Ready? Set? Gift! Gearing up for the holidays, you can dress to impress and score the perfect present for anyone on your giving list. North Shore shops brim with all the latest trends and quality classics in clothing, household goods, self-care goodies, and playful trinkets. See where you can discover the Endless Shopportunity delights that await you on the North Shore.
BlackSheep General Store, Glencoe
Gorgeous Home Goods and Goodies
Local legend Chalet Nursery (3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette) has been delivering curated home decor and garden-focused products — along with their inspired landscape design — for 100+ years. Take a whiff of their exquisitely fragranced Holiday Classic Candle from Nest to activate all the jolly spirits! For an astonishing range of treats, keep BlackSheep General Store (346 Park Ave., Glencoe) on your list of must-visit shops. Artem Pop Up Gallery (1627 Sherman Ave., Evanston) trades in the handcrafted work of talented local artisans. Among all the jewelry, woodwork, fiber arts, photography, and more, you’ll find one-of-a-kind ceramics to enhance any home and dinner table. Hazel James Home (990 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka) has transformed this historic storefront with handmade, bespoke, and vintage treats emphasizing small makers and female creatives. Experience their dreamy-scented botanicals and the pillow wall.
Children's Gift Shop, Northfield
Great Gifts Abound
Explore the beautiful Maze Home (735 Elm St., Winnetka) with its extensive, elegant collection of lamps, occasional tables, and unique accessories from the Paris markets and across the globe. Among the barware, decorative pillows, and clocks, the cutting boards that can be personalized with a family recipe are a sure winner. Children’s Gift Shop (310 Happ Rd., Ste. 128, Northfield) carries classic favorites, as well as new and unusual toys and more for infants through teens. The Mini Volcano Lava Lamp is the everchanging hypnotizer that you didn’t know you had to have. The inventive team at Squeezebox Books & Music (743 Main St., Evanston) have stocked their corner shop with a slew of books and puzzles, along with LPs, 45s, and CDs, to tickle from the latest novels to the tastiest cookbooks, classic rock to the latest Brazilian beats.
Peachtree Place, Northfield
Stella Boutique, Evanston
Women’s Fashion Finds
Bringing city style to the 'burbs, Randoon’s (962-1/2 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka) is a hip clothing, accessory, and gift boutique/couture café where this season’s cozy cardigans pair nicely with embroidered jeans. Fall fashion with a purpose is bursting at Hubba-Hubba (1105 Central Ave., Wilmette), too. The local fixture for trendy women's clothes and accessories has darling ski-friendly sweaters, hats, and scarves. Browse around Stella Boutique (2116 Central St., Evanston), a chic, funky hotspot filled with an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, home accoutrements, and gifts. The adorable teddy bear sherpa shacket and handmade, faux-sherpa slippers go great with the plush sherpa throw all to keep you cute and toasty.
Madison Grace, Evanston
North Shore Exchange, Skokie
Resale Shops and Antique Treasures
Award-winning luxury resale shop North Shore Exchange Old Orchard (Old Orchard Rd. & Skokie Blvd., Skokie) always has something to surprise and delight. Witness their gorgeous, ever-changing inventory of guaranteed authentic designer handbags (at a fraction of their original retail prices, shhhh). The unique consignment store Twisted Trunk (1826 Glenview Rd., Glenview) specializes in higher-end, pre-owned items, plus new goodies from various designers. Spruce up the homestead for parties and houseguests with decorative lamps, occasional tables, and holiday items. And don't miss out on the treasure trove of unique finds that is Heritage Trail Mercantile (190-B Northfield Rd., Northfield). From vintage books and jewelry to an array of art mediums, one-of-a-kind furniture and tons more, you'll find something special for everyone on your list.
Secret Treasures Antiques and Collectibles, Evansaton
Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie
Shopping Center Chic
Strolling and shopping in one convenient location is the perfect way to merge your quest for food, fashion, and entertainment while juggling your holiday to-do list. With 100+ stores including Nordstrom and Williams Sonoma to explore, Westfield Old Orchard (Old Orchard Rd. & Skokie Blvd., Skokie) will keep you coming back to discover new stores, too. Get to know Vuori for performance apparel, Alo Yoga sporting studio-to-street clothes, and Amour Vert with a sustainable mission for their California comfy/Parisian flare ware — just to name a few. Visit with the jolly man himself at the magical Santa’s Trolley Holiday Experience this season.
Crate & Barrel, Northbrook Court, Northbrook
Brands Bonanza
Northbrook Court (2171 Northbrook Court, Northbrook) is the mecca for your fave brands where you can see what’s new at Apple Store, lululemon, and more. Crate & Barrel always wins with must-have’s like the joyfully-designed Smeg kettles that will give you (or your giftee) the perfect pour every time. With pretty European town charm The Glen Town Center (Patriot Blvd. at Navy Blvd., Glenview) flaunts a lovely range of shops including fashionista staples like Apricot Lane Boutique to Notice: Accessories for Living. Remember Dick’s Sporting Goods has a great selection for kids and teens with sweatshirts, hoodies, and all the shoe brands from Crocs to Jordans to keep them moving and looking good!
Lincolnwood Town Center, Lincolnwood
Treats from Tip to Toe
Happy shopping hub Lincolnwood Town Center (3333 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood) is a beautifully designed and fully-enclosed mall for an all-weather, family-friendly indoor atmosphere. Home to 80+ retailers, you’ll find a store for every style, like Old Navy, Kohl’s, Express, Victoria’s Secret, and more for everything from cute and cozy stocking stuffers to exquisite fine jewelry. You can even outfit the whole house at The RoomPlace, with stunning accents like geometric area rugs to add some magic. For a shopping recess, head to the upper level where little ones can play and explore in the Children's Play Area before you take time out for a manicure from one the nail salons.