Submitted by Downtown Evanston
Every year, Downtown Evanston takes part in Small Business Saturday, a nationwide celebration and recognition of independent and local businesses. This year, on Saturday, Nov. 26, everyone is invited to participate in the Holiday Shopping Passport program – spend $100 at local businesses to receive a $30 Evanston Gift Card. The gift card giveaway is supported by community partners Byline Bank and Northwestern University.
Pick up a Shopping Passport at any participating business and collect stamps or signatures and the amount spent when you check out. After you spend $100 or more at one or a combination of shops, bring your passport to Gearhead Outfitters at 1600 Sherman Ave. to redeem your gift of a $30 Evanston Gift Card! If you spend $150 or more there is a special addition to the gift card. Limit one per person and limited supply of gift cards, but we have other great gifts!
Warm Bevvy Walk
Continue showing your love for local businesses at our annual Warm Bevvy Walk on from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1. Check in at The Graduate Evanston,1625 Hinman Ave. to pick up a map of “bevvy” stops and a wristband if you’re interested in alcoholic beverages. Stroll through downtown stopping at local businesses, warming up with a bevvy and shopping local! Reserve your spot here and read about local gift ideas below.
Holiday Light celebration
Bring your family to the annual Holiday Light Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Fountain Square. Join City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, Santa and other special guests to light the tree at 5:30 p.m. sharp. Music will kick off the celebration at 5 p.m. with Evanston Children’s Choir and continue after the tree lighting with On the Spot Brass and Purple Haze Acapella, two Northwestern University student music groups. Colectivo Coffee will be on site serving complimentary hot cocoa, while supplies last. After the tree lighting, walk over to The Merion, 1611 Chicago Ave., for photo ops with Santa and holiday treats in The Crystal Ballroom.
Special thanks to Valli Produce for supporting the Holiday Light Celebration.
Shop local, shop Evanston
With all of this in mind, here are some local shopping suggestions for everyone on your holiday list.
For the active folks on your list, Gearhead Outfitters, Commonwealth Running Company and Wheel and Sprocket provide service and knowledge of their products you just can’t get online. Get the tennis pro a new racket, case or gift card to restring their racket at Tennis Ballerz. Consider a gift card for a class or lesson at our many unique fitness studios such as Pure Barre, CycleBar, TruFit Evanston and Title Boxing Club.
Finding something for those with creative hobbies is easy! Check out The Alley Gallery, Bookends & Beginnings, Comix Revolution, Blick Art Materials, Amaranth Books and Vintage Vinyl. For the DIYers and crafters, stop by Lemoi Ace Hadrware or Blick and pick up vintage or second-hand finds at Stepping Out on Faith and Crossroads Trading Co.
Give the gift of jewelry or the experience of jewelry making from Ayla’s Originals. Don’t forget to stop in at Artem Pop Up Gallery, featuring a range of handmade and/or designed arts, apparel, jewelry and gifts. Stop in High Touch Boutique for Persian ceramics and other small gift items. Know someone getting engaged or have a special anniversary this holiday season? Suggest Eve J. Alfillé for a unique ring or necklace. Do not miss the sustainably crafted and one-of-a-kind pieces at cloth + home shop.
Have a few holiday parties coming up? Find a classy, festive outfit at Madison Grace, Talia and Accents Plus. Pick up some chocolates or fudge from Kilwins Evanston and pair with spices from Penzeys Spices. Find a holiday bouquet at Saville Flowers and Flowers Flowers or a unique house plant at Plant Shop Evanston.
Freshen Up for holiday parties at Ergo Salon, Salon Lamia, Steven Papageorge Salon, Salon Soto or Salon Lofts. And as the holidays can be stressful, we recommend visiting Grateful Yoga to wind down and relax. If you can’t decide on the right gift or want a flexible gift, don’t forget about the Evanston Gift Card – a digital gift card that can be used at 60-plus businesses in Evanston.
Visit downtownevanston.org/holidays for additional information.