THOROUGHLY MODERN The Art Institute’s new shop is just as cool as its new wing.
Chicago History Museum Store
(1601 N Clark St, 312-799-2262, chicagotogo.org)
Like any good museum gift shop, this one stocks a lot of merch inspired by its exhibits, including postcards and paper dolls from the recent “Chic Chicago” display. The reading area features hundreds of books about the city and its history.
Surprise find Yes, Lincoln is a big part of our Illinois history, but we didn’t expect to see such a large assortment of Abe paraphernalia, including busts, books and T-shirts commemorating the Gettysburg Address. Obama would love a shopping spree here. (Speaking of the President, we were also shocked not to find more Obama items; we saw only his autobiographies on the shelves.)
Favorite pick We’re big fans of the Teco Art pottery reproductions ($75–$175) by local group Prairie Arts, so it’s nice to see the items available here.
Local goods In addition to the Teco Art, the shop also stocks items inspired by local heroes Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. —Kevin Aeh
Field Museum Store
(1400 S Lake Shore Dr, 312-922-9410, store.fieldmuseum.org)
The fountain of inspiration for store buyer Jeri Webb is, in a phrase, globe-trotting. When traveling the world to find the merch that fills every shelf, crevice and nook in the museum’s store, Webb has a second aim—to help small communities that need a stimulus package of their own. The result is a constantly updated and wonderfully rich variety of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts. From a $4,000 antique dresser to $14 earrings adorned with delicate origami snowflakes, the store is a preview of the Field Museum—and no admission is required.
Surprise find We expected these in the wildlife exhibits, not the gift shop: a life-size plush buffalo by Hansa ($1,650) and wire-wrapped walrus-whisker earrings made in Alaska ($56).
Favorite picks A carved Alaskan treasure box ($74), a subtle woven scarf from India ($22), and a hand-painted Oaxacan owl statue in electric violet and bright azure that would make brilliant eye candy on any surface ($140)
Local goods Sue Rosengard’s cosmic earrings ($43–$52) and Kathy Frey’s sculptural wire jewelry represent the small contingent of local artists at the store—most are from abroad. —Emily Torem
MCA Store
(220 E Chicago Ave, 312-397-4000, mcachicagostore.org)
As you walk through the upstairs entrance of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s two-story gift shop, a PREPARE TO SHOP sign greets you. And that’s no joke. It’s almost impossible to walk out of here without spending some dough. After perusing cool merch, such as a variety of contemporary art books and DVDs, plastic Alessi watches and tons of home wares, we ended up buying a Mini Make-a-Sign kit ($10) and Hue Are U?—a color/personality game ($17).
Surprise find The sale section on the second floor is surprisingly well stocked, including scores such as a gently scratched copy of Todd Oldham’s epic Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life for nearly half off ($120). As for odd items, a purse made to look like a pet pug ($49) is up there.
Favorite pick You’ll have so many “I want that!” moments at this shop, but our must-haves are the fun Dunny toys sold in blind boxes ($7).
Local goods Featured items include Scrappy Nation dolls ($27–$75) by Sarah Steadman and jewelry made from recycled plastic bags ($60–$165) by Cydney Lewis. —Kevin Aeh
The Modern Shop
(159 E Monroe St, 312-443-3600, artinstituteshop.org)
The range of goods falls into three categories: those based on items in the Art Institute’s permanent collection or temporary exhibitions such as Yves Behar’s iconic leaf lamp ($399); wearable works and home accessories made by or in collaboration with School of the Art Institute of Chicago students and alumni; and award-winning design items from around the world. An extensive library of books on contemporary culture, design, photography and architecture tops it off. Not to mention, a separate kids’ shop full of games and educational material will appease the shorties.
Surprise find A Paul Klee painting reproduced on…a tie ($54)?
Favorite pick Too many to choose, but one we covet is Tia Kramer’s sterling silver jewelry accented with shards of colored paper ($48–$350). Steffen Schmelling’s soup ladle for EGO ($120) ain’t bad either.
Local goods Tons of ’em. Find everything from lightweight porcelain bold pendants and pins by Helen Maria Nugent to umbrellas, scarves and erasers featuring prints designed by SAIC students. —Jessica Herman
The Spertus Shop
(618 S Michigan Ave, 312-322-1740, bariff.org)In addition to housing an eclectic selection of toys for tots à la the Moses action figure, books (from Jewish cookbooks to a Chagall-illustrated Bible) and artful Jewish paraphernalia, including mezuzahs, menorahs and ceramic-painted seder plates, the shop showcases about two dozen jewelry designers, including a strong Israeli contingent.
Surprise find Jonathan Adler’s (we know he’s Jewish, but what’s the Tribe’s connection to his pottery?) ceramic vases, figurines and lamps ($50–$250)
Favorite picks Michael Aram’s organic-looking tabletop accessories ($39–$200)
Local goods Silly Kosher Ham T-shirts with sayings like “I put the syn in synagogue” and handmade sterling silver and gold jewelry by Ali Pesche, such as the semiprecious stone-adorned dream-catcher pendant—Jessica Herman
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