A true gem in Highland Park. My go to place when I want to…read morebuy a gift. Style Shack always has exactly what I am looking for. The store carries unique and unusual things that I have never seen elsewhere. The ladies who work there are always available to show you how to style a scarf in a way that is incredible and totally foreign to me. They have also arranged vases with succulents that I wouldn't have thought of. Gifts that are just truly special and unique to give. I love going there! It's a wonderful place!

If you need a gift for someone there's a good chance you'll find something here. I've purchased…read moremany candles, picture frames and other home decor for holiday gifts and other occasions. I've also taken my 13 year old daughter here to look for jewelry and she's a big fan of their earrings and necklaces. The prices range, but I'm always able to find something within the range I'm looking for. The staff is also super helpful and always willing to help with a specific idea when I tell them who/what I'm shopping for.

Here's what you need to know: having been a resident of Highland Park for a full 10 years now, I am…read moresurprised I hadn't known about this gem of a store before now and am so happy to have just recently discovered the joys of Stationery Station in Port Clinton Square. Gorgeous and elegant selection of letters, pads, pens, and anything stationery your heart desires. The store is a true passion play by the owner Sheryl, and the customer care is as good as you'll ever find anywhere in the world. Very tasteful and varied selection, that is a sure shot sign of great ownership and management. Prices are reasonable and there are good deals to be found. Love this place and ownership and will be delighted to spend more time patronizing SS.

Behind the adorable name you will find a solid business with high quality products and professional…read morecustomer service. I have stopped by a few times in the past to shop for Thank You cards and other stationery and was always impressed by the lovely selection. Recently I needed a large number of custom invitations so naturally I came here. We sat down with the owner Sheryl and explained what type of invitations we were looking for. She showed us several catalogs of designs and then we talked about the numbers, timing, etc. Sheryl told us that she has been in this business for many years and it showed. She helped us with suggestions on the wording for the invitations and we exchanged several emails tweaking the text details and proper grammar. We also had the envelopes printed with the addresses. The entire experience was pleasant and the communication was prompt. Everything was done well on time and looked wonderful.

I am IN LOVE with the Mustard Seed. It first caught my attention because it is a fair trade shop…read more Turns out that it is run by volunteers so the money earned goes directly to the artists. The people who make the goods here are from all over -- from Chili to Ghana. When I purchase gifts, they often include brief information about the artist as well as the shop. Friends and family -- including my super cool teenage nieces and my mom -- who have received gifts from this store before are always excited when they see the familiar box. In fact, this Christmas I did the majority of my shopping here. They carry an amazing array of jewelry. From beautiful beaded necklaces to metal cuffs to swingy earrings. They also carry clothing (sweaters were a huge item this winter), colored scarves (I can't get enough!), wooden bowls, purses, blankets, rugs, wall decor, children's items and frames. During the holidays they even carry ornaments. I've posted a pic of a couple of them. The people who volunteer here are extremely nice and dedicated to helping the artists they show -- often women trying to support their families. But when buying here be prepared for a slow process. Because they are volunteers it's not like walking into a well oiled retail shop. But who really cares? It feels great to help out people who are trying to help themselves (hint -- it's the artist) and give gifts that have meaning to me and the recipient. It's been an amazing teaching tool for my nieces while giving them things they love. Hmmm. I think it's time for a new fashion scarf. Can't stay away too long!

This is a great little shop with so many items to choose from, I may go in for a pair of earrings…read moreto give as a gift but then find a pair for myself, a necklace, and 10 other things I want! The items are all fair trade and the employees are volunteers so you know you are shopping for a good cause! Great for gifts and each product has a story!

Three Bags Full is a feast for your eyes and your heart. Pure gorgeous color and texture (yarns,…read morebags, buttons, books, and all manner of needles, hooks, and well-crafted accessories) invitingly arranged everywhere you look. Amazing staff, exceptionally skilled and caring, are generous with their time and expertise. It is a delightful, cozy space, and if the yarns themselves or the samples displayed don't inspire you to start a project, the wooden tables continuously occupied by knitters (and crocheters, too) will make you want to pull up a chair and begin. Seated around the tables, it always looks like a group of friends have gathered to share time, stories, and craft--yet these are classes. Yes, you can sign up and join the party! And I have. Not only are there classes for specific projects, there are also classes where everyone is working on their own individual projects. Oh, how I love being able to have expert advice on how to read my patterns, fix my mistakes, and finish my projects. I love Three Bags Full, and the passionate, talented people who work there with my whole heart, and I invite you to visit. Support a local, woman-owned business. Take a class (they fill quickly), browse the notions (practical and/or whimsical, just what you need), and treat yourself to some fabulous yarn. Bring a friend, or make a friend when you get there (or both), you'll be so glad you did!

I have yet to be in a knitting store that didn't have friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff…read more Clearly there's a knitting subculture that is nicer, and more polite than general American Society. Good selection of yarn, classes, easy parking, and there's always a high level of expertise available for advice and coaching.

What a hidden gem people! It's very easy to miss as it's down a residential road in Bannockburn…read more You'll think you are driving into someone's driveway and u kinda are but u go past it and it's a little white cottage with the most eccentric gifts and bags and towels and jewelry and cards and just a wild spread of one of a kind stuff. The staff is super nice and helpful. Gift wrapped some cute "best teacher" socks I got for end of the year gifts. Def worth checking out and supporting a local small business!

Looking for a special gift or an opportunity to browse a large assortment of one of a kind hand…read morecrafted items... Greenleaf Gallery is the place to go! Pat Odlaug, the owner and gallery keeper, will welcome and guide you through the cutest shop around! A varied selection of home accents, jewelry, scarves, purses, greeting cards, delicious chocolates, too many hand crafted (local artists) items to mention! Gift wrapping and service with a smile Make it a point to visit this adorable cottage in Bannockburn, IL., meet Pat and your gift shopping will be a delight! Gay Mitchell

What can I say, wow! I passed this shop on my way to lunch and am so happy I decided to step in…read more This is a total gem of a store with the most beautiful and unique selection of jewelry, gifts and furniture. The staff was helpful and I didn't feel pressure whatsoever. I walked out with a piece of jewelry and have already received 3 compliments from strangers on it. Will definitely be back soon to check out their collection of home decor items. If you're in or near downtown Highland Park I highly recommend!

Wide selection of jewelry and home gifts but very pricey. Be prepared to spend when you shop here!…read moreStaff is very friendly and knowledgable about all the designers/sellers.

Beanstalk is the kind of toy store I wish is around when I was a kid. They carry a variety of toys…read moreand educational activity games. The store is clean and organized and I must mention the friendly staff on duty this past Saturday morning who offered to put a ribbon on a stuffed animal I purchased. There are plenty of street parking in front and around the store. It's a unique treasure for kids of all ages. Instead purchasing toys from of big box stores or Amazon, give Beanstalk a try!

This is an adorable toy store for the under 10 set. I am not in company with many youngsters…read moretheseadays, but I imagine this store is the kind of place they'd love. There's a train track that runs above the store with a train toddling along. I saw moms sitting on the floor while their kids explored. I was looking for newborn stuff, the store is more geared to toddlers and up, although lots of baby gear here too. I didn't stay long as I was looking for infant stuff but I imagine I'll be back when said newborn gets a little older.

Great inventory The Michael Brown Owner & Evelyn the staff are really really nice. The owner also…read moreowns Coco &blue and Coco on Maple in Mt posect! Decorated and they're so.. The best small boutique for decor

Stopped in on a whim and was met with such a full and fun collection of home decor, art, and…read morebouquets. It's a great spot to pick up a gift for the friend who has everything, or to treat yourself to unique blown glass art. The staff was also incredibly kind and warm. I will certainly be back.