I Love Chicago at ORD: Best Souvenirs Near Gate M11

Shop Overview

I Love Chicago is Terminal 5’s dedicated Chicago-souvenir stop at O’Hare, blending classic city merch with a more boutique, gallery-like mix of artisan-made products. Expect everything from wearable “Chicago” staples to giftable keepsakes that feel genuinely local rather than mass-produced.

What sets this shop apart is its focus on work from Chicago artists and artisans—think jewelry, fashion accessories, prints/paintings, small sculptures, ceramic pottery, and mosaic/mixed-media pieces—alongside approachable travel gifts and apparel. The experience is easy and browse-friendly: quick grabs if you’re boarding soon, or a deeper look if you’re hunting for a more distinctive present.

What to Buy

• Chicago-branded apparel: T-shirts and hoodies are the reliable best-sellers for last-minute gifts. (Recent airport pricing examples you may see: tees around $19.95, hoodies around $39.95, selection varies.)
• Locally made art gifts: Small-format prints, handmade jewelry, and ceramics travel well and feel more “Chicago” than generic souvenirs.
• Desk and home keepsakes: Look for compact pieces—mugs, accessories, and small décor—that fit in carry-ons without worry.
• Pair-with-a-treat gifting: If you’re building a Chicago-themed gift bundle, combine a souvenir here with snacks nearby in Terminal 5 (for example, Chicago popcorn options elsewhere in the concourse).

Price note: This is not a duty-free shop, so you won’t see duty-free savings like you would for liquor, fragrance, or cosmetics. For those categories, consider the Terminal 5 duty-free shop after security, then come here for Chicago gifts and apparel.

Location & Hours

Where: Terminal 5 near Gate M11 (Concourse M). You’ll find it in the gate area—ideal for a quick stop once you’re already walking toward the M gates.

Security: Post-security (after the checkpoint), so plan to shop after you clear screening in Terminal 5.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., daily.

Best times to shop: The calmest browsing is typically mid-morning to early afternoon between major international departure banks. Expect the most congestion late afternoon into evening when long-haul flights often cluster and gate areas fill up.

Shopping Tips

• Duty-free reminder: Since I Love Chicago isn’t duty-free, use it for souvenirs and artisan gifts; buy duty-free-eligible items (like fragrance or spirits) at the dedicated duty-free store in Terminal 5 if that’s on your list. Always confirm your destination’s allowances and any connection-country restrictions.
• Time your purchase: For fragile ceramics or framed pieces, shop closer to boarding so you’re not carrying items through the concourse for long.
• Returns/exchanges: Airport-store return rules can be stricter and time-limited—ask for the printed return policy and keep your receipt, especially for artisan items.
• Payment & currency: Expect standard U.S. card acceptance and USD pricing; international travelers should plan to pay by card for the smoothest checkout.