Best Gift Baskets in Chicago: 7 Local Shops That Actually Deliver
The Best Gift Baskets in Chicago (2026)
Chicago has no shortage of gift basket companies, but not all of them are created equal. Some are national chains repackaging mass-produced items. Others are small local shops crafting each basket by hand with premium ingredients and real care.
We put together this guide to help you find the best gift baskets in Chicago — whether you need a birthday gift, a corporate thank-you, a holiday present, or a sympathy gesture. Every shop on this list is based in or serving the Chicago area.
1. Goodies Etc. — Highland Park (North Shore)
Location: 1876 1st Street, Highland Park, IL 60035
Specialty: Gourmet candy gift baskets, candy trays, English toffee
Price range: $25–$350
Shipping: Nationwide via UPS
Full disclosure — this is us! Goodies Etc. has been handcrafting candy gift baskets on Chicago’s North Shore since 1992. We make every basket and tray by hand at our Highland Park store using premium chocolates, gummies, toffee, and specialty candies.
What makes us different: we are a real candy store, not a warehouse operation. You can walk in, see the candy being arranged, and pick up your order the same day. Our Basket of Goodies ($85–$165) is our signature gift, and our English Toffee has a loyal following across Chicago.
We also offer gluten-free, nut-free, and kosher options — something many Chicago gift basket companies do not offer.
2. Windy City Sweets — Lincoln Park
Location: 3308 N. Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657
Specialty: Handmade chocolates, fudge, chocolate-covered treats
Price range: $6–$50 (individual items), gift tins available
Windy City Sweets has been a Lincoln Park institution since 1983. They are known for their handmade fudge (six varieties), chocolate-covered pretzels, and truffles. Their gift tins ($31) are a solid mid-range option for chocolate lovers. They also have a brick-and-mortar store with over 1,200 specialty treats and an ice cream shop.
Best for: chocolate-focused gifts and in-store shopping in Chicago.
3. Thoughtful Presence — Skokie
Location: Skokie, IL (North Shore Chicago suburb)
Specialty: Custom gift baskets, spa gifts, baby gifts, Chicago-themed baskets
Price range: $50–$200+
Thoughtful Presence creates custom gift baskets for corporate and personal occasions. They specialize in Chicago-themed gift baskets and offer a wide variety including spa sets, baby gifts, gourmet food trays, and sympathy baskets. Their focus on customization and presentation makes them a strong choice for corporate gifting.
Best for: corporate gifts and custom-themed baskets.
4. The Gourmet Gifts — Online (Delivers to Chicago)
Location: Canada-based, delivers to Chicago and nationwide
Specialty: Wine, beer, champagne, and gourmet gift baskets
Price range: $50–$285
The Gourmet Gifts is a large online gift basket company based in Canada with delivery across the US, including Chicago. They offer an extensive catalog of wine baskets, beer baskets, champagne baskets, and gourmet food baskets. Their pricing tends to be higher, but they offer same-day delivery in many markets.
Best for: wine and alcohol-inclusive gift baskets.
5. Hazeltons — Online (Delivers to Chicago)
Location: Online, delivers to Chicago
Specialty: Premium gourmet gift baskets, corporate gifts
Price range: $75–$300+
Hazeltons positions itself as Chicago’s leading gift basket provider with premium gourmet treats and elegant presentation. They focus heavily on corporate gifting and offer a wide selection of gift towers, gift boxes, and baskets for holidays and special occasions.
Best for: premium corporate gifts and gift towers.
6. Baskets Chicago — Online
Location: Online, Chicago-themed
Specialty: Gourmet food gift baskets, holiday baskets
Price range: $50–$200
Baskets Chicago offers a variety of gourmet gift baskets for holidays and occasions. Their selection includes food-focused baskets with snacks, chocolates, cheese, and wine options.
7. Petals from Heaven — Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL
Specialty: Floral arrangements with candy add-ons, chocolate lover baskets
Price range: $40–$150
Petals from Heaven is primarily a florist that also offers gift baskets, including a Chocolate Lovers’ Basket featuring Ghirardelli, Lindt, Ferrero Rocher, and other name-brand chocolates. A good option if you want flowers and candy together.
How to Choose the Right Chicago Gift Basket
Here is what to consider when picking a gift basket in Chicago:
- Local vs. national: Local shops like Goodies Etc. and Windy City Sweets handcraft each basket. National companies mass-produce and warehouse them.
- Candy-focused vs. general: If the recipient loves sweets, go with a candy specialist. If you want wine, cheese, or spa items, look at broader gift basket companies.
- Dietary needs: Only a few Chicago shops offer gluten-free, nut-free, or kosher options. Goodies Etc. has all three.
- Budget: Candy gift baskets start around $25 (Goodies Etc.) while premium wine baskets can run $200+ (The Gourmet Gifts).
- Speed: Local shops can often do same-day pickup. Online companies typically need 2-5 days for shipping.
Our Pick
For candy and chocolate gift baskets in Chicago, we think Goodies Etc. offers the best combination of quality, variety, price, and local authenticity. But every shop on this list has its strengths — pick the one that matches your recipient’s tastes and your budget.
Shop Goodies Etc. gift baskets | Corporate gift inquiries