Whether you hail from Evanston, are a transplant, or recently had to move away, we've got the perfect gift for you to keep (or give)!

Here are a few of our faves:

Evanston Tote Bag
For your trips to the library, Trader Joe's, and everywhere in between! Showcase your Evanston pride while you're home or away with this bag that can hold all your goodies.

Evanston Map Necklace
Yep, that's a map right there! Show your friends exactly where you're from with this necklace, made of 3D printed stainless steel or gold-plated stainless steel.

Evanston Leather Flask
Etched with a 1931 map of our favorite city, this flask is made of Seidel Tannery hide. A great gift for any current or former Evanstonian in this post-Prohibition era.

Evanston Onesie
Oh, baby! This sweet short-sleeved onesie makes a great gift for any Evanston mini. The Illinois state is hand-printed and has a heart cut out right on the city.

Check out even more Evanston gifts here, and stop in our brick-and-mortar shop (in Evanston, of course!) for a whole bunch more! Can't make it in? No worries, check out our Instagram and give us a call - we're happy to ship it to you! 

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Show us your favorite Evanston gifts from our store using hashtag #stumblegifts on social media!

Hello! Welcome to our second edition of "Meet the Maker."

This week, we are featuring the lovely Lena Kim of niceLena. NiceLena is one of our favorite collections of jewelry - super cute, creative, affordable, and made right here in Evanston. If Lena looks familiar to you, that's because you've probably seen her working at our shop! We're so lucky to have Lena and her pretty pieces of jewelry at Stumble & Relish. 

We asked Lena a few questions so our favorite customers can get to know her a little bit better. Enjoy! 

Where are you from, and where do you live now?
LK: I was born in South Korea. I came to the U.S. at the age of 10 after living apart from my mom for 9 years. I live in South Evanston now.

How did you get started in your trade? 
LK: I dabbled in jewelry making in high school and even made stuff to sell during a road trip I took when I kinda went Awol from the Army... but that's not for now. I mainly painted until I opened up a gallery and boutique in 2002 called Monkey Business. It was on Chicago Avenue in Ukrainian Village [in Chicago]. I started making and selling niceLena there, and started participating in the early DIY movement.

What would you say is the hardest part of your trade?  
LK: The creative part is easy and fun. The hard part is doing everything else.

Where do you gather inspiration?
LK: I gather inspiration from everywhere and everything. The source is infinite. Once you exercise that part of your brain, the more you find things that inspire you.

What has been the most rewarding part of owning your own business?
LK: Being able to work from home and not being tied to something else that belongs to someone else. I like making my own schedule and I feel extremely lucky to have been here for my kids every day since they were born. They're not so little anymore so I'm ready to reach outward again. Also, my favorite part is imagining my pieces being part of other people's lives. I have seen them go on fabulous trips, everyday outings, and being given as gifts. I feel so much joy from that.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why? 
LK: I don't really have anyone in mind. I like the random people I meet every day.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 
LK: I like watching Korean Mukbang videos on Youtube. That's embarrassing to admit. I like wine with my friends and spontaneous dance parties. I love watching movies and cult documentaries. I like cooking and eating with friends. I like daydreaming every chance I get. I like to zone out and make up stuff in my head.

What is your favorite advice?
LK: If you're tired, take a nap. If you're thirsty, drink something. If you're hungry, eat something. I think it's from a movie. It cracked me up but it's also very wise.

Come by our shop to see Lena's line, get something custom made, or find a few of her already made pieces on our site! See ya soon!

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Follow us on Instagram @stumbleandrelish.

Use #stumblestyle to show us your favorite earrings by niceLena!

Roses are red, violets are blue...

Valentine's Day? You got this. Stop in or shop online for the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for that lovely lady in your life! 

May we suggest:

*A gorgeous necklace (like this one)
*A precious bracelet (like this)
*A bold pair of earrings (like these)
*A custom piece of jewelry by Nice Lena (We're having an event this Thursday... more info here!)
*A pretty bag (like this)
*A cozy scarf
*A cute pair of socks

No matter what you choose, we know it'll be fabulous.

Feelin' a little chilly?

We love this piece from Squasht (see above)! It's H-U-G-E and can be used as a scarf, wrap, or blanket. Wear it for warmth during your commute, while dog walking, or even just to stay cozy at home!

We also have lots of cute reversible winter hats in stock, in a variety of sizes and colors - newsboy style and warm ear flap. 

Haven't heard of Squasht? They're a fabulous local line, based in Chicago. Each piece is hand-crafted with love, created with a retro/vintage flair. 

See somethin' you like? Stop by Stumble & Relish to see your options up close, or shoot us an email stumbleandrelish{at}gmail{dot}com. We're happy to ship to our customers afar!

BRRR, it's cold out there!

Let's face it... Chicago winters can be brutal. With temps well below freezing, the last thing you want to do is go outside. This winter, it's all about getting cozy. Stay at home and snuggle up with the ones you love while enjoying the sweet ambiance as the beautiful snow hits your living room window.

Here's your winter to-do list:

*First step, grab one of our gorgeous handmade Joanna Kramer mugs - these mugs are made with love right here in Evanston - and fill it up with your favorite warm beverage. May we suggest some homemade hot cocoa? Maybe even this boozy version here? (FEW whiskey to the rescue! #hometownlove) Don't forget the marshmallows!

*Next, light your favorite soy candle to set the hygge mood. (What's hygge, you ask? Find out here!) Don't have a soy candle? Come on by! We have plenty to choose from. Our favorite winter scents are Cedar Lavender by Edgewater Candles in Chicago and Grapefruit Pine by Himalayan in Georgia. Both are handcrafted and smell amazing! We have a few candles available for purchase online, too! 

*Now, grab your warmest blanket and put your favorite movie on Netflix.

*Watch movie and repeat previous steps until bedtime.