Looking for a creative way to welcome out-of-towners? These companies provide locally produced gifts for meetings or events.
1. Invitation design studio Magnificent Milestones began offering welcome bags last month. The company's eco-friendly tote bags bear an "I Love Chicago" logo and are stuffed with locally produced items such as Garrett's popcorn and Frango mints. The bags start at $25 apiece, with additional fees for each individual gift.
2. Bagable Gifts introduced its Bagable Minis earlier this month. Popular with corporate event planners, the small bags have contents portioned to one guest. Filled with made-in-Chicago products, the Minis may include Wrigley chewing gum, chocolates from Vosges Haut-Chocolat, or Jays potato chips. The bags start at $16 each.
3. Through her local company Truffle Truffle, pastry chef Nicole Greene offers handmade treats such as truffles, caramels, brittle, and s'mores. Corporate gifts include four or 12-piece boxes of seasonal truffles for $6 and $20 apiece. Flavors in the new winter collection include ginger, peppermint bark, spiced orange, and roasted pistachio. The boxes can also be used as takeaway gifts at events.