Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, and every gift on this list is sitting on a shelf within a few miles of your house in Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth, or Northfield.
1. A custom "No. 1 Dad" tumbler — Maze Home, Winnetka
Maze Home, 735 Elm St., stocks on-the-go drinkware at approximately $25–$35 with in-store personalization. Customizable coasters and glassware round out the options if Dad already has a favorite mug.
2. Gross Point Steak seasoning — Zier's Prime Meats, Wilmette
Zier's, 813 Ridge Road, has served Wilmette for 40 years. Their signature Gross Point Steak blend — kosher salt, onion, garlic, black and red pepper, thyme, rosemary, and coriander — runs approximately $8.99.
3. Housemade jerky sampler — Hofherr Meat Co., Northfield
Hofherr, 300 Happ Road, sells housemade jerky in regular, teriyaki, and maple jalapeño at $4–$6 a pack. Pair it with one of their spice mixes ($7.99) for a grilling gift under $15. The butcher shop also stocks Sparrow Coffee bags and Tortello pasta if you want to build a bigger basket.
4. A Japanese maple — Chalet Home + Garden, Wilmette
Chalet, 3132 Lake Ave., has a dedicated Father's Day gift guide on its website featuring staff picks and a Japanese Maple collection. Kew Pottery herb planters start at $34.99 for the dad who'd rather be outside.
5. Serveware or a Cire Trudon candle — Hudson Grace, Glencoe
Hudson Grace, 339 Park Ave., is offering in-store pickup timed for Father's Day. The shop carries designer coffee table books and French-made Cire Trudon candles alongside its signature drinkware and dinnerware lines. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6. Grill gear and gift cards — Backyard BBQ Store, Wilmette
The Backyard BBQ Store, 535 Green Bay Road, is an authorized Weber, Big Green Egg, and Traeger dealer stocking everything from pizza stones to rubs and accessories. The store also offers cooking classes and gift cards for the dad who wants to pick his own gear. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7. A North Shore map rocks glass — Yellow Bird Stationery, Wilmette
Yellow Bird, 1199 Wilmette Ave. Unit B, stocks Well Told rocks glasses etched with maps of Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, and Evanston. A conversation starter for the dad who loves his zip code.
8. A skincare upgrade — The Fitz Aesthetic Club, Kenilworth
The Fitz, 636 Green Bay Road, carries Elta MD's UV Clear sunscreen ($41) and Alastin gentle cleanser ($54). Gift cards start at $50 for the dad who won't pick out products himself.
9. Coffee and a cupping class — Tala Coffee Roasters, Winnetka
Tala, 93 Green Bay Road, celebrated nine years in business June 8. Retail coffee bags are available in-store, and the café hosts public cupping sessions every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Their summer drink menu includes the Funky Monkey — espresso, banana, brown sugar, and cinnamon — if Dad wants to try before he buys beans.
Most shops are open through Saturday, June 20; check individual hours before visiting. Hudson Grace and Chalet also offer online ordering with in-store pickup. Prices were confirmed through store websites; call ahead to verify current stock and pricing. For a full directory of North Shore independent retailers, visit the Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce at wngchamber.com.
