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Chicago Makers Pop Up Shop
Photograph: Aly Haymes

19 Chicago gift shops where you can find something for everyone

Whether you need to find a wedding gift or grab something great for Mom's birthday, these stores can help

Morgan Olsen
Erin Yarnall
Written by
Morgan Olsen
&
Erin Yarnall
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It’s been said that the best gifts in life are free, but no one’s really buying that, right? While the sentiment is nice, it’s always fun to see the excitement of opening a hand-selected gift (even if it’s your own excitement about something you bought for yourself). The best gift shops in Chicago are stocked with all sorts of fun and useful items, though finding the perfect one can sometimes be a tricky process—kind of like booking a table at one of the best restaurants in Chciago. We compiled a list to help you navigate where to find the best gift shops in Chicago for any occasion, whether you want to give a funny birthday card, a housewarming plant, a self-care package or something truly extravagant. Less time spent shopping means more time for the best things to do in Chicago!

Chicago's best gift shops

Komoda
  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • River West/West Town
  • price 2 of 4

This ultra-charming shop stocks an eclectic collection of gifts you'd rather keep than give away. Some items are cool, some are silly, but all are sure to put a smile on your face. We found candles, jewelry, scarves, coasters, frames, bath and body products, the best greeting cards, a small, but wonderful collection of books and lots of other great stuff. Overwhelmed by the selection? Komoda employees are quick to make suggestions and will ensure you don't leave empty-handed.

  • Shopping
  • Womenswear
  • Lincoln Park
  • price 2 of 4

It’s not surprising that this two-room hot spot has thrived in the finicky Lincoln Park neighborhood for more than 20 years. Bath and body products, vases, funky wine glass sets and tons of other presents for brides-to-be, moms-to-be and the hostess-who-has-everything can be found in the front room.

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  • Shopping
  • Design and interiors
  • Humboldt Park
  • price 3 of 4

This light-drenched escape is packed with cool vintage furniture and colorful rugs, but we're also digging the gift possibilities that line the shelves. Owner Claire Tibbs stocks a rad collection of local pottery, unique jewelry, candles and fragrances.

  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • Wicker Park

What started as a pop up during the pandemic, has turned into an established network of businesses in the past year–three of them, to be exact. Chicago Makers Pop Up Shop opened up brick-and-mortar locations in West Town, Bucktown and Wicker Park, focusing on custom goods made by artisans and craft makers. The stores regularly rotate their offerings, making it likely to have a different experience each time you decide to go shopping.

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  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • Lake View
  • price 2 of 4

This gift shop sells greeting cards, smart gifts for your hard-to-buy-for friends and cool framed prints. You'll also find a section with calendars, planners, frames and more. Or shop the store's merch online if you prefer to shop local in your pajamas. Originally based in Lakeview, the shop has also opened up a second location in Andersonville.

  • Shopping
  • Womenswear
  • Lower West Side

The Shudio isn’t just a shop filled with local goods. As a storefront displaying items made by craftspeople, it also functions as a studio—its name reflects the combination of the two roles the storefront plays. The products that The Shudio sells come in all varieties (clothing, plants, soap) but they all have one thing in common, as the shop only sells eco-friendly goods, making it a great gift destination for anyone looking to lessen their carbon footprint.

 

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  • Shopping
  • Design and interiors
  • East Village

Neighborly, a gift shop with three locations—Wicker Park, Logan Square and the Chicago Riverwalk—has a name that captures the essence of a community, and it stocks the products that captures it. A big part of Neighborly’s mission is working with as many Midwest-based manufacturers as possible, offering local goods that range from kitchen appliances to artwork, with an entire section focused on Chicago-themed gifts. The shop also ensures that nothing is harmed in the process of making its items, working with manufacturers that use eco-friendly materials and are transparent about their processes.

  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • Lincoln Square
  • price 1 of 4

This Lincoln Square gift store has a strong focus on gag, humor and novelty gifts. You can't go wrong with classics like The Little Devil’s Trick of the Day gag set ($14), which includes a week’s worth of gags (think hand buzzer and whoopee cushion). Or, perhaps a friend or loved one will appreciate the gift of bacon toothpaste. You'll also find greeting cards, books, arts and crafts, and plenty of toys for kiddos.

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  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • West Loop
  • price 1 of 4

If you're short on time and don't know what to buy the host, bride or special someone, head straight to this quaint West Loop storefront. Touting a collection of hilarious cards, yummy-smelling candles, etched glassware and cutesy servingware, the Fig Tree will ensure your giftee feels very special.

  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Lincoln Square
  • price 2 of 4

This Ravenswood store stocks a little bit of everything, for everyone and every budget. Find great gifts when it comes to men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, greeting cards, stationery, housewares and even fresh flowers. It's a one-stop gift shop before any party or gathering—and you can head down the street to Hazel Apparel if you're looking for some clothing.

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  • Shopping
  • East Village

With more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, Plant Salon owner Nika Vaughan took a hard pivot when opening up West Town’s Plant Salon, where she sells tropical houseplants. Not too hard of a pivot, though, because she got the idea for her business after clients kept trying to purchase plants from her studio. In addition to selling plants and plant accessories, Plant Salon also offers up an array of beauty items, including body oil, lip balm and face masks—basically anything you’d need for a day of self care.

  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Bucktown
  • price 1 of 4

This longtime favorite charming lifestyle boutique sells jewelry, greeting cards, cookware, tableware and much more. Nearly all items in the shop have been made by hand, and many are from local designers. It's a great spot to peruse if you're seeking a gift for someone who has everything.

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  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • Logan Square

Artist Shayna Norwood started Steel Petal Press in Chicago after more than a decade of letterpress printing. Her printing and letterpress operation in the heart of Logan Square is also home to a bevy of great gift ideas, from quirky books to the perfect greeting cards. With custom letterpress work available, the adorable shop can also help clients tell their stories on wedding invitations, stationery, business cards or whatever they need.

  • Shopping
  • Specialist food and drink
  • Lincoln Square

For those who are truly tough to shop for, food is always a great option, and Augusta Food & Wine has got a lot of it to offer. Located in Lincoln Square, this corner shop has everything a food-lover and a wine connoisseur could want. The shop specializes in custom-made gift baskets filled with artisanal products that are essentially elegant charcuterie boards in a basket, including its Flagship Basket, which features a bottle of wine, goat cheese and fig spread.

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  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • East Village
  • price 2 of 4

A Ukrainian Village institution, the quirky RR #1 sells a variety of gifts, including candles, cards, locally made jewelry, home decor and a lot of weird stuff for your weird friends. We love that the store is in an old pharmacy from the 1930s—and we really love the affordable prices and helpful salespeople.

  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Streeterville
  • price 3 of 4

Stop by this posh "general store" in the 900 Shops to find an artful collection of handpicked accessories, books, clothing, furniture and art. New items arrive weekly, and even some of the store's furniture and decorations are for sale, which is great, because you're going to want to buy everything.

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  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • Old Town
  • price 2 of 4

This general store and art gallery has been selling trinkets and rarities since 2011. Its focus on beauty and practicality means a large stock of local and international commodities, including French home-spun linens, raw local honey and vintage lingerie. Bonus: You might even bump into actress Joan Cusack, who's said to own the store.

  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • Lincoln Park
  • price 1 of 4

Located in a Lincoln Park brownstone, this charming shop offers a sophisticated and stylish collection of gifts and stationery, but it's best known as the go-to spot for discerning brides looking for custom invites. The store also has an eclectic jewelry selection from local artists and other great gifts, like Tokyomilk beauty products or the perfect note cards. Find the perfect present for a new bride, baby, or maybe even yourself.

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  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • West Loop
  • price 3 of 4

While this girly West Loop boutique might skew toward brides and babies, it truly does have something for everyone. Cheeky greeting cards, Chicago-centric gifts, books, Kate Spade coffee mugs and candles in addition to plenty of baby toys and gifts and wedding presents like picture frames or monogrammed blankets. The shop also offers custom invitation services.

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