Gift & Speciality Shops in Chicago

THE 10 BEST Chicago Gift & Speciality Shops

Gift & Speciality Shops in Chicago

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Showing results 1-30 of 216

What travellers are saying

  • Taylor B
    Chicago, IL8,483 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I recently purchased a fine glass antique paperweight from L.H. Selman Ltd. in Chicago to serve as a centerpiece for our extensive Civil War collection of rare and first-edition books, manuscripts, autographs, paintings and artifacts. Until we visited the Selman gallery and museum at 410 South Michigan Avenue, in the historic Fine Arts Building, overlooking Millennium Park and Grant Park and the nearby Art Institute of Chicago, we didn't have any knowledge about paperweights. In less than two hours, we received a thorough education. Selman is a name that has been synonymous with the finest antique and contemporary paperweights for over 40 years. It is the premier dealer in fine art glass paperweights in the United States and its mission is to promote the very best by exhibiting and selling through its gallery and at auction the finest examples made in past centuries and by nurturing new talent emerging from independent studios. It's a fascinating adventure, viewing the largest collection of antique and contemporary paperweights in the world. After it's over, you understand that a paperweight isn't a simple desk accessory. The origin of glass paperweights can be traced to France in 1845, when glass factories such as Baccarat, Saint Louis and Clichy were competing to create the world's finest crystal luxury items, including water sets, tableware and inkwells, then paperweights. Collectors range from kings and American presidents to writers and investors to Truman Capote and Arthur Rubloff. L.H. Selman was introduced to paperweights in the mid-1960s. He began collecting them, started a small mail order business, created a publishing company to distribute information about paperweights, then founded the International Paperweight Society and Museum on South Michigan Avenue. In 2001, he was named "one of the Top Ten People of the 20th Century" to influence the paperweight art form. In 2009, he sold his business to Mitch and Ben Clark. They picked up the torch--or the paperweight--and the Chicago art scene remains in sterling condition.
    Written 14 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jnkol*99
    Bettendorf, IA110 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stopped at the salon first for my daughters to get their hair done. Then went over to the cafe for lunch. Honestly wasn’t expecting a great meal but was definitely surprised as the food and overall experience was really done well!

    My girls got the glitter bombs and those were fun!

    Would definitely come back for lunch again! Highly recommend if you have young girls!!
    Written 12 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The Happy Traveler
    Chicago, IL3,106 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There’s Chinatown Main Street then there’s Chinatown Square that’s 2 blocks over and is equally interesting with many shops and eateries. We really enjoyed walking to see special monuments and Chinese shapes built into the walkways. While you’re visiting try venturing over there and taking the culture in!
    Written 7 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Noraatc
    Sudbury, MA39,906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you like super sweet chocolate then Fannie May is the right shop for you. Their service is very nice and they treated us to delicious samples. It is located next door to Chicago Architecture Center.
    Written 1 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • M N
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We got married at Salvage One on July 2nd 2022. It’s an absolutely beautiful and unique venue, and we got lucky with weather good enough to have our ceremony in their outdoor courtyard. They were generally flexible with us throughout two covid postponements as we were supposed to get married in 2020, then 2021, and finally 2022. One thing to be aware of is there is a company directly next door to the venue that rents their parking lot out for outdoor events, and we found out one week before our wedding date that they were planning to host an EDM concert with up to 1,000 people in attendance. Not exactly the news you want to hear that close to the wedding date, but we understand it’s not a normal occurrence for them, and typically their outdoor events are not that large or loud. In the end it wasn’t as bad as it could have been - the outdoor courtyard was shielded enough for us to still have our ceremony outside, and other than some windows rattling during the father of the bride speech, and having to find a last minute valet (which was very costly) it could have been worse. While we were hoping the venue would have been more flexible in working with us a bit more on this, they did end up helping to cover a small portion of the valet fee. We had hoped with the last minute issue coming up and all that we had on our plate in the final week, they could have done more in helping us secure a valet. One last note, we found out after the wedding that the front door was locked for a time during the ceremony while the mother of the bride was running to her car, and she was unable to get back into the venue for about a half hour, causing her to miss the first dance. Highly suggest either ensuring that the door does not get locked, or that a sign gets put up so that late guests have a way to enter if the door is locked. Overall, we are still happy we chose Salvage One. We had a few things happen that were less than ideal, but in the end we had a great wedding and reception and have some great pictures in this unique venue.
    Written 11 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Irina
    United States14,148 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Marshall Pierce & Company at 960 N Michigan Ave is a family owned and operated, high-end jewelry store, that has been in business over a hundred years.

    The store offers a wide selection of top quality diamonds, timepieces, fine jewelry. The world famous brands presented in the store, include Cartier, Panerai, TWC , MIKIMOTO and many other brands.

    My visit to the store was at the end of November, which was the beginning of the winter holiday season. I was greeted by the management and staff, had a brief introduction to the store and variety of items. The interior design of this luxury store is impressive: it looks very elegant, projecting that strong, contemporary chic.

    I didn't plan to shop at this store that time, but I got a clear impression of the store and company, so I am quite sure, if one wants to buy a high-end timepiece or jewelry -- it will be a very exclusive, high quality present, carefully chosen with the personable help of professional service.

    I have to add, that Marshall Pierce & Company has an excellent info on all their products and services, presented on the store website.
    Written 16 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PBC7
    Dubuque, IA103 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    They have things nobody else has. It is an old school building, three floors of top to bottom antiques. They have collections of things from Europe as well as the US. May be a bit on the pricey side but so fun to look at. Don't miss this place.
    Written 20 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Garlin R
    Dania Beach, FL28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stopped in to buy bourbon was slightly confused and this wonderful person I believe Michelle Foster broke down not only the brands but process as well.
    She was like a bourbon professor....your lucky to have her.
    Written 13 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sharrongeg
    Henderson, NV3,773 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We like to take snacks with us when we fly - so we purchased candied pecans and a small Carmel popcorn for our trip from Chicago back home to Las Vegas. Although a bit pricey, both the pecans and popcorn were excellent. Fresh and fabulous!
    Written 15 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • joaniemaria
    Eldridge, IA5,191 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful selection of guitars, basses, drums, keyboards. Practice rooms available to try out your equipment. Knowledgeable staff to answer your questions. Paid parking available on the street near the store. Wide selection of merchandise!
    Written 23 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Noraatc
    Sudbury, MA39,906 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very pretty chocolate shop in the Wrigley Building. I wasn’t too thrilled with their dark chocolate but loved the displays and the interior. There is a sitting area upstairs.
    Written 1 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RonL40
    Utica, NY3,633 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The first bookstore we visited in Chicago. Great store, impeccably displayed books with very fair prices. Huge literature section lead to several books we've been looking for more than a while. A definite stop for any bookie who likes to browse for their treasures.
    Written 27 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • billpalmer
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are a magician, you need to visit this shop at least once during your lifetime. You never know what famous performer you are likely to run into.
    Written 8 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian L
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A genuinely unique and creative boutique shopping experience. Always a curiosity with good surprises.
    Written 17 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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