Dec 11, 2024 - Things to Do
Best Chicago gift shops for the holidays
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Foursided on North Clark Street. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
There's still plenty of time to find that unique gift, and what better way than to support a local business in the process?
Check it out: Axios Chicago readers presented us with their favorite Chicago-area gift stores.
North Side
- "A relative newcomer, owned by an energetic, friendly young woman. Its selection of gifts for all ages is delightful and quirky; includes items I haven't seen anywhere else!" — Jan H.
- "Who doesn't need cute (and useful) cat, dog, or lemon sticky notes? Plus the owners are lovely. — Jessica T.
- "ALWAYS find something fun there." — Katie R.
- "I get my greeting cards (and incense!) from Inkling in Lakeview." — Mike C.
- "I can 'discover' something in all the nooks and crannies, and knowing there will always be something new keeps me coming back. And the holiday season is the best — their back room has all sorts of fun ornaments." — Chelsea B.
- "Over 100 local artists and craftsmen selling 'one-of-a-kind' gifts, it's a pure joy to shop there." — Michael M.
- "I always find something fun and unexpected!" — Mark K.
- "It's simply the perfect gift for people who cook, and for people who eat! I love that they have an assortment of boxed gifts, from easy hostess gifts to the granddaddy four-pack." — Sandra B.
- "It's owned and run by my daughter Jennifer Gran, a former art teacher for 20 years … who decided to pursue her long-time dream of a community space for artists as well as providing nontoxic, eco-friendly, vegan products." — Robin G.
Other suggestions:
West Side
- "It has been open for 24 years (a minor miracle in today's environment!), and they offer such cute, fun, elegant, and charming gifts. Julie, the owner, has an innate ability to help you find the perfect gift." — Joan F.
- "Unique presents for children and super service!" — Mike P.
Quentin M. had several great suggestions:
For the eco-conscious friend:
For the bookish family member:
For skincare:
For men:
Other suggestions:
South Side
- "They have new and used books. What makes it so great is staff recommendations and the diversity that is available." — Leslie B.
- "Find gourmet food, T-shirts with inspirational sayings, and housewares and more at this North Kenwood wellness market and cafe." — Monica
Other suggestion:
Suburbs and beyond
La De Da in Northbrook
- "The owner Jill and her staff are welcoming and excel at helping you find the right gift. They get to know their customers' likes and interests, and this is the go-to place for buying a birthday gift for a friend, or a teacher gift, or a Christmas gift for family." — Vincent F.
The Careful Peach in Oak Park
- "Whenever I am there shopping for gifts, I somehow manage to pick up some small things for myself like scented soap from Marseille, beeswax tapers or guest towels." — Emily P.
Dive Bar Soap Co. within Sprout in Berwyn
- "For every soap bar purchased, they donate a bar of soap to a local shelter. I love supporting a friendly, woman-owned local business in my neighborhood." — Megan S.
Poopsies in Galena
- Dianne H. also suggests eating at Fritz and Frites if you're in Galena.
Other suggestions:
- Harvey's Tales and Little Traveler in Geneva
- Townhouse Books in St. Charles
- Stumble and Relish in Evanston