The streets of downtown Evanston have come alive with festive lighting and storefront windows for the holiday season. The diverse array of local shops offers a distinct and curated selection of gifts, decorations, and seasonal delights. Check out our local shopping guide to help you find gifts for everyone on your list!
While you're out and about, enjoy a festive beverage to refuel and get into the holiday spirit! And don't forget to use code HOLIDAY2023 on the ParkEvanston app to get 2 free hours of street parking everyday through January 1, 2024.
While you're out and about, enjoy a festive beverage to refuel and get into the holiday spirit! And don't forget to use code HOLIDAY2023 on the ParkEvanston app to get 2 free hours of street parking everyday through January 1, 2024.
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
Comix Revolution | Comics and graphic novels, Pusheens, action figures and trinkets
Ayla's Originals | Bracelet bead kits, hair accessories, books and journals
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!
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
Gearhead Outfitters | Cozy apparel and winter gear, shoes & boots and inspiration to get outside
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
Bookends and Beginnings | Books, books & more books plus journals, puzzles, toys including Playmobil and puppets, and greeting cards
Comix Revolution | 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
Ayla's Originals | Beads and jewelry-making accessories and tools plus thoughtful selection of apparel, home decor, books and small gifts
Blick Art Materials | All the art supplies under the sun and creative toys and home gifts
One River School | Classes and workshops for kids and adults of all ages
FOR NEW LOOKS
cloth + home | Holiday pop-up shop featuring ethically produced, small-batch and one-of-a-kind pieces
Madison Grace | Trendy apparel and jewelry for women of all ages, including many cozy sweaters and holiday tops
Madison Grace | Trendy apparel and jewelry for women of all ages, including many cozy sweaters and holiday tops
Talia | Unique dresses, skirts and jackets for special occasions
Accents Plus | An array of sweaters, tops, dresses and jewelry for everyday or special occasions
Stepping Out on Faith | Women's and men's apparel in all brands and styles at affordable prices
Crossroads Trading | For the eco-conscious, give the gift of shopping for unique finds at affordable prices
FOR THE DECORATOR, HOST OR REALLY, ANYONE
cloth + home | Pop-up shop featuring hand poured soaps, candles and beautiful accents for your home
Saville Flowers | Vibrant, whimsical and one-of-a-kind bouquets featuring fresh and dried flowers as well as house plants and pots
Flowers Flowers | Contemporary, fresh and beautiful floral designs
Plant Shop Evanston | Tropicals, succulents, cacti and houseplants of all kinds plus plant pots and other fun finds
High Touch Shop | New boutique offering a wide range of hand-crafted ceramics and more
Skylight Vintage, Inc. | A vintage shop that has everything from furniture to table settings to books to plants and more! Plus, all proceeds support mental health awareness and services to those in need.
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
High Touch Shop | New boutique offering a wide range of hand-crafted ceramics and more
Skylight Vintage, Inc. | A vintage shop that has everything from furniture to table settings to books to plants and more! Plus, all proceeds support mental health awareness and services to those in need.
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
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.
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
Hey Grandma and Grandpa! Give your kids a special night (or two) away from their kids at a downtown hotel (and a night of babysitting of course!) And don't forget to include a gift card to a nearby restaurant and a gift card to the newly opened AMC Theatre!
RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS
Several restaurants are offering gift card specials this holiday season. Give the gift of a gift card and get one for yourself!
Cupitol | Spend $100 on gift cards, get $25 gift card or spend $50 on gift cards and get $10 gift card.
elephant + vine | Enjoy 20% off gift cards (minimum $25) now through December 24. Use code GC20%OFF for online.
Evanston Corner Bistro | Spend Spend $50 on an LM Restaurant Group Gift Card and receive a free bottle of LM Restaurant branded wine. Spend $100 on an LM Restaurant Group Gift Card and receive an additional $25 bonus card.
Prairie Moon | Get a $20 bonus gift card with every $100 spent on gift cards
LeTour & The Barn Steakhouse | Earn a $20 gift card for every $100 spent on gift cards at either restaurant
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.
Happy Holidays! Thanks for supporting local businesses!