Where to Shop This Holiday Season

We all want to find that perfect gift for everyone on our list, and fortunately, Chicago’s North Shore is filled with shops that make it easy to do just that. From appliances and home goods that make life a little bit easier to the latest in fashion and toys, these businesses will help you find everything you’re looking for (and even help wrap and deliver!) so you can get back to the best part of the season — spending quality time with family and friends.

Happy holidays!

Abt
1200 N. Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
No matter who you’re shopping for this holiday season, you’ll find the perfect gifts at Abt. For the foodie, shop the top appliances and kitchen gadgets. For the techie, find the latest in virtual reality systems and drones. And for the fitness enthusiast, explore equipment and trackers that will help them start the new year on the right foot. Plus, shop gaming systems, computers, furniture, watches and even more. Before you leave, stop by the store’s new Dylan’s Candy Bar for sweet stocking stuffers and other delicious gifts.

Apricot Lane Boutique
1951 Tower Drive, Glenview
For the fashionista on your list, visit Glenview’s new Apricot Lane. From trendy velvet tops and chunky sweaters to cool jackets and boots, this boutique carries a variety of clothes, accessories, and perfect gift items. Everything here is sold in limited quantities and new items arrive every week, so you can feel confident you’ll find something unique. When you’re done shopping at Apricot Lane, explore the rest of The Glen Town Center for even more gift ideas.

Bookends and Beginnings
1712 Sherman Ave., Evanston
For a bookworm, there’s no better gift than a brand new book to curl up with on a cold winter night. Whether you’re looking for a children’s book, a biography, a suspenseful mystery or LOL-worthy comedy, support this local bookstore as you do your holiday shopping this year. You can even sign up for a book-a-month subscription and shop literary gifts like Simpson & Vail Literary Tea, Out of Print Clothing and Enchanted Book Boxes.

Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery
704 Main St., Evanston
Brighten someone’s home or office with a new house plant or terrarium from this women-owned, independent plant shop. You’ll also find gardening supplies, furniture, and other gifts like jewelry, pottery, candles and books. Plus, Cultivate is the place to go for nature-inspired art, so stop by to shop and see the latest gallery show.

Maze Home
735 Elm St., Winnetka
This shop is a “gift destination,” offering furniture, lighting, pillows, decor and more accessories that will bring anyone’s home to life. You’ll even find jewelry, apparel and kids items, so you’ll be able to check off everyone on your list.

Nordstrom
4937 Old Orchard Court, Skokie
Shopping for her, him, kids or home? How about a techie, host or frequent traveler? Nordstrom makes it easy to brainstorm the perfect gift for everyone you know with the Holiday Gifts & Gift Ideas section of their website. Afterwards, make your way throughout Westfield Old Orchard (or take a break at one of the mall’s many dining options).

North Shore Exchange
372 Hazel Ave., Glencoe
Give a gift that gives back this year. North Shore Exchange is a philanthropic consignment shop that has given $1,000,000 to organizations that support children and families. 

The Sweet Buddha
660 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
Surprise those with a sweet tooth with a gift from this specialty shop. You’ll of course find a wide selection of candy, but you’ll also find toys, games, apparel, jewelry and more. The Sweet Buddha can also create a custom gift for you and wrap it, meaning all you have to do is pick it up (a great option during this busy season).

Ten Thousand Villages
719 Main St., Evanston
The mission of this shop is to “create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term, fair trading relationships.” So give a gift that makes a difference this season! Get ideas with Ten Thousand Villages’ Gift Finder, with options for “the bartenders,” “the creatives,” “the musicians,” “the scholars” and more.

Village Toy Shop
807 Elm St., Winnetka
For the kiddos on your list who have been oh-so-nice this year, visit this family-owned toy store. You’ll find the hottest new toys, plus the classics, for ages infant and toddler to 17 years. Plus, they offer free gift wrapping and free local delivery, helping to ease the stress of the season.