Winnetka Holiday Shopping Guide
The holidays are here, and with them comes the artful chaos of finding just the right gifts for your loved ones. Don’t stress—Winnetka’s local gems make holiday shopping feel more like an adventure and less like a chore. We took a trip downtown and found some great spots to buy holiday gifts for friends and family.
Chapter One: The Book Stall
The vibes at the Book Stall were cozy and inviting, with readers of all ages browsing the shelves. The staff are fantastic—helpful, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about books. They don’t just recommend titles; they seem to know exactly which book would be perfect for even the hardest-to-shop-for person on your list. And here’s the best part: they offer gift wrapping right in the store, so you can leave with a beautifully wrapped present ready to go.
Raise a Glass with Good Grapes
Theresa, the store owner, greeted us with such warmth and enthusiasm, making it clear just how much she loves what she does. Her dog, Mick, was an unexpected highlight of the visit—a charming, friendly and an excellent salesman. Theresa’s passion for wine was evident as she walked us through some great gift options, from joining their wine club to exploring their Saturday night wine tastings. If you’re not sure what to choose, those tastings are a fun way to find a bottle you’ll love. She also mentioned their wine of the month, the Caterwaul Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, which sounds like an excellent pick paired with a holiday meal or gifted to any wine enthusiast on your list.
Deck the Halls with ARCH
At ARCH, we were immediately drawn in by the thoughtful design and chic atmosphere. Laura, the owner, was so welcoming, and it was clear she has an incredible eye for curating unique, high-quality pieces. As we chatted, she shared stories about the items in the store, from artisanal pottery, to handcrafted candles to her family farm’s fresh honey—a sweet and thoughtful addition to any gift basket or perfect on its own. I couldn’t help but admire the Willy Guhl chair in the window, a statement piece that’s now on my holiday wish list (Mom and Dad, consider this your hint). Every corner of the store had something special, which made the whole experience feel less like shopping and more like discovering treasures.
Wrap it all Up
Swing by Tala for your favorite drink, a cozy chai, a hot chocolate or our Winnetka cafe special - the Mariah Carey Latte (yes it’s as amazing as it sounds). Whether you’re plotting out your gift list or simply soaking in the holiday vibes, we’ve got the warm drinks to get you in the spirit. Plus, don’t forget to pick up a bag of our locally roasted beans or a gift card—they make excellent presents for coffee lovers.
Cheers and happy holidays from all of us at Tala!
Michael Michalak
Meet Michael, a suburban native with a passion for storytelling, art, and the outdoors. You’ll find him at the Winnetka café, often connecting with customers or sharing his love for music. When he’s not behind the bar, Michael enjoys hiking, backpacking, and biking—or relaxing with his favorite vinyl and a warm Matcha.
Viscaria Liu
Viscaria is one of the friendly faces at Tala’s Winnetka location. Passionate about the great outdoors and exploring new places, she brings her adventurous spirit to the café every day. When she's not brewing your favorite drinks, you can find her planning her next travel adventure or soaking up the beauty of nature.