Forest district sells distinctive holiday gifts
Anyone looking for distinctive holiday gifts might want to check out what the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has to offer, while supporting the agency's mission of conservation, education and recreation.
"You won't find these wonderfully unique gifts in the mall, which makes them perfect for the special someone in your life," said Joe Cantore, president of the forest district.
Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road, Wheaton, offers colorful, one-of-a-kind painted canvasses by Nick, the painting horse. Also available are Lucky Horseshoes from Danada horses; Danada Wear T-shirts, hats, totes and water bottles; Horseshoe Hang-Ups; and other equestrian-related gifts handmade at Danada. Most range in price from $1 to $25.
The Danada Equestrian Center office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (630) 668-6012.
The forest district headquarters, 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton, has stocking stuffers such as calendars featuring photos from the district's Take 5 Photo Contest in 2016, T-shirts, water bottles, notecards, lanyards and custom-designed socks.
It also offers lasting gifts such as tribute benches and trees placed in forest preserves. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (630) 933-7248.
Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago, offers old-fashioned ornaments and home décor, Christmas crackers, toys, needlework kits and items handmade on the farm such as honey.
Shoppers also can find carved rolling pins to make springerle cookies and historic recipe books. The farm's visitor center and gift shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Call (630) 876-5900.
Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook, has keepsake ornaments of Mayslake Hall and the Portiuncula Chapel, as well as gift certificates to Restoration-In-Progress Tours of the historic estate. Shoppers are welcome from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (630) 206-9566.
Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn, sells ornaments, stuffed animals, children's toys, shirts, caps and other wildlife-themed gifts. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call (630) 942-6200.