L-Stop Musts: Holiday Shopping Edition

For Loyola students, the Red Line sleighs with holiday shopping and cheer. 

Belmont: Belmont Army Vintage (925 W. Belmont Ave.)

Located a few steps from the Belmont station, Belmont Army Vintage hosts an extensive selection of retro clothing, accessories and home decor. The shop is packed with an assortment of hand-picked ‘80s and ‘90s vintage finds, ranging from cozy knit sweaters to patterned jackets. 

The store’s classic prints, roaring ‘20s and funky ‘70s streetwear items cost between $5 and $100, depending on material and rarity of the piece. 

In addition to the bright clothing, the shop offers ornaments decorated with various holiday designs such as hand-painted snowflakes, retro Santa Claus illustrations and classic candy canes. The store exudes a laid-back, inviting vibe suitable for its small setting.

Belmont Army Vintage offers different gifts for the holiday season allowing students to shop for unique presents within a reasonable budget. 

Belmont Army Vintage is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Grand: P.O.S.H. (613 N. State St.)

A short walk from the Grands station, P.O.S.H. offers a Paris-inspired escape into a world of vintage tea sets, elegant serving dishes and decorative pieces to add a touch of nostalgia to holiday celebrations.

For students looking for last-minute shopping, P.O.S.H. has a selection of holiday house essentials such as silver spoons, festive tableware and collectible ornaments. Each piece tells a story, and the items are sourced from historic estates, long-shuttered American warehouses and European markets, according to their website. 

Stepping inside feels like wandering into a hidden Parisian boutique, with soft classical music playing in the background. The warm lighting highlights delicate porcelain teacups and ornate silverware, while garlands of greenery and twinkling lights drape over displays. The faint aroma of spiced candles lingers in the air, inviting shoppers to slow down and savor the moment as they browse.

In addition to antique household items and scented candles, the store offers stickers, wreathes, ornaments and holiday-themed books. P.O.S.H. also provides online shopping methods through both in-store pick up and delivery.

Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., P.O.S.H. allows students to shop for a European-inspired holiday without overspending. 

Chicago: Mary Mary Gifts (706 N. Dearborn St.) 

A few blocks from the Red Line’s Chicago station, Mary Mary Gifts is an inviting space which captures the wintertime holiday season. The boutique combines modern design with vintage touches to create a cozy atmosphere. 

The shelves are packed with decorative accents, kitchenware and holiday-specific items such as mistletoes, handpicked ornaments and wreaths. Soft, warm lighting bathes the shop in a golden glow, making it an inviting store for last minute shopping. 

The glittering icicles and snow-covered garlands draped across the corners bring the North Pole to Illinois, encouraging visitors to linger and explore. Students looking for affordable gifts will find smaller options like locally made soaps, stylish stationery and decorative trinkets. 

With its cozy layout and holiday-themed display, Mary Mary Gifts offers students a refreshing take on holiday shopping, creating a more inviting experience than the typical bustling mall or online spree. 

Mary Mary Gifts is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Clark: Judy Maxwell Home (1349 N. Wells St.) 

Judy Maxwell Home is a whimsical boutique packed with eclectic treasures suitable for festive shopping. The store’s warm lighting — reminiscent of a crackling fireplace — and silly decors make it an accessible option for those lost in holiday shopping. 

Nutcrackers line the spaces heralded by one at the entrance with googly eyes, a tilted bowler hat and a crooked grin. Dressed in a red jacket and lime green pants, he clutches a candy cane with a playful mischief. 

The boutique has a set of greeting cards, mini holiday decor and cozy home essentials such as decorative ornaments and holiday-themed dishware. Decked out in festive shades of green, red and blue, the shop creates a simple yet sweet aesthetic. 

The shelves are lined with a variety of advent calendars and cards, each one unique — ranging from classic designs to more playful, meme-related ones. The website has a more condensed version of all the cards available at the store, ranging from 1950s commercial designs to pop icons such as Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish. 

Students can find a wide range of budget-friendly options for last-minute shopping. The shop includes playful stockings, books and healing stone jewelry.

Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, Judy Maxwell Home feels less like a traditional store and more like a cozy, inviting space where students can browse while sipping hot cocoa, immersed in a warm and whimsical atmosphere.