PULLMAN -- Neighbors in Roseland, Pullman and on the East Side don't have to go far for their holiday shopping.
From books to sweet treats to flowers and beyond, neighborhood staples like Burst Into Books, Old Fashion Donuts and East Side Florist have you covered. There are also shops like Universe of Harth for scent enthusiasts, Mommaverde Apothecary for skincare and CBD lovers, Pullman House Project tours for history buffs and more.
Block Club rounded up 17 local businesses to check out.
Roseland native Jurema Gorham's bookstore and nonprofit Burst Into Books is home to all kinds of literature. There are Black history essentials like "James Baldwin: A Biography" by David Leeming ($16.69) and "The Assassination of Fred Hampton" by Jeffrey Haas ($16.73).
There's also a variety of children's stories and banned books, like Jacqueline Woodson's "The Day You Begin" ($11.15-$17.66), healthy living reads like Bryant Terry's Afro-vegan cookbook ($25.58), audio books and more featured here.
Burst Into Books also hosts book drives, literacy fests, a book club and other events throughout the year.
Founded in 1990 as "The Aloe Shops," this family-run business is inspired by the healing benefits of aloe vera to remedy dry skin, digestion problems and more. Shop juice, gels and hair and body products like body butter ($25), creams ($25) and body washes ($10), or purchase a gift card.
The Aloe Shoppe is also having an anniversary sale in store and online ahead of the holidays through Nov. 30.
The store is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. 866-256-3747.
Old Fashioned Donuts, 11248 S. Michigan Ave. Website. Facebook.
Share a dozen hot and fresh donuts ($17.50 with tax), apple fritters ($5 each) and other sweet treats with loved ones this holiday season at Roseland's Old Fashioned Donuts, a beloved bakery that's been in the neighborhood for over 50 years.
Old Fashioned Donuts is open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 773-995-7420.
Rose Café, online. Website.
Rose Café, an online bookstore by Roseland native Iesha Malone, offers books on race, history and other important subjects. Books featured on Rose Café's curated lists include poetry like Eve L. Ewing's "Electric Ashes" ($14.88-$46), Native American heritage reads like "Calling for a Blanket Dance" by Oscar Hokeah ($16.73-$41.39), books set in Chicago like Richard Wright's "Native Son" ($16.73) and more.
While Malone is working and fundraising to open a physical bookshop, she hopes to promote literacy, education and peace with book talks, pop-ups and other events year-round.
Ware Ranch Steak House, 11147 S. Michigan Ave. Website.
Take a loved one out for a meal while supporting a locally and Black-owned business: Ware Ranch Steak House, Roseland's only sit-down restaurant. It serves steaks, burgers, salads, breakfast food, sides and more with dine-in and carryout options.
Steaks and chops start at $15.50, sandwiches start at $2.75 and burgers start at $9.50. Check out the full menu here.
Ware Ranch Steak House is open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 773-264-0320.
Pullman National Historical Park, 610 E. 111th St. Website.
Visit the Pullman National Historical Park -- which has welcomed droves of history buffs since its 2021 opening -- and then check out its Eastern National-managed souvenir shop.
It stocks Pullman-themed books like "Pullman: Model Town, Model Historic Site" by Kenneth J. Schoon ($7.95), shirts like this Pullman long-sleeve t-shirt ($34.95), decals ($3.95), mugs, games and other neighborhood mementos.
Pullman National Historical Park is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 773-468-9310.
Pullman House Project Tours, 605 E. 111th St. Website.
Treat friends and family members to a tour of Pullman with the Pullman House Project, which welcomes visitors into neighborhood homes and teaches them about what life was like for the train car company's workers.
Tours start at 1 p.m. daily and take attendees on a short walk through Pullman, passing Arcade Park, the Hotel Florence, Greenstone Church and Market Hall and the Dunbar House. Visitors can also view exhibits and visit Pullman Club Coffee before the tour.
Advance tickets for $20 and more information are available online. Extended, individual and group tours are also available. 773-397-3022.
Richard's Super Premium Ice Cream, 110033 S. Langley Ave. Website.
Order pints of Richard's Super Premium Ice Cream. The popular Pullman dessert shop serves up dozens of flavors -- from classics like chocolate chip cookie dough and strawberry to the more adventurous like sweet potato pie and pineapple vodka -- and 20 varieties of golden kernel popcorn.
Emerging from the pandemic as a passion project, the Pullman-born candle and fragrance brand Universe of Harth sells scent sprays ($33 for 1.7 ounces), incense ($15) and more.
For a universally loved scent both in candle and spray form, owner Andrea Harth recommends Denim, one that can be layered with other fragrances. For those who like homey and warm scents, there's House and Harth, and for those who like light and grounding scents, there's Human, Harth previously told Block Club.
Products are sold online and at the brand's new West Town storefront Origin, 1821 W. Chicago Ave. The shop is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
East Side Florist, 10608 S. Ewing Ave. Yelp.
Gift loved ones a flower arrangement from David Gomez's East Side Florist, a small business that can make custom bouquets for all occasions and at a variety of prices. Flower deliveries start at $40 and a bouquet of roses is $55 alone or $100 in a vase, Gomez told Block Club.
East Side Florist is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 773-978-4375.
Lexington Betty Smokehouse, 756 E. 111th St. Website.
Owned by "BBQ Brawl" winner Dominique Leach, Lexington Betty Smokehouse puts Pullman and Chicago barbecue on the map. It's the perfect spot for a holiday meal.
Brisket runs $34 a pound while a smoked chicken platter is $13. Plus, select food items from the restaurant like Wagyu beef franks can be purchased online and at some Marianos, Piggly Wiggly and Stack & Van Til grocery stores.
Lexington Betty Smokehouse is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. 708-927-5614.
PullmanArts and Block House Gallery, 11137 S. Langley Ave. Website.
Shop art from Pullman-based artists on the PullmanArts website, like a Shawny Dez faux vinyl EP with cover art by Kayla Mahaffey ($70), Chicago-themed Wonder City Studio prints ($30-$40), a "Welcome to Pullman" sticker by Megan Krout ($3.50) and more. Plus, PullmanArts memberships are available for $25-$35 per individual and $60 for families.
Block House Art Gallery is open 4-6 p.m. Thursday and noon-2 p.m. Saturday. You can also shop on the PullmanArts website.
Far South CDC Marketplace, 837 W. 115th St. Website.
From African home decor, art and coffee to candles, clothing and beauty products, there are plenty of unique gifts to be found at the Far South CDC Marketplace, which gives South Side small businesses the opportunity to sell their products in person.
Vessels of the Paut Neteru sells spiritual art and jewelry like this Ankara blue fan ($55) and Ausar necklace ($75). Cherish a Piece of Nature Hair Care has whipped body butters ($20), hair picks ($9.99), satin bonnets ($9.99), Hair Growth Elixir with essential oils ($19.99) and more.
The marketplace is open noon-6 p.m. daily, though participating businesses manage their own hours within this time frame. Learn more by calling 773-831-7107.
Band ToGGether online. Website, Instagram.
Pullman resident Garrett C. Jones sells mugs featuring his art through Band ToGGether, a business he started with his brother Gavin.
The business is named for the siblings, who both have Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. Jones participated in an art therapy course while in a transition program at the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education after high school, and his art grew into this business, according to the Band ToGGether website.
With multiple courses and a restaurant, Harborside International Golf Center could have the perfect gifts for golf lovers in your life. The online shop offers $50-$200 gift cards, lessons starting at $50 and an Anchor Club membership for $499.
The South Side venue is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday. 312-782-7837.
Mommaverde Apothecary, online. Website. Facebook.
Shop CBD gummies, whipped body butters, bath salts and other wellness products at Mommaverde Apothecary, which specializes in natural, handmade hemp skincare and cannabis.
The online shop features a pack of strawberry-flavored artisanal sleep gummies ($15), vegan CBD gummies ($40), whipped body butter ($20), shower steamers ($6), rose water facial toner ($20), bath salts ($25) and more.
Luna's Enlightenment LLC, online. Facebook.
Luna's Enlightenment LLC is a South Chicago-based metaphysical supply shop. Southeast Side native Luna Arielle started the shop in 2021 and specializes in candle art and spiritual goods and services, like bath salts, body scrubs and tarot card readings.
Arielle sells a variety of holiday-themed and seasonal goods, with products ranging from $3-$25.