Very_large_local_shopping_guide_

Find Great Gifts in Downtown Evanston this Holiday Season!

The streets of Downtown Evanston have come alive with festive lighting and storefront windows for the holiday season. Downtown's diverse array of local shops offers a distinct and curated selection of gifts, decorations, and seasonal delights. Check out our local shopping guide below to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! 

While you're out and about, enjoy a festive holiday beverage to help you to refuel and get into the holiday spirit. And, beginning November 26, 2025, use code "HOLIDAY2025" on the ParkEvanston app to get up to 2 free hours of street parking everyday through January 1, 2026!


FOR KIDS
Bookends and Beginnings | Books for all ages, puzzles, Playmobil, puppets, onesies, sushi sidewalk chalk and other unique toys
Evanston Games & Cafe | From classic board games to Pokemon & Magic cards to complex games, you'll find it here 
Watcher Comix | Comics and graphic novels, Pusheens, action figures and trinkets 
Blick Art Materials | Art kits, slime supplies, small games and toys and so much more
Artem Pop Up Gallery | Kyuteji shirts, figurines, prints and stuffed animals
One River School | Classes and workshops for kids of all ages
Wheel and Sprocket | New and used bikes for kids and fun bike accessories (ring ring!)
Sky Zone | Treat your kids or grandkids to a fun day or month membership to this amazing, active indoor play space! 
 
FOR THE OUTDOOR & SPORTS FANS
Wheel and Sprocket | Top-notch bikes and accessories for adults and kids and indoor trainers
Commonwealth Running Co. | Running shoes, apparel, safety lights and vests and recovery equipment 
Campus Gear & The Basement | All the Northwestern, Big Ten team and professional sports gear under the sun

FOR BOOK & MUSIC FANS
The Alley Gallery | Prints, posters and handmade art
Animal Records | Records, funky items and more 
Bookends and Beginnings | Books, books & more books plus journals, puzzles and toys
Watcher Comix | Extensive selection of comics and graphic novels, Pusheens, action figures and unique door mats
Vintage Vinyl | New and used records of all music genres, t-shirts and posters
Amaranth Books | Used books at great prices 
Chicago Strings Violins | Give the gift of a musical instrument or accessories for that string-instrument-playing family member in your life

FOR THE ARTISTS & DIY-ERS
Blick Art Materials | All the art supplies under the sun and creative toys and home gifts
Grove Gallery | Shop original paintings, prints and more!  
One River School | Classes and workshops for kids and adults of all ages
Lemoi Ace Hardware | Crafter supplies and almost anything you can think of

FOR NEW LOOKS
Accents Plus | An array of sweaters, tops, dresses and jewelry for everyday or special occasions
Bella Oter | COMING SOON this new shop offers unique lingerie and loungewear. RSVP for a community celebration on December 6!
cloth + home | fashion and decor focused shop featuring ethically produced, small-batch and one-of-a-kind pieces
Heyday Vintage | New vintage shop featuring clothing from the 80s, 90s and beyond!
Madison Grace | Trendy apparel and jewelry for women of all ages, including many cozy sweaters and holiday tops 
Stepping Out on Faith | Women's and men's apparel in all brands and styles at affordable prices
Gather: Consciously Curated | Fair trade dresses, winter accessories, and other cozy apparel
Crossroads Trading | For the eco-conscious, give the gift of shopping for unique finds at affordable prices 

FOR THE DECORATOR, ART LOVER OR REALLY, ANYONE
cloth + home | Design focused shop featuring hand poured soaps, candles and beautiful accents for your home
The Grove Gallery | Shop for original works of art 
Saville Flowers | Vibrant, whimsical and one-of-a-kind bouquets featuring fresh and dried flowers as well as house plants and pots
FlowersFlowers | Contemporary, fresh and beautiful floral designs
Gather: Consciously Curated | Fair trade gifts for the home including rugs, cookware, pillows and more! 

FOR THE COFFEE LOVERS
Newport Coffee | Bag of beans, coffee machines, to-go cups and gift cards
Patisserie Coralie | Boxed macarons, gift cards, unique French sweets and coffee beans
Colectivo Coffee | Holiday gift set coffee samplers, drinkware, apparel and gift cards
Philz Coffee | Coffee beans, drinkware and more

FOR THE FOODIES
Penzeys Spice Shop | Gift boxes, individual spices and recipe ideas
Kilwins Evanston | Fudge, peppermint bark, chocolate covered treats, ice cream cakes and holiday chocolate boxes
Bookends & Beginnings | Extensive collection of cook books of all cuisines and styles and locally-crafted Naked Truffle chocolates

FOR THE FITNESS & WELLNESS TYPE
Treat someone to a gift card for classes or personal training sessions at one of the many fitness studios in downtown Evanston.

FOR THE PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Give the gift of a staycation or a night away from from the kids at a downtown Evanston hotel (and a night of babysitting of course!) Don't forget to include a gift card to a nearby restaurant and/or a gift card to the AMC Theatres!
GEM Suites

HOLIDAY RESTAURANT GIFT CARD SPECIALS
This holiday season, spread the joy with the perfect gift—restaurant gift cards! Several of your favorite spots are offering amazing gift card deals. Give a gift of delicious dining and treat yourself to one too! It’s the ultimate festive win-win!

The Barn Steakhouse | From mid November through the end of December give a gift - get a gift promotion which entitles you the giver to a $20 gift certificate of your own for every $100 spent.

Prairie Moon | Get $10 bonus certificate when you spend $50, or a $25 bonus certificate for every $100 in gift cards you purchase!

LeTour | From mid November through the end of December give a gift - get a gift promotion which entitles you the giver to a $20 gift certificate of your own for every $100 spent.

Tapas Barcelona | Purchase $100 gift card and receive a $25 bonus card for yourself! 
 
EVANSTON GIFT CARD
If you're really not sure what to give someone, the Evanston Gift Card is a perfect gift that gives back to the community. This digital gift card can be used at 60 businesses throughout Evanston and keeps local spending local.   

______________________________

UPCOMING DOWNTOWN EVANSTON EVENTS:
Holiday Light Celebration | Saturday, December 6, 4:30-7:00PM
Warm Bevvy Walk | Thursday, December 11, 4:00-7:00PM

Happy Holidays, and thanks for supporting local businesses in Downtown Evanston!