Patch Picks highlights the best of Winnetka, Glencoe and Northfield, from businesses to weekend activities and everything in between.

If we leave out one of your favorites, tell us in the comments and send suggestions to the author.

This week, we're featuring some of the best boutiques around. The towns along the North Shore all share a few things in common: tree-lined streets, walkable downtown areas, and locally-owned shops. Read on for five of the top boutiques in Northfield, Winnetka, and Glencoe.

Children’s Gift Shop

Cheerful and whimsical window displays adorn this toy store, located in the Northfield Village Center. Inside you’ll find a wide variety of toys, games, arts and crafts, books, and personalized items and gifts. The shop is owned by a former elementary school teacher, and her friendly and knowledgeable staff can assist customers in selecting gifts for birthdays, holidays, and many other occasions. The boutique ships to anywhere in the U.S., and free gift wrapping is available with your purchase.

Location: 310 Happ Road in the Northfield Village Center

Phone: 847-441-5975

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday

Fresh Ideas Clothing

This recently renovated shop caters to customers with personal shopping, alterations, a Frequent Buyers Club, shipping, gift wrapping, gift certificates, and wish lists. The store carries a selection of classic, stylish clothing lines and accessories, from Ecru to Lilla P. Its signature offering is a parade of trunk shows throughout the year that spotlight designer collections. Check the website for the regularly updated schedule.

Location: 300 Happ Road in the Northfield Village Center

Phone: 847-446-3774

Hours: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 p.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday; and by appointment

Beat Street

Beat Street is a treasure trove of artsy and eclectic gifts for kids and kids-at-heart. A colorful array of seasonal items greets customers at the front door. The shop specializes in camp care packages, teacher and hostess gifts, retro toys, vintage candies, and other novelties you may not find elsewhere in town. Staff can put together party favor bags for you, or help you select goodies to make your own.

Location: 930 Green Bay Road, Winnetka

Phone: 847-441-8580

Hours: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Noah’s Ark Pet Supply

Noah's Ark is not only a one-stop pet supply shop, it's also affiliated with PAWS Chicago, the city's largest no-kill humane association. The store specializes in hard-t0-find and holistic items for pets: from organic sweet potato dog treats to catnip cigars. This is also a place to shop for other furry and four-legged friends like birds, hamsters, rabbits, and lizards.

Location: 831 Elm Street, Winnetka

Phone: 847-784-0124

Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday

Books on Vernon

Customers can sample a homemade cookie or two while browsing the shelves at this neighborhood book store, which is affiliated with the Writer’s Theater. The shop offers a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction, audio books, and children’s books. Knowledgeable staff are dedicated to customer service. If you don’t find the title you're looking for, they can special order it for you.

Location: 664 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe

Phone: 847-835-5180

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday