With the Illinois Made Mother’s Day Gift Guide, the Illinois Office of Tourism is dedicated to helping up your gift-giving game this Mother’s Day (May 12) with a list containing unique and handmade finds from many Illinois Made businesses that you can shop in-store – or online – in all areas of the state.
Launched in 2016, the Illinois Made program inspires residents and visitors to discover the people, products and authentic experiences created by one-of-a-kind small businesses throughout the state.
CHICAGO
You Are Beautiful
Matthew Hoffman, a Chicago-based artist and designer, began his You Are Beautiful project in 2002. Since then, the message has reached every corner of the globe. "You Are Beautiful" is also the name of Matthew's studio and retail storefront where several of his works are available and various workshops are hosted.
Recommendation: Celebrate the special Mom in your life with the Mother’s Day Bundle ($32). Made entirely in the Chicago studio, this set comes with a mini sculpture, greeting card and sticker. Available online.
Ms. Jana’s Candy
Aurora
Ms. Jana’s Candy uses the finest ingredients, including organic cane sugar, cream and roasted nuts to create meticulously handcrafted treats. From their premium-quality small batches to hand-wrapping each treat, every detail at Ms. Jana’s Candy elevates the experience.
Recommendation: Treat mom with Ms. Jana’s Deluxe Candy Sampler ($46) including caramels, peanut brittle, pecan brittle, butter toffee and salted chocolates! Available online and in-store.
St. Charles
MION Artisan Soap Co.
MION Artisan Soap Co. is a family-run business committed to clean living and personal wellness. Devoted to organic and locally sourced goods, MION crafts all-natural skincare solutions, including eczema treatments.
Recommendation: Celebrate Mother's Day with the Daily Essentials Gift Box ($26) by MION Artisan Soap Company – a carefully selected assortment available in four scents. Treat Mom to a luxurious experience with handcrafted Artisan Soap, a decadent Hand Balm and a nourishing Lip Balm. Available online and in-store.
Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co.
Galena
Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co. hand-crafts each beverage with precision. On the menu, you'll find ethically sourced and locally roasted coffee and an assortment of full-leaf Fair Trade Organic teas, pastries and ice cream.
Recommendation: Treat the coffee-loving mom in your life to a Brew Methods ($40 per ticket) class at Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co. Discover the journey of specialty coffee beans while mastering four brewing methods with an expert barista. Available for purchase online.
Belleville
Abe’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop
Abe’s Gourmet Popcorn uses locally sourced GMO-free popcorn kernels and coconut oil, real vanilla, sugar and premium chocolate. Abe’s began with gourmet flavors like caramel and cheddar and have since added new flavors like dill pickle.
Recommendation: This year, amaze Mom with Abe’s Premium Popcorn Sampler Box ($32) including one premium popcorn and two gourmet popcorns. With inventive flavors like Cheddar Overload and Chocolate Peanut Butter, Abe’s Gourmet Popcorn is an unforgettable, delicious Mother’s Day gift.
Champaign
Fire Doll Artisan Chandlery
Fire Doll Studio is an independent, woman-owned artisanal chandlery with a passion for health, sustainability and the art of candle making. Visitors will discover a lovely array of natural soy and beeswax candles including pillars, votives, tea lights, tapers and container candles.
Recommendation: Gift a one-of-a-kind hand-carved Rustic Dough Bowl Candle ($38) filled with beautifully scented soy wax and 3 cotton wicks. Available online and in-store for pickup.
Ashkum
Janie’s Mill
Janie's Mill sells flours, grits and whole grains sourced directly from Janie's Farm, ensuring their quality and freshness. They have a passion for providing bakers with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients.
Recommendation: Moms that like to bake can level up with the Janie’s Mill Mother's Day Gift Set ($38), featuring three premium flours, two delectable recipes, a Tea Towel and a Danish Dough Whisk. Available online.
Wayward Wovens
Du Quoin
As fiber artists in Southern Illinois, the weavers and dye artists at Wayward Wovens are dedicated to bringing color into their local community.
Recommendation: This Mother’s Day gift a one-of-a-kind Handwoven Hand-Dyed Cowl ($80) scarf, meticulously crafted with lightweight materials for year-round comfort. This versatile and unique gift adds a fun pop of color to Mom’s wardrobe. Available for purchase on Etsy.
Makanda
Rolling Oak Ranch
See the alpacas, feel the fleece, learn about workshop practices and shop the store at this mother-daughter-owned alpaca ranch. At Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch, visitors can learn about alpaca farming to get a better understanding of the Alpaca fiber and what it’s like for the ranch to work in fiber consulting.
Recommendation: Gift your Mom a one-of-a-kind experience with a Self-Guided Tour ($10 per ticket) of mother-daughter-owned Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch. On a guided tour of the ranch, visitors are invited into the alpaca pens where you get to meet them up close. Also, browse their store for a great collection of handmade products made from alpaca fiber.