This place is so much fun! I want to buy everything they have! The store is pretty big (make sure to check out the hidden back room, too) and every nook of it is filled with merchandise. As I walked around the store, checking out item after item, I couldn't help but feel like I was on a treasure hunt! There were so many thing to be discovered! Their merchandise consists of jewelry, bath and body items, candles, cards, baby gifts, kitchen stuff, home decor, and fun chotchkies. The vibe is dark, fun, and old-worldy. And the staff is great - they are so friendly and fun. Overall, I'm so happy with my purchases. They feel like one-of-a-kinds! I'll be sure to go back when I need to buy a gift for someone... including myself! read more

Wow, I love it! this is my favorite stores in my neighborhood. that's sort of misleading, as there are only like 5 stores in my neighborhood anyway. I like to go pick out gifts there. they have everything, cards, lotions, candles, baby clothes, jewelry, magnets, small things that look nice on shelves, books, notepads, toys, erm, i can't think of it all. Wow! they have a magic garden gift. i like it! its the best gift ever if you like to watch slow things grow. Wow, its really smells in here. like too much perfume or incense. oh well, its smells better than the street. read more

The shop has a beautiful vintage feel and they also always have the cutest window displays. Its the type of store you take out of towners to when they are over. This is a perfect place to stop when you need a gift. They have a wide range of items both low brow and high brow. This may sound strange but its the best store to buy a gift for someone you don't know well. The items there are unique and fun to browse through. I've bought a wide range of things here from jeweled barrettes to greeting cards to mints. Once I saw a huge book on ghosts and went back and they were out. The store happily ordered me a copy. read more

THE ONLY PLACE TO GET A GIFT! Vintage rings, paper ephemera, fancy candles, air plants, perfume, jewelry, strange clothing, bike bells, kites, baby items for COOL babies, french soaps, gardening tools, whimsey and kitch!! All in what feels like your dimly lit eclectic artsy aunt's home with very down to earth (and not on the planet at the same time) attentive staff. There was a dog in there but I dont know whose it was. It was friendly. Everyone was having a GREAT time! Here you can get and give the gifts that make people jealous of you. read more

I really enjoyed shopping at RR#1 even though I only ended up buying one tiny thing. I had to stay focused on Christmas presents for OTHER people, and I kind of wish I could take my friends and family to this place and say "Pick up anything here and give it to me and I will like it." There are plenty of eclectic little gifts, books, toys, cards, jewelery... lots of things! There were at least a dozen times that me or my husband said "Oooh! Come over here and look at this!" Definitely a fun shopping experience. I took off 1 star because I would say that 80% of the stuff there is manufactured "cool" that can be purchased from suppliers to build your own quirky shop, and I kind of wanted to see more from local artists and non-commercial items. There were some, but I think they could expand on bringing in those one-of-a-kind items that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. read more

Love, love, love RR #1! The best place to find the perfect gift - especially for those friends/family members that have everything. The only tough part about buying gifts there is wanting everything for yourself. Is that wrong? ;) Some classic lines/items at RR #1: Check out the Matt & Nat bags - they're so beautiful and vegan (trust me, you wouldn't know it by looking at them), Chicken Poop lip balm (once you own it, you'll never be without it), all of the Blue Q lines, gorgeous (screen printed stone?) coasters, air plants (amazing deal), beautiful paper star lanterns, truly unique gift cards, tons of amazingly scented candles, the coolest baby gifts ever (I bought a tiki-inspired bib w/ a skull on it for a friend recently), tons of gorgeous jewelry from local artists...I seriously could go on and on. This place must be experienced first hand. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and they wrap your gifts too - simple boxes and beautiful ribbon. Check it out. read more

Best store in Chicago. Tons of unique items. Friendly staff that are chatty and helpful but not overbearing. This place brings me joy every time I walk in it. read more

Jewel-Gem-Treasure Chest. Curiosities & gifts. Go-to for the I need a____. Air plant in terrarium. Check. Kite for Adoption Day Party. Check. 40th Birthday gift needs that touch of death. Check. Skull head - cocktail skewers. Check. Vintage 70's Beretta belt buckle. Check. Jack Black's Beard Tonic. Check You get the picture... a mixed bag of just what you need when you need it. read more

Something for everyone here! Anytime I need a gift or card, I run to RR#1. I am lucky it is just down the street. They have stuff for babies to grandfathers, and the stuff is unique and fun. The window displays are always so beautiful! read more

If only there was a location in South Florida! (Yes, I mentioned this to the owner). This shop is the perfect spot to grab gifts for people back home, purchase stocking stuffers or just to browse for hours and drool over a long list of knick knacks. I don't think I will ever leave this spot empty handed. It's definitely a novelty shop worth visiting. Make sure you have plenty of time to look around, there is so much to see. Chatting with the owner was part of the fun. He was super cool, and I am quite sure that this place wouldn't be the same without him! read more

Creepy mustard/ketchup bottles that have eyes and blink when you move them. Yes, I found these here. Whenever I need a gift for ANYONE, this is my first stop. You have to walk around, you have to dig, you have to get on your tippy toes to see some things...but that makes finding that special little something even more rewarding. They also have the best card selection in the city. The employees are delightfully flighty and extremely helpful. I always leave with a bag in my hand and a smile on my face. (and possibly a mogwai in my pocket.) read more

I've been going to RR#1 for at least five or six years, and I have no idea why I've never written a review. I don't really have anything meaningful to add beyond the many stellar comments others have posted, but I thought I'd add to the generally uniform praise. One great thing about RR#1 is that you can wander into the store and always find things that are cool, unique, and oftentimes addictive. Even better, many of those items are really very affordable. I've purchased amazing products here that I've never seen anywhere else, and now can't think of living without. The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, which especially helps when choosing soaps, shaving cream, etc. I don't go here as often as I should. Few stores offer so many opportunities for low-cost and guilt-free small pleasures. read more

This place is adorable and so much fun! I can never walk in here and just "look around". They have everything from sarcastic bday cards to an array of oddly awesome gifts. The best way I can describe it is a more random, and boutique style Spencer's. The staff is extremely friendly, and they wrap all your purchases for you in cute wrapping paper!! I'm very happy this place is down the street from me. It's perfect for any occasion. read more

The perfect place in the neighborhood to find gifts. Cards are getting a little expensive but I understand that they are screen printed and created by independent artists. The way the items are arranged is a little overwhelming at first but it's also an adventure to see what they have crammed into the nooks and crannies of the shelving. Very apothecary feeling. read more

This place is heaven sent (and scent). Hard-to-buy for friends will receive something they LOVE from you if you shop for them here! From apothecary items to novelty to great bags and jewelry, there is truly something for everyone. You WILL buy something for yourself, be prepared. And block out at least an hour. The minute you turn your head, you see another thing, and another thing. .. Centrally located and offering gift wrapping (boy do I suck at and hate wrapping), this place has saved my ass numerous times when I was about to have to show up empty-handed to a gift giving event. read more

I like the place and the people. It is perfect when you need some sort of finishing touch on your gift or something super hard to find. Some stuff is expensive but priceless if that's what you are looking for and can't find anywhere. I found little sushi books, incense, cards, bacon bandages and random gum. Also magnets. I never bought jewerly but some of their creams are amazing. Esprecially when my skin was essentially turning to scales. And it always smells nice inside. I've decided that if you are ADD - awesome place! If you are OCD - ummm you might have some issues. read more

Such a fun, quirky place to shop. Love the vintage-y vibe. There really is so much stuff in here, but I love this place the best for it's jewelry - they have a great selection, including a line from local designers that I haven't been able to find anywhere else (Heroin Chic). I also come for tatine candles (I was so bummed when the tatine store on Division closed a few years back) as well as some lines of personal care items and eco-friendly home products. Over the summer, they also had some fresh cut flowers available. For a few bucks, I bought a nice little bunch of peonies. The people that work here are also so friendly, helpful and laid-back. I bought myself a ring for my birthday and when it broke a few months later, they took the ring back, contacted the designer and had her fix it. I guess when the store explained to her that the ring was my birthday present to myself, she made me a pair of matching earrings and left them with the fixed ring....I have to say, I don't know who does that anymore, but I love knowing that both the store and designer are so helpful for their customers. read more

I love this place. Beautiful, so much character. Like many others have said, if you need to get some one a gift, go here!! and enjoy your magical experience. The employee that looks like Jesus is my personal fave. read more

After brunch, I came here in search of finding a large pot for plants - well, they didn't have that but got the greatest Van Halen T-shirt!!! Chris is super friendly and helpful (gave me a great tip on where to find my stuff for the plants). This is such a great place to find unique gifts, jewlery, t-shirts, soaps, etc.... they have so much so just go in for 10 minutes and and open mind. LOVE IT! read more

Always go here for fun cards and fancy pants wrapping paper. As an extra bonus the guys that work here are awesome-- could chat with them forever. I enjoy getting their advice on what to buy. Yay for local, indy businesses! read more

Granted I'm lazy, but that is not the only reason I buy ALL my gifts from RR #1. RR #1 is a one stop shop where you can find something unique for ANYONE. Oh, and they gift wrap. (Did I mention I'm lazy?) So, people love my gifts, my gifts look good, and I only have to go one place. read more

What a fabulous store! I could spend hours here. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I wanted to look at each and every little thing. There were toys and candies that reminded me of my youth, baby and kid stuff, purses, jewelry, home items and decor, cards, candles, lotions, clothing, toys, and so many unique items. I actually stayed until closing and was the last person left. There was a back area that I found even more cool stuff. They get busy around the holidays and I can certainly understand why. The staff member there was very nice and so helpful as I was looking for a specific type of card. I am sure I'll be back again. read more

BEST place to find multiple gifts for multiple people who have way too much of everything! a little pricey, but definitely worth it. They have a great selection of matt & nat handbags (stylish and non-leather!) awesome selection of body/bath/candles, unique jewlery, housewares, trinkets, novelties, gag-ish giftery, retro items and really just about everything else you can think of. on my last visit i got my mom a really nice tea cup that had a strainer for loose tea & a cover/coaster ...and some pirate flag coasters for myself. the entire time the woman that worked there was gift wrapping my mom's mug my boyfriend was bringing something random to me, laughing, putting it back and repeating with something else. This behavior was out of character and a testament to how awesome RR1 is. go there with at least a half hour of free time! read more

Yes, awesome! Lots of retro finds with this weird 20th century Eastern European immigrant find. Maybe it was all the cut-to-size plastic tablecloths they had available, but I loved this place and wish I could have spent more time here. I felt like there was a little something for everyone. Loved the vintage glasses and knick knacks here. I was enamored with their plant / succulent display but unfortunately a plant isn't the ideal wedding gift. (HERE'S SOMETHING FOR YOU TO NEGLECT!) If I wasn't flying I'd probably pick one up myself. They had a cool little collection of bird magnets with some sassy sayings on them. The owner is also super helpful and friendly. If you've been to Baltimore and appreciate Hampden, this is the place for you. They even have some flamingo action here! read more

This is my absolute favorite real-life place to do my holiday and birthday shopping for friends and family (virtual would have to be www.etsy.com)! This place has unique books, accessories, nic-nacs, home decorations, garden supplies, and more for a wide range of people. In addition to neat little gifts, there's also a great selection of bath and beauty products. While some things here are a bit pricey, the range of products give shoppers options for both the $5-10 secret santa gifts all the way to memorable gifts for the birthdays or anniversaries of loved ones. Yes, it's more of a girlie shop, but the home decor options give some choices for those shopping for guys as well. Aside from all the cool items for sale, the space itself is worth a visit just to soak it all in. This spot was obviously a former old-time pharmacy and is filled with wall-to-wall built in wooden apothecary cabinets and an original counter and register. So go, spend some time browsing the shelves and smelling some lotions and soaps, and hopefully head home with something great for yourself as well as whatever lucky girl or guy you're shopping for! read more

One of the cutest frickin stores ever! If you ever need to buy anyone a gift, large or small, cheap or expensive, this is the place! I recently went in wanting to buy some earrings, and walked out with 2 pairs of $8 earrings, and a pretty $18 ring. Oh and I bought a gag gift for my boyfriend of "mustaches for every day of the week" - only $5! As I was browsing, the guy working there offered me a beer! He was very chatty with everyone and super nice. Yes, the register did move slowly, but they actually write up receipts and wrap everything carefully. I didn't get anything giftwrapped, but the lady in front of me did, and they did an awesome job gift wrapping. read more

A very awesome friend gave me a gift certificate for my birthday and I had a blast digging through all the goodies to find my own buried treasure. This is such an eclectic shop, so much to see it can be overwhelming. If you are claustrophobic and/or have dust allergies I feel sorry for you, as you will most likely not be able to experience all of its joys. read more

Everything about this place is amazing. Socks, jewelry, lotions, potions and everything in between can be purchased here! It's like unicorns threw up in here-in the best way. I've been going for 10 years and it's my go to for gifts! You can spend $2 or $200 and it's a pleasure giving them your hard earned money!! Doug and Chris and the entire staff are sexy sexy monsters you always knew what I need and help me when I don't know what I need! Don't give anyone else your dollars. read more

Are we friends? I mean, really...friends. Not talkin' "internet" friends. Well, if we're friends, I suggest coming to RR#1 the next time you need to buy something for me (*ahem-september 8th-ahem*). It's the kind of store that offers everything you don't NEED but everything you never knew you really wanted! Beautiful interior, kind of dark, and all sorts of fun items hidden in every nook and cranny. Friendly-as-all-getout staff (today I was offered an adorable bottle of Corona), who may just offer to gift wrap your purchase, if needed! Next time you need a little something for someone special, skip the Target gift card and get something neat from this place. Be unique! read more

I Love RR #1, they have really interesting gifts for those with a good sense of humor. Chris, and his colleagues are always very friendly and they make you feel welcome. This place looks rather small from the outside, but as you walk in you'll notice it's a really big place, in fact this place was a house at one point, as you go all the way back to end of the store you'll notice merchandise displayed on a old kitchen sink, as well as a stove. The lights are very dim, and they usually have incense in the air. The music they have here is very catchy, and a bit odd, which just makes this place even more interesting. read more

If you like stores that have a ton of fun, different things to discover hidden in every nook and cranny, this is your spot. There are different themes around the store and have various price points - though most things are very affordable. I've picked up various gifts here and know that there will always be something new next to me I'm in. read more

Truly the best gift shop in town. Three rooms full of oddities and necessities, yes, necessities. Need a place to buy an always-rotating stock of birthday cards ($3-$20), many handmade or typeset? Check. A place to pick up those cooler-than-you Blue Q plastic bags for grocery shopping ($8-$20)? Check. A place to purchase fake crows ($14) that will scare away dirty pigeons or just freak out neighbors? They got that, too. They've got everything from punk-rock footies for kids ($24) to Moroccan drinking glasses ($4) that will make you want to don a Stevie Nicks skirt and set a boho atmosphere, which will haunt your visiting parents with visions of ganja-spliced orgies. And they have what I think is lacking in other shops: a great selection of gifts for dudes. Not just a token wink and nod, but gifts dudes will actually like, like duct taped wallets, and mustaches record bags, and manly canteens for drunk camping trips. Best of all, they give great service. Not only was dude (old-man-of-the-mountain type but with Ricky Gervais's personality) so extremely helpful and way too knowledgeable about every little wanky object crammed in the wood-trimmed space, he was simply a master of customer service. I say this as a now cranky long-term, ex-retail whore/customer service supervisor of a similar gift shop in my native town. He fended gasps of "so pricey, you don't need it" and outright insults--like the one I lobbed at him about his being "confused" when he was only trying to be extremely helpful--with the aplomb and grace of the Queen's etiquette department. I can't say enough about how great this place is in both aesthetic and tone. You just can't go wrong with the variety and the prices, either. Everything is very, very reasonable and within range of the underpaid and overworked crowd, and the buyer(s) seems to have escaped the dreaded ultra-twee/shabby chic stock overload so prevalent in similar stores. I could go on and on about how great this place is, but the long list of reviews speaks for itself. read more

My visit to RR #1 was a bit belated, but man was it ever worth the wait! The narrow storefront looks unassuming from the outside, but inside it's a refurbished old-world apothecary decked out with a full spectrum of contemporary gifts. There truly is something for everyone here, and the shop is stocked to the brim with treasures waiting to be discovered. I came in looking for stationary (they have a wide variety), and l found out that they have a variety of fragrances and bath products (they have an even wider variety). It's great to know that I can buy this stuff within the community (where every dollar spent is appreciated) and not at Target. Chris was exceptionally friendly, and had an intimate knowledge of his stock, as well as the goings-on of the neighborhood. This sort of very personal experience, combined with an incisive taste in product lines, is exactly why shopping at small, locally owned businesses is not only a preferred way to shop...it's the only way to shop. read more

Love this place. If you need to buy a gift for someone and you don't know what the hell to buy, this is your place. They have jewelry from local artists, quirky books, a great selection of candles and bath scents, and much, much more. read more

Well it's nice to see I wasn't the only one that felt a bad/non-existent vibe from the simpletons that work here. I bought a card with an old photograph of the Chicago Board of Trade on it. . . one of the coolest cards I had ever seen (art decco architecture is 1337). I also found a Kiss Vinyl that I've been wanting. I took them to the register. The girl rang it up. I asked if I could order more cards and she said that I could, but I decided not to since it was a gift. I commented on the nice selection of cards they had. She was silent. I commented about the vintage Chicago series of cards that I was purchasing. She was silent. At this point I wasn't sure if she was ignoring me because I was purchasing a card of the CBOT and she was a proprietor of Communism, the Kiss record and she thought I once had a mullet or rat tail, She immediately labeled me one of those brown people and thought I had stuffed my pockets with loot, Was it the Obituary t-shirt that I was wearing that used to be her ex-boyfriend-who-cheated-on-her's favorite? Maybe she had a big head and thought I was trying to hit on her, when in all actuality that would feel like I was hitting on my own brother if I had one. Anyway, she said what I owed. I paid and said thanks and she replied with a snide, "sure." I felt like I was being scrutinized, and that I wasn't welcome there as I noticed how she treated me compared to the other customers in the store. I wanted to frequent this place too since I want to support small/local biz like this and also that RR 1 went right through my old town. I'd say along with several of the other reviews of this place, the staff is getting a discernible reputation for dishing out bad vibes and an overall bad experience at this place. Congratulations RR1! I'd advise firing the simpletons and make sure to train your next staff to be...human? That is; greet, converse, exchange ideas, response to stimuli... etc. Do this before your growing reputation puts a permanent CLOSED sign on your door because I probably won't be the only one to tell everyone not to go to this den of the socially inept. However, if the place does close down maybe they will have an awesome closeout sale - never mind everything would only then be marked down to a regular price. read more

Because I walk by this place every day, and have for the last two years, it was inevitable that one day I would go inside. I did so last week, to find a birthday present for my sister. I was hoping I'd be presented with a vast array of useless but entertaining objects, and I was right! Like Lois A, I loved the bug magnets, but sadly they were out of my price range. Thank goodness the rubber lobster wasn't! I'm pleased to say my sister has named it and allows it to take an active role in her life. The clerk was extremely friendly - he successfully walks that fine line between indifferent and aggressive. In addition to multimedia replicas of different creatures, they sell an appealing array of jewelry, t-shirts, perfume, tea, cards, baby gifts, toys, magnets, matchbooks, and moustaches. read more

"RR1 is my dream store. The owners pick and stock their store with things that I just love. They carry everything from garden supplies, soaps/lotions/shampoos, books, jewelry, stationary, kitchen supplies and many, many more things. I love going there to see what things they have found. My favorites are: the jewelry and the stationary. Also the store is in an old 1930s apothecary which is a beautiful setting." read more

I'm super picky about gifts. I want presents to be something my friends have never seen before, that fit their personalities to a T, and warm the cockles of their hearts. I usually don't even go to "gift stores" because they are stocked with those ubiquitous staples: stationary and picture frames and the full Burt's bees product line. Granted, RR#1 has all of these . . . but other stuff too! I feel like I could find something for everyone I know here, from my grandmother to my boyfriend. Minus one star for too many smelly candles that give me headaches. read more

Amazing place for gifts and super helpful friendly staff. I will go there always for my holiday shopping! As well as whenever I can get back! read more

Gifts Galore! Candles, incense, handbags, kids toys, notepads, thermoses, wallets, earrings, necklaces, massage oil, potholders, dish soap, lanterns, aprons, matches, umbrellas, stuffed animals, socks, soap, lotion etc etc etc. Lots and lots of stimulus! I really like this store- no pressure to buy things and while it's difficult not to find something that fits the bill (whatever you're looking for) I have never found something that I cannot live without. read more