When asking yourself about something to do near me in Evanston with a group of friends or family, consider
niceLena & Friends
Why niceLena & Friends is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
niceLena & Friends is a charming and vibrant gift shop located at 1235 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL, where creativity and community spirit thrive. Founded by Lena Kim, an artist with two decades of experience, this shop began as Monkey Business in Chicago and evolved into the beloved boutique it is today. The store offers a wide array of handmade jewelry, candles, and unique items like coasters, tea towels, magnets, and much more, many of which are designed and crafted by Lena herself. Supporting local and small artists is a key part of the shop’s mission, featuring works by friends and other local creators, including pottery and other creative crafts. Warm and inviting, niceLena & Friends stands out as a place where people young at heart, including children, find joy and inspiration. Lena's dedication extends beyond business; she fosters community connection through creative events and gifts, such as giving free candles with custom stickers on Small Business Saturday to encourage a spirit of togetherness. The store’s cozy and colorful atmosphere, combined with personal touches from Lena and her supportive local network, makes it an exceptional location to meet friends or find uplifting gifts that brighten anyone’s day.
Here's what people think of niceLena & Friends
As of recent, niceLena & Friends holds a 5-star rating based on 57 reviews.
Customers consistently praise niceLena & Friends for its warm, welcoming environment and the delightful variety of unique and handmade items. Many reviewers highlight the joyful and inviting scent of the shop alongside the high-quality craftsmanship of the jewelry, candles, and locally sourced products. Positive reviews emphasize the personal touch from the owner, Lena Kim, who is noted for her friendliness, creativity, and passion for building community. The shop’s vibrant colors and fun, playful designs resonate especially well with shoppers young at heart, including families and children. On the other hand, a few reviews mention that the small size and popularity of the store can sometimes make it a bit crowded, but this is often framed as part of its charm and success rather than a detriment. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive feedback showcases niceLena & Friends as a beloved cornerstone for those seeking unique gifts and a cheerful, community-focused shopping experience in Evanston.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Elijah Russell
I went here to purchase some gifts for my Mom while I was in Chicago/Evanston and I was so in love with this shop! There is so much in here to love. I could have spent WAY more than I wanted to in here because I kept finding little trinkets and items that I absolutely adored. I settled on a nice hand made mug which is excellently made and a beautiful candle, which smells and burns great! Their prices are more than fair for the items they carry, I can’t reccomend shopping here enough!
Amanda Peterson
I lived about three blocks from nicelena for 4+ years and never knew it was there - I think divine intervention was involved because some higher being knew it would be my new obsession. so so so many cute things to look at - you could easily spend 45+ minutes just marveling at everything. I've already told multiple people they NEED to check this place out, and I know they will all be just as enamored as I am. I discovered nicelena on Sunday and was already back on Tuesday to buy more. the vibe is cozy and quirky and has a little bit of something for everyone. highly recommend!!!!
Yasmeen Saleh
Would give 100 stars if I could! Such a cute little shop with incredibly cute and fun little tchotchkes. Such a nicer owner as well. Really nice find! It’s rare to see a locally, woman owned shop that has such great prices and showcases so many wonderful artists. Definitely going to come here often. Great for gifts for loved ones or yourself! Love the super cheap candle refills, the whole vibe of the shop is awesome!
Tohru Oyasu
Lena is fantastic. Sweet, charming, hilarious. I needed help with something this past week and she came through HUGE. She has a lifelong customer in me.
Susan French
niceLena & Friends is the happiest, friendliest, most finely and lovingly curated shop in Evanston. Full of smile inducing items from local artists and makers, including Lena! The perfect place to go when you are in need of joyful gifts for the people you love... yourself included! It's also an incredible place to satisfy the sticker nerd in you! Hundreds, if not thousands of fantastic, high-quality stickers. Join Lena's sticker club and get every 10th sticker for free!
How to reach niceLena & Friends
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Why niceLena & Friends may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family at niceLena & Friends is more than just a casual meetup; it’s an invitation to experience a warm, welcoming hub of creativity and community charm. This boutique gift shop radiates a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for any social occasion. Located conveniently in Evanston's bustling Chicago Avenue, the shop is a colorful treasure trove where each visit feels like stepping into a friend’s cozy, art-filled home. The owner, Lena Kim, has intertwined her love for crafting and community into every corner of the store, creating a space that is as friendly as it is inspiring. Here, you’re not just browsing typical retail items—you’re exploring handmade jewelry, custom art prints, and exclusive local creations reflecting individuality and heart. Inviting your group to this spot means sharing moments around delightful discoveries, sparking conversations about the unique and meaningful gifts found only here. Plus, the hands-on creativity and personalized service allow your gathering to become an interactive exploration rather than just a shopping trip, making it a perfect, memorable outing with your loved ones.
What activities can we enjoy at niceLena & Friends?
NiceLena & Friends offers a variety of engaging activities that make it much more than a typical shopping destination. First, the store itself is an experience, packed with an eclectic collection of handmade jewelry, art prints, candles, stickers, and DIY kits—each item thoughtfully curated or crafted by Lena Kim herself or local artists she partners with. This setup invites groups to leisurely browse and even discover gifts tailor-made for each member’s tastes, creating a shared joy in finding unique treasures. Second, the boutique encourages creativity through interactive DIY kits, where friends or family can engage in crafting projects together, fostering collaboration and hands-on fun. This element of imaginative play makes every visit dynamic and personal. Third, the shop’s notable “Fairy Doors of Evanston” collection adds a whimsical flair that can prompt delightful exploration and conversation, turning a simple meeting into a magical community-engaging outing. Lastly, the friendly atmosphere, created and maintained by Lena’s personable presence, means you're welcomed as friends, enabling a relaxed, unhurried hangout where conversation flows as easily as inspiration does.
Why is niceLena & Friends perfect for a group meetup?
NiceLena & Friends stands out as the quintessential spot for group meetups because it blends a welcoming environment with interactive experiences and one-of-a-kind products that cater to diverse tastes within a group. The space is intimate yet lively, encouraging visitors to explore curated collections together—whether it’s swapping opinions on quirky pins, admiring artistic home goods, or laughing over custom mugs. The nature of the boutique aligns perfectly with group dynamics, allowing each person to engage differently: some might dive into shopping for unique gifts, others might get inspired by artistic displays or DIY projects, making it a versatile setting for friends or families with a wide variety of interests. Moreover, the owner’s direct involvement ensures a personal touch, such as customized gift options that transform the meetup into a meaningful occasion filled with personal connection. The location is also easy to get to and near other amenities, lending itself to combining the visit with a stroll or nearby dining, thus extending the fun beyond the boutique itself. The ethos of kindness and friendliness at niceLena & Friends translates into a relaxed, positive atmosphere perfect for memorable social gatherings.
What unique products and features can groups discover at niceLena & Friends?
At the heart of niceLena & Friends are the unique, handmade products that embody individuality and community spirit. Visitors will find an extensive range of jewelry, often one-of-a-kind pieces designed and produced by Lena Kim, who affectionately nicknamed herself “The Wizard of Cute.” Art prints, candles, stickers, and planters fill shelves and displays, each piece exhibiting careful craftsmanship and personal artistic expression. The boutique’s “Fairy Doors of Evanston” collection stands out as a whimsical feature that fascinates guests and invites storytelling or imaginative play—perfect for sparking conversation among groups. The shop’s commitment to sustainability and small-batch production supports independent artists, so every purchase carries meaning and helps enrich local creative culture. For groups interested in a hands-on experience, the DIY kits provide an opportunity to make personalized crafts together. This combination of unique, thoughtful gifts and interactive elements elevates a simple shopping trip into an engaging group activity. Additionally, personalized gift options allow for customized purchases, making the visit a meaningful shared experience, particularly when planning for celebrations or special occasions.
How does the atmosphere and location enhance group visits?
The atmosphere at niceLena & Friends is an integral part of why groups cherish visiting the boutique. The store’s ambiance is happy and vibrant, peppered with colorful decor and a welcoming aroma that immediately makes visitors feel at home. It has the charm of a close friend’s living room filled with art and trinkets, which naturally encourages relaxed socializing and connection. The owner’s warm presence and personal investment in the business cultivate a friendly environment where laughter and storytelling come naturally. The boutique’s location on Chicago Avenue in Evanston is both accessible and lively, situated near popular spots like Trader Joe’s, allowing groups to conveniently combine their visit with other activities such as dining or casual walks in the neighborhood. The neighborhood’s cultural vibe and the boutique’s community-based ethos ensure the outing reaches beyond shopping into a shared experience steeped in local flavor. This synergy between venue, atmosphere, and location makes every group visit feel like a thoughtfully curated occasion—perfect for reconnecting and making memories.
Why do locals and visitors love niceLena & Friends for group meetups?
Locals and visitors alike hold niceLena & Friends in high esteem because it embodies the qualities that make gatherings special: authenticity, creativity, and heartfelt connection. The boutique’s impeccable 5.0 rating from over 50 reviews reflects consistent customer satisfaction rooted in the uniqueness of the products and the personable, friendly service. Many praise the shop as a "must-visit" destination, one that feels both personal and community-driven rather than just commercial. The fact that so many of the items are designed and made by Lena Kim or local artisans means each visit offers fresh discoveries, which appeals to repeat visits with new friends or family. The store’s inclusive ethos—exhibited by everything from product diversity to the phrase “Let’s be friends” on the door—makes everyone feel welcome and valued. This genuine friendliness and the sense of supporting local craftspeople contribute to why niceLena & Friends has become a beloved gathering spot, perfect for creating lasting social experiences while discovering meaningful gifts.
How does supporting niceLena & Friends contribute to the local community?
Choosing niceLena & Friends as your meetup spot also means supporting the vibrant Evanston community and its creative economy. The business actively partners with local makers, offering a marketplace for artists whose unique handmade goods might otherwise go unnoticed. This collaboration helps sustain small-scale artisans and promotes sustainable business practices within the neighborhood. By purchasing from niceLena & Friends, groups not only acquire beautiful, meaningful items but also contribute to the livelihood of artists and the preservation of local cultural expression. The shop’s dedication to small-batch, handmade products aligns closely with principles of sustainability and ethical consumption, making every purchase a statement of community care. Moreover, as the business owner is deeply rooted in the area—living nearby and raising her family here—the store operates as a neighborhood fixture, strengthening community ties through events, collaborations, and personalized service. Supporting niceLena & Friends therefore reinforces a positive cycle of local engagement and economic resilience.
What practical tips should groups consider for visiting niceLena & Friends?
To make the most of your meetup at niceLena & Friends, consider planning your visit around the shop’s peak hours to avoid crowds, ensuring a more intimate and comfortable browsing experience. The boutique’s popularity means it can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early can give your group ample time to explore leisurely. Since the store offers a wide variety of small gifts, bringing cash or cards with a range of spending limits helps everyone find something suitable. For groups interested in crafting together, checking in with the shop beforehand about available DIY kits or custom orders can enhance your shared experience. Don’t hesitate to engage with Lena or staff—they are known for their friendliness and expertise, happy to guide your group toward personalized gifts or creative activities. Lastly, consider combining your visit with a stroll along Chicago Avenue or nearby cafes, extending the social outing beyond the boutique and soaking in the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere. With these tips, your group will enjoy a seamless, enriching meetup at niceLena & Friends.
In sum, niceLena & Friends is more than a boutique: it’s a community hub packed with charm, creativity, and friendship. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a family gathering, or simply catching up with friends, this vibrant, inviting shop offers the perfect setting—alive with uniquely handmade treasures, hands-on activity options, and a welcoming atmosphere that turns any meetup into a memorable event.