This petite boutique on Wicker Park’s main strip, which opened in late 2015, features a collection of carefully selected Scandinavian and Japanese items. Browse unique finds such as delicate white ceramics, heavy Samuji striped tees and organic cotton Aiayu linens. Owner Catherine Becker spent nearly two years traveling to destinations like Finland and Japan in search of housewares, accessories, clothing and books to fill the store’s shelves, and she also designed the space, which reflects a clean, Nordic aesthetic.

Owner Betsy Nathan used to live in China and travels there three or four times a year to scout for her spacious gallery, which specializes in 18th- and 19th-century Asian pieces. On a recent visit, some particularly striking items were a pair of honeycomb cabinets ($42,000) and an opium bed made of southern Chinese elm with intricate lotus-like carvings, from Suzhou ($24,800). Other discoveries: decorative terra-cotta horse tiles, Deco pieces from Shanghai, pretty lanterns, lacquered tables, burled cabinets and colorful boulders that would make interesting garden accents.

This spare yet high-end boutique in Bucktown offers 20th-century designs and decorative arts from France, Italy and Scandinavia, including chunky vases, shapely lamps, minimalist tables and sleek chairs.

Don’t be put off by Space519’s unlikely location on the top floor of a mall (sorry—a luxury shopping complex) on the Magnificent Mile. Though the offerings can change week-to-week, the ultra chic boutique is an absolute gem whether you’re shopping for yourself or seeking a gift to bring home. Plus, there is a casual restaurant onsite—The Lunchroom—that serves daily specials for breakfast, brunch and lunch.

This upscale complex houses over 70 shops, including Gucci, MaxMara, Church’s and Bloomingdale’s. Top stops for those with tots are Galt Toys and Galt Baby, located on level 5. Of course, you may have to drop into Teuscher chocolates, across the way, to treat yourself to some heavenly Champagne truffles. Also on level 5 you will find some only-in-Chicago boutiques such as elegant stationer Jane Weber, Ink! and carefully curated concept shop Space519.

The proprietors of this shop, Doug Van Tress and Chauwarin Tuntisak, stock their River North gold mine with hand-selected Asian and European antiques. Though the 18,000-square-foot space can seem daunting, the layout of curated vignettes make the wide selection of lighting, furnishings and art pieces much more accessible. Shoppers can pick up anything from gorgeous mocha-colored silk velvet throw pillows to a Chinese walnut wood altar table from the early Qing Dynasty.

This charming lifestyle boutique sells an eclectic selection of gifts including letterpress stationery, ceramics, paper products, textiles and even spices.