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Best Places To Buy Gifts For Grads In Chicago

By Angela Hazen

High school and college graduates differ in age, gender and background, but they all have something in common…big dreams! Maybe you can't make them all come true, but you can reward them for all of their hard work. A great gift from a local store will always do the trick. If you can find out their wish list ahead of time, you may make it a lot easier on yourself. But even if you are out of time, just rely on the customer service at some of these local stores to give you some tips. Your favorite grads will certainly appreciate your efforts.

ABT
(Credit: abt.com)

Abt Electronics
1200 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 967-8830
www.abt.com

Has your grad been using the same hand-me-down computer from high school? Or is he/she still trying to make do downloading songs on an  outdated MP3 player? Give him or her an upgrade by getting a new computer from Abt Electronics in Glenview. Not only does it have new laptops and PCs, it has almost every type of equipment that your grad could want like iPods, stereo equipment and GPS systems. Make your grad feel appreciated with a new hi-tech gift from Abt.

Steve Quick Jeweler
2471 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 404-0034
www.stevequickjeweler.com

Your grad has grown up a lot, but he/she may still be wearing the bead jewelry and mood rings from high school. Why not move them up a little by getting them a piece of real jewelry? Try Steve Quick Jeweler on Clark to find something very nice for your grad, like diamond studs or a nice watch. Give your grad gifts to impress at Steve Quick Jeweler and they may finally put away those old friendship bracelets for good.

Related: Best Places For Ear Piercings In Chicago

future garb
(Credit: futurgarb.com)

Futurgarb
1359 W. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 276-1450
www.futurgarb.com

Even though your grad may have grown up some, he or she may still have the same styles of clothing from years past. Help them out some by getting fresh new clothes from Futurgarb, a store that caters to women and men. The clothes are still young and fun, but more stylish for your more mature grad. Even if they are not ready to get rid of their favorite jeans and T-Shirts, they are sure to find complementary clothing and accessories that will give their favorite clothes a new look.

Shred Shop
3801 W. Oakton St.
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 679-3060
www.shredshop.com

Grads have worked hard and have a earned a break. They will be ready for the summer with some outdoor gear. If they love or would like to take up outdoor sports like skateboarding or snowboarding, get them something from the Shred Shop on Oakton. This store has items for both men and women, as well as clothing styles that they might love wearing both winter and summer. With Shred Shop clothing and gear, your grad will be ready for a day at the beach or the slopes.

Signature Room at the 95th Floor
875 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-9596
www.signatureroom.com

Treat your grad to an elegant meal in downtown Chicago at the Signature Room. This restaurant's incredible views of Chicago, both day and night, bring in tourists and locals all year round. Go in for lunch, brunch or dinner and you and your grad will be pleased at the food and the service. Give a gift of a great meal at the Signature Room and your grad will remember it for years.

Angela Hazen lives in Oak Park, IL. She has worked as a model in Chicago and studied broadcast journalism at Columbia College Chicago. She has traveled to Europe on several occasions, and keeps her readers up to date with local and international style, shopping, fashion and beauty trends. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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