Mother's Day is Coming . . . Top 10 Chicago Shopping Destinations

From the Jayson reminder email that has me panicked.

I'm getting lots of emails today from stores having Mother's Day sales. This is coming kind of early, I thought upon scanning the email. Then it dawned in me; Oh crap, where was this last week when I really needed it?

Yes, Mother's Day is Sunday, so be sure to call or better yet, visit. And don't forget to bring a gift.

My mom's personality is more flour than flower, which means great cookies for me but also more thinking and creativity when it comes to gifts for her (and thinking is hard). So here are 10 stores that might help other slackers to meet the Mother's Day deadline:

1.) Jayson Home & Garden in Lincoln Park.
Jayson has a fantastic floral department and some of the best accessories in Chicago. Read my coverage of their recent European Flea Market here.
(And speaking of Jayson, look for my interview with Creative Director, Caroline Scheeler, soon.)


Jayson Home & Garden

2.) Edgewater's Blue Hydrangea.
This amazing flower shop, coupled with Pause Coffee, has taken a formerly derelict strip of Berwyn and made it downright European. Dan, the owner, is an artist, so I tell him how much I want to spend and then trust him to throw a little paint. I'm always surprised and the recipient, delighted. Read my review here.



3.) Andersonville's Scout.
When my mom visited Chicago last year, all she talked about was seeing Nate Berkus. I tried to explain the whole 3 million people concept, but she was undeterred. So I was shocked when we ran into him looking for the perfect accessory at Scout. And that, my friends, is the the Mother's Day gift that keeps on giving; if Nate's not there (remember, 3 million people), you'll find a more than suitable alternative gift. I'm writing my Scout review now, but don't wait for it. If you haven't been yet, go NOW.

4.) Zella Brown (online or in Wicker Park).
Zella Brown has a fantastic mix of items and something for every budget. More on Zella Brown in a future review, but in the meantime, stop in or check out their excellent website.

5.) Mecox Gardens (online or in River North).
Mecox has a huge selection of design books and unusual accessories that you won't see everywhere. If you're splurging, check out the stuffed leather animal foot stools - the perfect accessory and my favorite item in the store. Mom will approve and dad will like it too. My review, here, has more photos and details.


Mecox Gardens.

6.) Two Sided (and sister store, Four Sided) in Lakeview and Andersonville.
Two Sided offer a wide variety of unique gifts and cards that won't break the bank. I never leave without buying something. For more, click here.

7.) Praha in Lincoln Square.
This store is like a real-world application mash-up, offering many different styles, time periods and accessories - it's always a fun way to spend an afternoon. Todd and David are awesome and there's literally something for everybody, whether you're looking for a candle, interesting curiosity or a high-end sofa. Take a look at the store in my review here.

8.) Golden Triangle in River North.
Buy Mom something stunning and find inner peace in the process - this is literally one of the most amazing spaces in Chicago. Go there to buy, but if not, just . . . be. Read my review here.


Golden Triangle

9.) Haus in Andersonville.
Buy your mom something unique, hand-crafted and beautiful. Owner, Greg Steffen's dream is to help local artisans make a living doing what they love - and as the Barefoot Contessa might ask, "How cool is that?" This shop is amazing (check out the beautiful hand-blown glass lamps which will elevate any room from ordinary to extraordinary). For more information, read my review here.



10.) Etsy and Vitamin (D)esign.
And tied for 10 are a couple online options for you desk jockeys. Etsy can be a bit overwhelming, but it offers a number of interesting options by artists. Vitamin (D)esign is another good choice for quirky finds.

What did I miss?