RR #1 Chicago

Gift shop · East Ukrainian Village

RR #1 Chicago

Gift shop · East Ukrainian Village

1

814 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

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RR #1 Chicago by null
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RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null
RR #1 Chicago by null

Highlights

Eclectic gift shop in restored 1930s pharmacy.  

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814 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Get directions

rr1chicago.com
@rr1chicago

$$

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814 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Get directions

+1 312 421 9079
rr1chicago.com
@rr1chicago

$$

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Last updated

Sep 7, 2025

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@goop

"Housed in what used to be a 1930s apothecary (thankfully, the original wood paneling was left untouched), RR#1 Apothecary is one of those stores that you’ll have a hard time leaving empty-handed. On offer: a dizzying array of candles, teas, and soaps, as well as kitschy prank gifts, tea towels, and novelty books. It’s pretty ideal for picking up a last minute something for the hostess, they'll even gift-wrap your selection right at the counter."

The Chicago Guide
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Daryl Nitz

Google
This store is one of the most unique gift stores around. There is so much to see here. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, this is the place. They have home decor, children books and toys, fragrances, candles, and so much to describe.

A*T

Google
Amazing unassuming gift shop with hundreds of knickknacks, Jelly cat plush, cookware, candles, home decor and whatever else you could imagine as a fun present/gift! The store is surprisingly large with a hidden room in the back. Definitely a fun shop to walk around.

Stacy A

Google
Employees are very polite and kind. I really enjoy shopping for cards and gifts here, and my friends have also enjoyed receiving my gifts! Unique and aesthetically pleasing.

Melissa Perez

Google
I love coming to this store. But a man with glasses super racist towards people of color. Makes me feel i incredibly uncomfortable and unwelcome. He always makes us have a horrible experience assuming that we’re stealing. So far I see him on Sunday’s and it’s horrible. Hopefully the store owner can fix this issue ASAP.

Sean O'Rourke

Google
I can get all my gift shopping done in one go with unique items to make everyone happy. There truly is something for everyone in this small space. Everyone is so friendly here too.

Elizabeth Stafford

Google
One of the best shops in Chicago! So many unique items, great for gift-giving, you will find something for everyone on your list!

Moe N

Google
Obsessed with this store! You can literally spend hours! Such unique and cute things to buy! And everyone is so welcoming and nice!

Sonny Torres

Google
Last Thursday, I called RR#1 Chicago for the viral peanut Jellycat. The lady who answered was the sweetest person ever! I asked her if she could hold it for me since I come out of the office late and she did. My husband went for my Jellycat and surprised me with my pea one as well. He said the lady was welcoming and super helpful. She put my Jellycats in gift boxes and made my gift extra special. I definitely recommend this place and appreciate the lady so much! I did not ask for her name to give her recognition however I’m incredibly thankful to her.
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Shantal W.

Yelp
I was visiting from NYC and decided to check this place out after seeing all the great reviews. It really is a beautiful gift shop with so many unique and charming trinkets. I'm sure many people have a lovely experience here, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case for me. As a person of color, the owner made me feel incredibly uncomfortable from the moment I walked in. I was made to feel like a potential thief, and at one point, she even took my plastic food bag and placed it behind the counter. Having worked in retail myself, I knew exactly what that implied. My friend, who was with me, had a completely different experience. To make matters worse, when my friend accidentally left her credit card behind and the staff returned it to us, they acted as if I might try to take it for myself. It's disappointing because the store itself is lovely, but the way I was treated left me with an awful feeling. I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone else.
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Steve J.

Yelp
Found this fun store a few years ago and now stop n several times a year. Our daughter lives far from here but wants to shop here when she visits. So much to find here. Many unique and interesting items. Service has always been helpful and kind.
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Mel C.

Yelp
What a cool little store filled with some unique finds and the perfect place for endless gifts. The aisles are tight to browse, and there is stuff tucked away everywhere, so give yourself time to really have a good look. Some pricier items are probably worth the tag if you want something unusual, hard to find, or collectible. I kept sneezing as I walked around because it's a little dusty in places but I look forward to seeing this place again at Christmas time as I feel like I could find a gift for most everyone on my shopping list. Check out the fun birthday cards and cute jewelry.

Bluenutellacat S.

Yelp
I come here once or twice a year to pick up a birthday card or small gift and they have a great selection of items to browse. My friends and I are all brown and have all had separate negative experiences with the older shopkeepers who run the establishment. They will talk about watching you to make sure nothing happens as you are shopping less than 6 feet away from them, and will follow you around the store. I don't want to say they are racist but they definitely profile their guests and act accordingly. It makes for an extremely hostile shopping experience, especially the vibe from the older man who wears glasses and has a beard. Sadly I don't think I'll be coming back due to their consistent racially targeted attitude towards customers.
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Annette J.

Yelp
I have family visiting Chicago this weekend and they wanted some shopping recs for my cousin who is more into unique, local shops than the big, glitzy storefronts of the Magnificent Mile. Immediately I remembered my favorite shop from my days living in Chicago and the one I make a beeline for every time I come visit-- RR #1. I sent them the Yelp link and then horrifically realized I had never written a review for them! This simply will not do. This is, hands down, my favorite shop in the city. The selection is so unique and I always find things I've never seen anywhere else. So many shops carry similar items but I'm always surprised and delighted here. From beautiful jewellery to funky stationary and art prints, kids gifts, home decor, beauty items like lucious lotions and perfumes... I can look around my house and point out a number of things from their store that moved back to Michigan with me. And the staff? Amazing. The owner, whose name is escaping me right now, is just the most friendly, outgoing, and helpful person. And every other staff member I've encountered is the same. When I lived in town and found myself there more often I was always warmly welcomed like a regular, often showing me new items they knew I'd like. These days I only get to chicago sparingly but I still love perusing their website for their stock and my very sweet husband picked up a few things for me for Christmas this past year from there via their online store. It's so great to be connected that way even when I can't come in person. Though nothing beats browsing their shop, where everywhere you turn is a new treasure to enjoy.

L.D. C.

Yelp
When I don't have money I just treat this place as a museum. When I have money I go shopping for gifts. When I have out-of-town guests, I bring them here for the beauty. The building itself is a treasure -- the former Gapinski Pharmacy, wood shelves and room dividers. Wonderful selection of things to buy, from true art to true funny to self-demeaning kitsch. Some of the best display window design in the city. Staff is very nice, boss is very patient with special requests. Sometimes it's hard to find street parking. I hope they live forever.
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Pilar G.

Yelp
The BEST store in Chicago. When you walk inside, it feels like you are transported far away from busy Ashland ave.! It is obvious that every little thing in the store is carefully curated. They have everything kooky, funny, beautiful, and fun. I have loved coming here since I was little and enjoy it even more as an adult. Great place to get gifts
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Carleen T.

Yelp
This place is INSANE! I just discovered it a few months ago and ended up finding all sorts of Christmas presents as well as some cool socks for myself. They literally have everything you could possibly imagine from paperclips and hand lotion to cookbooks and journals. A great collection of cute stickers, too. I will definitely be a repeat customer!

Virgil M.

Yelp
The store has an adorable charm and offers items at very reasonable prices. A wide range of products such as stickers, toys, home decor, stationery, posters, jewelry, and other unique knick knacks can be found here. The staff is incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere exudes an intriguing vibe.

Yannis K.

Yelp
If possible, they would be 0 .I have placed an Internet order on rr1chicago.com on June 25th.but don't get my refund until now.i have called them more than 20 times.but only 2 response.they told me my order has been cancelled and then hangout.excuse me?No store would treat its customers like this.And then when I called them again, they blocked me.No response to the emails I sent them.What a joke.

Austin A.

Yelp
There is something for everyone here! You will never see everything they have to offer, but the shopping experience is more like a treasure hunt. The staff is extra friendly and I wouldn't recommend going shopping anywhere til after you shop here first!

Kasia P.

Yelp
Love this place. The staff is super friendly and I always leave with a smile on my face. Thanks so much for everything you do!
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Ashton S.

Yelp
My favorite gift and novelty shop. I come here every time I want to get get a gift or card then I get sidetracked by all the cute jewelry and socks. If you want a unique glass or mug or they have that covered too. Props for having so many things for crazy cat ladies like myself. I'm literally writing this review as I hear people flying a kite next to me at montrose beach bragging to a stranger about the "adorable novelty shop" where they purchased it which happened to be RR#1.
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Ben B.

Yelp
It's kind of amazing I walked out of here without buying anything. RR #1 offers a lot of the tchotchkes you used to find at Uncle Fun. It's a great shop for prank gifts or weird stuff like funny greeting cards, goofy socks or edgy T-shirts. They've got candles. And old jewelry. And weird rubber tentacles you can put on your fingers. Employees were super friendly and one of them actually handed me a beer. Free beer while shopping? That's never happened before. My only criticisms of this place are super nitpicky. It's very, very crowded. RR #1 feels less like a store and more like the world's most curious garage sale. Also, prices were hard to find on some things. Yes, I could ask a salesperson, but I hate having to hide my shock when something is far more expensive than it should be. Be aware that when you walk to the end of the counter, there's another small room you can access if you kinda walk behind the counter and take a right. Lots of T-shirts back there. Other fun stuff, too. If you're looking for unique, quirky, one-of-a-kind gifts, THIS IS YOUR JAM. (Mustache, skull and bacon lovers will find tons of stuff worth buying.)

Lolla B.

Yelp
I super love this shop so much. This is the store that I go to whenever I need some presents for other people as well as a reward for myself. I really admire the fact that they offer such distinctive and lovely items that will appeal to the tastes of their clientele. They offer a card or gift of some kind, as well as adorable jewelry and socks, among other things. The last time I came here, I treated myself and buy some jewelry, and I am completely satisfied with what I purchased for myself. My mother went through the jewelry case of mine in my room and found it that she liked it as well; she told me to buy some jewelry for her as well, which is why I think I will come back here the following week to do so. Unquestionably deserving of a shot. Guys, you shouldn't miss out on the fun you can have shopping at this boutique; come on in.
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Tatiana A.

Yelp
We always have so much fun shopping in this quirky Little gift shop, we stop in here whenever we are on this side of town. They always seem to have that perfect gift or card for that someone who is hard to pin down. Highly recommend! And if you are here, make sure to hit the juice bar across the street, The couple who owns it is so sweet, and they make their tamales by hand every day!
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Bri B.

Yelp
Super kooky and fun! This place is packed from floor to ceiling with unique gifts and items. I planned on just looking around a bit and left with magnets, cards, a patch, a music box, and a plague doctor shaped air freshener for my car. I absolutely recommend checking this place out! Give yourself plenty of time because there is just so much neat stuff to look at!
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Nat M.

Yelp
Very cool store. Tons of things I've never seen at other stores. Friendly staff who make you want to support them. Perfect shop for when you need a unique gift
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Ania B.

Yelp
I LOVE THIS SHOP. Did have one small issue though, below: My name is Ania, I recently was at your store while visiting from LA and bought my boyfriend one of your silver/metal Octopus rings on April 14th. I have been a loyal patron of your amazing store for years - do you remember me? I am writing because unfortunately, after wearing it a couple times, a piece of the ring snapped off a couple weeks ago! My boyfriend and I are so bummed, he absolutely LOVED the ring. Is there any way you guys can help me with this? THANK YOU SO MUCH! Best gift shop - hands down.
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Ellen M.

Yelp
All I want for Christmas is the Freddy Mercury print. Buy it for me and I'll love you long time. This is the one: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/y8fc3VzQbsl6kTQTQactOw?select=9AfCDei_IqqMfrc7DKau6Q The lighting is super-cool. I just bought a 50s pendant shade from Design Within Reach, and I knew I'd find something cooler the minute I hung it. That's right. And so much more. Damn, I miss Freddy...
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Jennifer W.

Yelp
Fantastic and unique gifts for any occasion! The store itself is an amazing little escape to just get lost in. There is so much to see at every twist and turn, that you might take longer looking than you realize. :) And did I mention, the lovely lady that works there (I believe she is the owner) wraps your gifts as you continue to browse. Yes, you read that right, friendly and efficient!! Definitely try this shop for your holiday shopping, you will not be disappointed!
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David H.

Yelp
Go here. Go right now! If you are into the eclectic, the eccentric, the oddball and off-the-wall, the quirky and funny and simply intriguing, then the locally/independently produced artisan crafts and home goods of RR#1 will sate your desires! This is the "House on the Rock" of stores. On my first trip, I acquired a set of skull shot glasses, marble coasters adorned with old illustrations of cephalopods, and a rubber tentacle you can wear on your finger. This tells me two things: my life-long love of tentacled creatures is still going strong, and this place IS AWESOME! I just moved and am planning a trip here with my new roommates.
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Rachel P.

Yelp
My go-to gift shop in the area. Great selection and sweet staff. Exploring each of the rooms is like going on a treasure hunt of well-curated gifts. I love RR #1!
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Pedro S.

Yelp
Ever need to get a gift for someone, but need some inspiration? This is a perfect shop. They have the most vast and unique selection of items I've ever seen. Everything from cards, knives, jewelry, patches, pins, sun glasses, drinking glasses, grooming products, toys, etc. Everything I've ever bought here has been quality and more than reasonably priced. Its a fun shop with a fun and helpful staff. They will even wrap gifts for you.

Natalie R.

Yelp
Best store in Chicago. Tons of unique items. Friendly staff that are chatty and helpful but not overbearing. This place brings me joy every time I walk in it.
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Paul R.

Yelp
Jewel-Gem-Treasure Chest. Curiosities & gifts. Go-to for the I need a____. Air plant in terrarium. Check. Kite for Adoption Day Party. Check. 40th Birthday gift needs that touch of death. Check. Skull head - cocktail skewers. Check. Vintage 70's Beretta belt buckle. Check. Jack Black's Beard Tonic. Check You get the picture... a mixed bag of just what you need when you need it.
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Lou B.

Yelp
It's the kinda store that makes me think I could live in Chicago. THAT BEING SAID: the place feels straight outta voodoo style New Orleans. It's a bit cluttered (but in a pre-meditated way) and has this strange southern romantic feeling...I think a lot of that is because the store really uses the weird old building its housed in as a prop. It feels like you're walking through some crazy person's house who went bat shit nuts one day and put price tags on all their stuff. God, does anything I've written so far make any fucking sense? I can't explain it...okay, well a snake could slither past you and be all, "Well, helllllo, I'm a talking sssssnake" and you'd be all, "cool. a talking snake." and just keep shopping. yeah, that's what I'm trying to say. The contents? It's got all your typical tsotchkes with a couple of really nice surprises (some gorgeous jewelery from local artists, unique and very reasonably priced for the quality) and some really cool silk screen prints of people like muhammad ali, bruce lee and other celebrities boys love to talk about loving. I know a little someone named ellen m. who is currently coveting the freddy mercury print which is admittedly, very fresh. Overall, a really fantastic place to buy shit for people you don't know very well (candles, lotions, you know, the shit you buy for people you don't know very well) and also a fantastic place to buy shit for people you know too well (sensual oil-EW, max fischer silk screen, some fucking awesome necklaces with pigs on them JOY, WHAT'S UP YOU READING THIS? I KNEW YOU NEVER READ MY REVIEWS! CHICAGO CAN HAVE YOU!!!!)
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Nell T.

Yelp
Three of these stars are just for leaving such an amazing storefront intact. I feel grateful just to be able to walk into this old apothecary shop. It's like a museum. I even drag guys here who have no interest in scented lotions just to look at it. What brings it to a total of 5 stars is the back room. You can find only slightly damaged $18 candles for $5 and cheap bottles of things they've stopped carrying. I would give it an extra star for the employee dressed up as Evel Knievel in the dead of winter for no apparent reason.
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Courtney C.

Yelp
I may have found my new go-to spot! RR #1 was suggested to me as a place that I would fall in love with. Obviously my dear friend, Angela P, knows me well because she was spot on. I'm in loooove and I don't care who knows it! It took me a few minutes to find this place because my GPS voice, Barbara, kept yelling at me and telling me to make unnecessary U-Turns. She was getting me all kinds of confused. Right when I was about to give up, I found RR! After one more spin around the block, I found a parking spot right in front of the store. It is a metered spot but I threw 2 quarters in which bought me 30 minutes worth of shopping time. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted and asked what I was on the hunt for. Since I didn't really have anything specific in mind, I just wandered around to look at everything they have. There is soo much cute stuff here! I love handmade cards and they have a big variety of any type of card you'd need. The prices here are cheaper than Papyrus too (most cards ran around $3-4) There's also a nice selection of home decor and candles. I kept walking through the store until I found the accessory section. I swear on my life I could have maxed out the credit card in that 30 minute shopping window I had. There were so many cool, handmade pieces that I'd never seen elsewhere. I ended up buying a flower elastic ring ($8) a ring made out of a bullet ($22) and a bird magnet for my husband (inside joke..$4) The nicest guy walking the earth right now talked to me during my whole decision process and even complimented me on my necklace I was wearing. After talking for a few minutes, he found me a hair barrette that he said I needed to buy because it matched my outfit. (I didn't buy it but I should have. It was so cute!) He was totally the bees knees! I walked out spending about $40 but I also walked out finding a new shopping destination and making a few new friends. Score!
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Helena S.

Yelp
I've found that stores advertising themselves as gift stores with eclectic collections fall into one of two categories: "F-ing awesome!" or "What the F?". RR #1 falls safely and completely into the first category. Set up like an old apothecary with treasures throughout, RR #1 has a whole lot of just about everything. Items range from small, inexpensive magnets and pins to nice Hobo bags and wallets. There were also a lot of items (cards, bags, baby stuff) created by local artists (something I always love supporting). Just when I thought I'd finished wandering through the store I discovered that there was an entire back room left to explore! [Glee!] The line at the register moved somewhat slowly, but that was only because the man working today was chatting with each customer and taking time to wrap things up nicely. When it was my turn, he complimented me about my finds (a pin with a small black cat on it and a pack of violet-flavored mints) and was just as friendly with me as I spent my $2 as he had been with the other customers purchasing larger items.
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Lindley E.

Yelp
Tchotchke paradise! Go in without anything particular on your must buy list and walk out lighter in the wallet but heavier in the bag. The former apothecary space is a gorgeous setting for an obsessive quantity of everyday objects, novelties, interesting candy (I picked up a box of "I'm Not High" peach flavored candy just because I liked the copy on the box), smelly things for women, smelly things for men, stuff that holds other stuff, and just about everything in between. For those afflicted with severe OCD, you may want to take a pass. Virtually every surface is covered in consumables and it is hard to turn around without 360 degree visual stimulation. You'll find yourself alternately tidying and wanting to wash your hands. ADHD sufferers too may want to keep walkin', too. All the colors and scents and funny objects may cause you to lose your bearings and you may end up in tears. Amazingly, they've been here for 5 years but I didn't even know about it until an out-of-town friend demanded that I take myself there. Now that I've been, I know where all my party favors are now going to come from.
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Kristin W.

Yelp
First off let me admit that I have called this store "Gapinsky" for about three years. The name of the building, I believe, its called Gapinsky and I have been referring to this place as the "Polish Gap" this whole time. I finally went there for the first time today and realized two things. One, of course, is that the name of this amazing shop is RR#1 Chicago. Two, is that it's way better than a Polish Gap. I walked in looking for a gift for my dad for Father's Day and the lady was super helpful. She showed me some books and things that a "dad" might like and I found a really cool one about outdoor grilling. While walking around the store I saw a ton of cool stuff and I also noticed that she had some tomato plants out. I asked if they were for sale and she said I could have one for free! She told me how to plant it and said that she was glad it was going to a good home. I'm so excited because I love tomatoes. And I really love free tomatoes. This place is definitely one of my new favorites. ** Come here for a full line of Burt's Bees stuff and other hard to find stuff like Alba shaving lotion.
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Jessie B.

Yelp
My friend Mike and I went here after brunch and browsed around. We didn't stay long but I did end up going there later that day to get a fun little gift for Rob L.'s birthday! (Yes--April 19h people) I just love this store! If I were 8 years old again and stepping into a candy store, this would be my kind of candy store! They had so many fun little personalized gifts, gag gifts, gifts for yourself, and gifts even for Grandma! It is just a hodge podge of things that you most defiantly could spend your entire life time savings on. I mean I don't know about you but I defiantly need a wallet made out of recycled newspaper, or a little plastic flying cat! (How fun!) And oh yes--how could I forget?? They have a great card selection. If you are like me and despise Walgreen's/Target cards you'll dig this selection. Unique cards are hard to find, and this place defiantly has a HUGE selection on them. As for the service two lovely ladies helped me find out everything I needed, and they even threw in a little free gift that matched something I got for Rob. So now the birthday boy gets two presents for the price of one---now hush---don't tell him my little secret... :) Just come to this place! It is so fun! And just expect to spend a lot, everything is cheap for the quality that it is! And let me know when you are going, I'm just dying to have an excuse to come here again... Happy Shopping!
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Liz S.

Yelp
Let's see - I need sushi themed socks, a quirky birthday card, a parasol, a vintage pin, a straw hat, a leather cuff...where oh where can I get all of this? I'll tell you where: RR! A modern-day curiosity shop for lovers of all things quirky and cool, RR is chock full of the most wonderful things that you can imagine. It would seriously take hours to look at everything in there, so it's a store you want to go back to again and again. I walked out with a fabulous leather ring shaped like a flower, and a chain for my $1 yard-sale pendant. We had great fun chatting with the owners, who were definitely kindred spirits to my most eclectic self. A city treasure.
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Angela P.

Yelp
I adore small boutiques like RR #1 and seek them out when we travel. So it was only fitting to discover this little gem of a shop during our "staycation." We had just come from Hoosier Mama's pie around the corner and were enjoying our dessert in the car when this place caught my eye. We had some time to kill before our next adventure, and since it was raining heavily, exploring the neighborhood on foot wasn't a favorable option. The merchandise here is eclectic. It's dimly lit, like a spooky Halloween shop, and I first noticed a display of candles (made by one of their employees IN Chicago), but I was quickly distracted by an enormous rubber unicorn head. An employee saw us and encouraged me to put it on. Then he offered us glasses of wine. The staff here is just as cool as the merchandise. They also sell quirky greeting cards and stationery products, Matt & Nat handbags, lots of affordable jewelry (lots of items for $10, some more like $30-40), kitschy Chicago t-shirts (Rahm giving the middle finger, a map of Chicago's neighborhoods), and more. There's tons to look at. I purchased a sparkly, stretchy ring with rainbow-colored gems for only $10. I also gushed over the adorable bird magnets with funny sayings. I picked out an owl one for a friend's birthday that said, "I will disembowel you. It's what I DO." And for myself, "I took a risk that was calculated, but man, am I bad at math." It's true, I really am. And to have a little purple bird on my refrigerator remind me of that is just NECESSARY. There's a lot of unnecessary/necessary stuff in this store. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd probably buy all of my Christmas gifts here (except maybe my dad, he hates kitschy/cutesy). I almost bought a buttery faux-leather Matt & Nat bag, but since the store is dimly lit, I hard a hard time figuring out if the bag was hot pink, orange, red, or some hue inbetween. They also offered to gift wrap my magnet, which is cool. It's complimentary and now my teeny gift looks super chic.
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A.S. V.

Yelp
Red Rooster #1 Apothecary, Flowers and Gifts is the coolest gift shop you'll ever find in Chicago, bar none. The building used to be an old time pharmacy/apothecary, and much of the original setup and woodwork is beautifully restored. The gifts and knick knacks may not be the normal stuff you'd buy for grandma, but amongst the herbal tinctures, voodoo items, soaps, tiki toys, you'll find something for anyone.
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Dawn B.

Yelp
RR #1 Chicago is an excellent gift shop. It's a fun store that's packed full of everything from hand made soaps, t-shirts, toys, jewelry, and lamps (for when you need to redecorate of course). We had fun taking our time and looking at all of the cool stuff. Buying souvenirs from here was a must for us! Make sure you have plenty of time to look around. There is a lot to look at!
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Morgan M.

Yelp
This place is all the fun of thrift store hunting, but with results much more often. It's obvious the clothing is all hand-picked from local designers (ex. when we wanted a t shirt in a size they were out of, the woman behind the counter said the screenprinter can usually get them to her within a few days in whatever size she needs). They do a good job of balancing the incredibly hipster-style stuff they carry with the weird and outlandish other items. The store wasn't overwhelmingly full of hipsters, either. Don't be afraid! The people who work there are very friendly. I just saw another review regarding THE UPSTAIRS.... are you kidding; I missed this??? Dang. Guess I have to go back. Also, they have a candle that smells like LEATHER. Yes, leather.
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Jenny Z.

Yelp
I lived right around the corner from this place and went in the day they opened - I've been blowing student loans/paychecks in here since then. If you need to find a gift (or a little something for yourself) this is the place to go, they have a fantastic and eclectic selction. From candles, to retro print kitchen towels/tablecloths, tea, decorative tiles, gardening stuff, jewelry, cleaning supplies, funny books, cards, baby presents, incense, yummy soap, skin care stuff to wacky magnets, there is literally something in the store for everyone. Lots of it is from local designers/companies as well, so added bonus there. I send guys in here at the holidays when they don't know what to buy the assorted women in their lives and every single one of them swears by it now as well. Birthday? Baby shower? Breakup? Feeling like spoiling yourself a bit? Come here, you will NOT regret it (although your bank account might).They do a great job on gift wrapping too. Reasonable prices on everything, but it is sooooo hard to get out of the place without spending a fortune as there is something cool tucked into every single corner. Take someone who hates shopping with you as a control person or you'll come to 6 hours later laden with shopping bags going "What have I done?" Love it.
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Dave F.

Yelp
Walking into RR#1 feels like the beginning to a very sinister movie. The store is darkly lit and full of clutter. Everywhere there are novelty joke items, weird household knickknacks and vintage bric-a-brac. There are funny old gags and somewhat more macabre items. There is a kind of organization, but it is hard to tell because of the sheer volume of stuff filling the store. I half-expected the owner to be a wizened, old, pipe-smoking Chinese man with a Fu Manchu, but instead the only employee I saw (possibly the owner, I don't know) was a weird, Viking-bearded hippie. Either way, I'm still convinced that somewhere, hidden amongst the various baubles piled on RR#1's shelves, there is a three-fingered monkey paw or a Talky Tina doll or at least a Mogwai just waiting to mess up someone's day.
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J M.

Yelp
Note: See "RR1" for more reviews on this store. This is my favorite Chicago boutique (& I'm a jewelry designer w/ pretty high boutique standards..) Their jewelry is great (most made by locals artists), as is their stock of unique things you won't find anywhere else. I love the fact that this store is an old pharmacy/apothecary & they kept it looking old. The boutique owner is incredibly nice too, she has reordered several things for me over the years. Cheers RR1!
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Tisha W.

Yelp
I hadn't been in here for a while, but stopped by last night to pick up something for a co-worker since it's only a couple blocks away from my house. I forgot how tempting everything is! Even worse, they were handing out mini Corona (Coronitas?) while you browsed. That is some GENIUS marketing! Now I have a beer I must finish and my inhibitions are going down. I walked out with a couple amazing gifts, but my wallet was much lighter!

Mercy K.

Yelp
Everything about this place is amazing. Socks, jewelry, lotions, potions and everything in between can be purchased here! It's like unicorns threw up in here-in the best way. I've been going for 10 years and it's my go to for gifts! You can spend $2 or $200 and it's a pleasure giving them your hard earned money!! Doug and Chris and the entire staff are sexy sexy monsters you always knew what I need and help me when I don't know what I need! Don't give anyone else your dollars.
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Nancy K.

Yelp
This place is so much fun! I want to buy everything they have! The store is pretty big (make sure to check out the hidden back room, too) and every nook of it is filled with merchandise. As I walked around the store, checking out item after item, I couldn't help but feel like I was on a treasure hunt! There were so many thing to be discovered! Their merchandise consists of jewelry, bath and body items, candles, cards, baby gifts, kitchen stuff, home decor, and fun chotchkies. The vibe is dark, fun, and old-worldy. And the staff is great - they are so friendly and fun. Overall, I'm so happy with my purchases. They feel like one-of-a-kinds! I'll be sure to go back when I need to buy a gift for someone... including myself!
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Anne V.

Yelp
Wow, I love it! this is my favorite stores in my neighborhood. that's sort of misleading, as there are only like 5 stores in my neighborhood anyway. I like to go pick out gifts there. they have everything, cards, lotions, candles, baby clothes, jewelry, magnets, small things that look nice on shelves, books, notepads, toys, erm, i can't think of it all. Wow! they have a magic garden gift. i like it! its the best gift ever if you like to watch slow things grow. Wow, its really smells in here. like too much perfume or incense. oh well, its smells better than the street.
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Joyce C.

Yelp
The shop has a beautiful vintage feel and they also always have the cutest window displays. Its the type of store you take out of towners to when they are over. This is a perfect place to stop when you need a gift. They have a wide range of items both low brow and high brow. This may sound strange but its the best store to buy a gift for someone you don't know well. The items there are unique and fun to browse through. I've bought a wide range of things here from jeweled barrettes to greeting cards to mints. Once I saw a huge book on ghosts and went back and they were out. The store happily ordered me a copy.
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sophia a.

Yelp
THE ONLY PLACE TO GET A GIFT! Vintage rings, paper ephemera, fancy candles, air plants, perfume, jewelry, strange clothing, bike bells, kites, baby items for COOL babies, french soaps, gardening tools, whimsey and kitch!! All in what feels like your dimly lit eclectic artsy aunt's home with very down to earth (and not on the planet at the same time) attentive staff. There was a dog in there but I dont know whose it was. It was friendly. Everyone was having a GREAT time! Here you can get and give the gifts that make people jealous of you.
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Tracey S.

Yelp
Love, love, love RR #1! The best place to find the perfect gift - especially for those friends/family members that have everything. The only tough part about buying gifts there is wanting everything for yourself. Is that wrong? ;) Some classic lines/items at RR #1: Check out the Matt & Nat bags - they're so beautiful and vegan (trust me, you wouldn't know it by looking at them), Chicken Poop lip balm (once you own it, you'll never be without it), all of the Blue Q lines, gorgeous (screen printed stone?) coasters, air plants (amazing deal), beautiful paper star lanterns, truly unique gift cards, tons of amazingly scented candles, the coolest baby gifts ever (I bought a tiki-inspired bib w/ a skull on it for a friend recently), tons of gorgeous jewelry from local artists...I seriously could go on and on. This place must be experienced first hand. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and they wrap your gifts too - simple boxes and beautiful ribbon. Check it out.
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Brenna O.

Yelp
I really enjoyed shopping at RR#1 even though I only ended up buying one tiny thing. I had to stay focused on Christmas presents for OTHER people, and I kind of wish I could take my friends and family to this place and say "Pick up anything here and give it to me and I will like it." There are plenty of eclectic little gifts, books, toys, cards, jewelery... lots of things! There were at least a dozen times that me or my husband said "Oooh! Come over here and look at this!" Definitely a fun shopping experience. I took off 1 star because I would say that 80% of the stuff there is manufactured "cool" that can be purchased from suppliers to build your own quirky shop, and I kind of wanted to see more from local artists and non-commercial items. There were some, but I think they could expand on bringing in those one-of-a-kind items that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else.