recommendation: ideas for chicago themed out-of-town bags

I got a question at work today from a bride/groom that has a wedding room block with us... do I have any recommendations for Chicago Themed Out-Of-Town Gift bags? Do I?? Here's what I recommend:

- Wrigley Gum: Wrigley Building is a landmark of the Mag Mile, and Wrigley Field makes the name well known!

- Goose Island Soda: Root Beer and Orange Creme are my favorites! I would put two bottles per bag, for those who are traveling with a +1

- Chicago Map: Contact CCTB or the Concierge at the hotel

- Macy's Frango Mints: Get the 4 pack, and go to the Macy's on State Street or Michigan Ave in WaterTower to get boxes that have Chicago Skyline sketch on them. Hint: Macy's coupons can be used to purchase these chocolates!! Look in the newspaper for them.

- Jay's Potato Chips

- Garrets Popcorn: Cheddar/Carmel Mix

is the way to go, but you must buy this day of arrival, it goes stale quickly. Hint: If you go to the garrets at the Merch Mart, they have mini bags that are more affordable, under $5 each, and can be pre-ordered!

-Metropolis Coffee: As these are more expensive, maybe just give to closer relatives. Although I will tell you, limit how many bags you personalize - and do not put individual names on the bags, this makes it more complicated for the hotel handing them out! Its ok if there are a few for parents, Grandparents, or special Aunts & Uncles... but it makes the process much easier to hand out general bags. Especially if the hotel has multiple wedding blocks in one weekend!

- Third Coast Collection: Makes awesome Chicago-centric stationary and reuseable bags.

- Frontera Chips & Salsa: Rick Bayless is a Top Chef Master! If you don't want to give full bags, purchase smaller clear bags and stuff them with a twist tie and print a little sticker or tag with what kind of chips they are so people know.

- CTA Transit Card: If you are having your wedding over a holiday weekend or you think a lot of guests coming will come for the weekend and explore the sites of Chicago, include a CTA pass. Even just for $5, it will get them to and from a landmark

- Vosges Chocolate: Again, expensive but a box of these would be a great thank you gift to a friend or family member who has a special role in your big day. I love the 9 pack gift boxes!

Here are 2 articles with some ideas too:
- Chicago Now
- Brides Chicago

Companies that will Make the Bag for you!
- Bagable Gifts: Dana - 312.339.4059
- Kate Parker Weddings

recommendation: peace, love and chocolate

Can I tell you how much fun this chocolate is? I received this 9 pack Milk Chocolate Truffles as a gift. Its an awesome gift because its amazing but expensive chocolate that you would never buy for yourself when you crave chocolate but is totally and completely worth the money. I knew to take my time with them as they are quite a specialty in the chocolate world. You can’t leave this box sitting around…not because they are that delicious but because they must be consumed in 2 weeks and kept cool. They are that special. My husband and I took turns picking which one to try and split them, here were our 3 favorites. (Descriptions below each are from the website):

Xocatyl
Mexican vanilla bean + milk chocolate. Xocatyl, a spicy, vanilla-flavored drink favored by the elite ruling classes of the Mayan and Aztec cultures, inspires this milk chocolate truffle. According to Aztec legend, the potent elixir bestowed power and wisdom upon those who drank it!

Woolloomooloo
Australian macadamia nut + coconut + deep milk chocolate. Macadamia nuts, native to Australia, were harvested by the Aboriginal people who occupied the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range. This truffle is named after a suburb in Sydney.

Naga
Sweet Indian curry powder + coconut + milk chocolate. Inspired by the tribes of Northeast India and the fertile landscapes. I naturally conjured up thoughts and dreams of curry. This truffle was my first Vosges creation a beautiful balance of spiciness, sweetness and color.

I think the Naga was our all time favorite, maybe because I'm Indian, but it is such an interesting flavor and the coconut balances it out from being too weird. Very creative. They even have chocolate with bacon! Luxury Chocolate - check them out!