Was strolling through my old Chicago hood in July, and came across Inkling. I loved it! Not only did I buy some cute Chicago vintage cards that I plan to frame, but also got a couple really artsy, fun rings. All was affordable which is important! :) Only wish I could shop the store online since I now live in California. They do have an etsy presence, but it's only a few of their cards - nothing else. Please let me know if you ever get the online store up and running! I'll definitely be a customer!!! read more

A great selection of things to buy, from cards to gift to local-made arts and crafts and everything is at a reasonable price; a great find in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park area. I'll keep coming back! read more

Handcrafted, unique, local, vintag-y, whimsical, artsy, wonderful things to buy for yourself and for anyone who loves what you love! I picked up a great vintage looking coated-fabric tote bag at an extremely reasonable price. It has been my favorite bag all summer because I can take it to the beach, get rained on and it stays bright and shiny and wonderful! The owner is warm, friendly, knowledgeable and makes you want to come back to the store time and again, just to chat. I took my family (and friend) to a recent art opening that the owner held for a fantastic local artist and had a great time! We drank a little, learned a lot about the art and technique and met some cool new peeps! read more

I just love this little shop! So many cute and interesting things to see and buy. I'm glad to see them carrying candles, incense, crystals and other spiritual products. Keeps us from having to go far north to purchase them. I love the warm welcoming spirit too! read more

What an ADORABLE store. We originally strolled in with browsing intent. But out of the four of us, THREE of us not only made a purchase. But we each bought more than one thing. And NONE of were planning on buying anything at all. The owner was there, & had to be THE nicest person ever. There was an excellent selection of gifts, art, random things. It is just simply a super cute store. I love it. The merchandise was sold at prices I could afford, AND the store had a wonderful warm, open, & inviting feel to it. I will definitely go back the next time I am in Chicago. read more

My partner and I love this shop but today when we visited today the man working was very rude. When we walked in no one was on the floor which was fine I figured they were in the back getting something, when he came out he said "hello" and I gave a non-verbal greeting back by nodding my head but my partner and the other person in the store did not greet him back. He then said loud enough for me to hear "or not rude ass". This made me very uncomfortable and so my partner and I left without buying anything. I get it, I work customer service too and it can be hard but this just was not acceptable behavior in my opinion. I'm very disappointed especially since this is my go to store for gifts. read more

This has become my go-to store for cards for any and every occasion and when I give those cards to people they absolutely love them. As everyone else has mentioned about the prints, they are hilarious. There are a lot of Chicago-centric prints, cards, posters and they all make really good gifts for people moving to and from the city. I also love the back wall of specialty paper to wrap gifts or make fun cutout designs. Most importantly everything is reasonably priced. I have recently started getting into the jewelry and earrings and I at first thought I might not be able to afford them but that isn't the case. The stock also rotates frequently so there is always something to find. It's always important to shop local and Inkling makes it fun and easy. read more

I was looking to send a card that would impart some local flavor to the recipient. After browsing for a bit, I found a cute card that made reference to an inside joke - let's just say it had an illustration of steamed buns. This cute little shop that has a nice selection of cards from independent artists, they have the usual "birthday" and "congratulations" variety, but also a good "just because" section for its size. I would be curious to find out how often new cards rotate in/out. Highly recommended for the doting. read more

I love this store! It's so unique; almost everything you see here is so adorable/special/hilarious/cute! It's like its on little world. I bought my father's birthday gift here for $10! So many goodies like jewelry, birthday cards, memos, buttons, wallets, etc. I can spend so much time looking at each item and having the temptation to buy them all. The owner is also very nice and friendly. If you want a unique gift for a friend, family, etc. then come here!! read more

It makes me so happy (but not surprised!) that this adorable store has been given 5 stars by everyone writing reviews! I love love love this place. It was the first place I came into when I moved to Lakeview a few months ago. I was warmly greeted by the owner who runs the store, she is SO friendly and a sweetheart. I usually come in here just to "browse" but something always seems to catch my eye that I can't live without! And at the great price that it's marked at, i reallllllly can't live without it! It's a perfect place to get a gift for someone (if you're feeling generous that day, it's hard not to buy for yourself here!). There's always something new, unique, hand made or insanely cute. The gift you buy someone from here is the kind of gift that gets the "Omg where did you get this?!", other gifts envy it haha. I also love that there are artists featured every month, it's a great way to promote local artists and there's usually a gallery opening type thing when a new artist has their artwork up. I've gone before and it's a great way to get people together and meet some friendly faces =) Come in and you'll be sure to leave with something you'll cherish forever! read more

Perfect stop for unique local crafted cards. Owner is talented at picking out witty unique cards. I esp. like the hand printed Chicago themed selection. There are also other fun posters and screen tees. Always my go-to when I hand written note is needed. read more

Beautiful & unique items. And their window displays are regularly the best I've ever seen. I don't know who does them, but I always love seeing the new updates. read more

I really like this shop! Thy have some unique non touristy Chicago memorabilia items and jewelry. The shop manager/owner was friendly but not pushy at all while I just wanted to browse. She was accommodating when I wanted to see some different options and helped me find what I was looking for. If you are in the area, I would definitely recommend this spot especially for souvenirs or if you are looking for something for your home, host gift, etc. read more

When you need seething like non-alcoholic wine for your cat - literally - this is the go-to spot. I loved all of the novelties and the huge selection of cards. Another local shop that has all of the charm that you might expect. I also loved that they had a collection of crystals that you can buy by the bag $8 - I totally love crystals and believe they channel great energy to us. Thy also had jewelry and lots of gifts that would tickle family at the holidays. If you find yourself on North Broadway, stop and browse and BUY LOCAL! read more

Great selection of cards and gifts! I just wish they had more!

Locally produced, affordable, and unique products only. Cards, wallets, jewelry, terrariums, shirts, candles, and various other items. Many are Chicago themed (which I love). No refunds, but exchanges and in store are allowed. They take amex! read more

Inkling is a great shop where you can find anything from Birth Control gum to the Japanese erasers that have really popular lately. Everything here looks like it took time to make and the staff is nice, warm, and inviting. I first discovered this great store while shopping for flowers with a few of my friends for flowers next door. It was the opening day and I was excited to know about this new masterpiece. If you are looking for cool buttons and pins, jewelery, photo albums, scrapbooks, wrapping paper, and more cool knick -knack that you don't really need but instantly fall in love with. Go to Inkling! You won't regret it! read more

I went back to this place with family, as they were looking for a unique thank you card. As I was exploring, I came upon the wrapping paper section in the back. They have beautiful wrapping paper of old prints of Chicago, as well as other maps! The quality is so high that I purchased one to frame and display in my living room. The best part is that each sheet was only $4! So much more reasonable than a print, yet just as beautiful. read more

A gorgeous little shop with all kinds of great finds. Cards, gifts, jewelry-- they're all great. If you have an hour, go take advantage of their 'Build Your Own Terrarium bar'... so many beautiful plants and trinkets to include and I get compliments on mine all the time from friends who visit. read more

I discovered this store in Lakeview about a year ago and it is still my favorite store in chicago. you cant beat the selection of locally made arts and crafts, and the greeting cards are totally rad. :) ive consistantly bought gifts for family and friends and they all love them!! plus, the jewelry is really cool, so of course i have some of that too. Stephanie, the owner, is sweet and helpful; its great to have her in the neighborhood! ...ive also noticed that some of the other stores in the area have some similar items and stephanie always has the better price! why shouldnt you shop here?! :) read more

I went there because I remembered that they have some cool stuff and it is "shop small" day so bonus, and I love their unique things... The person in front of me who checked out was offered a free card for "shop small" day which I thought was cool, but then I checked out and I was not offered one. Then the person after me was offered one. So what gives? Was it because I had a Papyrus bag? Well, I actually spent more here. I will not be going back if that's how you treat people, which is a shame because I like the store. But how rude!!! read more

I am utterly confused by the customer "service" here. No hello when walking in. When I asked what she suggested for a 9 year old girl she barely lifted her head and mentioned necklaces. For whatever reason I did not see what she was referring to and instead of walking out from behind the counter to show me she just snapped "the bookcase.... I said the bookcase". Yikes. Because the necklace was too small to be the entire gift I looked around the store for something additional. No suggestions from the woman. I landed on an embroidery set and questioned if she thought it was something appropriate for a 9 year old. She insisted yes. As I thought about it, I decided that a needle that small would be too hard. I went back into store (15 minutes after purchase.) and asked to return it. She told me that there were no refunds, just store credit. I was frustrated with this as I had JUST bought it based on her assurance of age appropriateness. She then completely snaps at me in a very aggressive tone, "Don't argue with me. I will give you a refund as a customer service gesture" wow! Did not feel like customer service at all. I know the pandemic has been very hard on small businesses which is why I try to patronize them as much as I can. Unfortunately, this one is off my list. If this was an employee, the owner should know about it. If this was indeed the owner, then with that attitude I give the store 3 months. I liked the earrings there so that earned the 2 stars. read more

This lovely shop is locally owned (but a young lady new to the business) and supports local artists. The owner was super handy in helping me find the perfect thank you notes-my Baba (grandma) is from Ukraine, and so I have a special place in my heart for matryoshka (nesting) dolls. She had these great printed sets with the dolls on the front. I picked up 6 cards for $12, and have stopped by for a second pack. Check out this sweet little shop. read more

I love this place for it''s HILARIOUS one of a kind greeting cards and the very Chicagocentric things you can buy here. I went in today and stocked up on laugh out loud cards (although expensive) that my family and friends will enjoy. I spent a good 20 minutes just looking around and can't wait to be back! read more

Great little shop featuring prints, cards, stationary, knick-knacks, t-shirts. Also features local artists. Friendly service. If you're looking for that perfect card, come here. read more

Just stopped in at Inkling to get a gift for a friend and I definitely wasn't disappointed. The store was very charming and had a great array of single cards, prints, stationery sets and little gifts. The Chicago-themed gifts are a really nice, local touch and I found myself realizing that I wanted most of the stuff in the store for myself. I like that this place sells jewelry as well; it makes it good for one of those gal-pal "girly girl" gift type stores, which is exactly what I was looking for. I'll definitely be returning here for cards and presents in the future! read more

The first birthday card I bought from Inking had everyone on the floor before we got to that level on our own! I have also bought great & inexpensive gifts here. The Christmas window is magical! read more

Great little shop. I love getting cards here because they are way more clever and funny than any cards at walgreens/cvs. They also hve cute jewelry which I have never purchased... but maybe if I have some hipster gala... read more

Came here after hitting Bow Truss across the street. I was pleasantly surprised by how much merchandise they packed into such a small store. Service was very friendly and genuine. Loved all of the local Chicago posters and jewelry made from CTA tokens. They carry neat candles inside booze bottles, unique wrapping paper, t-shirts, jewelry and awesome art. Cards are pricey, but mostly all handmade. This is such a cute place to go for gifts with an awesome local flair. The store clerk was so inviting that I will definitely be back! read more

I adore Inkling - every time I stop in for a card I end up wandering the shop for at last half an hour, looking through all the cards, sniffing the perfumes, flipping through the notebooks, admiring the jewelry. This is the best place to go for Chicago-themed things that are different than the souvenir shop stuff everyone has, and also definitely better. Highly recommend! read more

Super cute store with lots of local artist goodies. Huge selection of greeting cards - all unique and one of a kind. I could've spent hours looking at all them! read more

I am so glad to see this place has 5 stars because it totally deserves it! I finally came into this store and am so excited to become a "regular" here. I love supporting local art and local businesses like this one. I will be doing lots of my Christmas/Birthday shopping here and I am sure I will have to treat myself to a couple things along the way. I was really impressed with the jewelry and the prices were affordable. The owner is the sweetest and that alone is reason enough for me to support this awesome store. read more

Great place to find a unique card for any occasion, a fun or quirky hostess or friend gift that's sure to be a conversation starter, and their wrapping paper is the best--high quality and very different from what you'll find at a chain store. I'd recommend stopping in even if you're not looking for something specific and just want to browse. You'll probably find something you love! read more

A cute shop that I just happened upon on my walk. I ended up buying 5 really unique gifts for people of all ages (my one year old niece got a super cute baby bib!) and the owner was gracious enough to wrap my gifts for me. Definitely a great shopping experience at a one-of-a-kind store! read more

What an adorable store on Broadway. It oozes with creativity and has really cute stuff that can inspire ideas. Letterpress cards, featured artists on the walls, jewelry from the kind of artists you'd find on Etsy, picture frames and more. A great place to stop in when you're strolling in that area or looking for a gift for a friend. read more

A great addition to the neighborhood! Popped in to get a card for a wedding and ended up buying super cute wrapping paper and a few other handmade bobbles for a baby shower. My kinda place! read more

The GREATEST gift shop in Chicago. You can find a gift, for just about anybody, here, including your pet. Speaking of pets, they let you bring your dog in and they give them treats! A truly great, small local business. read more

I love this place! Great cards, awesome gifts and just a unique inventory. They are always very nice as well. Even though I moved out of the neighborhood I still venture back to stop in. Check it out!! read more

Great little shop with super selection of unique cards and gifts! So much handmade goodness.The owner has done a great job curating and there is some fun little thing everywhere you turn! Loved the "Illinois" print from Paper Parasol Press! Terrific housewarming gift. read more

I love this place! Since moving into the neighborhood a few months ago, it's always caught my eye when I walk past. I fell in love once I walked in. So much to look at and covet! I'm glad they support so many local artists. Mostly I'm happy to have some many special little things only a block from me. Love Inkling! read more