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!