NiceLena is painted so vibrantly that you can't help but pop in! 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! read more

See all

Such a cute and welcoming shop filled with trinkets of all kinds. There is something for everyone, including 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 :) read more

This store is run by a very creative and Nice human named Lena. I buy all of my scented candles at NiceLena and take advantage of the shop's great deal on candle refills. Unique gifts and cards...and too many cute items to count. Shop local at NiceLenas! read more

First timer 2/10/24. Store was jammed! SO much to peruse and it smells so welcoming. I'll be back! read more

NiceLena & Friends - February 10, 2024 Coast on this - self care sis! - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I admit that I'm a little bit obsessed with this shop, and I've never even been inside! Blame that on Covid-19, but you can be assured it's one of the first businesses I look forward to *actually* going into when it's safe. You might be wondering how it's possible for me to write a review of NiceLena, but the truth is, Lena Kim has done such an incredible job of promoting her business online, and via social, that I was compelled to visit and window shop over the weekend on my Art Connects walking tour. Peering in the shop and browsing the items in the window, it's as magical and whimsical as ever. From art to jewelry to cards and mugs...oh those mugs...there's something for everyone. The mugs with photos of Chicago Mayor Lightfoot are a must and you can purchase online and plan a curbside pickup, delivery, or have it shipped. *Did I mention that Lena is the artist/maker behind her products and she's been coined The Wizard Of Cute? There is something in every corner of the shop, so don't miss anything--especially the fairy door that greets all the customers by the entrance. See you, hopefully, soon. But until then...see you online! read more

See all

I couldn't believe how cute this little store is, and you could walk right by it. Placed an order for a Mayor Lightfoot / Stay Home mug for a friend who collects mugs. The mug itself was unique and adorable. The owner was so kind when I picked it up, and it was packaged in tissue and a bag. Also, how cute is this Lego tape! I will definitely be back, but really enjoyed my pick up order! read more

NiceLena & Friends - Lego tape is sooo cool! Loved using it! - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

See all

This is a great shop! Every time I need a gift I know Lena has it. She has great jewelry at different price points as well as cards and vintage finds. Lena is creative and sweet. She is happy to help and even made me a custom key chain once. The shop is bright and cheery it's a great addition to downtown Evanston. read more

What do you need!? Fun and funky handmade affordable jewelry? A darling unique baby gift? Ready made decor from local artists? An array of cool shades, fanny packs, hats, gloves and wallets? Well NiceLena has it all and more! NiceLena & Friends is totally that store that you stop in after the record store and before the thrift shop when you've got a little 'me' time. Lena the proprietrix is an amazing human everyone loves and all should meet. She is constantly cranking out creativity from her magic store in the form of jewelry, home goods, custom gifts and much more! And did I mention it's a perfect maker and party stop? Our kids love to swing by and make some button or cards or jewelry- keeps them busy while mom shops And don't forget Lena can host your next party in her fun and funky shop- bring the ladies and the wine- or if you need a kid party destination! What can I say? Go check her out! read more

NiceLena & Friends - A little button making followed by bracelet creating in at NiceLena & Friends - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Really cool and clever stuff, and it's amazing to realize how much of it Lena creates on her own. It's a really esoteric, magical place, and, chances are that you'll find something truly unique for yourself or someone in your life. The shop is deceptively small, and it's chock full of creativity. So much DIY stuff! it would be easy for someone so talented to come across as smug or full of herself, but Lena's about as chill and down to Earth as they come. read more

I desperately needed three birthday presents for people that didn't need a thing. I collected pictures of the people and sent Lena the images. She made three amazing mugs--she didn't just use the pictures I sent but added her own design and flair. To boot, her boxes and wrapping are beautiful! read more

This place is absolutely magical! The owner makes handmade jewelry, pins and candles. She makes her own candles but you can also bring in your own jars and she will fill them up for $1 an oz! I haven't seen this in any other store. There are all kinds of funny and funky things all over the store. There is something for everyone here AND the owner is awesome! read more

NiceLena & Friends - Candle refills! - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I found NiceLena online via IG, and viewed many of her creative items... I was inspired to reach out and ask her to mail a couple things to me. She got them to me fast, which was much needed at the time. Lena even included a bonus gift item in the package, that kind of extra small surprise goes a long way for new customers! Definitely was appreciated. read more

Always friendly and a great spot for local gifts. Cool coffee mugs. Awesome candles. Great shop.

I love this shop! First of all, Lena really is nice and second of all...I like all the things on the shelves. Handmade jewelry, handbags and purses, delicious smelling candles, cool sunglasses, local pottery, stickers, cards, artwork, vintage clothing and a cool workspace for kids to make buttons or jewelry of their own. If you are looking for a gift, you came to the right place! Even my toddler is happy because Lena has a small area of toys and legos for her to play with while I shop. You will not be disappointed if you stop in! read more

I love this store so much. Every time I go in there, I have the most hilarious conversations with the owner and other customers, and I end up finding something perfect for a friend. She has loads of really unique, handmade beautiful items of all kinds (the earrings and necklaces!!!!), and everything is reasonably priced. Most of all, I feel the community love in here - you can tell you are supporting a business that is deeply ingrained and loving to its community, and provides so much for everyone. Not much feels better! read more

I came for the earrings, but stayed for the candles, buttons, vintage clothes, cool art, and fun gifts. This adorable shop is small, but mighty, and has so many unique and local items I could spend hours looking around and still not see everything. I really wish I lived closer to NiceLena, as this would definitely be my go-to spot for both jewelry and gifts. read more

I shop here often! Lena, owner and maker, is kind and welcoming. Her shop is a sweet collection of her own awesome and affordable items as well as those of local maker and artisans. My kids love this store and there is something for every price point. My daughter especially loves that she can create her own masterpiece while there be it a button or pin, etc. I've found gifts for young children, teens, and adults there. I love that new items are added and replenished regularly and I love the vibe of the store in general. I often leave feeling happy and inspired. This store is a true gem. read more

NiceLena & Friends is a true gem of Evanston! It's my go to for gifts, cards, and jewelry treats for myself. The jewelry she makes is bright, unique, very wearable, and affordable for almost any budget. She also makes candles and carries pottery, hand painted art and wearable art, plus she does many different kinds of amazing custom pieces. She even has vintage stuff and a sweet kids area with things for kids to do while their adult shops in peace. Lena is one of the nicest most welcoming business owners in Evanston. She goes out of her way to make all of her customers feel cared for. It's all the small details she thinks of that make her shop a uniquely warm place for our entire community. read more

The cutest little shop filled with handmade goods! The owner is super helpful and creates some of the coolest jewelry, too.

They did such a great job with some buttons I needed made fast. Made and shipped to California the same day. Bravo! They were a hit at the party btw. read more

This is a fantastic boutique with a great assortment of crafts, my favorite of which were made by the shop owner Lena herself. From custom pop culture mugs to personalized wood cutting I have a hard time not just getting one of everything. I also need to say that Lena is incredibly kind and welcoming, and goes above and beyond to help her customers. This is my new favorite store! read more

Such an adorable shop! Love it! Found lots of fun gifts. Will definitely be back soon.

This is the best boutique! Lena is friendly and fun to talk to, and it's inspiring to see her living the creative life. My 9yo daughter loves the shop as much as I do - she makes cards at the work station Lena has set up for customers while I shop. It's the perfect place to shop for earrings for a friend's birthday, a homemade candle for your hostess, a funny button or chunky mug for a holiday exchange. We love Lena! read more

Cute neighborhood store with great gifts at reasonable prices. The owner goes out of her way to be helpful and the maker space is super fun.

This is such a cute little shop! I've gotten some nice gifts for my family here as well as some custom pottery pieces. Highly recommend this shop for your creative fix or jewelry needs. read more