Holiday Gift Guide

Unique and insightful holiday gifting, inspired by our 2022 Festival programming and presenters

‘Tis the season of showing gratitude, celebrating with friends and families, and treating loved ones to new books, music, and other fun finds.

For the politics junkie who wants to feel like an insider

Pete Souza’s book of photography from inside the Obama administration pairs gorgeous photographs with fascinating storytelling, or check out trailblazing White House correspondent April Ryan’s book profiling Black women leaders at the frontlines of political, social, and economic struggles.

For someone who needs to de-stress

With tracks like “It Feels Like Floating” and “Between Two Worlds,” the uniquely mesmerizing contemporary harp music of Mary Lattimore can help create an oasis of calm.

For a friend who loves Hollywood gossip

Comedian Kevin Nealon’s charming collection of original caricatures features legends like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony Bourdain, Whitney Houston, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and many more, but the real fun is in the insider-y stories from Hollywood that are interwoven with illustrations.

For the family member always sparking debates over the dinner table

Anand Giridharadas’ book The Persuaders is a compelling account of activists, politicians, educators, and everyday people working to change minds, bridge divisions, and fight for democracy.

For the perpetually cool

For Patti Smith, using Instagram became a way “to share old and new discoveries, celebrate birthdays, remember the departed, and salute our youth.” Her Book of Days is an intimate collection of photography taking you through a year in her life.

For the foodie who has too much kitchen gear already

Try the gorgeous cookbooks from chefs Kwame Onuwachi or Michael Twitty, or a gift card to a local restaurant such as Al’s Chicago Beef, Monteverde, and Shawn Michelle’s Homeade Ice Cream as recommended by Phil Rosenthal in his Chicago episode of Somebody Feed Phil. You can also never go wrong with a bag of decadent hot chocolate mix from Mindy’s Bakery, one of Phil’s favorite Chicago spots.

For someone going through a tough time

Dive into the complicated and moving stories in Selma Blair, Molly Shannon, or Margo Price’s memoirs.

For the activist looking for creative inspiration

Hopeful and inspiring narratives can be found in the images in Devin Allen’s No Justice, No Peace, which provides a lens on the resistance that has empowered Black lives generation after generation, or in Elizabeth Alexander’s celebrated and moving reflection on the challenges facing young Black America, The Trayvon Generation.

For the jazz connoisseur

Six-time Grammy winner and renowned trumpet player Terence Blanchard has scored films like Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods; his 2021 album Absence started as a tribute to jazz prophet Wayne Shorter. Or check out guitarist Bill Frisell’s book Title and album FOUR—a brilliant mix of old and new style as a meditation on loss, renewal, and friendship.

For someone who could use a boost

Local Chicago artist and Festival friend Tyler Feder’s Etsy shop offers cheerful illustrations celebrating body positivity, personal growth, and kindness.

For the live performance junkie

Enjoy world-class singers in a stunning venue by treating your loved one to tickets or membership to the Lyrica Opera of Chicago.

For the someone who is embracing their true self

Jonathan Van Ness’s hair products and style accessories for beautiful and healthy hair for all hair types.

For anyone, because you can never go wrong with beautiful fiction from a master of prose

The latest George Saunders collection of short stories with lessons of power, ethics, and justice.

For the person who refuses physical gifts, but you still want to acknowledge them

May we humbly suggest making a donation in their honor to a local cultural organization–we at the Chicago Humanities Festival rely on member support to cover nearly 100% of our budget, and would be honored to be included in your gift giving. Or, consider supporting one of our partners like the Music Box Theatre, a fan favorite venue for CHF events, or give a gift card to one of our fall partner organizations like the MCA Chicago or Art Institute of Chicago.