Yesterday we participated in our first successful Small Business Saturday…read more Stumble and Relish was on my bookmarks list and this time I had reason to go! There are many lovely crafted items. So many unique finds too! They have Evanston-centric decor and souvenirs so if you're looking for that perfect gift for yourself or a loved one, you're sure to find it here. After making your purchase, they will box your items (free of charge) upon request. This is my first opportunity shopping local and after my visit here, it won't be my last!

A cute little gift shop in Evanston. I found some postcards to send to friends, but they also have…read morehome decor, jewelry and other gifts all packed into this little storefront. Worth a stop if you are nearby.

This bookstore is the creation of my wife, Nina B., and the store's devoted and talented…read morestaff--just to make clear my conflict of interest at the outset of this review! I have watched over the years (since 2014) as Bookends & Beginnings has morphed from a dream into beautiful reality, but it is still the product of Nina's mind and her dreams. The new location next to Fountain Square was cut from whole cloth. It began as a large empty piece of real estate all painted in white--a blank canvas!--and was transformed into what it is today: a carefully planned and executed space on two levels painted in dark teal, gold, and white, with a hand-picked selection of over 10,000 books arrayed attractively and intelligently. (Not to mention a reak carousel horse and a giant paper-maché giraffe.) The striking floor-to-ceiling mural, the work of her two graphic-artists sons, presides over the store and is visible day and night. You really should check out Bookends & Beginnings, if you don't know it already!

It was a nice surprise that the bookstore was still open after our post-dinner treat. It's always…read morefun to browse, and the store is very attractively laid out, with book covers gleaming and beckoning like inviting gems. I found a new book from my to-read list, coveted a cute display of Studio Ghibli merch, smiled at the witty cards, and soon my companions and I amassed a stockpile of items to purchase and so they gave us a nice tote. Maybe next time we'll skip dessert and head straight here (must check hours to see when the bar is open).

Cuuuuuute alert! For all you artsy crafty mavens out there, this is your stop. It's a shop filled…read morewith a well-curated selection of paper goods, books, coloring books, custom art, fabric lamp shades, and gifts in varying price points. From the second I walked in, I was engulfed by a most delightful smell, perhaps a candle burning somewhere? I was greeted by the owner's assistant, Kate, who gave me an overview of the shop and some of the classes they offer in the back, like coptic bookbinding, collage, crafting, and self-motivation classes. They also have a meet up group called The Grown*Up Girls Club where you can meet up with other like-minded individuals and explore new art/craft/maker techniques. The Club meets the second Sunday of every month. The Collage Cafe is a newer business located in an adorable corridor mixed with other art-inspired shops. You can go door to door and visit each one while you're at it! Can't wait to stop back in. But, as I'm writing this, when I go back I realize the selection is too overwhelming for my taste (in a good way of course) because I want one of everything.

One day my young daughters and I where walking by and came in into this beautiful place, what a…read morewonderful store! The owner is such a great lady, great host, kind and knowledgeable. I scheduled a coloring evening for a group of friends from church. We had a delightful experience! The place was set up with a wide variety of water colors, wood colors pencils, markers, etc. the pages provided were also varied, from really intricate to more simple so we were all able to pick something that suited our taste and level of artistry. We already scheduled another event and are looking forward to it. Definitely a great place for gifts, classes and more.

Ahh! This used to be Studio Armadi, remember that! This is a stationery and paper gift shop. Items…read morestart at six dollars and goes up. The staff and service are passengerific!

Still a great place to get Fair Trade items at a reasonable price. I finished up my Christmas…read moreshopping here and am very happy (as always) with what I found. Shopping here is a way to do good on so many levels.

They changed their name and moved farther north into downtown Evanston but carry the same unique…read morefair trade items, and still at reasonable prices. I took my daughter here to find a gift for her friend and she loved it. In under 30 minutes she had several items picked out and we quickly and easily spent over $100.

NiceLena is painted so vibrantly that you can't help but pop in!…read more Besides being a gift shop filled with gifts (stationery, magnets, stickers, planters), several of the items are designed and MADE BY the artist herself! There's little signs that say "hi I made this!" and they're everywhere! Love love love that touch! Lena is chatty and joins in the conversation which I love-it makes you feel like everyone is welcome and included. While I was checking out, she told us the most exciting part= you can bring in any vessel and she will fill it with candle wax! Think of all the perfect vessels you have at your house RIGHT NOW! Those could be candles! This is the kind of place you WANT to visit! The stuff inside is great as is the owner/designer/artist! Enjoy!

Such a cute and welcoming shop filled with trinkets of all kinds. There is something for everyone,…read moreincluding pins, mugs, buttons, stickers, earrings, clothing, and more! The store owner is so sweet and a pleasure to talk to! Things are reasonably priced and it's always great to support a small business :)

Cool store with a cool proprietor, a Tibetan woman who operates this shop more as a labor of love…read moreand outreach than as a profit center --when I visited, she gave my friend some free books and videos, and talked at length about her experience and the current conflict with China. Besides that, there's plenty of interesting Tibetan bric a brac, incense, books and an extensive selection of unique scarves, shirts, etc. Nb: As noted above, this place is a labor of love, not Starbucks. So make sure you call ahead to see if it's open, even during standard business hours.

Super quaint shop that's got an extensive collection of religious/philosophical texts, Buddhist…read moresymbols, and Tibetan clothing/art. The prices are a little on the higher end (I spent $60 on my first visit for a book, two mala bracelets, and a print), but I didn't mind because it was supporting a local business. The shop owner escaped Tibet at age 7 and immigrated to the US after living for years in India. They've got a great knowledge of local Buddhist community gatherings/groups, as well as information about how you should plan your trip if you ever travel to Tibet. A must-visit in the NorthShore area for any of the sangha -- beginners or long-term practitioners-- as well as folks interested in learning about other cultures.

I booked in home plant re-potting with Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery, and was so pleased…read morewith their service! They re-potted the large plant I booked them for, and then had extra time and used it to look at all the other plants in my house, do some maintenance/re-potting, and to provide some plant education. This is a great local business!

I always love my time at Cultivate as the owner, Louise, is so helpful and a wonderful steward of…read morethe plants. I enjoy her bad assness! From the necklaces at check out, the mini gnomes, beautiful cork mountings, the list goes on! Worth a visit as I never leave empty handed :)

what a cute & quirky boutique.... stopped here for the first time today and both the owner and the…read morewoman who works for her couldn't have been nicer... there are lots of things and it doesn't fit neatly into any one genre or category, which I find delightful... I picked up the cutest ring and small purse pack of emery boards... lol... and saw many wonderful ideas for gifts.... and yes, even some that would speak to your inner hipster. I love shopping local and love even more shopping at small independents. I will definitely go back.

I found an amazing tank top at this store, and it's good to know that they cater to larger sizes…read morefor a lot of pieces. Also great jewelry and handbags! Very warm, friendly staff.

This place is awesome!! The greatest pieces of jewelry and clothes. Everything is so cool. I have…read morebeen going here for years and the people who work here are the absolute best

Fabulous selection of unique items, all reasonably priced. Love the clothes, especially. The reason…read moreI'm giving it three vs. five stars is because most of the employees are rude. This is not a one time observation. Every time I go there I feel like I am being scolded and.watched.