Unique Shopping Finds on the North Shore

Time to shine when you find that perfectly unique gift. Not only do you get the thrill of the hunt visiting local shopkeepers, but you also get personal service and truly special items.  Here is a small sampling of some distinct shops and discover so many more Endless Shopportunities on Chicago’s North Shore. 

 

Antiques and Porcelain by GK, Glenview

Antiques and Porcelain by GK (Glenview)
You could start off shopping for gift ideas, but don’t be surprised if you leave with some bling for yourself or your hearth. The treasures, the stories, the shine. GK’s encyclopedic knowledge and expansive network of contacts across the U.S. and Europe allows them to acquire and sell an exceptional variety of high-quality items. Their impeccable reputation with antiques means you’ll see the crème de la crème with exquisite silver pieces, precious porcelain finds and a beautiful selection of cameos and jewelry.
 

Beat Street Toys, Winnetka

Beat Street Toys (Winnetka)
Sure, the bounty of colorful toys and treats are enough to send grade schoolers into hops of delight. But don’t let the trendy plastic knickknacks fool you. Tweens and every generation beyond will be captivated to find all manner of fun stuffies, games, puzzles and craft projects in this packed playhouse. The candy selection alone is enough to keep you giggled along with sunglasses, stickers, holiday toys and clever houseware treats.
 

Botanik Culture, Skokie

Botanik Culture (Skokie)
Fresh and fabulous, this full-service florist will dazzle you with glorious options. Order an enchanting floral arrangement for your next dinner party or to surprise a special someone. The distinctive botanical designs will wow. If you’re feeling inspired, DIY a bouquet at their inspiring Floral Bar where you can select your own individual flowers, create a design, and use their professional workspace with tools, materials and supplies galore. Subscriptions for their artfully crafted floral services are available for home or work (even orchids and succulents).
 

Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop, Evanston

Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop (Evanston)
The crew at Dave’s really digs introducing rocks and fossils to a new generation of rockhounds. Stroll the shop to gasp at gorgeous mounted fossils (like ammonite slices), crystals and other sparkling wonders, each one totally unique. Discover a wide variety from toys to tableware and an extensive jewelry collection with earrings, pendants, cufflinks and birthstones — even gemstone beads and materials to make your own. Tiny treasures for under a dollar sit near one-of-a-kind artifacts in the thousands. Follow the dinosaur footprints downstairs to visit the museum! 
 

Elizabeth Griffin Gifts, Wilmette

Elizabeth Griffin Gifts (Wilmette)
“Salty cards, creative gifts and home décor” is the cheeky combo this decidedly grown-up shop uses to describe its fare. Festive and funny ideas abound from furniture and socks to greeting cards and games, many with saucy messages for adults. Peruse hilarious soaps (“Positive Vibes,” “Day Drinking” and “More Cowbell”), tote bags for “dog moms” or “pickleball vibes” and NSFW coaster sayings. Seasonal treats, silly games and puzzles surround racks of pretty cards and candies for any occasion. 
 

la de da, Northbrook

la de da (Northbrook)
Ensure every party (holiday and otherwise) is perfect with decorative accessories, charming monogrammed items and increasingly lovely tabletop merchandise from this attractive boutique. The shelves at la de da brim with an extensive and always changing gift selection. You can find fashionable frills to elevate your look or gift ideas for hostesses, college coeds and a darling assortment of baby gifts, including precious apparel, darling toys, custom frames and more.
 

See Jane Sparkle, Skokie

See Jane Sparkle (Skokie)
Feel good about your fancy purchases from this fair trade-focused, global gift boutique bursting with texture, beauty and impact in the heart of downtown Skokie. Each stunning piece is handcrafted by and sourced directly from women in 13+ countries, incorporating native and sustainable materials, utilizing wisdom, technique and craftsmanship handed down through generations. Beaded bracelets, colorful textiles, trendy tops, candles and trinkets — all life’s goodies! Check out this season’s darling, vintage one-of-a-kind brooches.
 

Stella Boutique, Evanston

Stella Boutique (Evanston)
New items arrive regularly at Stella Boutique making frequent stops a winning shopping strategy. All items here are hand-curated by owner Rachel: eclectic and artful gifts, jewelry, apparel, accessories and accoutrements for the home oozing with soul and style. Check out seasonal scents (elegant candles) and Bohemian blouses galore. Even snazzy reading glasses (IYKYK). Add a handmade artisanal touch to your table with colorful knitted felt ball trivets (100% sheep wool), handcrafted in Nepal by local female artisans (fair trade-certified).
 

The Wild Child, Glencoe

The Wild Child (Glencoe)
All about the wee ones, this family-owned specialty toy store boasts creative, exciting choices for ages zero to 15. They focus on unique, high-quality toys, games, crafts and other activities — preferably “green” focused and often organic. Anything to help get kids unplugged and engaged in pretend play and interactive activities. Spirographs, plushies and gobs of boardgames from Scrabble to Ready Set Spaghetti! Sporty options for bigger kids and soft wonderments for newborns, hand-picked faves include a Wireless Express Boom Box and an array of jewelry, apparel and backpacks.