As Mother’s Day gets closer, we wanted to highlight the plethora of unique boutiques Chicago offers! Beyond the usual retail giants, Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods boast charming, independent boutiques, each with its own style and handpicked gift selection. Whether you seek jewelry, artisanal home décor, or a custom-made fashion piece, shopping locally in Chicago adds a personal touch to gifting giving this Mother’s Day present while supporting the city’s creative community. Let’s explore some of Chicago’s most popular places to shop!

Andersonville

Lila Barn

• Enjoy, Urban General Store– I just stopped by this store in Andersonville, and they had THE cutest stuff. I got my mom a solar queen gift (she’s obsessed with The Crown and all things royal family, haha). I also got my friend a Golden Girls mug. They also have a Lincoln Square location.
• Foursided – another Andersonville and Lakeview small business. It also had a big Mother’s Day section! They have lots of prints and artwork you can get framed, which I think would make nice gifts!
• Lilla Barn – Bergen Anderson, owner of Lilla Barn, handmakes women’s and children’s clothes with Swedish influences and pops of color! Bergen also curates stationery, jewelry, and home goods from other small-businesses. For more about the Andersonville neighborhood, check out our guide here!

Hyde Park

57th Street books

• 57th Street Books – Step through the red telephone booth-type portal into this garden-level bookstore, and you immediately sense the magic. It may look like a small basement storefront, but once you start to move through the main room, you’ll find six more nooks and areas!
• Recyced Modern – RM is a stunning art gallery and furnishings store that sells jewelry, art, and home accessories.
• Silver Room—This black-owned community center for events and art pop-ups has a shop with books, tote bags, shirts, candles, and more.

Lakeview

Alice & Wonder and B. Collective

• Alice + Wonder – one of Chicago’s cutest women’s clothing and accessories that celebrates Chicago in all the best ways. Plus, shopping on Southport is always a good idea!
• Love, Charlie – is another adorable women’s clothing boutique. You’ll find hats, slippers, bags, and plenty of other fun gift ideas here!
• Aura Candle Bar – book mom a candle making class or pick up some scents for her.
• B Collective – choose from beautiful flowers, plants, and other thoughtful gifts!

Lincoln Square

• Eco Flamingo – Chicago’s first zero-waste general store! Its website lists its refillable menu, so you can check its stock. You could fill a basket with Mom’s favorite goodies!
• Merz Apothecary – This old school pharmacy has been around since 1875 and features unique wellness and beauty products.
• Genevieve – One of my favorite boutiques for classic closet staples.
• Gene’s Sausage – They can make gift baskets are artisanal meats and cheeses!

Hopefully, some of these are helpful, and you have the best Mother’s Day! You can also find more information on Lincoln Square here!

Christine