Inkling

Holy Crap — I just got some gifts wrapped here because I had believed they were professionals! Nothing could have been further from the truth, unfortunately!
The young lady behind the counter was nice enough but I could have done a MUCH better job.
I decided to leave the left over paper I bought behind because I don’t want it around to remind me of this awful experience!!!

I adore Inkling — every time I stop in for a card I end up wandering the shop for at last half an hour, looking through all the cards, sniffing the perfumes, flipping through the notebooks, admiring the jewelry. This is the best place to go for Chicago-​themed things that are different than the souvenir shop stuff everyone has, and also definitely better. Highly recommend!

Love this shop! So many unique gifts. I bought a birthday gift here and I plan to go back for some holiday shopping.

Quirky cards? Check.
Cute, affordable jewelry? Check.
Lovely soaps, perfumes and candles? Check.
Tchotchkes for every taste? Check.
Inkling is first and foremost a stationary store with a decent selection of cards, journals, and specialty papers. They also sell great Chicago themed postcards, large prints, and other souvenirs. Even better, is their selection of accessories. Their jewelry is awesome — everything from big statement pieces to really simple necklaces and rings, mostly under $ 20. They also have a small selection of candles, soaps, perfumes, and lotions which would be great for gifts. On top of that, the store is stocked with all kinds of tchotchkes — everything from goofy desktop figurines to build-​it-​yourself terrariums.
Stop in and you’re sure to have a great time browsing this quirky store!

I LOVE this store! Their cards are the absolute best, I refuse to buy cards from any where else after buying from Inkling. They always have new items and lots of unique jewelry and décor/​art. Although it can be a bit pricey at times I believe it’s worth every penny with the quality and consistency the store provides.

such a cute little store. cards for every occasion, friendly, helpful staff. it’s a little pricey but you get what you pay for, right?

Great selection of local Chicago artists’ works. They have an awesome array of cards and other items that make great gifts. Definitely a cute gem!

A gorgeous little shop with all kinds of great finds. Cards, gifts, jewelry– they’re all great. If you have an hour, go take advantage of their ‘Build Your Own Terrarium bar’… so many beautiful plants and trinkets to include and I get compliments on mine all the time from friends who visit.

Locally produced, affordable, and unique products only. Cards, wallets, jewelry, terrariums, shirts, candles, and various other items. Many are Chicago themed (which I love). No refunds, but exchanges and in store are allowed. They take amex!

Favorite shop in Chicago. Seriously. The small business owner makes you feel so special and the candles, prints, jewelry, mugs and more are perfect for gifts. For others and yourself :)

The best cards, some really cute stuff, and a very personable owner.

This store was pretty much heaven for me! Really cute, unique jewelry finds, great greeting cards and prints, and my favorite line of candles (Illume, though they had others as well.) I ended up picking up a bracelet and a print, both of which I really love. I will definitely be back — this seems like a great place to do holiday shopping for ladies/​art lovers in your life.

Years ago I used to work in an small paper boutique that specialized in indie designers. Ever since then, I’ve made it a point to buy cards and stationery designed and printed by small businesses and independent designers. Inkling is the best outlet for indie cards and gifts that I’ve come across since moving to Chicago a few years back.
Locally owned. Carries indie designers both well-​known and new to the scene. Letterpress a-​plenty. Great art prints & Chicago themed gifts. It’s my pleasure to support such a great little shop! Keep it up!

I love this place! Great cards, awesome gifts and just a unique inventory. They are always very nice as well. Even though I moved out of the neighborhood I still venture back to stop in. Check it out!

This little card shop was the cutest thing ever! We were causally browsing shops all day for birthday cards, hoping to find ones that grabbed our attention… which is exactly what happened here.
Their selection of cards was immense and the sayings/​images on the cards were hilarious! You just have to be willing to spend about $ 5, which is less than papyrus cards but obviously pricier than ones from a drugstore.
They also had some amazing candles, inexpensive jewelry and last minute gifty things. The store may be small but it’s merch packs a punch! If you find yourself in need of a card that will make someone LOL or are in the area and have some time to peruse, stop into Inkling!

Came here after hitting Bow Truss across the street. I was pleasantly surprised by how much merchandise they packed into such a small store. Service was very friendly and genuine. Loved all of the local Chicago posters and jewelry made from CTA tokens. They carry neat candles inside booze bottles, unique wrapping paper, t-​shirts, jewelry and awesome art. Cards are pricey, but mostly all handmade. This is such a cute place to go for gifts with an awesome local flair. The store clerk was so inviting that I will definitely be back!

Great place to find a unique card for any occasion, a fun or quirky hostess or friend gift that’s sure to be a conversation starter, and their wrapping paper is the best – high quality and very different from what you’ll find at a chain store. I’d recommend stopping in even if you’re not looking for something specific and just want to browse. You’ll probably find something you love!

This place was a really cool find.
I fell in love with a print here but the only one other than the $ 90 framed version had a tear on the surface. If I were buying it for myself, I wouldn’t have cared but I really wanted to get it for my sister-​in-​law who is a music teacher. They sweetly had me write down my email address and phone number and said they’d contact me if and when another one arrived. I should’ve just bought it for myself. It’s not often that I’m still thinking about something almost a week later.
Their card selection was fabulous and I was so bummed that I didn’t have any «occasions» to purchase one. I will go back though, I will indeed go back. It just sucks that I’m not within walking distance anymore. Grrr.
Another thing that I meant to buy but totally forgot about because of the mission to find another non-​torn print was the cocktail shaker in the guise of a spray paint can. I’ve been needing to purchase one of those and this one was so non pretentious! I’m totally going to go back and buy it. It was awesome. Purely awesome.
Great music playing as well. That’s a hugely important detail to me. And so refreshingly nice too. A lot of these boutique places have some real jerks working in them — not this place.
I must be getting old and grumpy because I don’t want to give my money and business to a place that doesn’t seem to appreciate it. I will gladly spend my hard earned cash here.

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS! SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS!
Inkling has an amazing selection of single cards, all from local artists. This place is so cute and I’m excited to discover it. You’ll walk out feeling the same way! The thank you card packs selection is really tiny but otherwise, I’m in love with this place and will DEF be coming back. Check it out!

Yay Yay Yay for affordable local art!
This adorable little artsy boutique seems to specialize in handcrafted arts and crafts from local artists that are perfect for gifts, or the little pick-​me-​up we all need some days. (I snagged a gorgeous $ 8 blue glass bracelet for myself today :) Stand outs for me were the silk scarves, awesome greeting cards, lots of funky/​funny cat paraphernalia, sheets of wrapping paper in AWESOME designs for $ 3.50, photo albums and concert ticket scrapbooks, jewelry, candles, stationary and thank you cards, silly erasers and notepads, and artwork. I had a chance to speak with the owner, who could not have been sweeter, and she explained she will have a wall of rotating artists featured. How cool!
I discovered this from Chicago Now’s website, the owner plans to hold DIY art workshops with local artists featuring screen-​printing, embroidery, and linoleum block carving (which, may I add, is super fun). This great little boutique is perfect for finding just the right gift for any gal, and they even had a Father’s Day table. Bases covered!
Can’t wait to go back and splurge on myself again without breaking the bank!