How is everyone’s holiday shopping going so far? Did you take advantage of all the sales this past weekend? I did get some things checked off our list but truth be told, our family was busy working the Christmas tree lot for the LFHS hockey team all weekend long! It felt so good to have something on the calendar for the weekend! It was festive and fun!
With that said, I did not have a chance to get out and shop small business Saturday. But you bet I still will be shopping all of my local favorites this holiday season! I feel so lucky that I am surrounded by independently owned and operated brick and mortar stores offering the most beautiful and wonderful items! And honestly, the holiday season feels the most magical when I walk into a local boutique to select a gift and walk out with beautifully wrapped package!
So in this month’s series, I just wanted to share some of my favorite local establishments that will help me check the rest of the items off my holiday shopping list!
Five Favorites: Shop Local
Chantilly Lace
Located in Plaza del Lago in Wilmette, this is what a great lingerie boutique is made of (yet hard to come by nowadays)! With a knowledgeable team and an incredible selection of product, I guarantee you will find something beautiful for yourself and for any of the ladies on your list. Yes they will carry some of the brands you love, but they also have a deep international selection of intimates as well, ranging from petite to plus! You will find a well curated collection of bras and underwear, sleepwear, robes, swimwear, and shape wear. It is a local gem!
1515 SHERIDAN ROAD WILMETTE, IL
Seasons 440
Hardly a week goes by that I am not popping into Seasons 440 to see what is new! From taking care of all your holiday greenery needs to a deep assortment of Frasier Fir fragrances, I rarely leave empty handed! Besides getting you holiday ready, Seasons 440 has a wonderful assortment of gifts to give. Offerings of wood cutting boards, French cutlery, unique home decor items and books, I could literally scoop up everything in here!
440 Sheridan Rd, Highwood, IL
Smith’s Men Store
You know when you are traveling to the east coast or even abroad, such as London, and you walk into a wonderful men’s clothing store and you think to yourself how much you would love to have a store like this near you! Well Smith’s Men store is that local gem. Carrying all of your favorite men’s brands from Vineyard Vines to Barbour, the brand selection and offerings are deep. Besides men’s casual clothing, here you will also find made-to-measure clothing, ties and belts, fragrances, business casual attire and formal wear rental. Smith’s Men Store offers the best in customer service and delivery and we are so lucky to have it!
770 North Western Avenue, Suite 1-A Lake Forest, IL
Lake Forest Bookstore
Independently owned since 1949, gifts from the Lake Forest bookstore always end up under our tree! Whether you go in with a list or seek the advice of one of the literacy experts at the store, I always find something for everyone in my family. With that said, their holiday gift guide is available here. Besides books, there is a wonderful assortment of children’s toys, candles, puzzles and holiday items. No matter what you go in for, you will walk away with a holiday wrapped package ready to give this holiday season!
662 N Western Ave, Lake Forest, IL
M on the Square
Perhaps M on the Square is best known for their jaw dropping floral arrangements, but oh to walk into this storefront as well is such a treat! Attention to detail is everywhere as your browse through this well curated selection of gifts and home decor. Missy Crowe, the owner, has a wonderful eye for beautiful things. Unique jewelry, candles, table and glassware, books, games and throws to name a few. Whether you need to pick up a quick hostess gift or find something special, you do not want to miss heading here this holiday season!
259 Market Square, Lake Forest, IL
Tala Coffee Roasters
We are so lucky to have a true neighborhood coffee shop close by. Tala coffee roasters is everything you could possibly want in an independent coffee roaster. The friendliest baristas who know you (and your order) by name. The MOST aesthetically pleasing atmosphere to enjoy conversation and drink (as of right now they have festive snow huts set up outside to do this in!). And of course offering the very best in brewed coffee and specialty drinks. Gift cards and fresh coffee beans are the obvious gift choices but if you walk into Tala right now, they have the cutest assembly line gift station set up to put together a gift box filled with Tala goodies!
428 Green Bay Rd, Highwood, IL
Spa Angeliza
I have been coming to this locally owned European beauty service spa since I was in high school. A peaceful and intimate oasis offering a full range of services. Facials from Angi are a must and the ultimate indulgent treat of self-care! A beautifully presented gift certificate from here is a wonderful gift to give!
669 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, IL
Local Restaurants
We all know they are struggling. So let’s flood them with gift certificate purchases for the holidays! Also, many local restaurants are offering full catering menus for the holiday season. If you don’t want to cook, this is the perfect excuse not to do so while supporting your local favorites!
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Thanks for stopping by!
L, M