For some out-of-towners, high-priced souvenirs are just not in the cards–or the budget. So we recently went hunting for a pile of bargain trinkets that cost less than 10 clams, are worth keeping–and will remind you of Chicago. The only rule: items must be cheap, but not (unintentionally) cheesy nor impractical. Here’s what we found:
Despite its name, you don’t have to break the bank at Ellen favorite, P.O.S.H. Bargains, such as the wonderfully kitschy vintage Chicago dish towels ($6) featuring a yesteryear view of State Street, abound. Plus, P.O.S.H. is great about wrapping gifts for that plane ride home. 613 N. State St., 312-280-1602.
All souvenirs aren’t for all seasons, but maybe you’d pop out a cute Chicago ornament once a year? We found a great one at Bye Bye Chicago with textured hand-painted pastel doodles of Chicago buildings on a ceramic globe for $9.99. 11 E. Ohio St., 312-644-6698.
Got a snowglobe collector on your list? Check out a downtown drugstore like Walgreen’s, where we found globe bargains for $7.99 with glittery snow falling over huddled landmark buildings, such as the Hancock and Wrigley, and colorful bas relief around the base. Also, don’t miss the tiny plastic camera ($1.99) with a viewfinder that shows pictures of the city, including the Michael Jordan statue and a plane at O’Hare International Airport. 430 N Michigan Ave., 312-321-3622.
Want to remember the good old days of Chicago? Pick up a lined pocketsize notebook with reproductions of old Chicago postcards–from Navy Pier, the Water Tower and the Palmolive Building–on the cover. $5 from Newberry Library Bookstore. 60 W. Walton St., 312-255-3520.
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meng@tribune.com
