Marigold photo by Nikki Allen Creative

Marigold
29 S. Prospect in Park Ridge
ShopEdie.com

Store vibes: This is a beautiful, bright and friendly store that quickly became a local favorite despite opening just prior to the onset of Covid. The sheer amount of eye-catching inventory like picture frames, wall art, dishware, candles and an assortment of other home décor is mesmerizing.

Owner Amy DeGrazio, who also owns Edie Boutique next door, has a long history in retail in Park Ridge.

Holiday happenings: Simply put, Marigold is the ultimate local destination for gift giving, as well as supplying your own home. Christmas and winter-themed items — dishes, wine glass sets, candles, wall art, even fuzzy elves for gaps in a living room shelf — creatively adorn this spacious store.

“I like to think we have every gift you can ever need,” Amy admits. “People come in and say, ‘I think I want everything.’” Also, Dec. 2 is their friends-and-family event, where $100 in purchases earns you a $25 gift card.

Items that caught our eye: Stylish photo frames never go out of style, especially for the grandparents, and Marigold offers a plethora of options. Some great stemware and colorful, unique ornaments as well.

You should know… the day after Christmas is Marigold’s big sale. Nothing beats it. If Santa didn’t bring it to you, or you want to get a headstart for next year’s holiday season, this is your place.

The day after Christmas is Marigold’s big sale. If Santa didn’t bring it to you, or you want to get a headstart for next year’s holiday season, this is your place.

Raffia photo by Nikki Allen Creative

Raffia Gifts
141 N. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge
RaffiaGifts.com

Store vibes: Raffia has been in Park Ridge for more than 31 years. It is a one-of-a-kind gift shop, a tradition they’ve maintained in keeping with the selection of unique and meaningful gifts, as well as creating an enjoyable shopping experience.

Loyal customers will tell you that assistance is always offered, there is no pressure to purchase, and that the Raffia staff will gladly recommend other local retailers if they know they cannot meet a request.

Holiday happenings: Raffia is a magical wonderland of Christmas gifts and décor. They close for two full days in mid-November to prepare the store and create the best shopping experience possible.

For Winterfest, Friday Nov. 26, and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27, Raffia will be offering a raffle and gift (with purchase) while supplies last.

Raffia has two different handbag lines that are already disappearing quickly: Hammett and Hobo. Both have unique and tasteful qualities all their own.

Items that caught our eye: Raffia has two different handbag lines that are already disappearing quickly: Hammett and Hobo. Both have unique and tasteful qualities all their own. They also carry a baby and children selection of clothes and toys that offer a variety of items and can make the perfect gift. Also, their Park Ridge and Chicago gifts are always a huge hit.

You should know… In January, Raffia will be attending the massive Atlanta Market, the country’s premier gift, décor and lifestyle market to select new and exciting merchandise for the store. Also, all the Park Ridge items in the store are exclusive to Raffia.

Edie

27 S. Prospect in Park Ridge
ShopEdie.com

Store vibes: Edie Boutique (one of seven throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana) is your one-stop shop for a beautiful array of jewelry, handbags, clothing and gifts right in the heart of Uptown Park Ridge. With new merchandise arriving weekly and plenty of fun seasonal selections, it’s never the same experience twice.

Holiday happenings: Save the date: Dec. 2 is Edie’s (and Marigold’s) friends-and-family event, where customers can earn a $25 gift card for $100 in purchases.

Items that caught our eye: If you’re in the market for a new sweater, hat or scarf, Edie should be drawing your attention before the real cold weather hits. One particularly hot item right now is the line of purses with interchangeable guitar straps.

You should know… Edie gift cards make for quite the popular Christmas gift, and there are plenty of cozy stocking-stuffer possibilities throughout the store.

Sooo Cute Boutique
7 S. Prospect in Park Ridge
SoooCuteBoutique.com

Store vibes: Expect classic styles blended with a modern look at Sooo Cute, where the owner, Vania, shares her lifelong love of retail with Park Ridge.

“Surprisingly, I always have customers telling me how I should be expanding soon,” she says, before adding that, for now anyway, she prefers the “little boutique kind of feel” and cozy vibe she has, selling a variety of clothes, handbags, jewelry and accessories.

 Besides a one-year anniversary, Sooo Cute will also be celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, doing daily merchandise and gift card giveaways leading up to Dec. 25.

Holiday happenings: Vania will be celebrating her one-year anniversary on Wednesday, Dec. 1, serving champagne to guests from 4-6 p.m. She’ll also be celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, doing daily merchandise and gift card giveaways leading up to Dec. 25.

You can enter to win each day via Sooo Cute’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Look for plenty of holiday savings throughout December as well.

Items that caught our eye: Vania specifically targeted a black and red top — creatively called a “shacket” — as a very popular, must-have shirt and jacket combination this winter. Also, the softer and comfier, the better when it comes to her scarf display. “I call them my portable blankets,” Vania says.

You should know… For every $200 you spend, you will get a $25 gift card during the month of December. Also, Sooo Cute is never the same store twice, as new inventory arrives weekly.

Sandberg Jewelers
7096 Carpenter Road in Skokie’s Village Crossing shopping center
SandbergJewelers.com

Store vibes: This is a high-energy, 4,000 square-foot showroom, with everything looking merry and bright for the holiday season. You don’t stay in business for 102 years and counting without providing a personal touch, so there are a lot of generational, repeat customers here. Specialties include engagement diamond jewelry, gold and platinum jewelry, colored gemstones and watches.

Holiday happenings: Rest easy with your busy schedule, knowing that Sandberg will be extending their store hours as we approach Christmas (check the website and Facebook for updates).

Sandberg will also offer a Deal of the Week, which involves a “super savings deal every week on a beautiful piece of jewelry.” Keep an eye out for the featured items, which will be promoted online and via social media.

Items that caught our eye: There are so many attention-grabbing pieces at Sandberg, but the huggie hoop diamond earrings by Hearts on Fire and the diamond heart and key pendant really stand out.

You should know… Sandberg Jewelers’ sleigh is ahead of the nation’s delay, meaning there are no shortages here! Owner Susan Sandberg stocked up early, so you can be sure to find a full showroom and wide selection of beautiful gifts for everyone on your list.

Owner Susan Sandberg stocked up early, so you can be sure to find a full showroom and wide selection of beautiful jewelry for everyone on your list.

Amphora Home
Warehouse location: 850 Elmhurst Road in Elk Grove Village
ShopAmphora.com

Store vibes: Owner Debi Spellman, who has experience as an interior decorator and previously owned Amphora furniture stores in Park Ridge and Glenview, has shifted the focus of her business during Covid. Now operating out of a warehouse in Elk Grove Village — just 10 minutes from Park Ridge — she uses her contacts to find open-box, discontinued and sample merchandise like couches, chairs, end tables, frames, dishes, ceiling fans, candles, space heaters, mattresses, kitchen items, tents, electronics and more, and then offers everything for half off the retail value. Lots of name brands from retailers like Overstock, Wayfair, Amazon and Home Depot, to name a few.

Holiday happenings: Amphora offers an ideal opportunity to do some meaningful Christmas shopping for useful, everyday items. All while saving some serious coin.

Items that caught our eye: There’s a little something for everyone here, whether you’re searching for a set of matching barstools, a leather couch, patio lights or a blender.

You should know… to be prepared to spend a little time sorting through the rows of goods at Amphora’s warehouse, as many items are still in their boxes.

If there’s not a price tag on something yet, it probably means it’s fresh off a delivery truck. Just ask Debi and she’ll look it up and give you the discounted price within minutes.

Also, keep an eye on Amphora’s Facebook site (@coolstuffparkridge) for new merchandise and live videos, and you can email debispellman2@yahoo.com for payment options if you see something you like online.