Hello! I know most of us are all a little grossed out by consumerism right now. Understandably so, I'm right there with you. And yet, the Black Friday ads just keep coming. I've seen a lot of people posting about donating in lieu of Holiday gifts. I think is an awesome idea, but some of us (myself included) also really enjoy giving thoughtful gifts to loved ones over the holidays. In light of all these conflicting feelings I've put together a list of places to spend your money that might be much easier on your moral compass. I hope that we can use this time to support artists, small businesses, and individuals donating proceeds to charity.
Everything on my online store will be 20% off through midnight Monday with discount code BLACKFRIDAYSALESAREHORRIFYING
@racheldukes is donating the profits from all sales of "Steven Universe: Too Cool for School" to Trans Lifeline and The Trevor Project.
Ghost Eyes is an Etsy shop run by Natalie Daniele Standiferdof hand beading, embroidery and knitting. Percentages of all sales are donated to the Rape Victim Advocates of Chicago, The Chicago House & the UN Refugee Agency
I am hosting a Scarleteen Benefit at Early To Bed on December 2nd to support inclusive nonjudgmental sex education. Come out to support Scarleteenrleteen, enter a super kickass raffle of sex toys and art, and buy work from local artists @Quinn Rivenburgh, @rosalarian and Nat Standiferd.
Small Businesses that Support Artists: I think just about any small business or business that features artists is a great thing to support, but here are some of my favourites.
I could name about 100 cartoonists , but instead, I want to point you to @radiatorcomics. Radiator, run by Chicago's very own Neil Brideau represents many amazing cartoonists. Thoughtfully chosen zines make great gifts, and you can get them all in one place through Radiator. Neil is really in this to support emerging comics artists, why not be part of that too?
See also; @wearepioneerspress, @quimbys, and @chicagocomics
Silver Sprocket Bicycle Club is a socially motivated art crew, publisher, and record label striving to nurture the community. They carry and publish zines, comics, pins, T-shirts, stickers, and more.
Small Business Saturday in Andersonville: Spend your Saturday shopping small in my favourite Chicago neighbourhood. Lots of deals. / I would love to especially recommend Early to Bed for sex toys (gift certificates are a great gift here!) and Women & Children First Bookstore. Also please please check out Woolly Mammoth Chicago Antiques & Oddities, because it is a very cool store and I love it and you will have a good time.
FLAIR Chicago is an upcoming pin and patch shop opening in Logan Square mid-December. They currently have an Indiegogo to get the doors open. The tiers are all great, mostly gift cards to the shop or related online store. Locally owned, supporting artists, and dedicated to supporting POC & the LGBTQIA+ communities.
See also: Wolfbait B-girls in Logan Square
For any witches on your shopping list maybe check out World Tree Healing in Albany Park! They have wonderful things that are very affordable priced, including shop made oils and supplies, and items from local artisans!
See also: Alchemy Arts Bookstore
Okay that's all from me for now! xoxo
