Best Gift Shop in Kane County
🏆 2026 Best of the Fox Winner – Best Gift Shop in Kane County!
We are deeply honored to share that Bee Coco Candle has been voted The Best Gift Shop in Kane County in the 2026 Best of the Fox Readers' Choice Awards. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who voted for us – this award belongs to our incredible community.
On May 28th, 2026, the Kane County Chronicle will publish a special Readers' Choice Awards Special Section announcing all categories and winners. We are so grateful to be included.
Thank You, Kane County! — Geneva's Best Non‑Toxic Gift Shop
✨ Why Our Community Chose Us (and What Makes Us Different)
Geneva is home to so many wonderful shops, and being voted the best is truly humbling. We asked our customers what they value most, and here's what we heard – the things that set us apart, without ever comparing to anyone else.
Our Clean Contract – A Promise We Never Break
Every single product we sell is 100% non‑toxic. We follow a strict, signed‑in‑ink promise to never use phthalates, parabens, sulfates, or any of the "nine families of harm." This isn't a trend – it's our forever standard. When you buy from us, you can feel confident you're choosing peace of mind for your family and pets.
Learn more in our full Clean Contract here →
Proud to Stock Local Artisans
We love sharing our shelves with other incredible makers. From wheel‑thrown pottery to small‑batch coffee, sustainable personal care, and premium beard care, every item tells a story of local craftsmanship and care. We're honored to carry Belly Bodega, Drip Drop Roastery, Pretty Farm Girl, The Noble Soapery, Badass Beard Care, Grandir Totes, and more.
Discover all our artisan partners →
State & Regional Recognition
In December 2025, the Daily Herald published a feature story about us with the headline: "'Illinois Maker' Bee Coco aims to be the GOAT of nontoxic, hand‑poured candles" (Read the full article →)
As the article notes, after losing their jobs during the pandemic, co‑owner Noreen Francis decided to finally open the candle shop she had dreamed of for 30 years. Since opening our circa‑1868 Geneva storefront in June 2024, we have focused on making the cleanest‑burning, healthiest candles available – using a blend of coconut and apricot kernel wax.
In 2025 alone, Bee Coco sold roughly 5,000 candles – all of them free from phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and other respiratory irritants. That dedication earned us a spot in the Illinois Made program – one of only 20 small businesses chosen statewide. We are deeply grateful for the recognition.
Read our recap of the Daily Herald feature →
🏆 Illinois Made 2025: Selected by the Illinois Office of Tourism as 1 of only 20 small businesses statewide – chosen for authenticity and craftsmanship. See the full announcement →
Our Clean Contract: What You'll Never Find Here
We believe that what you don't put into a candle is just as important as what you do. That's why our promise is permanent:
Instead, we use 100% coconut‑apricot wax (soy‑free, vegan, and soot‑free), lead‑free cotton wicks, and phthalate‑free fragrance oils or pure essential oils. Safe for your family, your pets, and the planet.
Bee Coco Candle: The Heartbeat of Historic Downtown Geneva, IL
📍 A Prime Location in Geneva's Historic District
Nestled in the heart of Geneva's historic downtown shopping district, Bee Coco Candle is located on State Street, just a few doors down from Third Street – the true heartbeat of Geneva, IL. As a local, family-owned business, we are proud to be part of a community renowned for its historic character and vibrant, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
Our store is situated on the south side of State Street, placing you in the center of Geneva's most beloved shopping and dining destinations. The area is described by visitors as "like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting," and we invite you to come and experience the magic for yourself.
🧭 Easy Parking and Walking Directions
🚶From Third Street: Walk north to State Street. We're right next door to Stolkholm's and The Gift Box aka "The Swedish Shop", just three shops west of Third Street.
- On-Street Parking: Directly on State Street, with convenient diagonal parking just steps from our front door.
- Nearby Public Lots: Two well-lit public parking lots are located just a block away, offering plenty of additional space.
- Accessible Parking: Handicap-accessible spaces are available in both on-street and lot locations.
📖 A Journey Through Time: The History of Geneva
The city was officially founded in 1835 by James and Charity Herrington, who are often considered the founders of Geneva. When you walk our sidewalks, you are treading on streets that were laid out in 1838.
By 1853, the arrival of the railroad connected Geneva to Chicago, and by 1857, three trains passed through the community daily. This history of innovation and community is the very foundation upon which Bee Coco Candle is proud to serve you today.
🔍 What Our Customers Tell Us They Love Most
- 🌿 100% Non-Toxic Promise – A signed "Clean Contract" with zero exceptions.
- 🐾 Pet‑Safe & Family‑Friendly – Free from phthalates, sulfates, and respiratory irritants.
- 🕯️ Premium Coconut‑Apricot Wax – Soy‑free, vegan, and soot‑free for a cleaner burn.
- 🤝 Curated Local Artisans – We proudly stock 7+ local makers.
- 📰 Media Recognition – Featured in the Daily Herald as an "Illinois Maker."
- 🏆 State Recognition – Illinois Made program (2025).
- 🏆 Community Award – Best Gift Shop in Kane County (2026).
We don't like to compare ourselves to others – we simply try to be the best version of Bee Coco every day. Thank you for noticing our efforts.
🎁 Come See Us Today
Experience the best of Geneva, IL. Visit Bee Coco Candle on State Street, just a few doors down from Third Street – right next door to Stolkholm's and The Gift Box aka "The Swedish Shop".
📅 Plan your visit:
📍 Our Address: 308 W. State St., Geneva, IL 60134
🕒 Current Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11a – 7p, Closed Sunday
📱 Follow us: @beecococandle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bee Coco candles completely fragrance-free?
No – we use thoughtfully sourced fragrance oils and essential oils. But they are 100% free of phthalates, parabens, and all the other categories listed above. Many of our scents are also safe for pregnancy and households with pets.
Does "Prop 65 free" mean you avoid everything on that list?
Yes. The California Proposition 65 list contains over 900 chemicals. We intentionally avoid every single substance on that list that could appear in candle ingredients, including trace contaminants. No exceptions.
Can I see your test results or certifications?
Absolutely. We work with third-party labs to verify that our candles contain no detectable levels of the toxins above. Reach out to customerservice@beecococandle.com and we'll share summaries directly.
Are Bee Coco candles safe for dogs and cats?
Yes. Because we exclude all phthalates, sulfates, synthetic musks, and respiratory irritants, our candles are a much safer choice for homes with furry family members.
🛍️ Explore our award-winning collections: