The cutest bag from Virtu that I picked up last year!
The shipping deadlines to order online in time for Christmas have officially passed (which means my year is starting to wind down, and I’m SO excited about it). But luckily for all of us, there are still LOTS of great options when it comes to shopping here in Chicago! I’m rounding up my personal favorite local boutiques that are still open for shopping in person or in-store pickup. These 17 shops are my go-to’s any time of year, both for myself and for gifts of all kinds!
Of course, this is a small list (many of them local to my neighborhood) and I wish I could highlight every deserving shop across the city, but to make things more manageable, I’ve only included the shops that I personally frequent on a regular basis! (Most of them within a short radius of my home.) You’ll recognize quite of few of these shops from my gift guides earlier this season, but I hope this list gives you a great jumping-off point for your holiday shopping!
17 Favorite Chicago Shops for Last-Minute Holiday Gifts!
Note: PLEASE contact the store to confirm their hours, availability, whether they require an appointment to shop, etc. Also, remember, many stores don’t have the capacity to list all of their merchandise online, so if you’re able, it’s always great to pop in to shop in person for the best experience!
To make things easy, I’ve also created a google map of all of my favorites below!
Alice & Wonder
Of course, you know Alice & Wonder had to be at the top of my list! My friend Ali (who I collaborated with on the VOTE and Mama tees!) is the one that makes the adorable Chicago sweatshirts, tees, hats, and accessories, but she also has tons of cute women’s clothes, gifts, cards and more!
Virtu
One of my absolute FAVORITE stores to pop into in Bucktown. I think I could knock off my entire shopping list in Virtu alone. You will want to buy one of everything–they have a lot of special things you wouldn’t normally find elsewhere–like amazing ornaments, tons of cards, paper goods, ceramic pieces, you name it. Their owner Julie is so nice and can help you find the perfect gift. Plus, a really cute shop dog named Mochi!
The Red Balloon
The CUTEST place to buy gifts for little kids! They have clothes, toys, books, and more. Voted the #1 children’s store in Chicago!
Asrai Garden
One of my favorite shops to pop into on a whim, not only do they have jaw-dropping floral arrangements (you can also gift one of their floral subscriptions–what an amazing gift!), but they have some really cool unique merch that would make for lovely gifting–from flower puzzles to apothecary items to some of the most stunning fine jewelry I’ve ever seen.
Field & Florist
Another combo florist/gift shop–this tiny little subterranean gem has a very small selection, but it’s very well-curated! Pick up some flowers, a beautiful ceramic vase, maybe a pretty tea towel or apothecary item? The staff is always very friendly and willing to help!
Sprout Home
One of my favorite home stores (across from Sprout Garden!) they’re open for appointment-only shopping or you can do pickup! I’ve found lots of great unique gifts here–tons of beautiful homegoods, florals and more!
Building Blocks Toy Store
I always come here for books and toy gifts. Such a nostalgic toy store–you’ll find things for baby through big kid here! Toys for all ages, no matter what their interest, and some really cute books, too! Plus, the staff is SO wonderful and helpful–always ask for their recommendations because they’ve never steered me wrong! (They have multiple locations too!)
Neighborly
This is a newer store to my neighborhood and it’s one of my favorites. Don’t miss their selection of cute Chicago prints in the back! They have a small but well-curated selection of books, and other really fun things like ceramics, organic products, candles, and more!
Penelope’s
I LOVE this clothing store. If you’re shopping for men’s or women’s clothes, definitely head to Penelope’s! They have some cute accessories, too!
Una Mae’s
A Wicker Park staple, I usually find a stocking stuffer or two for Neal here every year. They have both Men’s and Women’s clothing–mostly new but some vintage too–and always a fun selection of candles, socks, other little fun items. Their store is so cool, you’ll always find something unique here. (Also, they carry Redwing boots, which are Neal’s favorite winter boots!)
Lost Girls Vintage
Not JUST a vintage shop, although, a VERY cute one–but they have lots of really cute fun things, like Schitt’s Creek mugs, cute earrings, fun sunnies, and more! I’ve always been a fan of this West Town gem!
Birdseye Rule
My favorite store in Logan Square! They have beautiful women’s clothes and super cute jewelry, great men’s clothes (Neal and I have both found gems we love here), and they have a small but absolutely darling selection of kids’ gifts and clothes! My favorite are these sweet little Maileg mice (I got one for my niece a couple years ago). You will absolutely find something for everyone here.
Lori’s Shoes
My favorite shoe store in Lincoln Park! They have not just tons of cute shoes (from brands I love) but also great accessories–purses, scarves, hats, gloves, even cute mask accessories!
All She Wrote
Another Lincoln Park Gem–this stationery store has tons of beautiful cards and also a lot of really pretty gifts, especially for newlyweds and hostess gifts! Some really cute Chicago-centric gifts too!
Art Effect
This store will always have a special place in my heart because it was just a few doors down from my first apartment, and has always been a Lincoln Park favorite. They have something for everyone here, from women’s clothes, to jewelry, to cute knick-knacks, cocktail essentials, beautiful coffee-table books, candles, housewares, cards and more. This is where I would always go to shop for a gift exchange. (Remember those?)
Stock MFG
Neals’ favorite local retail store for casual-wear! We have been Stock fans since the beginning in this house–the Stock guys are awesome. They make the uniforms for many of Chicago’s top restaurants, but they have great options for regular guys to rock too.
P.O.S.H
Last but certainly not least, this list would not be complete without P.O.S.H. I absolutely adore this store full of vintage and new French housewares, books, and other goods. It’s basically a well-curated Flea Market boutique! Any Francophile will flip over anything you find here. I especially love their little bitty bistro wine glasses that we use all the time.
