I am IN LOVE with the Mustard Seed. It first caught my attention because it is a fair trade shop…read more Turns out that it is run by volunteers so the money earned goes directly to the artists. The people who make the goods here are from all over -- from Chili to Ghana. When I purchase gifts, they often include brief information about the artist as well as the shop. Friends and family -- including my super cool teenage nieces and my mom -- who have received gifts from this store before are always excited when they see the familiar box. In fact, this Christmas I did the majority of my shopping here. They carry an amazing array of jewelry. From beautiful beaded necklaces to metal cuffs to swingy earrings. They also carry clothing (sweaters were a huge item this winter), colored scarves (I can't get enough!), wooden bowls, purses, blankets, rugs, wall decor, children's items and frames. During the holidays they even carry ornaments. I've posted a pic of a couple of them. The people who volunteer here are extremely nice and dedicated to helping the artists they show -- often women trying to support their families. But when buying here be prepared for a slow process. Because they are volunteers it's not like walking into a well oiled retail shop. But who really cares? It feels great to help out people who are trying to help themselves (hint -- it's the artist) and give gifts that have meaning to me and the recipient. It's been an amazing teaching tool for my nieces while giving them things they love. Hmmm. I think it's time for a new fashion scarf. Can't stay away too long!

This is a great little shop with so many items to choose from, I may go in for a pair of earrings…read moreto give as a gift but then find a pair for myself, a necklace, and 10 other things I want! The items are all fair trade and the employees are volunteers so you know you are shopping for a good cause! Great for gifts and each product has a story!

Best gifts ever! If you are looking for something special…read morethis is the store for you. Their monogramming is beautiful. I just bought a baby blanket and had the initials and birth date monogrammed. It made my gift so unique and thoughtful. I plan on going back for all my graduation gifts. Sales women are great and so helpful with ideas.

My best friend had to move up her wedding 6 months which lead us (as the bridesmaids) to have very…read morelittle time (6 weeks) to piece together some special surprises for her. I had a very last minute, very difficult embroidery project that needed done- low top shoes. Two other stores told me they could not do it. Initial Choice invited me in and told me they would find a way to make my project happen. I went in an immediately felt like these people knew what they were doing and really cared about making sure my friend got what she deserved on her wedding day. They made several suggestions and I basically told them I would leave the project in their clearly capable hands. I went back to pick up the shoes a few short business days later and everything was perfect. I could not have asked for better work and better customer service. On top of everything I found their prices to be extremely reasonable. I cannot wait to go back when I'm not under pressure to have more projects done!

I stopped in to get some gifts for friends. They have a nice price range of items, appropriate for…read moregift giving. I especially like the Porcelain Not Metal tabletop line for gifts. They wrap the gifts very attractively too, so I don't have to wrap them.

Nice choices in good price ranges. Attractive store…read more Windows mk u want to walk in. I like the larger pieces.

I love this store! My husband and daughter went there to buy my Christmas gift and they couldn't…read morehave been more helpful. They helped him pick out a lovely Brighton bracelet and even gift wrapped it for him. I have shopped here severL times with my 4 year old son who loves to touch everything and they never seem to mind. Lindseys is a great asset to downtown Libertyville!

I love Lindseys! I am so sad that the one in Gurnee closed, it was my go-to shop for all my…read morefriends and family when I needed something extra special (and then of course it was easy to get a little something for me too...) They always have unique things and Wendy and her staff have been nothing but extremely cordial and welcoming to me and my slow browsing shopping ways! Great selection and service and now a bit of a drive to Libertyville to get my fix, but totally worth it. I have been a fan since the original Third Lake store and will be continuing to shop there for a long time to come. Keep up the great work!!

I continue to be so in love with this store. If you're into shops that will have you looking in…read moreevery single corner wanting every single thing, then this is your stop. Tonight I finished my holiday shopping for my niece and picked up a couple of beautiful gifts. The kids section contains high-quality merchandise. My hubby was literally double-parked outside, and I thought I could just run in and out, but no way. I wanted to buy the entire collection! From adorable natural cotton baby clothes to books, to stuffed animals, to toys, you will not leave empty-handed. They have something for every budget, and I think the prices are spot on for the quality. I truly admit to being completely obsessed with an adorable owl stuffed animal. Sooooo cute! Now, the best part about this store? Well, aside from the well-curated merchandise, is the owner. She's a total sweetheart and helped me pick out the perfect gift. She also gift-wrapped it in a super cute burlap bag with my choice of tissue color and a tie. Thank you...thank you. I'm so happy to see that this store is around. I need to stop in more often. Of course, not just for baby gifts, because they have grown-up goodies and cards too. Run, don't walk to this store. You won't be disappointed. Plus, it's super cute inside.

Baa, Baa Black Sheep. Have you any gifts?…read moreYes, sir, yes, sir One store full; One for a housewarming, And one to celebrate a birthday, And one for the little boy Who lives down the lane. --- Sorry, couldn't help myself. You know you have little ones at home when you pass by a new store and can't get a nursery rhyme out of your head. Yes, there's a new store in Glencoe...whoo hoo! I haven't done much shopping in town since Shirise closed their doors earlier this year (RIP), but it's fabulous to have a store where you can quickly pop in for a housewarming gift or just a little something for visiting a new baby. In the few weeks BlackSheep has been open I've stopped in twice to purchase: a) a lovely candle for the host of dinner during the jewish holidays b) a lovey for a new baby visit (the "real" gift wasn't ready quite yet) And of course I can't forget the few times my pre-schooler has dragged me in there for "just a few pieces of candy." Based on the fabulous candy display they have set up I have a feeling we'll be spending lots of time (and $) at BlackSheep. Welcome to the hood BlackSheep!

The familiar feeling of a mom and pop shop with a wide selection of tools for the home. They also…read morecarry cards and gifts for everyday occasions and holidays. I came in for some $2 tack cloths and left with $75 of cooking gadgets, craft ribbons, gift bags and clearance Christmas cards. The man working there made sure to point out the holiday aisle and informed me that everything was 60% off. Oh, I'm a sucker for bargains!

We were in the area and I haven't been in a True Value in so long. It was almost nostalgic…read more The shelves were fully stocked with so many types of items, but it also felt overwhelming with the amount of stuff in the store. We did speak with an associate about a specific type of matches who was very nice. Unfortunately they do not carry blue tip waterproof matches. Prices seemed good.

Cute business alert!…read more This is one of those stories of passing by a shop a million times on my way somewhere, always telling myself I want to go back and check out that shop. And then, it happens again and again, until one day. That special day you make time and go in, and then kick yourself for not going in sooner - LOL! What an adorable shop with the sweetest business owners. A shop full of gifts and accessories made by local artisans. And, I might add, I'm obsessed with the Jade & Renee line as well. Do you see those sweet dish towels in my photos? Here's why you want to stop in. Because it's a shop where you'll find a little something for everyone on your list. They have baby gifts, toys, lotions, candles, super fun cards, socks with funny sayings and images, dishes, fun kitchen towels, and I know I'm forgetting a million things. Did I mention a few fun books and journals? Best of all, and what makes them super unique is the fact they do embroidery and t-shirt printing on site. Talk about a one stop shop! Please don't make the mistake of just passing by like I did for too long.

From the owner: gift shop specializing in handmade items and personalization. read more

Everything you need for your garden, your home, your pantry. Beautiful orchids and houseplants,…read morecolorful mums and pumpkins, decorations, housewares, foodstuffs...there's so much to see. I really could spend a few hours here. We picked up some gorgeous and vivid mums and colorful pumpkins for the porch.

Phenomenal. 100% in all aspects. The staff, professionalism, the quality of their nursery stock…read morefrom trees to shrubs to perennials, to annuals is top notch. They are definitely a one stop shop. While some prices can be slightly higher, the growth/health overall is noticeable in my gardens.

I no longer shop at Sapphire Sky after shopping in the store for years…read more The last two times I was in, an employee stayed on top of me as I looked around. It wasn't to help me, but to make sure I wasn't stealing. When I complained, the owner said, "Sorry you feel that way!" I'm not satisfied that she would talk to the employee. I do not feel welcome so I shop elsewhere for gifts.

I have been shopping here for gifts since they opened many years ago and always go to Sapphire Sky…read moreto buy gifts for my coworkers. Liz and her team offer outstanding service to find the perfect items with many unique options from which to choose. Please support this local gem of a store and I promise you'll be back!