Hardscrabble Gifts

I’ve stopped in multiple times to support a locally owned business, because lord knows Halsted needs all the help it can get. The woman behind the counter is very nice but, to be honest, most of their products are the sort of amateurish crafts you’d find at a church bazaar.

My wife and I came across this store when walking along Halsted in Bridgeport. As Halsted slowly changes over on the near south side, it’s nice to see small businesses like this. We waited for only a few minutes while our shirts had the requested logo printed on them. Nice store overall.

Needed some last minute gifts and they came through. Designed a t-​shirt for me from scratch and did it quick. Great selection of Chicago-​centric gifts. Great to have a local small business like this around. Stop in for a visit, you will not be disappointed.

AWESOME place for Chicago themed knick-​knacks. I visited the store during the Blackhawks playoffs and saw some cool shirts. If you want any screen printing done, they do that as well!
I might come back for a Chicago-​themed baby onesie…

cute little shop, lots to see in there and plenty of unique gifts — many of them Chicago themed. i especially like the handmade soaps and candles!

Great little gift shop with lots of locally made goods. You’ll want to spend as much on yourself as you will for others. Prices are very reasonable. You’ll regret ever buying a gift at another store.

If youre looking for a gift for anyone especially someone who is hard to shop for, from Chicago, loves Chicago (and who doesn’t) or a sports fan you should stop in Hardscrabble Gifts.

Cute little store with a lot of interesting gifts with many related to Chicago. There are many unique, handmade items not seen anywhere else. I will definitely go back there again!

I’ve been told that gift shops are a dying breed. I don’t believe it and I desperately hope it is not so. Amazon efficiency be damned. I want to browse and poke and breathe in those rare moments when I can.
Thank you, Hardscrabble Gifts for giving me such a place. I will return again and again. I know that everybody I know needs something you have. I just have to find it. And I know that is really just a defense to not buy 200 things in the store for myself which would ultimately lead to a divorce. My husband already thinks I’m a crazy cat lady in the making. And still only 32. Wait til I’m 60! But seriously, it’s not about me. It’s about the gift shop and what it says about me.

Affordable. gorgeous. unique. Much of it is recycled and upcycled stuff and all of it is fantastic. Seriously my favorite local shop.

I could LIVE inside Hardscrabble Gifts!
I stopped-​in today to pick-​up a few, last-​minute holiday gifts (shopping local!) I found perfect gifts for my friends, my friends’ children, my brother, his puppy-​dog, & hey… I even gifted myself. I have been good this year.
I adore the Chicago & Bridgeport neighborhood-​themed items in the shop (a Sox/​35 Red Line stop t-​shirt? Mine!) I left with so much more… Chicago flag baby-​beanie & shirt, Chicago police gifts, Chicago baseball shot glasses, magnets, & even a skull-​and-​crossbone plush dog bone doggie toy. Lastly, the leather & chain cuff-​bracelet I took home was also a little gift from Santa to me.
Reality? I could have probably bought one of everything in the store. All of their items are so fun, & chosen with obvious care.
I am always excited to see a new establishment open its doors in the Bridgeport neighborhood, & I am just thrilled by Hardscrabble Gifts. There is something for everyone on your list, Chicago South-​sider or not.