Chicago Holiday Shopping Ticker: Unique Finds and Sure Favorites

Pivot, an eco-boutique, shines its first holiday show, A Smarter Season, on Tuesday, Nov 27 from 6p to 9p at 1101 W. Fulton Market. (312)243-4754. Then, on Saturday, Dec 1 from 11a to 5p, get a glimpse of Chicago's solar purse fashion company, Noon Solar, during their trunk show at Pivot. Yes, solar purses, like those in the image at right, that charge your PDA's like cell phones and I-pods while you're ordering a latte.

Crafted: The Hand-Made Market of Exquisite and Curious Things will take place on Saturday, Nov 24 from 10a - 4p at the Wrigleyville Goose Island Pub, 3535 N. Clark Street. Free admission. Why, their advertisement asks? Because, they say, hand-made is better.

A Fair Trade Holiday Bazaar featuring Ten Thousand Villages will be held at Bethany UCC at 4250 N. Paulina. (773)472-0729. The Bazaar runs from 6p to 8p on Fridays & Saturdays Dec 2/3, 9/10, and Friday the 16th. It will run from noon to 3p on Sundays, December 4 and 11.

The 2nd Annual Renegrade Craft Fair Holiday Sale will run on Saturday, Dec 8 and Sunday, Dec 9 from noon to 8p at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1434 W. Blackhawk. More than 100 crafty vendors of every stripe are expected.

Apple is in the eye of many beholders this holiday season. Maybe that's why their shopping event is going to last one day, this Friday, November 23. Click here for more information about specials and event details for the Apple store at 679 N. Michigan, to shop online, or to find other Apple outlets.

Take a shopping tour to locally-owned gift stores with SeeMoreShopping.com Chicago on Sat, Dec 15 from 11a to 3p. The bus leaves the Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington in Chicago, and will take you to local stores to finish off your list. $45. Make reservations here.

The 20th Annual Cornelia Arts Holiday Show will feature more than 40 Chicago area artists specializing in everything from jewelry to fiber arts to photography. Friday, Nov 30 from 6p-9p. Saturday, Dec 1 and Sunday, Dec 2 from 11a to 5p. 1800 West Cornelia (on the west side of the tracks.)

Chicago painter Nancie King Mertz, who has won accolades ranging from Chicago's Artist of the Year to Entrepreneur of the Year, features a variety of personalized holiday cards (and other items) at her store, Art de Triumph, at 2936-38 N. Clark and online here. (In the interest of full disclosure, she's also a friend of mine.)

Local fashion designer favorite Robin Richman celebrates her 10th anniversary and features 25% off all her fall merchandise beginning this Friday, Nov 30 from 11a - 9p. The sale extends through the weekend at her store on 2108 N. Damen. (773)278-6150.

Photo © Noon Solar