Whether you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer or a something simply cute, we’re taking a look at some of the best places to find gifts for under $20.
Civinte Candle Bar
Civinte Candle Bar in Oak Park is more than a candle shop — its an experience.
You can buy a premade candle for someone on your gift list, or you can bring them into the shop to create their own custom crafted fragrance, poured into a coconut apricot wax to take home the same day.
Either way, there’s no wrong choice.
Einnim
Founded by Lita and supported by her partner Zach, Einnim launched in May of 2020 as a means to help their fellow immunocompromised friends find a way to cope with the uncontrollables of society.
They specialize in beautifully customized soy wax candles, goat milk soap bars,
body + hair products, and much, much more.
Their products are made with intense attention to detail and a desire to provide our customers with outstanding quality, and are all cruelty-free.
They are dedicated to providing their customers with a lasting experience that will keep them coming back for more.
Warm Wick
An aesthetic dream, Warm Wick Co offers a collection of high-quality, hand-poured natural soy wax candles.
As a minority owned business, they also offer a variety of other products - including - that are inspired by Latinx culture.
Their goal? To be the destination for customers with the most natural scented candles and to bring inspiration to every person in the world regardless of race or color. The power of this vision is cultural and beyond a brick-and-mortar.
Candycopia
Candycopia was started by the Mason family with the vision to bring some sweet relief to the world by helping people discover and experience new flavors that hit their sweet spot.
Their store is Inspired by their experiences visiting family-owned candy shops with their kids, that they wanted to bring to their own community of Oak Park.
Candycopia features hundreds of gummies and bulk items, nostalgic favorites, and a totally unique collection of handmade specialties from small-batch candymakers around the U.S.
They strive to partner with diverse-owned candymakers to feature their delicious creations and share their amazing stories all in one place.
Old Fashioned Candies
A blast from the past, Old Fashioned Candies in Berwyn is serving up delicious treats like:
Deluxe chocolates, including delicious turtles
Old fashioned penny candies, served by the piece
And delicious snacks, like gourmet popcorn.
At Old Fashioned Candies, there’s something for everyone’s taste.
Fill my Jar
Fill My Jar is an Artisan candy store that is sure to please. They combine traditional and uniquely made flavors to curate their melt-in--your-mouth toffees, caramels, and barks.
All of their candies are available for individual jar purchase, or large orders for big events.
They make the perfect gift, or addition to any party.
River Forest Chocolates
River Forest Chocolates was founded in 2010, after a lifelong passion for baking,cooking and creating delicious sweets by Madonna Fantetti-Slepicka, with a belief that "Chocolate makes life a little sweeter".
Here, you’ll find delicious chocolates, like their signature sea salt caramels or English toffee, as well as treats like milk chocolate potato chips.
There truly is a choice for everyone, you simply can’t go wrong.
Aunt Dianas
Located in dreamy Riverside, Aunt Dianas serves up old-fashioned fudge that is delectable and delicious. They have a variety of flavors to choose from making it the perfect option for anyone on their list.
Not a fan of fudge? No problem. They also have contemporary candy, candied apples, and more!
Laura Atwood Studio Beads & Trading Co.
Laure Atwood Studio Beads & Trading Co. is a one of a kind store located on Broadway in Brookfield.
And although their name is right, they do sell beads, it is so much more than a bead store.
In addition to over 210 colors of Toho Seed Beads, you’ll also find leather goods, stringing supplies, jewelry tools, and gorgeous one of a kind crystals.
Plus, they’ve got handmade items from around the world, including clothing, handbags, incense, bath and body products, essential oils, and even fossils/
Their space is open to the general public, and also available for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, or any kind of party really!
The Darling Shop
At The Darling Shop in LaGrange, you’ll find carefully curated cuteness around every corner. This girl owned gift shop has unique gifts for all of the darlings in your life — including women, men, teens, and children.
From adorable cards and unique necklaces to funky cups and printed tees, there’s a never ending array of color and aesthetics.
Veni Vidi Val
Veni Vidi Val is a joy for everyone who walks through the doors. This warm and welcoming boutique in downtown LaGrange specializes in helping you find your personal style — for you and your home.
They carry the latest in fashion, while ensuring their clothes are comfortable, styling, and offer unique details. And also offer a variety of handpicked accessories — like jewelry and scarves — to compliment your outfit.
They also carry a wide range of gifts and home items such as unique artwork, pottery, soaps, lotions, kitchen gadgets, and greeting cards.
Best of all, you’ll be able to find gifts starting at $20!
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The Book Table
At The Book Table, a fiercely independent bookstore since 2003, they’re on a mission to make sure there is truly a book for everyone’s taste — no seriously, just try them!
Started by husband and wife duo Rachel and Jason, The Book Table started as a small space and has since doubled in size, allowing them to keep the shelves stocked with almost every single genre you can imagine, for both adults and children.
Stop in to see what they’ve got, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for, they’re here to help make sure you get it!
The Looking Glass
A beloved store in the community, The Looking Glass is more than just another used bookstore. They sell a wide selection of gently used books, but also carry a variety of book related gift items, pieces for local artisans, and a variety of greeting cards.
They are truly a one stop shop for gifts for everyone in your family!
They also offer book genre discussion groups, book related craft classes for adults and children, as well as exclusive memberships to their Book Lovers Club.
A stop that should be on everyone’s shopping list!
Centuries and Sleuths
Tucked away between a few shops on Madison Street in Forest Park is a bookstore where mystery fills the air.
Here, you’ll find lines of cherry wood bookcases filled with historical era books and almost every subset of mystery you can imagine — from fictional mystery to true crime. They even have books for kids!
And if you’re a true enthusiast, they host five different reader groups that meet regularly, so you can chat about your favorite books with like-minded people.
Afriware Books
Afriware Books, CO is a Black owned bookstore and resource center located in Maywood. Since 1993, they have been serving the Chicagoland area by providing a platform to showcase authors, airtsts, and advocates that embody cultural pride.
They also hold in person and virtual events for those that are interested in learning about these authors, their stories, and significant cultural events.
Take a look at everything they have to offer, you’ll be glad you did!
