Day: December 2, 2013

 We all know that giving is the best part of the holidays, right? There’s nothing like spreading holiday cheer with just the right gift for that special someone. But Notice owner Mari Barnes and her daughters Becky Jackson and Hannah Hannick see that our eyes do tend to wander while looking for that perfect present. Despite our best intentions, holiday shopping quickly turns into “one for you, one for me.” (And how could it not, with so much cute stuff around? We really can’t be blamed.)
The ladies at Notice want us to embrace this method of shopping. “It makes shopping even more fun,” Becky says. “How’s that a bad thing?” We decided to make it official with the first annual “One for You, One for Me” gift guide.
Becky, who is in charge of visual merchandising and marketing, describes Notice as a one-stop-shop for clothing, gifts, and accessories. “We have great, unique gifts for women, men, and children–there’s something for everyone on your list,” she says. And because the Barrington store is one of three Notice boutiques–there’s also a store in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, and one in Evanston–they have tons of rotating inventory. 
“Barrington customers always get first dibs,” Mari says. “Since we have the largest storeroom here, we have everything shipped to this location.” They’re constantly bringing new items out onto the floor, where lucky Barrington shoppers can snap them up before they’re shipped off to Chicago or Evanston (if they ever make it onto the truck, that is).
Notice has all the glitter and glam a girl could want for the holidays: A vegan leather dress from Eva Franco (pictured above, at left, $278) is a great wardrobe update, and can easily withstand a red wine spill (not that red wine ever spills, but just in case). And while you’re there, you could pick up a sparkling frame or candle as a hostess gift–you can’t get much more efficient than that!
So here it is, folks.  Our “One for You, One for Me” Gift Guide including gift suggestions for all of those special people in your life along with companion gifts for yourself ;).  Happy shopping!
For the Wee Ones (and You)
As the mother of a 2 year-old son and 7 month-old daughter, Becky is always on the lookout for the cutest items for the kids in our lives. These Stack and Scare blocks by Uncle Goose ($52) are made in Michigan with sustainably forested basswood. The interchangeable pieces inspire creative building, and the graphic designs are great for the youngest architects.
And you’ll look adorable building alongside your little one in this Waverly Gray sweater ($218). The nubby texture, knit cuffs, and inset zipper take this sweater to the next level.
For a Great Friend (and You)
Color-blocked felt totes ($220 and up) from Gräf & Lantz would be a welcome gift for any woman on your list (including yourself!). Their bright colors and zig-zag stitching, coupled with rich leather handles, strike the right balance of design and durability.
The German duo of Gräf & Lantz also make coasters in the same 5mm-thick wool felt used on their bags.  Coasters just like these were used to protect tables in Bavarian taverns until the late 1800s, which is how they got their name “bierfilzl,” or beer felt. Combine a set ($22) with your favorite brew for a host/hostess gift with a bit of history. They’re functional, durable, and come in lots of great colors.
For a Man (and You)
For the men in your life, Notice carries a line of gorgeous Graphite Objects ($34-72) from sculptor Agelio Batle.  The organic, nature-inspired forms are handmade by first creating a clay mold of the object. Then carbonaceous graphite (the same material used in pencils) is combined with other compounds in the mold under intense pressure. The result is an art object that can also be used as a smudge-free writing instrument–one that will last up to seven years! (If you don’t see the perfect object below, just ask–there are many more designs available.)
And wouldn’t it be more fun to address your holiday cards with a fun pen like the ACME pens pictured below ($49.50)? Or combine a pen with one of Notice’s many  journals for a writing-themed gift.
For a Family (and You)
Getting ready to deck the halls? Decorate your mantel with a few stockings by Barrington resident Jen Hapwood’s company, My Perennial.…