This Valentine’s Day, make your gift-giving extra special by supporting one of our Illinois Makers.
Whether you’re shopping for your sweetheart or yourself, there are plenty of places to find something special, from one-of-a-kind gifts to classic heart-shaped chocolates and handmade jewelry.
Chicago & Beyond
Einnim Candle Bar + Apothecary | Oak Park
For couples looking to create something this Valentine’s Day, the Chicago-based Illinois Made Maker, Einnim in Oak Park, offers a Private Date-Night Candle Making Session where you can hand-make a candle.
Scratchboard Kitchen | Arlington Heights
For a delicious Valentine's Day dinner, Scratchboard Kitchen is offering a special five course dining experiencefrom Executive Chef Grace Goudie, featuring ingredients that make the perfect pair!
Aracely's Bakery | Cicero, Melrose Park, Franklin Park
In a celebration of sweets and baked goods, Aracely's Bakery serves up cupcakes, doughnuts with sprinkles, cannolis, bread puddings and so much more, using authentic Mexican recipes.
Brown Sugar Bakery | Chicago
Chicagoans (and even politicians like Vice President Kamala Harris) agree that Stephanie Hart’s Brown Sugar Bakery serves up the tastiest treats—including their iconic caramel cake.
Vintrendi Wine Company | Park Forest
Old-world wine-making meets today’s taste buds at Vintrendi Wine Company in Park Forest—including unique varieties like blackberry wine and honey rosé.
Anderson’s Candy Shop | Richmond
Shower your Valentine with some sweets made by one of the best candymakers in the country. At Anderson’s Candy Shop, you’ll find truffles, hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries, a heart-shaped box of chocolates and more!
Edgewater Candles | Evanston
Brighten your special someone’s day with a freshly made, all-natural candle from Edgewater Candles—available in scents like orchid neroli, tomato leaf and rosemary grapefruit.
Justice of the Pies | Chicago
A Chicago bakery that specializes in sweet and savory pies, tarts and quiches, Justice of the Pies was started by owner Maya-Camille Broussard to honor her late father, a criminal defense attorney with a passion for baking and eating anything made with a crust!
MASHALLAH | Chicago
Since 2011, MASHALLAH has crafted jewelry using recycled semi-precious metals derived from electronic waste—meaning your loved one can sparkle without harming the planet.
Hollingworth Candies | Lockport
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Hollingworth Candies' signature toffee, caramel apple, molded chocolates and more!
Black Dog Gelato | Chicago
One taste of silky and flavorful gelato from Chicago’s Black Dog Gelato, and you will temporarily fade away to the cobblestones of Italy.
Katherine Anne Confections | Chicago
Using farm fresh ingredients from local farms in Illinois, there is something for everyone at Katherine Anne Confections, whether it’s homemade marshmallows, handmade caramels or their famed thick hot chocolate.
Hearth & Hammer General | Batavia
Find all of your Valentine’s Day gift needs under one roof at Hearth & Hammer General—including stationary, fragrance sets, face masks, tea blends and jewelry.
Great Rivers Country
Black Band | Peoria
Offering organic and award-winning spirits made from the finest grains in the Midwest, cocktail aficionados will find creature comforts and distilled delights at Black Band.
The Chocolate Affair | Highland
Chocolate lovers will be in heaven at The Chocolate Affair in Highland, where visitors can find hand-dipped goodies like sea salt caramels, butter almond toffee and chocolate-dipped potato chips.
Trefzger’s Bakery | Peoria Heights
Since 1861, Trefzger’s Bakery has cranked out every baked good imaginable, such as pies, breakfast pastries, cakes and cookies—made with recipes that haven't changed in decades.
Riley’s Vegan Sweets & Eats | Peoria
Vegans can finally enjoy plant-based desserts at Riley’s Vegan Sweets & Eats—Peoria’s first 100% vegan bakery!
Dot’s Pots | Moline
Swing by Dot’s Pots for a gift of hand-slabbed pottery like tea bowls, wine cups, pitchers and more—all topped with food and microwave-safe glazes and fired in gas and electric kilns.
My Just Desserts | Alton
Be sure to stop by Alton’s My Just Desserts early before the bakery sells out of favorites like toll house brownies and Mrs. Ledbetter’s chocolate pie.
Kruta Bakery | Collinsville
Collinsville’s Kruta Bakery specializes in Stollen pastries, breads, danish rolls and more baked goods—made fresh daily by the Kruta family.
Underbrink’s Bakery | Quincy
For almost a century, Underbrink’s Bakery in Quincy has dubbed itself as “your wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation and any occasion headquarters” —and you can’t go wrong with their famous iced angel food cupcakes.
Mississippi Mud Pottery | Alton
Everyday essentials are transformed into clay works of art at Mississippi Mud Pottery in Alton.
Eshelman Pottery | Galena
For a more modern handmade gift, check out Eshelman Pottery, which touts itself as one of the country’s favorite contemporary potters.
Great American Popcorn Company | Galena
For savory, sweet and everything in between, Great American Popcorn Company has an incredible selection of Valentine's Day treats. In February, white chocolate and cherry cheesecake are their flavors of the month—delicious!
Land of Lincoln
The Fire Doll Artisan Chandlery | Champaign
The Fire Doll Artisan Chandlery features an exciting retail and studio experience for candle lovers! They offer walk-in candle making and a popular "Candle Happy Hour".
CBPB Popcorn Shop | Champaign
Champaign’s CBPB Popcorn Shop isn’t just creating 18 flavors of gourmet popcorn, they also make candy apples, homemade fudge and chocolate-dipped treats.
Mel-O-Cream Donuts | Springfield
Springfield’s Mel-O-Cream Donuts have been enjoyed by locals for 80 years—and for good reason!
Pease’s Fine Candies and Salted Nuts | Springfield
The fifth-generation operated Peases Fine Candies & Salted Nuts in Springfield offers old-fashioned homemade boxed candies, salted nuts, popcorn and more!
Cocoa Blue Chocolates | Rochester
Travel to the Netherlands without a passport at Rochester’s Cocoa Blue Chocolates, where owner and pastry chef Joshua Becker specializes in Dutch chocolates, caramels and truffles.
Prairie Fire Glass | Monticello
Central Illinois’ Prairie Fire Glass blazes molten glass into strikingly vibrant pieces from vases, bowls and jewelry.
Flesor’s Candy Kitchen | Tuscola
In Tuscola, two sisters resurrect and carry on their grandfather’s legacy through Flesor’s Candy Kitchen. They serve up handmade candy, along with a complete old-fashioned soda fountain for even more sugary sweetness.
Trails to Adventure
Wayward Wovens | Du Quoin
These fiber artists from Southern Illinois love all things yarn! Bring a little color into your Valentine's Day celebrations and shop their Etsy for weaving kits, handwoven bags and more!
Alto Clay Works | Alto Pass
If you’re on the hunt for an exquisite yet functional gift, Alto Clay Works in Alto Pass may be just the place for you.
Pomona Winery | Pomona
Share a bottle (or not!) from Pomona Winery, which specializes in wines made from locally grown fruits other than grapes.
Chocolate Factory | Golconda
Golconda’s Chocolate Factory crafts gourmet handmade chocolate from terrapins, almond bark, toffee, peanut butter cups and more.
Davis Pastry | Anna
Davis Pastry is famous for their pink shortbread cookies (perfect for this time of year!), but they also make donuts, cakes, brownies, cream horns, cupcakes and take custom orders as well.
Shawnee Hills Lavender | Cobden
For lovers of lavender, look no further! Shawnee Hills Lavender has a full selection of body products, teas, spices, clothing and more. Visit their online store to browse the full selection.
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