Thhi opening photo was taken at the first CWE Window Walk of the 2025 Season. Now, two weeks later, there’s just one more Window Walk event left. It takes place this Saturday from 1 to 5, so plan to visit the neighborhood and enjoy all the fantastic activities the CWE North Community Improvement District has planned (view schedule here).
There is still plenty of time to visit neighborhood shops and find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list. Here’s a look at what I’ve found:
There’s been quite a buzz about Drips Botanical Elements and proprietors Becky Murabito and Tres Johnson’s imaginative displays and merchandise since it opened in early October at 387 N. Euclid. It was hard to decide what to suggest, but here are a few ideas: From left, two “Scapes” to put in a sunny window and water every 3 weeks, $50 and $35. Middle, Mexican-style Taza Chocolate in Cinnamon, $8. Back row from left, Omaha-based Artemis Dragon Glass Smokey Black Tea, $27, “Starry Eyes,” a dark roast from Dark Matter Coffee in Chicago, $22, and Chicago-based Meisner Bee Farm’s Infused Hot Honey (with a sting), $16.
Drips Botanical Elements, 387 N. Euclid, Tues. thru Thurs. 11 to 6, Fri. & Sat. 11 to 9, Sun. 11 to 5.
At Centro Modern Furnishings:
A Samurai LED Lamp by the late German designer Ingo Maurer is made of paper, metal, stainless steel, and glass, 27.5″ tall by 31.5″ wide by 8″ deep. The lamp has a dimmable LED module and instructions say it is best not to put it in a humid environment. 
Another example of Maurer’s work available at Centro is the b.bulb, $622. The design is based on an original 1966’s installation at MOMA. It’s chargeable and portable, so you can take it anywhere. Imagine the illuminated conversations you’ll have when you pull this out of your bag.
Centro Modern Furnishings, 4727 McPherson, Open 10 to 6 Mon. thru Sat. Closed Suns.
At Holliday:
Holliday, across the street from Bowood Farms on Olive, has an eclectic selection of gift ideas for all ages. For instance, clockwise from top: Baby Jelly Cat, $28, and a Vintage Hand-Marbled Tray Set, “for little things that find their way into our life,” available in several different patterns, $52. Far right, Make Your Own Christmas Cards (materials for 6 cards), $24, and Panier Dessens en Provence Hand Cream Collection, a pretty tin of 3 is $28. Nat & Nor Hair Clips come in several colors, $14, and Rockahula Hair Clips, $14, also come in different patterns and colors, $14. Far left: apparently it isn’t just kids who are snapping up Big Eyes Monster Squiggly Pens (there are also Squiggly Pens for cat lovers too), $3.
Holliday, 4600 Olive, Open every day until Xmas Eve., 10 to 4.
Pass the Past Coffee & Vintage
Past the Past Coffee & Vintage, 4740 McPherson is open weekdays and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. until 6.
Left Bank Books
Left Bank Books, 399 N. Euclid, Open Mon. to Sat. 10 to 8, Sun. 10 to 6.
Riley & Sons
I caught up with Sarah Riley at a pop-up on Maryland Plaza Sunday, where she was selling her Riley & Sons eco-friendly garden gloves. This past summer I introduced her to you in a post about her business which you can view here.
While Riley & Sons’ gloves are always available at Bowood Farms, if you order online (until the end of the week), Sarah will donate a pair to Street Angels, the group that is helping to rebuild the Academy neighborhood following the May 16 tornado. To date, she’s given away about 600 pair. “It’s the least I can do,” she said. Sarah continued: “People have been incredibly grateful for the support. Most people don’t realize there is still a great need for supplies for continued clean up and rebuilding.”
Riley & Sons eco-friendly garden gloves, unisex sizes S to XL, $14.99. Buy one online, donate one offer lasts until Friday, Dec. 19. If you’d rather pick up the gloves, put PORCH in coupon code. Instructions will follow.
At Rushmore Boutique:
Rushmore’s Sidney Rushing made the shopping easy by sending her picks for holiday gifts from her fantastic boutique. In addition, Sidney has been hosting pop-ups during the Window Walk events and this Saturday, December 20, she’s invited Lash Apothecary’s Rachel who will be offering Lash Lift and Tints just in time for the holidays. Check the website for appointments.
Rushmore Boutique, 4742 McPherson, Open Weds. to Sat. 11 to 6, Sun. Noon to 5.
Up next: Gift Guide Part II