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Jan 2010  |  By Joan Vesselinovitch  |  Comments (1)

A Valentine's Day Gift Guide–On The Milwaukee District/North Line

TAGS: Valentine's Day, gift ideas, North Shore Chicago chocolate shops, North Shore Chicago flower stores

A local, last minute guide to purchasing the perfect Valentine’s Day gift on your way home from the train.

Print, highlight and give to your husband, wife or significant other…

Looking for a Valentine gift for the man or woman in your life? Even if you go the traditional route, we think the gift should tell your special loved one that you took the time to choose a gift with only them in mind. No, we’re not trying to make this hard—on the contrary we want to make it easy. You can shop locally and still find that perfect gift. You can probably find exactly what you are looking for on your walk home from the train. Commuters on the North Shore love their public transportation whether it be the “L” Purple Line, the Metra/Milwaukee District/North Line or the Metra/Union Pacific North Line.

Look for your train line to get started–the Metra/Milwaukee District/North Line is below. You can also check out:

The Purple "L" Line

Metra/Union Pacific North Line

Looking for the best in chocolate? Read about the best chocolate shops on the North Shore.

Milwaukee District/North Line

Glenview commuters who get off at 111 Depot Street:

Cookies In Bloom
1704 Glenview Rd.
Glenview, IL
(847) 832-9020

Delicious and creative cookie baskets, gift baskets, cookie bouquets and other cookie arrangements. If your significant other has a sweet tooth, this is the perfect gift for them. Choose a large cookie/cake for $34.95 or two-dozen gourmet cookies for $39.50 or my favorite: a Happy Valentine's Day Cookie bouquet for $62.95.

Morning Glory Flower
1822 Glenview Rd.
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 729-2070

One-of-a kind, hand-crafted, custom floral arrangements.

Antalee Wellness Spa & Gallery
1834 Glenview Rd.
Glenview, IL
(847) 486-1130

Certificate for a massage or skin or nail treatment. Consider buying a gift certificate for a 60 minute Swedish massage with Mango & Mandarin Hydrating Lotion or a Cranberry Pomegranate Facial.

Katy Boldt Jewelry Designs
1909 Glenview Rd.
Glenview, IL
(847) 729-9199

Beautiful, innovative, hand-crafted and very reasonably priced jewelry. I loved the heart shaped earrings, necklaces and bracelets all ranging from $35.00-$75.00. Romantic but not over done.

North Glenview commuters who get off at 3000 Old Willow Road:

Aroma Nails
2300 Lehigh Ave.
Glenview, IL
(847) 657-8799

Certificate for a manicure and pedicure. Aroma Nails is so close to the new train station in the Glen that it’s perfect for the woman commuter to stop in for a beauty fix on her way to or from work.

North Shore Racquet Club
2860 Old Willow Rd.
Glenview, IL‎
(847) 729-0450‎

A certificate for private tennis lessons, group drills, or court time. Established in 1961, North Shore Racquet Club (NSRC) is the oldest and longest running indoor tennis facility in the Midwest. Tennis Director, Jerry Karzen, leads the staff. Jerry played in Wimbledon, U.S. Open, French Open and has been teaching for over 30 years. What better way for your significant other to unwind then a rousing game of tennis?  

Northbrook commuters who get off at 1401 Shermer:

Edwards Florist Northbrook
1353 Shermer Rd.
Northbrook, IL
(847) 272-4344

Beautiful flower arrangements. A dozen premium red roses cost $90. We particularly love the “Love Letter Roses” which are a mix of roses and spray roses in shades of pink, red and white which are then placed in a silver-toned vase ($62.95).

Deerfield commuters who get off at 860 Deerfield Road:

Allura Fine Jewelers
740 Waukegan Rd.
Deerfield, IL
(847) 444-1600

Choose from a large variety of fine jewelry, estate jewelry and time pieces.

Swansons Blossom Shop Ltd.
814 Waukegan Rd.
Deerfield, IL
(800) 987-8480

Beautiful flowers. The standard one dozen premium red roses is $80...but we would chose: “At First Blush” ($65): a combination of light pink lilies and roses or a “P.S. I love You” ($115) a combination of a dozen red roses, mixed with 10 red tulips and 10 pink tulips, which can be delivered in a glass cylinder vase accented with a beautiful pink satin ribbon. Hot tip: 10% off your Valentine's Day order if they can deliver on Feb 12 or 13.

Bath & Body Works
720 Waukegan Rd.
Deerfield, IL
(847) 914-0641

For him: Men’s grooming essentials. Woodland shave Gel $6.50, or C.O. Bigelow After Shave Balm Bay Rum $19.50  
For her: True Blue Morocco Honey & Date Body Yoghurt $8.75 or Cotton Dress Shea Light Body Lotion $7.50  
For him or her: Aromatherapy/Sensuality Massage Oil or Aromatherapy/ Sensuality Hand Cream in Black Currant Vanilla.

Lake Forest commuters who get off at 911 S. Telegraph Road:

Angelo Florist & Design Studio
825 South Waukegan Rd.
Lake Forest, IL
(847) 295-0460
1 (800) 5ANGELO
Gorgeous floral arrangements. Don’t let the location fool you (in Sunset Foods Plaza on the west side of Lake Forest on Waukegan) they do great work.

Metra/Union Pacific North Line Commuters

Evanston commuters who get off at Main Street (601 Main)

Belgian Chocolatier Piron Inc.
509 Main St.
Evanston, IL
(847) 864-5504

Fresh, delicate, beautiful and above all delicious! Chosen by Makeitbetter.net as one of the “Best Chocolate Shops on the North Shore.” Buy a box of chocolate and eat the box (it’s made of white chocolate)! A heart-shaped box made of chocolate can be filled with 11 pieces of their premium assortment in milk, semi-sweet or white. They also carry a wonderful velvet heart box filled with a half pound of their premium assortment priced at only $25. Or make your own assortment choose from truffles, nut barks, solids, toffee and fruit.

Evanston commuters who get off at Davis St:

Francesca's Collections
1706 Maple Ave.
Evanston, IL
(847) 328-5462

Beautiful and reasonably priced jewelry. We particularly like the “love me do” necklace with a round tag imprinted with the word “love” and a dangling sea pearl.

Evanston commuters who get off at Central St:

Pop ‘n Go Nuts and Fine Candies
2016 Central Ave.
Evanston, IL
(847) 475-1515

Popcorn, candy, truffles: they have it all. Made-to-order gift baskets are their specialty. Cindy, manager and resident gift genie, says, “Your gift is my command.” Note: They are only open until 5:30 pm.

Perennials
2022 Central St.
Evanston, IL
(847) 475-8327

Gifts galore. Soaps, creams, stationary, jewelry, bottle stoppers and pretty guest towels. All lovely and in good taste; you can’t go wrong. Note: They are only open until 5:30 pm.

Millefiori Florist
1943 Central St.
Evanston, IL
(847) 570-0300‎

Beautiful artistic flower arrangements and unique gifts. Choose from creams, bath salts, sink sets, scented soy candles, hand cut slices of soap, all-natural incense, pottery and garden accessories.

Wilmette commuters who get off at 722 Green Bay Rd.:

Leonidas
1157 Wilmette Ave.
Wilmette, IL
(847) 377-1113

Buy a box of chocolates. Who wouldn't appreciate a heart-shaped or golden box filled with Belgian sweets? To show how much you care, find out her preference for chocolate —dark, milk, or white—and whether she prefers them filled or solid. Pick out a selection designed to melt her heart.

Tomato Head Pizza Kitchen
1162 Wilmette Ave.
Wilmette, IL
(847) 853-0055

Yes! The folks at Tomato Head Pizza are once again offering heart-shaped pizzas on Valentine’s Day. What better way to say “I love you” than with a heart-shaped pizza? We recommend calling ahead so you won’t have to wait!

Chantilly Lace Lingerie
1144 Central Ave.
Wilmette, IL
(847) 256-8077

Sweet and Sexy Lingerie. A Valentine's Day gift selection of pretty things for her to wear to bed. Pick up a “hanky panky thong” available in a variety of colors for just $19.00, or choose from a large selection of camisoles ranging in price from $30.00-$100.00

The Bottle Shop
1138 Central Ave.
(between 11th St & 12th St)
Wilmette, IL
(847) 256-7777

This is a fun place to pick up a great bottle of wine. Because the corner store is all windows, it’s always bright and sunny. There’s a tasting table in the back. Joe, the resident wine connoisseur, will be more than happy to help you find the perfect bottle for your sweetheart.

Dinner at Eight
1167 Wilmette Ave.
Wilmette, IL
(847) 251-8380

For the lady who likes to entertain, Dinner at Eight carries many beautiful heart-themed items; lovely salt and peppers shakers, china (gorgeous Emma Bridgewater designs), mugs, mariposa napkin holders and romantic jewelry that she will be sure to love.

The Crystal Cave
1141 Central Ave.
Wilmette, IL
(847) 251-1160

What could be more romantic then matching wine classes? Have your names engraved on each glass for an extra personal touch.

Kenilworth commuters who get off at 400 Richmond Rd.:

Haven European Skin & Nail
521 Park Dr.
Kenilworth, IL.
847-251-3930

Certificate for a manicure and pedicure.

Winnetka commuters who get off at Indian Hill/111 N. Green Bay Rd.:

Message Therapy Center of Winnetka
40 Green Bay Rd.
Winnetka, IL
(847) 446-9000

Certificate for a one-hour massage. Owner and director John Louis’ goal is to make a significant therapeutic change with every visit. Most recently, he served as the massage therapist for the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox baseball team.

Winnetka commuters who get off at Winnetka/754 Elm St.:

Good Grapes
809 Oak Street
Winnetka, IL
(847) 446-8000

Pick up a bottle of bubbly wrapped in a romantic gift bag. New to Winnetka, Good Grapes, a champagne and wine boutique, provides superior customer service and informed sales recommendations.

Winnetka commuter who get off at Hubbard Woods/1065 Gage St.:

Edible Arrangements
999 Green Bay Rd.
Winnetka, IL
(847) 881-2644

Yum. Search no further for the perfect Valentine’s Day fruit basket or gift bouquet. Prices for arrangements range between $39 (A box of chocolate-dipped strawberries with mixed toppings) to $69 for two-dozen long stem chocolate-covered strawberries. You can’t go wrong. Some arrangements must be ordered in advance so call ahead to be on the safe side.

Glencoe commuters who get off at 724 Green Bay Rd.:

Olsky Jewelers
348 Park Ave.
Glencoe, IL
(847) 835-0035

Beautiful and reasonably price jewelry. We especially love the silver key charms and sterling silver bracelet heart tag bracelet (to our eyes both indistinguishable from their Tiffany twins).

Flower Shop In Glencoe
693 Vernon Ave.
Glencoe, IL
(847) 835-5390

Lovely fresh flowers and gorgeous gifts. Choose from a wide selection of candles, glassware, planters and many wonderful decorative objects.

Good Grapes
685 Vernon Ave.
Glencoe, IL
(847) 242-9800

Good Grapes has hundreds of bubbly and still wines to choose from. Stop in Tuesdays –Friday 12:00-8:00 pm for a post-work tasting.

Highland Park commuters who get off at 1800 St. John’s Ave.:

Weiland Flowers
1781 Saint Johns Ave.
Highland Park, IL
(847) 432-0600

A beautiful flower arrangement from Weiland Flowers. Ordinarily closed on Sundays, Weiland Flowers will be open on Sunday, February 14th. But think ahead: stop by the shop (right across from the Metra station) some time during the week before Valentine’s Day and pick out something spectacular.

The Confection Connection
504 Central Ave.
Highland Park, IL
(847) 432- 3080

Mouthwatering truffles, toffee, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate bark available for purchase.

Lake Forest commuters who get off at 691 N. Western Ave.:

Blue mercury
680 North Bank Lane
Lake Forest, IL
(847) 615-3000

For him: Molton Brown. Warming eucalyptus bath and shower therapy $28.00, Re-Charge Black Pepper or Silver Birch body wash $28.00.
For her: Bobbi Brown beach Body Lotion $35.00 or Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa Eau de Cologne $83.00
For him or her: Kiehl's Body Massage Oil: A rich, elegant blend of the finest moisturizing oils for use in body massage.

Valentina
259 Market Square
Lake Forest, IL
(847) 735-8888

Great for clothes and accessory shopping. Consider purchasing a Hanky Panky lacy camisole or a romantic heart shaped candle.

Purple Line “L” Commuters

Evanston commuters who get off at Main Street Evanston:

Belgian Chocolatier Piron Inc.
509 Main St.
Evanston, IL
(847) 864-5504

Fresh, delicate, beautiful and above all delicious! Chosen by Makeitbetter.net as one of the “Best Chocolate Shops on the North Shore.” Buy a box of chocolate and eat the box (it’s made of white chocolate)! A heart-shaped box made of chocolate can be filled with 11 pieces of their premium assortment in milk, semi-sweet or white. They also carry a wonderful velvet heart box filled with a half pound of their premium assortment priced at only $25. Or make your own assortment choose from truffles, nut barks, solids, toffee and fruit.

Evanston commuters who get off at Dempster Street (and Sherman Place):

Mexican Shop
801 Dempster St.
Evanston, IL
(847) 475-8665

A wonderfully eclectic jewelry, accessories and clothing boutique for every pocketbook. Buy her an intricate handcrafted gemstone necklace or some funky, fun earrings.

Evanston commuters who get off at Davis St.:

Francesca's Collections
1706 Maple Ave.
Evanston, IL
(847) 328-5462

Beautiful and reasonably priced jewelry. We particularly like the “love me do” necklace with a round tag imprinted with the word “love” and a dangling sea pearl.

Wilmette: Commuters who get off at Fourth and Linden:

Senses
417 4th St.
Wilmette, IL
(847) 920-1025

For Her: Buy some stylish jewelry or splurge on luxurious creams, candles and incense.
For Him: Senses carries a whole line of men’s body and bath products
For Him or Her: Improve your love life with sensuous products from Kama Sutra.  From intensifying gels and massage oils or creams, to bedside kits or a getaway travel assortment...all products are edible. Prices range from $16.50 to $59.00

Wilmette Massage Center
417 4th St.
Wilmette, IL
(847) 920-1025

Certificate for a 1-hour massage. Buy a certificate now and later your recipient can specify the type of massage they desire. Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone massages are all the same price. You can even choose a combination of the above. First-time visitors receive $16 off the regular rate and a free consultation. There are only three therapists, but each is wonderful and they have more than 20 years of experience.