A cute little gift shop in Evanston. I found some postcards to send to friends, but they also have…read morehome decor, jewelry and other gifts all packed into this little storefront. Worth a stop if you are nearby.

Yesterday we participated in our first successful Small Business Saturday…read more Stumble and Relish was on my bookmarks list and this time I had reason to go! There are many lovely crafted items. So many unique finds too! They have Evanston-centric decor and souvenirs so if you're looking for that perfect gift for yourself or a loved one, you're sure to find it here. After making your purchase, they will box your items (free of charge) upon request. This is my first opportunity shopping local and after my visit here, it won't be my last!

I'm as Anglo as they come, maybe, but I'm a nice Jewish boy at heart…read more I needed a kippah for a wedding that was coming up, and didn't want to wear one of those ugly, shiny things that most shuls provide for goyim and non-observant Jews. You know -- up near the entrance. (Actually, I needed TWO kippahs -- one for me and one for the hubby, who was also to be in attendance.) Rosenblum's had just what we needed, and we were in and out in no time flat. (A simple transaction and friendly service, too -- who could ask for more?)

Sadly, this is the only Judaica store left near me, but they do have nice stuff and while I went…read morefor a gift, I left with several things for myself. My biggest complaint was that they didn't answer their phone any of the times I tried calling (many tries) and there is no updated information on the website or social media so I drove there hoping it was open. Indeed it was and the gentleman working was very helpful. Prices were fair. And there was a nice variety of gifts to choose from.

Cuuuuuute alert! For all you artsy crafty mavens out there, this is your stop. It's a shop filled…read morewith a well-curated selection of paper goods, books, coloring books, custom art, fabric lamp shades, and gifts in varying price points. From the second I walked in, I was engulfed by a most delightful smell, perhaps a candle burning somewhere? I was greeted by the owner's assistant, Kate, who gave me an overview of the shop and some of the classes they offer in the back, like coptic bookbinding, collage, crafting, and self-motivation classes. They also have a meet up group called The Grown*Up Girls Club where you can meet up with other like-minded individuals and explore new art/craft/maker techniques. The Club meets the second Sunday of every month. The Collage Cafe is a newer business located in an adorable corridor mixed with other art-inspired shops. You can go door to door and visit each one while you're at it! Can't wait to stop back in. But, as I'm writing this, when I go back I realize the selection is too overwhelming for my taste (in a good way of course) because I want one of everything.

One day my young daughters and I where walking by and came in into this beautiful place, what a…read morewonderful store! The owner is such a great lady, great host, kind and knowledgeable. I scheduled a coloring evening for a group of friends from church. We had a delightful experience! The place was set up with a wide variety of water colors, wood colors pencils, markers, etc. the pages provided were also varied, from really intricate to more simple so we were all able to pick something that suited our taste and level of artistry. We already scheduled another event and are looking forward to it. Definitely a great place for gifts, classes and more.

Every time I order a basket from thoughtful presence, it is exactly what it's title is. Thoughtful…read more I have sent many baskets and gotten a lot of feedback that people love them. Now they're asking for cards to be enclosed so they know where to order from. I would suggest everyone give them a try because thoughtfulness is really put into each basket they do. They follow any special instructions you have and they're very nice and respond quickly. This is my only basket place that I will ever use again!

Worked with the owner on a custom basket for my husband. communication on the contents and the…read moreefforts made to accommodate my requests was top notch. Recommend Thoughtful Presence without hesitation. And glad to support a local business.

It was a nice surprise that the bookstore was still open after our post-dinner treat. It's always…read morefun to browse, and the store is very attractively laid out, with book covers gleaming and beckoning like inviting gems. I found a new book from my to-read list, coveted a cute display of Studio Ghibli merch, smiled at the witty cards, and soon my companions and I amassed a stockpile of items to purchase and so they gave us a nice tote. Maybe next time we'll skip dessert and head straight here (must check hours to see when the bar is open).

This bookstore does not support local authors. A local bookstore should. They are very rude and…read morepompous as well. We don't need that behavior in Evanston.

I booked in home plant re-potting with Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery, and was so pleased…read morewith their service! They re-potted the large plant I booked them for, and then had extra time and used it to look at all the other plants in my house, do some maintenance/re-potting, and to provide some plant education. This is a great local business!

I always love my time at Cultivate as the owner, Louise, is so helpful and a wonderful steward of…read morethe plants. I enjoy her bad assness! From the necklaces at check out, the mini gnomes, beautiful cork mountings, the list goes on! Worth a visit as I never leave empty handed :)

Small gift shop in Rogers Park located in a Loyola building. They have offerings from local artists…read morewhich is neat plus Loyola themed gifts. Only thing is that I wish it was bigger.

ChiTown Magpie is a hidden gem of a Chicago-themed gift shop, located in the Granada Center at…read moreLoyola University. It has cards and one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists along with stickers, CTA and Rogers Park themed stuff, random pop culture items, and a few Loyola items. I did some Christmas shopping here, and I found an adorable Rogers Park t-shirt for a local friend and some David Bowie magnets for a friend on the West Coast. It's not cheap, but carefully curated, and when you find that right item for a friend, it's worth it!

Cute store with home decor and such situated in Plaza del Lago. The female sales associate are…read morenice, and one of the days, even offered me a sample of popcorn kettle corn clusters. I enjoy their cute porcelain-ware from France in the back as well as unique greeting cards. +small selection of home decor and gifts +greeting cards +located inside Plaza del Lago

Wonderful, professional, stylish I can't say enough about the personal attention and quality…read moreproducts. From the staff to the inventory, Yellow Bird is a superior stationer and gift shop.

The service at the store was very nice and welcoming. They are highly accommodatable and…read moreeducational when it comes to ensuring that you know everything about their goods that they sell. We went here, looking for a Matcha tea set. They didn't have any in stock yet. So we opted to buy some incense and a wild tapestry. Everything is priced as expected these are all imported goods from Japan. We will be back to purchase some Matcha. Almost everything they have in there that you can smell taste and touch. They have a sample for! I love that because then you know exactly what it is that you're getting. Great experience I highly recommend coming here if you're looking for authentic Japanese goods.

I've been here a few times, but came back again with a friend and the owner was super nice and…read moreexplained the incense boxes that we were looking at in a very in-depth and detailed way. They have beautiful hand-crafted and articulate items for sale here. Every time I walk in here, it feels tranquil. You could easily drop several hundreds if not thousands here, but everything is made with high quality. Definitely recommend this place if you're window shopping in Andersonville!

NiceLena is painted so vibrantly that you can't help but pop in!…read more Besides being a gift shop filled with gifts (stationery, magnets, stickers, planters), several of the items are designed and MADE BY the artist herself! There's little signs that say "hi I made this!" and they're everywhere! Love love love that touch! Lena is chatty and joins in the conversation which I love-it makes you feel like everyone is welcome and included. While I was checking out, she told us the most exciting part= you can bring in any vessel and she will fill it with candle wax! Think of all the perfect vessels you have at your house RIGHT NOW! Those could be candles! This is the kind of place you WANT to visit! The stuff inside is great as is the owner/designer/artist! Enjoy!

Such a cute and welcoming shop filled with trinkets of all kinds. There is something for everyone,…read moreincluding pins, mugs, buttons, stickers, earrings, clothing, and more! The store owner is so sweet and a pleasure to talk to! Things are reasonably priced and it's always great to support a small business :)