Attention holiday shopping procrastinators: We’re officially entering the territory in which even overnight shipping can’t help you. You know what this means: You have to shop at an actual store.
Lucky for you, we’ve tabbed our 10 favorite gift boutiques around town, all chock full of clever trinkets ready to be rung up and wrapped up. Lisa Arnett is the Metromix nightlife and shopping producer.
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lmarnett@tribune.com
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Art Effect
934 W. Armitage Ave. 773-929-3600
Art Effect defines itself as a “modern day general store.” Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a barrage of wall-to-wall gifts, bath and body treats, travel gear and home accents.
Holiday hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday
Stitch
1723 N. Damen Ave. 773-782-1570
This luxury goods haven is absolute heaven for those on your list who expect to be spoiled with beautiful things. Browse decadent candles, buttery leather handbags, French-made ballpoint pens and wallets galore.
Holiday hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday
Willow
850 N. Damen Ave. 773-772-0140
Hip meets traditional at this eclectic Ukrainian Village boutique, which closed in early 2009 but has returned for the holiday season in temporary pop-up form. Gift-worthy favorites include porcelain kitchen canisters, funky ice cube trays, eclectic glassware and more.
Holiday hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday
The Silver Room
1442 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-278-7130
This airy and expansive Wicker Park jewelry shop keeps the gender ratio equal with just as much gear for guys as girls. Browse glass cases packed with slick watches from Vestal and Skagen, stainless steel men’s jewelry and semi-precious stones from Bali, Tibet and Mexico.
Holiday hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 9 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday
Zia 925
925 S. Loomis St. 312-829-6575
At this University Village shop, browse cards, fair-trade journals, scarves and candles, and purses ranging from clutches to totes. Look for jewelry on month-long consignment from local artists.
Holiday hours: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
Grasshopper 510
1944 N. Damen Ave. 773-292-0510
Got a green fiend on your list? This stylish Bucktown shop focuses on eco-friendly gifts, from recycled paper wreaths and organic cotton onesies to earrings crafted from reclaimed gold.
Holiday hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday
Greer 1657 N. Wells St. 312-337-8000
Though you’ll find a seemingly endless supply of elegant stationery here by high-end names such as Vera Wang, fun trinkets such as bottle-cap magnets go miles to temper the shop’s seriousness.
Holiday hours: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday
Hazel 1902 W. Montrose Ave. 773-769-2227
This thoughtful, hip gift shop has a constantly rotating stock of quirky gift items, handbags, journals, cards, jewelry and accessories such as scarves and hats for men and women.
Holiday hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday
Paper Doll 2048 W. Division St. 773-227-6950
The shelves at this Wicker Park boutique are decked with sweet gift ideas such as picture frames, screen-printed tees, candles, stuffed animals and books — plus all the paper, ribbons and bags you’ll need to wrap them.
Holiday hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday
Embellish 4161 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-4400
We can’t decide which we admire more about this North Center accessory boutique: the impressive selection of wares by indie designers, or the way the items are showcased so creatively on tree branches, salvaged furniture and even bird baths.
Holiday hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday
