Quick, what did you buy your newspaper carrier last year?
Your dog walker? Your boss? Thought so. You don’t have to spend a lot to show your appreciation of these essential people with a thoughtfully chosen gift. We even have a few ideas for the office grab bag.
For Your Boss:
Faber-Castell Writing Instruments: Give your boss a stylish way to sign your check! Faber-Castell has a writing instrument to suit every personality type. The Ambition Rhombus rollerball pen is cast in high-gloss black resin with a laser-engraved rhombus pattern and chrome-plated cap and trim. The e-Motion white Rhombus is gleaming and luxurious, with the same subtle pattern. You get the idea. ($100; availalbe at stationery stores, art stores and jewelry stores)
For the $20 Grab Bag:
Digital Photo Ornament: The Christmas tree’s equivalent of the digital photo frame, but a lot cheaper and more colorful. Simply upload your photos and program the sequence of the slide show, then listen for the oohs and aahs. Some are designed to sit in a frame on your desk after Christmas. ($19.99; available at American Sale and discount stores, drug stores, electronic stores, department stores and gadget stores)
Heated Travel Mug: This stainless steel mug plugs into your car’s 12V outlet to keep beverages warm in the car. Some even have programmable temperature control. $10 or less; widely available at discount stores, drug stores, electronic stores, gadget stores, and cooking stores)
For a Senior:
Historic Photos of Christmas in Chicago: Recall Christmases past with this classy black-and-white coffee table book by Turner Publishing Company, which specializes in localized historic picture books. Peruse 200 images of festive outdoor celebrations, famous department store displays and intimate family gatherings ($39.95 at bookstores everywhere)
DaysAgo Digital Day Counter: This is a handy little gadget about the size of a watch face. Attach it to any surface, press a button, and it starts counting the days for you. This is great when you want to know how many days ago you last did something, or how old something is in your refrigerator. It comes in three styles: magnetic, suction cup, and band ($8; available at Dominic’s Kitchen Store in Park Ridge, The Little Traveler in Geneva, and Whole Foods Market)
For Your Child’s Teacher:
CleanWell Hand Sanitizer: This is no ordinary hand sanitizer. It kills 99.99 percent of germs using essential plant oils, so it’s safe for kids and doesn’t dry your skin. It’s also free of chemicals such as triclosan and alcohol. Michelle Obama’s press secretary, Katie McCormick Lelyveld, says CleanWell products accompanied her from the campaign trail to the White House, so your favorite teacher should be proud to use it. The line also includes wipes and liquid soap ($10 for 6 oz spray; available at Target, Whole Foods, Bath & Body Works, and GNC)
For Your Babysitter:
Glory for Girls: Assuming your babysitter is a tween or teen girl, this trendy new skincare line was made just for her. It is formulated to be easy on young skin with all natural ingredients, and contains no parabens, sulfates, artificial colors or fragrances. The Everyday Beauty gift set includes face & body wash, lotion, lip balm and deodorant ($45; Pottery Barn Teen or www.pbteen.com or boutiques such as Beat Street in Evanston)
For Your Mother-in-law:
The Hookup Purse Hook: This is more appropriate than it sounds. The Hookup is a metal heart-shaped hook that hangs stylishly on your purse like a charm. Twist it off, and it becomes a hook to hang your purse on the edge of a table, keeping it off the floor. The Hookup is finished in platinum or 22 carat gold ($36; available at Peachtree Place in Northfield and other boutiques)
For Your Child’s Tutor:
Built NY Neoprene Cases: Tutors tote a lot of gear, and these slip-on or zip-up cases keep their stuff safe. They come in various sizes to fit a Blackberry, iPhone, PDA, GPS, laptop, calculator or camera ($12-$45 depending on size; available at office supply stores, Best Buy, the Apple Store, and many boutiques)
