As you shop for the holidays this year, merchants in Barrington are requesting that we consider how important local shoppers are to the success of their businesses. Because we want to support Barrington’s retailers this holiday season, we’re hitting the streets to talk to the merchants themselves about some of the great gifts you’ll find in their stores right here in Barrington. Be sure to check back frequently as we’ll regularly be updating our list over the next month with new and local gift ideas.
Notice Accessories
202 S. Cook St – Barrington, IL
224-655-2085
Notice-This.com
The owners at Notice Accessories in Barrington say color-blocked felt totes from German designers 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. They also have Gräf & Lantz coasters made with the same 5mm-thick wool felt used on their bags. Combine a set of two coasters ($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.
CLICK HERE for more gift ideas from Notice…
Carol & Company
121 Barrington Commons Ct, Suite B – Barrington, IL
224-655-2603
carolandcompany.com
Carol and Company sells a carefully curated mix of customizable jewelry and a fun range of home accessories.
Their Lenny and Eva jewelry is one of owner Ruth Grigson’s favorite lines because you can choose a saying, a cuff or bracelet, and a charm — which combine to create a one-of-a-kind piece. They’re a great way to commemorate a rite of passage, or celebrate an accomplishment.
Carol & Co. also features a charm bar where you can create your own custom bracelets plus home accents and sweet gifts for young girls like felt hair accessories and jewelry.
CLICK HERE for more gift ideas from Carol & Co…
Portraits by Thomas
25920 West Tara Drive – Barrington, IL
847-487-7710
www.portraitsbythomas.com
Barrington portrait photographer Thomas Balsamo recommends the gift of portraiture for the holidays. Portraits that capture the personality of your loved ones are priceless and you can purchase photo sessions with Thomas to give as gifts that will last a lifetime.
Thomas’ specialty is classic portraiture and he only creates pieces with a Giclée finish, with carbon-based ink on the finest watercolor paper. “Because the image is timeless, it’s a piece of art that people can keep up forever on their wall and they’ll never take it down because they’ll never get tired of it.”
CLICK HERE for more about Portraits by Thomas…
TT Patton
123 E. Station Street – Barrington, IL
847-277-0073
TTPatton.com
Journals, pens and writing accessories are among TT Patton owner, Theresa Patton’s favorite gift ideas and she says her thINK pens are a shopper favorite. They are available in more than 100 different styles and come in a great keepsake box.
She also recommends glass pieces from John Derian, a line of decoupage paperweights and trays created with vintage elements in a wide array of shapes and designs.
For a student or a devoted writer, Theresa says you can’t go wrong with a personalized Graphic Image leather notebook or journal paired with a fun pen.
CLICK HERE for more gift ideas from TT Patton…
Heinen’s Grocery Store
500 N. Hough Street – Barrington, IL
847-381-1332
If you’re looking for delicious presents to give as hostess gifts or to the food lovers on your list, be sure to head over to Heinen’s Fine Foods in Barrington. You’ll find a fun selection of holiday themed cakes, Yule Logs, cookies, pastries and more in Heinen’s Bakery. In their produce department, they offer beautifully wrapped gift baskets which they will customize and create with your choice of the most beautiful produce you find in the store. They also have party nut trays, the always-popular Two Brothers French Truffles, exquisite cheeses and an excellent selection of champagnes, wines and beers perfect for holiday enjoyment. If you’re in a hurry, grab a stunning floral arrangement to-go for an instant gift.
CLICK HERE for more gift ideas from Heinen’s…
Verizon Wireless
106-C N. Northwest Highway – Barrington, IL
847-852-7050
WirelessZone.com/BarringtonIL
Be sure to stop by Verizon Wireless in Barrington to find a great selection of gifts for the gadget lovers on your list.
Owner Mike Drelicharz says you’ll find the full range of Android phones, all of the Apple devices, headsets, speakers, devices for golf lovers, pet lovers, music lovers, toys for kids and more.
Plus, they’re running a special “Buy One, Get One” promotion. If you buy one Samsung Galaxy S III Mini for $50 with a $50 rebate, you’ll get a second one for free.
CLICK HERE for more gift ideas from Verizon Wireless…
Phillips Men’s Wear
100 E. Station Street – Barrington, IL
847-381-1282
phillipsmenswear.com
When it comes to shopping for the men in your life, Phillips Men’s Wear owner, Peter Yankala is a fashionably fabulous Barrington resource.
“Top sellers for the holidays are always things that can be used right away so luxury sweaters and zip necks are huge and we have a lot of interest now in woolen outer wear again including jackets that are just a little more updated and items you can wear into the city and out socially, not just to work.
If there’s a trend anywhere, it’s the ‘skinny look’ or all things slim or all things abbreviated and cropped. But there’s also an interest in luxury fabrics.”
