Students can show their appreciation to favorite teachers with special gifts
A "#1 Teacher" or "#1 Coach" coffee mug is an OK end-of-the-school-year gift, but … you can do so much better.
Rather than roaming through big-box stores in search of something special, stop in to Paisley on Main (formerly Giggles 'N Gaggles Etc.), at 494 N. Main St. in Glen Ellyn.
The store is brimming with unique gifts at a variety of price points.
Watering cans that say "Thanks for helping me grow" are $15, and stylish insulated tumblers are $25.
For a from-the-class gift, Paisley on Main has customized bulletin boards with hand-painted caricatures of each student. Prices start at $20, plus $2 for each child's name and face (it can be personalized with hair and skin color, but it'll take longer).
Items from the Vera Bradley stationery collection are also hot sellers. Vera's famous paisley print is reproduced on everything from a pen and pencil set ($11) to a Raspberry Fizz ID case with key ring ($10). The clear plastic front can double as a gift card holder.
A good gift for a male teacher? Chocolate treats from Cocoa Cabana, at 651 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The shop sells a variety of hand-dipped chocolates, including their popular chocolate-covered potato chips. (847) 851-8775 or www.thecocoacabana.com.
A book about you
What subject do most children find fascinating? Themselves. So now they can be the lead character in a book titled, "The First Adventures of Incredible You."
The books are made by Sarah Rivera of Hinsdale and Sarah Headrick of Western Springs, who co-own Custom Made for Kids. Their business personalizes the books with more 20 individual details about the child, such as his or her favorite places, family, sports team and birthday. It also includes a dedication page.
The books are $32.95. See www.custommadeforkids.com or call (866) 360-4546.
Retail Me Not
For those of you who do a lot of online shopping, do not ever, ever place an order again without first checking www.retailmenot.com.
This easy-to-use and no-registration-required Web site contains promotional codes from most major chains, along with details about how it can be used.
Hey, surfer dudes!
This month, Steve & Barry's stores will launch Wonderwall, a new men's surf and skate collection by the world's greatest big wave surfer, Laird Hamilton (who is married to volleyball star Gabrielle Reece).
The 165-piece collection includes T-shirts, board shorts, woven shirts, cargo shorts, accessories. They'll all be priced at $14.98 or less.
Steve & Barry's has stores in West Dundee, Mount Prospect, Schaumburg, Bloomingdale, Aurora and Lombard.