Hometown Gift Guide 2022: 13 unique gifts under $100 to help you conquer your holiday shopping list

Shopping local has a sleigh-ful of benefits.

Not only are you driving your local economy and supporting your neighbors, but also you will find gifts you cannot find anywhere else.

The North Shore is fortunate to have numerous ma-and-pop storefronts to help you with your holiday list. We went around town and found just a few of the options available to you.

Happy holiday hunting!

WILMETTE

Cashmere winter hats: Yellow Bird Stationery and Gifts, 1515 Sheridan Road #30, Wilmette

Tucked in a corner of Plaza del Lago, Yellow Bird has been fulfilling holiday wishes for years. The tradition continues this season and among the most popular items is cashmere winter apparel, including hats from Frost ($68).

Arabesque necklace by Desmos: Lambrecht’s Jewelers, 1131 Central Ave., Wilmette

An institution for well over a century, Lambrecht’s really does have something for everybody. Popular this season are the offerings from Desmos Italian Fine Jewelry, including the gold over silver Arabesque necklace at $84.

Graphic novels: Heroines and Heroes, 1129 Central Ave., Wilmette

The hobby shop has been a hit since debuting in downtown Wilmette in 2021. Its collections of gaming and comics are hard to come by, so too are its array of graphic novels ($15-$60) for experienced readers. Check out works about familiar characters, such as the Watchmen and Ninja Turtles, or try something new.

Thermaworks: Backyard Barbecue Store, 535 Green Bay Road, Wilmette

One of the more original and popular stores in the area, the Backyard Barbecue Store has all your outdoor-cooking needs covered. The shop even hosts grilling and cooking classes and has a built-in bar and lunch restaurant. Its line of digital meat thermometers from Thermaworks evolves each year, from products with super-fast read times to others that also sense grill or oven temps. Options range from $22-$105.

LaTierra alpaca socks: Exhibit Boutique, 1148 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette

Coming off its eighth anniversary celebration, Exhibit Boutique has displayed plenty for holiday shoppers, including high-quality socks like the women’s LaTierra alpaca socks ($45) made from 100 percent alpaca wool. Also on the shelf are cashmere socks from Slouch ($45) and their regularly stocked unisex cotton socks from American Trench ($12).

WINNETKA

Winnetka-branded gifts: Ellen’s on Elm, 847 Elm St., Winnetka

Ellen’s quaint shop is one of the only to offer a variety of gifts that allow you to show pride in your hometown. Customers can get a coffee tumbler designed with a map of Winnetka ($38), a sign that reads “Winnetka Welcome” ($26), or a cutting board ($55), candle ($34) or coffee mug ($24) featuring the town’s zip code, 60093. Other communities and zip codes also are available.

Canada Pooch puffer jackets: Noah’s Ark Pet Supply, 831 Elm St., Winnetka

Don’t forget about Fido this holiday season. Noah’s Ark has plenty to bring your pet cheer, including a new line of winter coats from Canada Pooch. The puffy coats are around $60 and come in 10 different sizes and four colors.

“Eat, Drink and Be Murray”: The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka

The Book Stall is your prototypical local book shop, and this year, it’s the place to get the prototypical local book. Wilmette chef Andy Murray’s recently released “Eat, Drink and Be Murray: A feast of family fun and favorites” ($27.99) is a cookbook full of recipes loved by the famed Murray family. Get your copy prior to Murray’s visit to the Book Stall from 5-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 15.

Santa figurines, Maze Home, 735 Elm St., Winnetka

With plenty of unique and clever home adornments, 14-year-old Maze Home has something for everyone on your list. Speaking of lists, one of the shop’s numerous Santa Claus figurines comes with a nice one. The 12-inch decoration is $41.

GLENCOE

Tonies: The Wild Child, 657 Vernon Ave., Glencoe

You can find the hit toy this year in downtown Glencoe, where Wild Child owner Gretchen Miller said Tonies are flying off the shelf. The Tonibox is a speaker that plays stories, songs and more when paired with a variety of characters. A Tonies starter set, with speaker and two characters, is $99.99. The shop also has a Wilmette location (1114 Central St.).

PaddyWax Nutcracker candles: Blacksheep General Store, 346 Park Ave., Glencoe

Among the bountiful holiday-gift options at Blacksheep are these unique and hand-painted 10-ounce candles ($64), which come in a variety of scents, including balsam and fir. The ceramic nutcracker can become a reusable jar once the wax is removed.

Pineapple New Trier sweater: One Stop Trev Shop, 640 Vernon Ave., Glencoe

The One Stop Trev Shop is an enterprise from New Trier High School that offers employment and learning opportunities for members of the school’s transition program. The shop offers a variety of Trevian swag, from holiday ornaments to apparel. A popular new item is the Pineapple brand sweaters ($98 for crew, $128 for quarter-zip).

KENILWORTH

Local teams winter hats: Home Ice, 624 Green Bay Road, Kenilworth

Support local includes your local sports. Home Ice is one of the newest shops on the block and in addition to hockey training and by-hand skate sharpening, the business offers gear, like winter knit caps ($30) featuring local teams, such as the New Trier Trevians, Wilmette Jr. Trevians, Winnetka Warriors and North Shore Warhawks (all-female program).

NORTHFIELD

Planet Earth Leather Boxes: The Canvasback, 1747 Orchard Lane, Northfield

A local hobbyist’s institution since 1974, the Canvasback is an expert in needlepoint services and supplies but also offers original products perfect for holiday shoppers. The Planet Earth leather goods are an example, and you can find their tasseled clutch purses ($53) and round ($78) or square ($87) jewelry boxes in store this season.

STAY TUNED FOR GIFTS TO FIND IN HIGHLAND PARK

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