Quirky boutiques in northern Illinois bring unique shopping options this season

Tired of the same old mall shopping experience?

Discover hidden retail gems in northern Illinois, where you can find unique gifts and support local businesses this holiday season. From handcrafted treasures to vintage finds and quirky collectibles, there’s something for everyone on your list.

There’s still plenty of time to shop for that perfect gift, so make plans to embark on a shopping road trip adventure this weekend!

Viva La Funny – Yorkville

You’ll find silly socks, gourmet foods, fashion, and home décor inside Viva La Funny. This family business started as a pop-up shop eight years ago before moving to its home in Yorkville. From wacky and silly to downright cute, there’s such a large assortment; the website and social media pages are just a few of the ways to see what’s in stock. 145 E. Veterans Parkway, Yorkville. vivalafunny.com

Old World Gem & Jewelry – McHenry

For those who appreciate unique, high-quality, like-new jewelry, this is the shop to visit. For more than 30 years, the family-owned and -operated jewelry shop has offered old world quality, service, and values. The renowned establishment continues to take pride in its offerings, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and more. Make an appointment to view their affordable modern estate jewelry, along with vintage (back to the 1980s) and antique estate jewelry that ranges from the Georgian and Edwardian periods. 3310 W Elm St., McHenry. oldworldgemandjewelry.com

Ghoulish Mortals – St. Charles

If you have a fan of scary movies on your list, this is a must-visit shop located in downtown St. Charles. At this self-described “monster and horror store” you’ll find art, sculpture, dolls, books, jewelry, patches, pins, novelties, and more. 228 W. Main St., St. Charles. ghoulishmortals.com/

True North – Morris

This premium vintage store in Morris recently expanded, allowing for more space for many new vendors. True North specializes in what are called “smalls.” These inexpensive, highly collectible conversation pieces are becoming the hottest things in the world of vintage, and just so happen to be True North’s forte. In addition to the small pieces, you’ll find a wide variety of other antiques, clothing, gifts, and more. 539 Bedford Road, Morris. shoptruenorth.com/

The Little Traveler – Geneva

A longtime staple in Geneva’s Third Street shopping district, shoppers can find goods from all over the world in The Little Traveler’s 36 rooms filled with a variety of treasures. You’ll find Fair Trade vendors, shoes, bath and body products, kitchen goodies, clothing, baby goods, linens, toys, home decor, unique gifts, and much more. Enjoy lunch at the Atrium Cafe Tuesdays through Saturdays, and brunch on Sundays. 404 S. Third St., Geneva. littletraveler.com/

Gift of Games – Grayslake

Gift of Games’ mission is “to help family and friends find ways to gather together to socialize, make memories, and have fun!” Their inventory includes board games for all ages, card games, miniature and role-playing games, and even painting and modeling supplies, including paint, brushes, glues, and basing materials. 82 Center St., Grayslake. thegiftofgames.com

Trendy Finds – Plano

You never know what you’ll find at this Plano boutique. From international goods like Turkish lamps to a wide variety of home decor and seasonal decorations to men’s and women’s clothing, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list. 619 Walter Payton Memorial Highway, Plano. trendyfindsplano.com/

Audiophil’s Records – Joliet

You’ll find something for the music collector on your list at this family-owned downtown Joliet shop. Dig through bins and racks of vinyl from all genres. The store recently added CDs and cassette tapes to the collection. Audiophil’s also buys records from collectors who are looking to sell. 76 N. Chicago St., Joliet. audiophilsrecords.com/

Unique Boutique – Peru

More than 32 vendors who specialize in one-of-a-kind handcrafted items are on display at this retailer, which is back for its sixth year at the Peru Mall. Gifts include tumblers, signs, gnomes, jewelry, cocoa bombs, sewing items, wreaths, ornaments, candles, goose clothing, pillows, freeze-dried candy, and other items. 3940 Route 251, Peru. facebook.com/UniqueBoutiquePeruMall

Cracker Jax – DeKalb

A DeKalb favorite since 1984, Cracker Jax is a vintage clothing and jewelry store that offers 15 cases of goods to browse through. Additional items include soy candles, oils, incense, gemstones of all kinds, antique and shabby chic furniture, art, and one-of-a-kind gifts. 118 N. 3rd St., DeKalb. Visit their Facebook page.

Down 2 Earth – Woodstock

Browse through a variety of handmade goods and metaphysical and fantasy items. Check out tarot cards, crystals, Native American jewelry, fossils, stones, dragons, teas and herbs, and more. This locally-owned store has been in business for ten years in downtown Woodstock. 107 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock.

Chaos & Curiosities – La Salle

This quirky home decor store specializes in oddities, curios, artisan crafts, and esoteric collectibles. Find unconventional items such as coffin nails in glass vials, taxidermized mammals and mummified chameleons, butterflies in bell jars, zombie-like stuffed animals, jewelry made of animal bones, and crystal-studded candles. 524 First St., La Salle. Visit their page on Facebook.

Chic, Geek & Antique – Morris

Check out comic books, oddities like medical instruments, retro clothing, and much more. Past inventory has included an original Andy Warhol print and a deck of cards from the 1700s. New items arrive all the time. 315 Bedford Rd., Morris. facebook.com/ChicGeekAntique/

Shaw Local News Network writers Julie Barichello, Ryan Searl and Maribeth M. Wilson, and correspondents Melissa Rubalcaba Riske and Diane Krieger Spivak contributed to this story.