Gifts & More

Pastries & Sweets

If your mom’s love language is dessert, a locally made treat is a guaranteed win. Bittersweet makes elegant cakes, buttery croissants, and delicate pastries that feel straight out of a European café. Chicago Sugar Daddy turns sugar into art with themed cakes and wildly creative sweets which are perfect for a mom with flair.

Jennivee’s is beloved for its Filipino-inspired flavors and vibrant cakes that taste like celebration in every bite. Klein’s Bakery does stunning fruit tarts and soft, cloud-like layer cakes that look as good as they taste. If you’re going the cookie route, Crave Cookies offers rotating oversized flavors with a gooey center, while Crumbl Cookies delivers pink-box perfection in classic and creative combos and Insomnia Cookies has their classic, melty, homemade cookie vibe. And for the mom who still loves the magic of a corner candy shop, Windy City Sweets has hand-dipped chocolates, nostalgic favorites, and fun gift tins ready to go.

Coffee & Tea

Whether she’s a die-hard dark roast devotee or prefers a floral chamomile blend, these spots have just the thing to keep her cup full. The Coffee & Tea Exchange has been roasting beans since 1975 and carries one of the most impressive collections of loose-leaf tea in the city. Dark Matter’s Osmium delivers bold flavor and bold vibes—this spot’s perfect for the cool, artsy mom who drinks her coffee black and listens to vinyl. Pedestrian Coffee is sleek and minimalist, offering beans and gear for the pour-over purist, while Intelligentsia is a tried-and-true classic for the mom who appreciates a really good cup of coffee. For something a little different, Lucky Cat brings bright, cozy matcha magic to the mix!

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a classic for a reason, and these neighborhood florists make it easy to wow. Goldie’s Flowers crafts whimsical, garden-style bouquets that feel like a breath of spring. Whether you’re picking up a ready-to-go bundle or building a custom arrangement, you’ll end up with something that sparks joy.

Wicked Plants leans into the funky and unexpected, offering edgy stems and sculptural greens that feel like a modern art piece. Plant Stand Collective is your go-to for stylish houseplants, with plenty of leafy beauties perfect for a plant-loving mom who has every vase already filled.
Halsted Flowers makes romantic, full-bodied arrangements ideal for special occasions, and Luna Flowers balances bright, happy colors with delicate features so you are sure to find something that truly wow’s mom this year!

Little Gifts

Need a thoughtful something to pair with brunch or tuck into a gift bag? These shops are full of “ooh, this is so her” moments. Foursided is a treasure chest of clever prints, curated greeting cards, and handmade finds that feel personal and unexpected. Lola and Bowie has pet-themed accessories, candles, and gifts for the mom who may have raised you first, but absolutely treats the pets like your siblings. Dream Creeks adds something extra special to the mix with custom leather goods, including purses and accessories that feel personal, stylish, and built to last.

Inkling is where whimsy meets design, stocked with pins, paper goods, puzzles, and playful pop culture gems, while Pop Culture has collectibles, fandom finds, and nostalgic little treasures for the mom who loves a good throwback. Goldplaited: The Boutique offers a curated mix of fashionable finds that feel indulgent without being over-the-top, think cute sweaters, delicate accessories, and that perfect little statement piece. Skincare-obsessed? Choc Choc Cosmetics has all the Korean beauty must-haves and fun packaging to boot. Bookworms will love browsing Unabridged Bookstore, an indie mainstay packed with great reads and unexpected picks that are sure to help Mom find her new favorite read. And The Colette Collection rounds things out with giftable jewelry, bags, and wearables that look boutique-y without the splurge.

However You Celebrate, Make It Personal

At the end of the day, Mother’s Day isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up with love, thoughtfulness, and maybe a mimosa (or two). Whether you’re taking Mom to a fabulous drag brunch, surprising her with flowers and pastries, or simply carving out time for tea and good conversation, what matters most is that she feels celebrated.

Lakeview East is full of ways to make her day unforgettable, whether she’s loud and sparkly, soft and sentimental, or somewhere beautifully in between. So grab the flowers, book the brunch, write the card, and most importantly, tell her just how much she means to you.