What a lovely shop, with an even lovelier proprietor! I've been visiting metta baby down the street…read morefor the last few weeks, and when I've passed Virtu it piqued my interest. Today I was at metta baby for a CPR refresher so I finally had the opportunity to head down the block and check it out. The owner had opened it a few minutes early because when I got there at 10:58 (they open at 11) there were already a few people in and she joked that perhaps she should open at 10. She was super friendly with everyone in the store and very helpful. There were a couple folks with whom she was talking about the being a business owner (they were also business owners), and the business climate in Bucktown. She was joking around with some other customers about some funny cards that she carries. When I was looking at the various jewelry cases she has throughout the store, she let me know right away that if I wanted to see anything to let her know, and she told me about some of the designers that she had in her shop. I really enjoyed talking with her, and I'm almost ashamed I didn't get her name. Her passion for her business and local businesses in general, as well as her dedication to truly providing fantastic and thoughtful service to her customers was palpable. Virtu's proprietor is the epitome of why I LOVE to shop local; oftentimes people at mass merchandisers, whilst hard working and helpful, don't have the same sort of pride, flexibility, and ethos of care that a local business owner does. I visited a couple days before Halloween, and she mentioned that after the holiday she'd start putting out the Christmas merchandise which is already waiting to make its debut. I think she also mentioned that she has extended hours during the holiday season. I'm excited to stop in once she's in the holiday swing to see what I can find here for friends, loved ones (and who knows, maybe even myself), and maybe even something special for my little one's first Christmas.

I wrote a review several years ago in which I praised Julie's ability to pick out jewelry…read more(specifically earrings) that look good on me. I have bought at least three pairs of earrings from Julie which I never would have picked up to try on myself -- I needed her eye to help me (1) find them and (2) realize that I wanted something like them in my jewelry wardrobe. The way this usually plays out is: I come in to the store and find a few things in the cases to try on; I am drawn to the way earrings look hanging on a stand or propped up on those little pieces of wood or leather that all jewelry stores use, but it's very hard correctly connect all the dots from "I like the way that looks in the case" to "that would look good on me." Earrings genuinely do not look the same once you pick them up and put them in your ears, and I've made the mistake more than once of buying earrings that looked great in my jewelry box, but not as great on. (But I have not done this at Virtu, because I think Julie would stop me). So first I try the things on that I pick out, and then Julie usually slides on over with, "...but would you consider these?" And she does it in a really friendly way that is not pushy or a high-pressure sales tactic, it is more "I think this shape/color/contrast would look good in your particular ears." And she is right with astounding frequency, including sometimes with pieces I would never have looked twice at in the case. It is a genuine skill and I find it impressive. For this reason I unfortunately have to limit the number of times I visit per year because I am so likely to buy things!

A great little shop to ENJOY! Filled with so many unique items from cups, notepads, candy,…read moreunique knick knacks , Chicago themed items and so many other items . A perfect place to find unique gifts. The store is well laid out by category of item. A great place to browse for things you did not know you needed or unique items to gift.

This store is SO. STINKIN. CUTE!!!! I can't believe I've never noticed it before. I stumbled in…read morerandomly one day and left with gifts for multiple people in my life, even though I have no upcoming occasion to give them a gift. They just have so many unique, niche things. From politics to puzzles to books to candy to stickers to jewelry...there is truly something for everyone. This is totally joining my list of must-visits around the holidays!

Great people with a sense of great invites and stationary given the history of this…read moremultigenerational family business. Always a pleasure to work with them.

Fitzgerald's is my first choice for high-quality cards, journals, pens, and stationery! Colleen…read morealso does amazing design work for cards! I'm so glad I decided to support a local business and get holiday cards here. They are beautiful, every time.

I came to HH after hearing about it on social media. I should've listened to the other reviews that…read moresaid the customer service wasn't great. I walked in and was flat out ignored. Not saying I want a lot of interaction when I'm browsing, but I should have at least been greeted or asked if I needed help. It's a really tiny shop so it's hard to get lost. They definitely knew I was in there. Maybe I didn't fit their preferred demographic. Didn't purchase anything.

A fun selection of gifts, cards, jewelry and food items. I spotted hats and stickers from The…read moreSilver Spider Print Shop (including ball caps declaring your favorite items such as "Butter" or "Dill Pickles") and ended up buying a weekly meal planning/shopping list notepad that hopefully my fiance and I will be organized enough to make use of. Cool gifts for those quirky friends (or if that's you, go in and find something fun for yourself).

Walked in today to explore goodie bag options for a party I'm having next month. What a quaint,…read morecharming little store. The owner couldn't have been more helpful or sweet.

I usually have to visit a place more than once before I review, but I had such a nice time at Dizzy…read moreCow today and was surprised to see so few comments on Yelp! This is a cute space with LOTS of nostalgic candy. I picked up several items I remember enjoying at my grandmother's house when I was a kid, including gummi rings, violet mints, wafer saucers, and more. The owner is a delight to talk to, and everything is very reasonably priced. Dizzy Cow also has small gifts (mostly for kids.) There are toys, lip balms, little craft kits... lots of things you'd want if you were on your way to a niece or nephew's house or a babysitting gig. I picked out an ice cream-shaped bath loofah for my sister, and the owner went WAY above and beyond, wrapping it with ribbon, a sticker, and a sweet little bubble blower for free. Wow! I heard Dizzy Cow does goodie bags. I will definitely be asking after them the next time I am tasked with hosting a party at my job. When I was done shopping, the owner also recommended a store down the block, which I went to and enjoyed. North Center's small business owners clearly know and love each other. :)

I walked by this door too many times before noticing it's an actual stationery store and printer's…read moreshop! Just browsing is fun. They have so many different kinds of journals, cards and letter writing supplies. They even have a regular letter writing Meetup. What a great way to get unplugged in a digital world! They also offer printing services. Check their website for the full list of services.

Tons of stationery items. You'll find something you like!…read more They have their own screen print studio in the back. Super cool! The owner is a graphic designer so it makes sense. Only bummer is the aisles are kinda narrow so you have to squeeze by a lot of it's super busy but otherwise it's nothing that should keep you from visiting!

My daughter and I drove almost an hour to shop here. They have a great selection of crystals,…read morejewelry, unique household items, accessories, clothing, and much more to list! There's simply so much to see here that there is no way to actually look through everything! The prices are reasonable for the most part, and the woman working there was lovely. She was friendly, patient, and super helpful.

I popped in here at the last minute to buy a stick for my new Tibetan singing bowl. I had no idea…read morewhere to buy one individually as the bowl was a gift. The staff at Amadara was really helpful, and the prices were reasonable. I only paid $6 for my little instrument accessory :). There are so many beautiful stones and handmade goods here, I'll definitely be making a return trip!

This is my GO TO toy store anytime I need gifts for kids of friends and family. While the store…read morelooks deceptively small, they have so much selection for all ages. I appreciate that they run the gamut of books, stuffed animals, educational and fun toys. The best part is the service. I always get great recommendations from the staff and they do a fantastic job of wrapping my purchases when they are gifts. Skip Amazon and buy locally - this place is one you should go to!

Great toy store!! There is such a wide selection of toys available, you're bound to find a gift…read morethat the child in your life will enjoy. They also have a selection of children's books. Whenever I've gone to Play Toys and Books, the employees have been so helpful. They also have gift wrapping available, which is a nice touch!