10 Actually Awesome Last Minute Gifts for Him (Chicago Edition)

Some people just live in a city… but for Chicagoans, that’s a foreign concept.

From Navy Pier to Wrigley Field, there are plenty of reasons to have some Chicago pride. The city is home to incredible architecture, a jamming music scene, world-renowned food, and iconic neighborhoods brought to life by the people who call Chicago home.

So if you’re trying to find the perfect gift for a Chicago guy, start with the city he loves!

Now, if that sounds like something that’s easier said and done, we’ve got you. Whether you’re looking for the perfect anniversary present, birthday gift, or just ‘cause pick me up for him, we’ve brainstormed the best of what The Windy City has to offer.

Here’s a sneak peek at our awesome last minute gifts for him Chicago edition…

• Gifts for music lovers that take full advantage of Chicago’s important role in music history
• Gifts for guys who are diehard Bulls, Blackhawks, or Cubs fans
• Gift cards for Chicago spots he’ll love hitting up

And more!

‍

GiftYa Makes a Great Gift for Chicagoans

Not to mention loved ones across the country. With thousands of local and national brands in the catalog, you can text or email a digital gift card to their favorite spot in just a few taps.

The best part? You can customize your gift with a wrapping paper – either designed by our experts, or built from a photo or video on your device for an extra personal touch. Add a custom message, and you’re done. You’ve got the ultimate gift for his birthday, graduation, or any other occasion headed to his device in seconds… talk about last minute!

Now when he goes to cash in his gift, he has options too. He can use it from his phone like any other e-gift card, attach it to a credit card that’s always in his wallet anyway so he never forgets it at home, cash it out using Zelle, or even exchange it for another merchant in the catalog for a small transaction fee.

Or put the choice in his hands from the beginning with GiftYa Select, the option that allows him to choose any brand in the catalog from the get-go. Don’t worry, he can still redeem or exchange the balance however he wants to. Good deal, right?

Learn more about GiftYa Select today >> 

Now without further ado, let’s get to our list of last minute gifts for him Chicago style.

1. Chicago Bulls or Blackhawks Tickets

If your guy is into sports, living in Chicago is a dream come true… the city is home to several pro teams, not to mention some of the most diehard fans in any league.

Whether he’s into basketball or hockey, scoring him some Chicago Bulls or Blackhawks tickets will make his day. Even if the game is sold out, there are always resale marketplaces like StubHub or SeatGeek, so you can snag some last-minute seats without the hassle.

And it’s not just about the game—it’s about the whole experience of sports in Chicago. From the electric atmosphere at the United Center to catching a glimpse of iconic players on the court or ice, these tickets are a surefire way to give him a gift he’ll remember. If the timing doesn’t work out for an upcoming game, a gift card to cover future tickets or team merch from the United Center store will still get the excitement going.

🎁 Complete the gift:

• Buy a Fanatics gift card so he can gear up for the game with official team merch
• Buy a Stubhub gift card so he can score the best seats in the house

2. Chicago-Style Pizza Experience

Let’s be real—Chicago is known for its pizza, and if you want to give him a taste of one of the city’s signature eats, you can’t go wrong with a Chicago-style pizza experience. Whether he’s a die-hard deep-dish fan or prefers thin-crust slices, there’s a place in Chicago to suit every pizza lover’s preference.

Head to Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s for that authentic deep-dish goodness, or surprise him with a pizza-making kit from one of these iconic pizzerias so he can recreate the experience at home. Bonus points if you read up on the Malnati’s/Uno’s feud to serve up a slice of Chicago history while he chows down. Many places offer same-day or next-day delivery, so you can swing by or order it right to your door. You can even turn it into a pizza date night, complete with his favorite toppings and a movie marathon afterward.

If he’s more into trying different pizzerias, get him a Pizza City USA gift card, which offers tours of Chicago’s best pizza spots. It’s a gift that satisfies both his appetite and his love for Chicago’s pizza culture.

🎁 Complete the gift:

• Text a Pizzeria Uno gift card right to his phone for easy pizza enjoying
• Pick up a Lou Malnati’s gift card if he’s on the other side of the pizza feud
• Get him a Pizza City USA gift card and treat him to a tour of Chicago’s best pizza spots

3. Chicago Craft Beer Tour

If he’s into craft beer, Chicago is one of the best cities in the U.S. to explore local brews. Whether he’s an IPA guy, loves a good stout, or enjoys experimenting with sour ales, there’s no shortage of great places to sample the best beer Chicago has to offer. A Chicago Craft Beer Tour or even a visit to some of the city’s top breweries will make for an unforgettable gift.

You can buy a tour experience through companies like Brewery Pass or grab a gift card for one of Chicago’s top bars and breweries like Revolution Brewing, Half Acre, or Goose Island. Many of these spots offer limited-edition beers, tastings, and brewery tours, so he’ll get the chance to try something new and see how the beer is made. 

If he prefers to enjoy the brews from home, grab a curated six-pack of local beers from Binny’s Beverage Depot or a monthly beer subscription to keep the good vibes flowing all year long.

4. Chicago River Architecture Cruise

Few things beat the stunning skyline views of Chicago, and if your guy is into architecture or just enjoys a scenic ride, a Chicago River Architecture Cruise is a perfect last-minute gift that he’ll love. These cruises offer an up-close and personal look at some of the city’s most iconic buildings, complete with fascinating historical tidbits and fun facts about Chicago’s rich architectural history.

There are several tour companies that offer same-day bookings, including Chicago's First Lady and Shoreline Sightseeing. These cruises run frequently, so you can book a spot for later that day or grab a gift certificate for future use. The 90-minute tour is both relaxing and informative, and it gives him a fresh perspective on the Windy City from the river.

Whether he’s a local or just visiting, this cruise is a gift that combines both Chicago’s charm and history in a way he’ll never forget.

5. Windy City Smokeout Tickets

If he’s a country music lover or just a fan of live music festivals, then tickets to Windy City Smokeout are a gift you can’t go wrong with. This multi-day music festival brings together the best of country music, BBQ, and beer, and it’s one of Chicago’s biggest summer events.

While tickets are often sold in advance, last-minute options are always available through resale platforms or directly on the event website. And even if the event isn’t right around the corner, giving him tickets in advance to look forward to makes it a thoughtful and exciting surprise. The combination of top-tier country acts and some of the best BBQ in the country makes this a gift that combines music and food—two things Chicagoans hold dear.

It’s the perfect excuse to let loose and enjoy a summer day filled with good tunes and great eats.

6. Customized Chicago Skyline Art

Does your guy have a love for Chicago’s skyline? Capture the beauty of the city with a piece of customized Chicago skyline art that fits his style. Whether it’s a sleek modern print of the skyline, a hand-drawn map, or even a 3D metal sculpture, there are endless ways to incorporate Chicago’s iconic landmarks into his home décor.

You can find stunning artwork from local artists at places like Chicago Art Source. Many shops offer same-day or next-day pick-up, so you won’t have to wait long to grab this gift. If he’s into photography, you can find high-quality prints of Chicago’s most beautiful spots at local galleries or online art stores, too.

For a more personalized touch, commission a custom skyline piece with his name or favorite Chicago spot integrated into the design. You can even find sellers who do this sort of custom work on Etsy who may be willing to rush their work into the mail so you can get it to him on time.

7. Adler Planetarium Experience

For the science and space enthusiast, an experience at the Adler Planetarium is an out-of-this-world gift idea. The planetarium offers a range of exhibits, hands-on activities, and incredible sky shows that’ll make his inner space nerd geek out. Plus, it’s located right on the lake, so you can follow up the visit with a walk along Northerly Island or a picnic by the water.

If you’re in need of a last-minute gift, the Adler offers gift tickets online, so you can have them ready in minutes. You could also opt for an Adler Planetarium membership, giving him access to exclusive events, discounts, and unlimited visits for a year. Whether he’s into stargazing, exploring the cosmos, or learning about space missions, this experience will leave him feeling inspired.

Bonus points if you plan your visit around one of the planetarium’s special nighttime events like Adler After Dark, where adults can enjoy the exhibits with cocktails and live entertainment under the stars.

8. Private Escape Room Adventure

For the guy who loves a challenge and enjoys working with friends to solve puzzles, a private escape room adventure is the perfect gift. Chicago has a number of high-quality escape rooms that offer immersive, themed experiences—from breaking out of prison cells to solving murder mysteries. Escape rooms like Fox in a Box and The Escape Game Chicago are known for their intricate design and exciting storylines.

You can book a last-minute slot for you and a group of his friends to work together and conquer the challenge. It’s a unique way to spend time together, build teamwork skills, and, most importantly, have a ton of fun. Plus, you can follow up the experience with drinks or dinner at one of Chicago’s great restaurants to keep the adrenaline and laughs going.

If a physical escape room isn’t feasible at the moment, consider gifting a virtual escape room experience that can be played from the comfort of home. Either way, it’s a thrilling and memorable gift he’ll love.

9. Chicago History Museum Membership

For a guy who loves history and learning about the city, a Chicago History Museum membership will keep him engaged all year long. This museum offers exhibits that explore the city’s past, including its rich sports history, political landscape, and cultural moments. It’s the perfect place for someone who loves digging deep into the stories that shaped Chicago.

You can buy memberships online, which come with perks like free admission, invitations to special events, and discounts at the museum store. Whether he’s into Chicago’s architectural history, its thrilling ties to the criminal underworld, or its many famous Chicagoans, this gift will give him endless opportunities to explore what makes the city so fascinating.

As a bonus, pair the membership with a good read from a Chicago-based author or a book on the city's history for a thoughtful, themed gift that’ll keep him hooked for months.

🎁 Complete the gift: Connect him to his cultural heritage at one of Chicago’s many cultural museums…

• Buy a Glessner House Museum gift card
• Buy a Polish Museum of America gift card
• Buy a DuSable Museum of African American History gift card
• Buy a Swedish Museum of America gift card
• Buy a Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture gift card
• Buy an Elgin Public Museum of Natural History & Anthropology gift card
• Buy a Volo Auto Museum gift card

10. Same-Day Delivered Gourmet Food Package

If your guy is a foodie and you’re running short on time, you can’t go wrong with a same-day delivered gourmet food package from one of Chicago’s top-rated restaurants or specialty food shops. Whether he’s a steak lover, has a sweet tooth, or enjoys trying new flavors, you’ll find plenty of

🎁 Complete the gift: 

• Buy a Gold Belly gift card if he’s not in Chicago, just a Chicagoer at heart
• Grab a Harry & David gift card, which is not strictly speaking Chicago-themed, but it is gourmet food, which and true Chicagoan will appreciate

That’s a wrap on the Chicago Edition of our last minute gifts for him.

Hopefully you found the perfect gift here to make his day special for any occasion. 

Still looking for the perfect last minute gift for him? 

Check out the full GiftYa catalog for more local Chicago gift cards >>

Happy gifting!