Pressed for gift ideas? We'll help find the perfect book, game or accessory
We know what you need at this stage in the holiday shopping game: ideas.
To help, we've rounded up some of the best gift ideas we've found so far.
Shop local
• Snowman earrings and necklace set. Holiday jewelry doesn't have to be gaudy. This tasteful set, made with Swarovski crystals, is a great way to add a little holiday splash to any outfit. ($23, at Shimmer by Cindy Studio, 303 S. Main St., Algonquin, or shimmerbycindy.com)
• Floral embroidery skirt. The Winter Garden collection by Barrington native and designer extraordinaire Cynthia Rowley ranges from conservative florals to splashy sequins, so there's something for every type of holiday party. ($385 at her boutiques at 810 W. Armitage and 1653 N. Damen in Chicago, or cynthiarowley.com)
• Stylish headband. Chicago jewelry designer Kate Amato came up with a stylish new headband that can be worn with both casual and fancy outfits. ($38 at k-amato.com, or more than a dozen suburban boutiques. See Web site for locations.)
• Digital camera case and coin purse. The popular handbag company 1154 Lill Studio sells several colorful accessories under $50. ($28, at 1154 Lill Studio, 904 W. Armitage, Chicago, or 1154lill.com)
• Candy cane pedicure. Hot cocoa and cookies are served along with this peppermint-themed foot soak and pedicure. ($65 at the AshaSalonSpas in Schaumburg, Lombard and Rockford)
Offbeat originals
• Picasso note pad. For the creative boss or co-worker. ($20 at LibaStyle.com)
• Obama tote. A photo image of the incoming president covers every laminated panel, and it's embroidered with colorful swirls. ($68-$78, flashbagsonline.com)
• Bacon air freshener. "Is someone cooking bacon in here?" No, it's just my bacon air freshener from Archie McPhee, the best store for funny but not obscene holiday gag gifts. ($4.95, mcphee.com)
• Flying an airplane. Introductory airplane flights, where you can sit in the pilot's seat, are available at all suburban airports for between $75 (at the Lake in the Hills) and $149 (at the DuPage Airport). Contact your suburban airport for details or see letsgoflying.com for a list of locations.
• Victoria's Secret PINK charm bracelet. This bangle set by the popular teen girl line is stylish and age-appropriate. ($39.50 at Victoria's Secret)
For the guys
• ESPN Jeopardy. This old-school styled game with an electronic buzzer will please ESPN addicts who love to spit out facts about old NHL team names or television personalities. ($29.99 at major retailers)
• Omega Seamaster AquaTerra watch. If the guys on your list don't use the clocks on their cell phones or PDAs, then this classic, James Bond-styled watch is a solid gift idea. ($3,100 at dozens of suburban jewelers, including the Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores)
Book it
• "Fabulous Fun with Puzzles," This World War II-era paperback puzzle book is filled with 224 pages of 1940s-styled brain teasers, matchstick challenges and letter puzzles. Test question: Can you think of a word containing a double a (no proper names)? Possible answers: bazaar, baaing, ma'am. (Time Inc. Home Entertainment, $13.95)
• "Home Grown Indiana," by Christine Barbour and Scott Hutcheson (Indiana University Press, $16.95). Eating local is "in" now, and these foodies guide you to the best farm-grown and homemade products across the Hoosier state, plus a list of Indiana restaurants that use them. Organized by region and includes a few recopies.
• "It Girl Knits," by Phoenix Bess (Potter Craft, $19.95). The 16-year-old author's how-to book includes styles that the teen set will actually wear. Could be a fun intergenerational activity.
• "It's Not Fair!" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld (HarperCollins, $16.99). This funny, well-done children's book was written and drawn by a team of local parents (Lichtenheld lives in Geneva, Rosenthal in Chicago). That might explain why the "Why does my team always lose?" page features a picture of a Cubs player. For ages 4-8.
• "How Cleaning My Room Changed My Life," by Huma Gruaz and Mark Rosenzweig (Alpaytac Kids, $19.75). Got a messy kid? They might learn something from the story of Sam, who experiences turmoil because he can't find anything in his room. The last few pages are a how-to guide to stay organized, plus a certificate.