As much as we might want to lavish our friends and family with the most expensive gifts, we all have our limits. Need some help figuring out how much to spend on a gift? We’ve scoured the Chicago area (and the Web) and found 39 great gift ideas, at prices to fit every budget.
FIRST 2-WHEELER BIKE
Best for: The tyke too old for a trike
HIGH
BEST BET
Kettler Bingo 16-inch bike
Galt Toys, 2012 Northbrook Ct., Northbrook, 847-498-4660
What you get: High-quality, easy-to-assemble bike that comes with padded handlebars, a fully enclosed chain, removable training wheels and a ringing metal bell. Style points for its cruiser-like look.
$179.99
MEDIUM
Jeep Commando TJ16 mountain bike
The Sports Authority (various locations), www.sportsauthority.com
What you get: Decked out in a rugged red-and-blue design, this sturdy, stylish, 16-inch training bike will appeal to the roughest of rug rats. Comes with adjustable seat, removable training wheels and front wheel brake.
$134.99
LOW
Columbia Camo 16-inch bike
The Sports Authority (various locations), www.sportsauthority.com
What you get: Strong and sturdy bike that comes with a front handlebar brake, rear coaster brake, a chain guard and removable handlebar bag.
$79.99
DOLLHOUSE
Best for: The tiny HGTV fanatic in your life
HIGH
The Chestnut Hill
Dollhouse Maker, 188 Willow Bend Drive, Bolingbrook; 630-226-0813, dollhousemaker.com
What you get: A dollhouse that is posher than your own home. This hand-crafted, limited-edition mini Victorian farmhouse features a finished interior and exterior, a curving staircase, working electricity and windows that open. Mom will log as much time as kids playing with this house. (Dolls and furniture not included.)
$5,400+
MEDIUM
Ryan’s Room Home Again, Home Again Deluxe A-Frame Dollhouse
Building Blocks, 3306 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-525-6200
What you get: An old-fashioned dollhouse that looks a bit like a ski chalet. This sturdy, gender-neutral dollhouse has an IKEA-like design aesthetic that may prompt your child to name his or her dolls Lars and Inga. (Dolls and furniture not included.)
$129.99
LOW
BEST BET
Fisher-Price Sweet Streets Country Family Home
Toys `R’ Us (various locations), www.toysrus.com
What you get: A simple, cheerful portable plastic dollhouse that comes equipped with furniture, a family and a dog. This isn’t a showpiece of a house, but it does have a working front door, a friendly, girly decor (the roof, for example, is pink) and plenty of room for an imagination to fill.
$16.49
BASKETBALL HOOP
Best for: The kid with NBA dreams
HIGH
Spalding 88825 in-ground 54-inch basketball system
Wal-Mart (various locations); walmart.com
What you get: Durable, in-ground basketball hoop that comes with a 54-inch backboard, breakaway rim and a post that can adjust from 7 1/2 to 10 feet.
$999.99
MEDIUM
Lifetime 71564 portable basketball system
The Sports Authority (various locations); www.sportsauthority.com
What you get: Quality portable basketball hoop that’s perfect for the driveway. Adjustable from 6 1/2 to 10 feet.
$499.99
LOW
BEST BET
RBK 48-inch shatter-proof backboard/rim
The Sports Authority; www.sportsauthority.com; www.rbk.com
What you get: A garage-door ready backboard and rim set that comes with shatter-proof playing surface and double compression springs.
$149.99
PURSE
Best for: Teenage social butterflies
HIGH
Franco Sarto
Macy’s, 835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-335-7700; www.macys.com
What you get: The only bag of the three to boast real leather, even if it has swatches of fabric in the mix. The brushed and shiny gold accents are fun without being too blingy. It looks and feels sturdy and well-crafted, but avoids signaling fuddy-duddy in favor of refined fashionista.
$69
MEDIUM
BEST BET
Accessory Network
Nordstrom, 55 E. Grand Ave., 312-464-1515; www.nordstrom.com
What you get: A little ruching goes a long way these days. The fun little pleats, extra seam down the center and buttoned flap add cute touches to an otherwise simple–though buttery soft–faux leather bag. A great, not too overwhelming size for the teen with a penchant for big, trendy saddle bags.
$34
LOW
H&M
H&M, 840 N. Michigan Ave., 312-274-1111; www.hm.com
What you get: This leather is a bit too rubbery to be believable, but it’s still a fun bag for a trendy teen who doesn’t care about the difference. The decorative contrast stitching, multitude of pockets, bronzed studs and zipper tab are cool and appreciated extras for a purse this budget-friendly.
$16.90
KIDS PAJAMAS
Best for: Kids who need to look cute for Christmas morning pictures
HIGH
Cotton Burgundy Blue brand pajamas (for 1 year old)
Faded Rose, 1017 W. Armitage Ave., 773-281-8161; shopfadedrose.com
What you get: The vintage fabric pattern, bows and labeling–“Come Fly With Me” or “Cottage Rose Blue”–are definitely cute. The snaps are unusually sturdy, but there is no lining inside either the shirt or pants. The starchy cotton may initially feel a little stiff for an infant or toddler.
$54
MEDIUM
Notch collar pajamas
Nordstrom (various locations); nordstrom.com
What you get: Adorable polyester kids’ pajamas in flowered patterns and with fairly strong stitching. Plus the girl’s pajamas come with a super-cute spaghetti strap tank to wear underneath.
$34
LOW
BEST BET
Polyester vintage-style pajamas
Target (various locations); target.com
What you get: Cute PJs with adorable “Nick and Nora” labeling are covered in vintage patterns such as horses, dogs and sock monkeys. Finished cuffs on the wrists and hem on the pants. Clean stitching, two pockets on the top, and buttery soft fabric that promises to keep you warm and comfy on chilly nights.
$19.99
SCRAPBOOK
Best for: The one who’s always snapping photos
HIGH
Kolo Newport black leather scrapbook
Archiver’s, 8299 W. Golf Rd., Niles; 847-965-2610; archiversonline.com
What you get: A beautifully finished and designed 11-by-14, black leather, expandable scrapbook with 10 pages of acid-free archival pages. The sleek design includes a handsome fabric pocket inside the first page and a nice large space for a cover photo, but you can’t do anything until you first buy a whole bunch of accessories.
$54.99
MEDIUM
BEST BET
Paper Boutique scrapbook kit
Target (various locations); target.com
What you get: A 12-by-12, leatherish, expandable 20-page scrapbook. Ten of the pages are covered in plastic and 10 are acid-free archival sheets. The big bonus, though, is the more than 350 accessories, including paper, stickers and die cuts.
$19.99
LOW
Marcella fabric-covered scrapbook
Target (various locations); target.com
What you get: An attractive, 8 1/2-by-8 1/2,30-page scrapbook with an expandable post-bound spine. Plastic-covered pages are ready for mementos or photos to be dropped in. Photo window out front and paper pocket on the inside page. No acid-free sheets.
$12.99
ASIAN CHOPPING KNIFE
Best for: The next Jamie Oliver or Rachael Ray
HIGH
Kershaw Shun 8-inch knife
Northwestern Cutlery, 810 W. Lake St., 312-421-3666 or www.futurechef.com
What you get: This handsome knife’s relative lightness (as Japanese blades tend to be) belies its 17 steel layers. The blade is finished with a cut-through-wood look, and the D-shaped handle makes for comfortable and sturdy gripping. These are the knives Iron Chef Bobby Flay uses.
$104.95
MEDIUM
Wusthof 6.5-inch Santoku knife
Williams-Sonoma (various
locations), williams-sonoma.com
What you get: This is the Mack truck of knives. Brawny and durable, this German-built knife has 14 scallop-shaped divots on each side (known as kullens). This creates tiny air pockets that prevent sticking.
$89.95
LOW
BEST BET
Calphalon 7-inch Santoku knife
Bed Bath and Beyond (various locations), www.bedbathandbeyond.com
What you get: A reliable knife with full tang construction (the carbon stainless steel blade extends through the handle). Like the Wusthof, this features kullens for seamless slicing, but handle has heavier feel. Solid design and fantastic at its price.
$39.99
CASHMERE SWEATER
Best for: The fashionista in your life
BEST BET
HIGH
V-neck sweater with mini-check detailing (with matching scarf)
Marlowe, 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-988-9396, www.marlowe.com.
What you get: A baby-soft cashmere sweater that feels expensive and looks expensive. This exquisitely detailed, high-quality piece can last a decade or longer, if it’s taken care of.
$1,255
MEDIUM
V-neck sweater
Benetton, 520 N. Michigan Ave., 312-494-9156, www.benetton .com.
What you get: A basic sweater that may last a few years without pilling too much or losing its shape. This sweater is soft and lovely, with interesting detailing at the sleeves, and a classic shape that will still seem fresh in 2010.
$129
LOW
Isaac Mizrahi V-neck
Target (various locations), www.target.com
What you get: A light sweater in a lovely jewel tone that may fuzz and bag after a season or two. But who cares? For the price of one medium-priced cashmere sweater, here you can buy for a couple of fashionistas.
$49.99
HEART RATE MONITOR
Best for: The athlete who considers the outdoors the perfect gym
BEST BET
HIGH
Garmin Forerunner 305
The Garmin Store, 663 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-787-3221; garmin.com
What you get: More than just a heart rate monitor. The lightweight, waterproof Forerunner 305 uses GPS technology to track distance, speed, pace and direction. And in case you get lost on those 8-mile runs, the Forerunner can plot a way back to your starting point.
$349
MEDIUM
Polar F55
Running Away Multisport, 1634 W. North Ave.; 773-395-2929; runningawaymultisport.com
What you get: A sleek, stylish monitor that, when connected to a sensor across the chest, calculates the number of calories and percentage of fat burned. Perhaps the most fitness-oriented of the bunch, the monitor comes with a workout guide and mini-guide on proper technique for various exercises.
$219.95
LOW
Mio Sport Select
Dick’s Sporting Goods (various locations); www.dickssportinggoods.com
What you get: Unlike most models, this affordable, compact heart rate monitor doesn’t require a chest sensor to get a reading. You won’t get a continuous reading, but it’s easy to place your index and middle fingers on the watch, which also calculates calories burned, to check your heart rate.
$99.99
ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT
Best for: The person who spends too much time in a car
BEST BET
HIGH
Justin Case 63-piece auto safety kit
Costco (various locations); costco.com
What you get: A handsome nylon carrying case with a bunch of handy toys inside. Tow ropes, first-aid kits, hand-charge flashlights, ponchos and blankets–whoever gets this may get stuck on a country road just to use everything. Or not.
$29.99
MEDIUM
Target’s Deluxe Emergency Kit
Target (various locations); www.target.com
What you get: Target jumps into the car emergency business with this lightweight and compact kit. The requisite booster cables and canned tire inflator are included, but the emergency light does not come with the required D batteries. A 24-hour roadside assistance hotline (pre-mailing a form is required) is included.
$20
LOW
WeatherHandler 41-piece travel kit
Sears Auto Center (various locations); www.sears.com
What you get: This bare-bones set, packed in a sturdy plastic case, will work in a pinch. It’s got plenty of tools (wrench, screwdriver, ratchet, blade fuses), a set of booster cables, some bandages, antiseptic wipes and little else.
$12.99
SPA BASKET
Best for: Moms in need of pampering
BEST BET
HIGH
Endo-Exo Apothecary
Endo-Exo Apothecary, 2034 N. Halsted St., 773-525-0500
What you get: This luxe basket is perfect for offering up fun, indulgent products that Mom might not buy for herself. Glam goods include Jo Wood Amka Organic Bath Oil, Jo Wood Amka Body Oil, Philip B. Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash, Red Flower Japan Wild Cherry Blossom Rice Buff, Red Flower Thai Honeysuckle Candle with Scented Petals, and Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant. These products are pricey, but the exotic, and often organic, ingredients, luscious scents and pretty packaging make an ideal gift.
$416.50
MEDIUM
Bliss Spa
Bliss Spa, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-201-9545; www.blissworld.com
What you get: The brand’s name speaks volumes. These sassy spa-dwelling products will certainly leave Mom in a–you guessed it–blissful state. This gift bag includes Two Turtle “Gloves,” Magnolia Body Scrub, Sleeping Peel Serum and Best of Bliss kit featuring a variety of travel-sized faves. Most of these items clock in at under $50 each, so constructing a well-rounded gift bag of products that complement each other is easy.
$276
LOW
Calgon, Tropical Dream gift set
Walgreens (various locations); www.walgreens.com
What you get: If Mom is a soap-bar gal in the bath-and-beauty department, then give her beauty routine a sweet little boost with this gift set. If you’re hoping your gift will fulfill your overworked mother’s “Take me away!” plea, the featured “Tropical Dream” scent we chose–a breezy, floral and slightly fruity number–can only help.
$16.99
DIAMOND EARRINGS
Best for: Someone you want to woo
HIGH
18-karat gold “Cheval” earrings with 102 diamonds (24 total carats)
Van Cleef & Arpels, 636 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-8988, www.vancleef-arpels.com
What you get: Jewelry worthy of a trip to the Oscars. Diamonds literally drip from your gift recipient’s ears. Give these to someone who doesn’t mind being upstaged by these blinding showstoppers.
$185,000
MEDIUM
BEST BET
Majestic diamond earrings (1.11 total carats) in 18-karat white gold
Fey & Co. Jewelers, 758 W. North Ave., 312-943-2222 (call for other locations)
What you get: Substantial, elegant diamond earrings with a little something-something to set them apart, thanks to this pair’s “invisible” settings. These diamonds, each about a half-carat, will look like they are floating on your ears.
$3,350
LOW
Diamond stud earrings (1/4th total carat) in 14-karat white gold
Wal-Mart (various locations), www.walmart.com
What you get: Wee diamond stud earrings–each features a diamond of just 1/8th of a carat of middling clarity and color. These tiny diamonds are real, and they’re kind of cute.
$68.84
ALL-IN-ONE HOME THEATER
Best for: The couch potatoes of the family
HIGH
M-Design Eleganza and optional TV frame with speakers, plus a T+A K6 DVD Surround receiver
Glenn Poor, 55 E. Grand Ave., 312-836-1930; www.glennpoor.com
What you get: This combo of cabinet ($4,995), frame ($4,995) and receiver ($11,000) is a sexy way to hide your components, though why would you want to hide the outstanding K6 from the adoring eyes of your jealous friends? The frame includes left, right and center speakers; you’ll need to add the subwoofer and rear speakers to complete your surround sound.
$20,990
MEDIUM
BEST BET
The Linn Classik Movie combined CD/DVD engine with the Linn Komponent loudspeaker system by Franco Sarto
Glenn Poor, 55 E. Grand Ave., 312-836-1930; www.glennpoor.com
What you get: The Komponent system delivers the goods, and looks good doing it. The circular subwoofer echoes the design of the center-channel speaker and the right and left towers.
$8,100
LOW
Pioneer HTP-2800 Home Theater Package
Circuit City, 2500 N. Elston Ave., 773-772-0037; circuitcity.com
What you get: This system is made to work with Microsoft’s Xbox 360 (not included). A receiver, four front and surround speakers, a center speaker and a subwoofer–so you can feel a jet rumbling across your TV screen or hear a zombie sneaking up from behind.
$199
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Compiled by Tribune staff reporters Fauzia Arain, Monica Eng, Eric Gwinn, Glenn Jeffers, Kevin Pang and Trine Tsouderos.
