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Best Stores To Shop For Mother's Day Gifts In Chicago

It's your turn to show mother how much she means to you, which does not mean buying a single wilting rose and a taquito from 7-Eleven. Make her smile knowing she raised a decent, thoughtful kid by spending some time in these fine shops searching for a special trinket.
Stitch
1937 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 782-1570
www.stitchchicago.com

Stitch offers distinctive jewelry, like necklaces from a local artist, that are eclectic and affordable; fabulous purses, including a line from Brooklyn that features perforated leather and horsehair tassels and clutches called "Mighty Purses," which have battery packs inside them that charge an i-phone. Expect to see beautiful, light spring scarves from various designers. "For the mother who loves a glass of wine, we have a gorgeous carafe from Sagaform for $48 and wine pearls (to quickly chill a glass of white wine) for $30. There's also a dining set from a French company that stacks together to form an urn, that is incredibly unique," manager Matthew Sherbach says.

Verdant Matter
1152 W. 18th St.
Chicago, IL 60608
verdantmatter.blogspot.com

The Pilsen shop, Verdant Matter, stocks cool cacti, awesome air plants, hanging vegetation thick with flowers and garden and growing accouterments that are handmade and local. Plus, prices are reasonable. Choose among planters, accessories and gifts like lip balms and body scrubs, or stop by on the second Friday of each month for pop-up shops in the space featuring items handmade by local artisans.

Squasht Boutique
2556 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 292-4123
squashtboutique.com

Squasht Boutique in Ukrainian Village is a store filled with apparel and gifts made by dozens of independent designers. Owner Lesley Timpe hand selects the coolest work of many local independent designers, as well as those from the West Coast with a few surprises in between. Celebrating its six year anniversary, Squasht Boutique is known as one of Chicago's best hidden gems for finding unique, high quality, handmade jewelry and apparel. For Mother's Day, Timpe likes the Molecule Necklace by Michelle Starbuck Designs ($36), Sterling Silver Bar Post Earrings by Juliet Jewelry for $54 and a multi-wear sari shawl by FU Clothing for $70. "Made from upcycled, knitted strands from silk Indian saris, this spring-weight wrap can be buttoned up a multitude of ways," says Timpe.

Related: Best Garden Centers In Chicago

Mario Tricoci Salon & Spa
900 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(847) 202-1900
www.tricoci.com

Mom will not be disappointed in a treatment of any sort courtesy of the experts at the Chicago-based chain of salons and spas. She will love the new Tuscan pear and olive massage or mani-pedi which will make her skin feel as soft as butter. The scent of fresh olive fields and crisp pear notes add to the sensory experience while her knots are kneaded away or the callouses are calmed. Tricoci offers facials, hair cuts and color, nail services, waxing and body treatments at a dozen locations in the Chicagoland area, from Crystal Lake to Michigan Avenue. A gift certificate allows her to choose whatever service will best please her paws or mend her mind.

Virtu Chicago
2035 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 235-3790
www.virtuchicago.com

Virtu Chicago has such a wide range of lovely treasures; you can't miss getting a memorable Mother's Day present. Browse artist designed jewelry, Beth Mueller vases, Modern Sprout herb kits, soft scarves printed by a series of designers on 100% cotton and many other one-of-a-kind and limited edition items. Celebrating 15 years as an independent local business in Bucktown, the gift boutique also offers a large selection of stationery and greeting cards. "As much as I like to offer luxurious items that mom might never pick up for herself," explains owner Julie Horowitz Jackson, "I also like to suggest consumable things like a year's worth of stationery. It's something she needs but would never go out and buy for herself."

Related: Best Shopping In Chicago's West Town

Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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