Holiday Shopping Guide

Believe it or not, it’s time to start making those holiday shopping lists — remember to check them twice — and begin heading out to stores to find that perfect gift for everyone from your kids to your eccentric aunt. Fortunately, Chicago’s North Shore is home to amazing shopping centers and downtown districts offering everything from large department stores to neighborhood boutiques, so you’ll be able to find everything you need in no time. Here are just a few of the best spots to visit this shopping season.

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Red Invitation Sale 
Various Locations, Winnetka
On Dec. 8, Winnetka will celebrate the 40th Red Invitation Sale, a day when participating local businesses will offer special deals, gift wrapping, activities, and more. Visit Skändal (907 Green Bay Road, Winnetka) for sweaters, coats, dresses, and even home goods from Scandinavia. Or head to Maze Home (735 Elm St., Winnetka) for everything you need to keep your loved ones feeling cozy this winter: an upcycled cotton chunky cable throw, a blue and brown plaid pillow, a cashmere cape, candles, and so much more. And Mattie M (990 Green Bay Road, Winnetka) offers some of the coolest coats, dresses, sweaters, accessories, and more from designers across the country and Europe.

Maze Home, Winnetka

Westfield Old Orchard
Skokie Blvd. and Old Orchard Rd., Skokie
With more than 140 stores, this shopping center is your go-to for one-stop-shopping this holiday season. Start at Nordstrom for seasonal beauty sets, toys, shoes, electronics, and more. Then make your way through the entire outdoor mall, stopping by North Shore Exchange for designer handbags, jewelry, and fashion. But not only does this shopping center provide a variety of must-visit shops, it also hosts fun holiday events all season long. On Nov. 29, Dec. 14, and Dec. 24, go on a Santa Scavenger Hunt, or enjoy a Pizza Party with Santa on Dec. 22.

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Northbrook Court 
1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook
This mall includes more than 90 stores all under one roof. For the person on your list who wants the latest in tech, stop by Apple. For the fitness buff, visit Athleta and lululemon. For your favorite fashionista, shop Burberry, Coach, Evereve, Francesca's and don't miss the North Shore's only H&M location. For your kiddos, visit LEGO and Toy Heaven. And for the one who just moved to a new home, swing by Crate & Barrel or Sur la Table. Plus, get into the spirit of the season with holiday events like Photos with Santa through Dec. 24.

Northbrook Court, Northbrook

Downtown Evanston
There's so much to do and explore in Evanston that you can easily spend an entire day here. Stop by Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio (623 Grove St.), which was once named one of the country's coolest stores by Instore Magazine, for gorgeous bracelets, necklaces, rings, and other jewelry. For the bookworm on your list, Bookends & Beginnings (1712 Sherman Ave., Alley #1) is a cozy bookstore with the hottest reads and coolest merchandise that you'll love exploring. Or for the oenophile, visit Vinic Wine (1509 Chicago Ave.) for their favorite bottle or to discover something new. Be sure to check out the Warm Bevvy Walk on Dec. 5 where you can sip and shop your way through partipating business in Downtown Evanston.

Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio, Evanston

It’s also easy to find everything on your list at Assembly Creators Market (1642 Orrington Ave.) and Artem Pop Up Gallery (1627 Sherman Ave.), both of which house items from a variety of makers. At Assembly Creators Market, you'll find everything from clothes and jewelry to lotion, soaps, and candles. You can even sign up for a workshop to create your own items for personalized gifting. And at Artem Pop Up Gallery, you'll find paintings, photos, pottery, jewelry, and more from local artists.  

Assembly Creators, Evanston

Abt
1200 N. Milwaukee, Glenview
The holidays are the perfect time to give that cool new kitchen appliance or home gadget that your loved one might not get for themselves, but you know they'd love to have. For everything from air fryers and exercise bikes to cameras, tablets, headphones, and all things tech, turn to Abt. This store has been serving the Chicago area since 1936 and has everything you need to find the perfect gift and make sure it gets installed or set up properly. Plus, you can even pick up some sweet treats from Dylan's Candy Bar here — perfect stocking stuffers.

Abt, Glenview
 

This entry was posted in Shopping, and tagged Chicago North Shore, Chicago's North Shore, Downtown Evanston, Evanston Shopping, Evanston, Glenview, Illinois, Local Business, Local Businesses, North Shore Chicago, North Shore Shopping, North Shore, Northbrook Court, Northbrook, Retail Therapy, Shopping On Chicago's North Shore, Shopping On The North Shore, Shopping, Skokie, Westfield Old Orchard, Winnetka, .