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Ash’s Magic Shop 4955 N. Western Ave., Chicago, 773-271-4030 ashs-magic.comThis shop, owned by professional magician Mr. Ash (a.k.a. Ashod Barboorian), is somewhat of a jumble, but that’s part of the charm. Find all manner of magic tricks, juggling materials, clown supplies (wigs, costumes, makeup), as well as gags like fake barf, whoopee cushions, stink bombs, and exploding wallets.
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Beverly Costume and Novelty Shop 11628 South Western Ave., Chicago, 773-779-0068 beverlycostume.comThe sister store to Beverly Records, Beverly Costume has supplied the South Side with costumes for more than 40 years. Rent costumes for Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas and Easter.
Brody’s Balloons 1101 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-666-9520 brodys8004balloons.comThis wholesaler of balloons and party supplies has been in the biz since 1911. The shop carries literally millions of balloons—all kinds, styles, and characters—as well as holiday decorations, party decorations and tableware, party hats, piñatas, confetti, bubbles, and dollar store toys.
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Card & Party Giant 1880 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, 773-342-1500 1015 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, 847-657-7770 cardandpartygiant.comLocally-owned party stores that carry a huge selection of kid birthday party supplies—decorations, paper plates, party hats, balloons—as well as costumes and festive supplies for every holiday. Both locations also carry a selection of toys, for one-stop birthday party shopping.
Card and Party Warehouse4216 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, 773-736-4900 cardandparty.net/store
This party supply warehouse is a good place to snag bargains, but be forewarned that it is somewhat disorganized. Browse decorations, tableware, balloons, and other supplies for birthdays and holidays, as well as novelties and glow sticks.
Chicago Costume 1120 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, 773-528-1264 4727 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, 773-282-1264 332 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-583-1264 (only open during Halloween season) chicagocostume.comThis costume superstore carries kid’s costumes for almost every holiday—superhero, Harry Potter, and Star Wars options for Halloween; pilgrim costumes for Thanksgiving; Santa, snowman, and candy cane costumes for Christmas—as well as masks, makeup, hats, and wigs. Rental costumes also available.
Chuck’s House of Magic 18725 Dixie Hwy., Homewood, 708-798-2111 chuckshouseofmagic.netA south suburban institution for more than 20 years, Chuck’s carries magic tricks, costumes, party supplies, balloons, and cards. Specialty balloons and rental costumes available.
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Doolin’s
511 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 312-243-9424
doolins.com
Passersby in River West frequently confuse this party store with an Irish pub. Instead of beer, find hats, centerpieces, balloons, and décor for birthdays, holidays, theme parties, and baby or wedding showers. Doolin’s also offers rentals for larger events—tables and chairs, popcorn and fog machines, disco balls, and helium tanks, and provides pick-up and drop-off of this heavy equipment. Another perk? Check the selection online, then call ahead and the staff will set aside the merchandise for pick-up.
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Fantasy Costumes
4065 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 773-777-0222
fantastycostumes.com
The store comprises one city block, making for a dizzying array of costumes, makeup, masks, wigs, and novelties. Fantasty Costumes has been in Portage Park for more than 45 years and is open-year round, but stays open 24 hours a day for the week of Halloween—helpful for parents who are throwing together a kid costume last minute. Children’s costumes include everything from animals to superheroes. Off-season, they also have presidential and pilgrim costumes, Christmas costumes, Mardi Gras supplies, and St. Patrick’s Day decorations.
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I’ve Been to a Marvelous Party
2121 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, 773-404-9400
An upscale party store that carries balloons, wrapping paper, invitations, decorations, and party hats.
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Magic Inc. 5082 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-334-2855 magicinc.net *Birthday partiesThis family-run Lincoln Square magic shop first opened in 1926, and has been supplying North Siders and professional magicians with supplies for years. (Penn & Teller, David Copperfield, and David Blaine have all visited) Instructional magic books and DVDs, magic tricks, balloons, gags, juggling, and coin and card tricks in-store, but no white rabbits. The professional magicians on staff can offer demonstrations, and the store also provides magic lessons. Inquire within for magicians to perform at birthday parties.
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Party City Visit partycity.com for locationsThe party chain has a comprehensive (almost overwhelming) selection of tableware, decorations, balloons and party favors for birthdays, holidays, and theme parties.
PJs Trick Shop 1300 Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, 847-392-5280 pjstrickshop.comNorthwest suburban magicians and pranksters have been stocking up on their tricks and whoopee cushions here since 1967. In addition to the usual cards and novelties, find magic tricks (from beginner to advanced), costumes, T-shirts and transfers, and, as the season demands, Halloween costumes and Santa suits.
Priscilla’s Party Center 1015 E. Davis St., Evanston, 847-864-7344A local party shop stocked with balloons, cards, invitations (custom invites available), plates, napkins, and streamers. Custom, hand-painted murals for kid bedrooms are a bonus service.
