offering of music books.
Hearth & Hammer (Batavia) got its start as a literary candle brand but has grown to be so much more. Now the shop (now in its gorgeous new location on 1st Street) carries a range of beautifully curated home goods, pantry items, candy, apothecary items, gifts for kids and even their own Batavia Made line for B-Town residents looking to show some hometown pride. If you’ve ever seen Schitt’s Creek, it’s basically a real-life Rose Apothecary.
Hemp Club Jewelry (St. Charles) creates some truly unique jewelry that’s perfect for the whimsical souls in your life, as well as some gorgeously carved crystals to help you live out your best Practical Magic life.
Annie Hex’s Hex Poetry Apothecary (Batavia) features zines and merch on her website, as well as details on how you can book a tarot reading with her in her iconic, new Pink Room in downtown Batavia. You’ll also want to follow Batavia’s own poet witch and gay mayor on Instagram to stay in the loop on where she’ll be tabling next to sell her wares, such as her signature Kaboodles. Annie’s readings would make for a great gift for that friend who already has everything. (Read more about Annie Hex here.)
Hoof & Horn (Aurora) is the Fox Valley’s one and only (to my knowledge) queer-owned witch shop. The store offers just about anything one could need for a magical practice, as well as a thorough selection of books, tarot cards, crystals and really beautiful home decor items. The shop also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including a haunted Aurora walking tour last fall. (Read more about Hoof & Horn here.)
Kiss the Sky (Batavia) is a Batavia cultural institution. It features a massive inventory of vinyl records including both brand new releases and older ones, and it’s also got a sizable selection of unique vintage pieces to shop. This is the place to go if you’re looking to get a sibling into LPs.
Lucky Eye Ink (Batavia) is the brainchild of the super talented Lindsey Roussel, who creates and sells what she calls “cursed art.” You can check out her creations online, or monthly at the ArtBar pop-up at Sidecar Supper Club in Batavia (including one on Friday, Dec. 8).
Midwest Nice (Geneva) is a 3rd Street gift shop that carries unique handmade gifts from over 100 local artists and always has an eclectic mix of jewelry, candles, greeting cards, and art, always with a bit of a quirky twist.
SageStitchCo (Batavia) is a local artisan specializing in embroidery and her work is perfect for the kooky aunt in your life. I personally love her “Read Queer Books” felt bookmark and her 3” hoops featuring iconic Barbie quotes.
Superjumbo (Aurora) is a local small business offering a uniquely curated inventory of vinyl records and movies, plus retro collectibles and toys. The same owners are also behind the nearby Yetee Station, a retro arcade, which could make for a fun outing with the niblings.
Wild Witch Preserves (Batavia) is making some of the tastiest small batch jams and preserves I’ve ever tasted. These are the perfect host gift or stocking stuffer for discerning palates. You can order online for pickups in Chicago, or follow Wild Witch on Instagram to hear where she’s popping up (including typically at the Batavia farmers’ market once a month).
EXPERIENCES
Because sometimes people truly do have enough stuff already. That’s what gift cards are for.
Beardsgaard Barbers (Batavia) not only offers expert hair-cuttery, but also a finely curated inventory of everything you might need to take care of your hair, skin and, yes, especially your beard. If someone in your life digs a tight fade, you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate here.
Bocaditos (Batavia) is a culinary godsend to B-Town. The Argentinian cafe serves up incredible fresh empanadas, desserts, and other dishes, and also sells a range of wines and other Argentinian products. Bonus: Bocaditos is also available to cater your holiday party.
Full Circle Healing (St. Charles) offers Shiatsu and massage bodywork that incorporates plant medicine. If anyone in your life needs healing — physical or otherwise — this is the place to go.
Healing Arts Metaphysical Center (Batavia) offers a range of classes and workshops to help restore some balance to your life. The space specifically offers events like guided meditations and full moon ceremonies, as well as a number of supplies for your metaphysical practice.
The Hive (St. Charles) and El Jefe Leña y Mar (Aurora) both host regular drag show brunches in their respective spaces, which would make for a great outing with your mother-in-law or, well, anyone with taste. The next “Drag Me to Brunch” show at El Jefe is taking place on Dec. 2 and it’s already sold out, but you can keep an eye out for its next monthly iteration coming soon. The next drag show at The Hive is scheduled for Dec. 17 and tickets are still available as of this writing.
Kindred Coffee (West Chicago) is a community-oriented cafe and Limestone Coffee & Tea (Batavia) is the central hub of downtown Batavia. If you’re truly stumped on gift ideas, either of these two spots would be the perfect gift card selection for someone local. Who doesn’t like coffee?!
New Moon Vegan (Batavia) specializes in plant-based, seasonal baked goods that will honestly knock you off your feet. They also opened up their new permanent location on Route 31 earlier this year, a spot that has the coziest of vibes. My personal favorites are always changing, but recently have included their savory-sweet cornmeal cookies and their signature Staten breakfast sandwich. You can also stay up on their goings-on via social.
Paramount Theatre (Aurora) is an incredibly gorgeous historic theater located right in downtown Aurora, and they’re up to some truly ambitious things, including mounting a number of queer-centric recent productions like Kinky Boots and Fun Home. When in doubt, you truly can’t beat tickets to see live theater. The theater’s current production is the iconic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (through Jan. 14).
Sidecar Supper Club (Batavia) is home to some of B-Town’s best vibes. This spot has the cozy Midwestern hole-in-the-wall energy down pat and they serve some incredible comforting grub and regularly host live music and other happenings (including several Queer Proms!). If I’m being honest, I sometimes dream of their fried pickles. A gift card to Sidecar would be ideal for the local foodie on your list.
Sturdy Shelter Brewing (Batavia) is a newcomer to B-Town but the brewery has already earned a reputation for its tasty brews and immaculate vibes. The brewery has already played host to multiple LGBTQ+ focused events, and community-oriented programming like its Becoming Neighbors dinners. A gift card or night out here is a great gift for the beer lover in your life.
DO-GOODERY
Maybe the person on your list isn’t interested in any of the above. Why not donate to a local queer cause on their behalf? Some options below:
360 Youth Services (Naperville) provides prevention education, counseling and housing for youth experiencing homelessness.
Belong: Fox Valley (Geneva) is a grassroots organization that is working to foster inclusive and affirming spaces in the Fox Valley. Among many other things, Belong hosts regular “Cheers Queers” social events geared toward LGBTQ+ adults and allies, and they will soon offer drop-in support for LGBTQ+ youth in Geneva.
Youth Outlook (Naperville) provides support for LGBTQ+ youth and families through drop-in centers, family support and education.
This guide is not exhaustive. If you’d like to be included or know of someone else who should be here, give me a shout at joe.erbentraut@gmail.com and I’ll update the piece.