Where to Shop Local for the Holidays

Frances Heffernan in Winnetka

With Amazon’s recent merger with Whole Foods, the e-commerce giant is moving closer and closer to world domination. While it’s tough to top Amazon’s speed and convenience, it’s the local small businesses that keep our communities vibrant and thriving, so if you’re making your list and checking it twice, first check out our 2017 Gift Guide for some of the season’s best gifts that give back, then do your part to shop local by rounding out your holiday shopping at these fabulous local boutiques.

Best of 2017: Shopping

Best of 2017, Shopping: North Shore Exchange
North Shore Exchange (Photo by Kathleen Page Photography.)

For the seventh year, our readers voted for their favorite Chicago-area businesses in 11 categories. Here’s a list of the best places to shop for your friend who loves cosmetics, your brother who loves to read, and even your mother who loves anything vintage. These are the shops our readers swear by.

4 Chicago-Based Etsy Shops to Check Out Now

SoapDistillery (Etsy)
Photo courtesy of SoapDistillery.

Etsy, a peer-to-peer e-commerce site filled with handmade clothing and accessories, vintage jewelry, and spunky home décor, now boasts more than 54 million users. If you’re looking to give something a little unique, check out these four Chicago-based shops offering awesome goodies and services.

6 Sweaters from Local Stores That Are as Chic as They Are Cozy

8 Chic Sweaters to Wear This Season

A bulky, unflattering sweater can dampen anyone’s wintertime style, so here are six sweaters that are perfectly chic, luxuriously toasty, and make awesome gifts. And the best part? They’re available at local boutiques so you can support your local small business while you’re shopping for your loved ones this season!

Boutiques in Winnetka and Northfield to Suit Every Style

Frances Heffernan in Winnetka
Photo courtesy of Frances Heffernan.

The fashion world moves at a frenetic pace, but our local boutiques are more than able to keep up with what’s coming down the runways. Here are seven places in Winnetka and Northfield that will make sure you have the hottest trends wrapped under the tree this year.

3 Ways to Waste Less Time Shopping (Hint: Shop Local!)

Milk

At first, approaching boutiques may feel intimidating — a la “Pretty Woman” — but so many local boutiques go above and beyond to make you feel welcomed, reveal new and upcoming designers, and keep wish lists on hand.

The 11 Best Coffee Shops in Chicago

The Coffee Studio in Chicago

Need a little break from shopping? Here are 11 of our favorite spots in the city and suburbs to give you that extra dose of energy you need for holiday shopping.

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