Jerseys, candy and LEGOs, oh my!

Looking for that perfect stocking stuffer to complete your shopping excursion? We’ve got you covered at The Shops at North Bridge

By Megan Green

When I was a kid, my mother always used to give me a protractor each Christmas in my stocking. While I didn’t really enjoy the yearly math tool, I always knew she meant well.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that count. This is often true with presents. Stocking stuffers are a great and usually inexpensive way to add on fun, interesting or useful Christmas gifts.

Many stores around Chicago have items that make wonderful and thoughtful stocking stuffers. And thankfully, most of these shops don’t have anything to do with protractors.

The Shops at North Bridge, located at 520 N. Michigan Ave., is a good place to find dozens of stores selling a variety of products, many of which can make the perfect stocking stuffer. This large selection of shops also makes it so you don’t have to venture back into that frigid Chicago winter too quickly.

Candyality
The Shops at North Bridge — Third Floor
(312) 527-1010 www.Candyality.com
Candy is certainly a crowd pleaser: It doesn’t take up much room, it isn’t too expensive and it’s hard to find someone who can abstain from it with any regularity. Candyality, located on the third level of North Bridge, has a big selection of treats to satisfy any sweet tooth. According to owner Terese McDonald, Candyality’s mission is to “connect candy choices to people’s personalities.” That is their “candyality.” This store has jellybeans, gummies in every shape and size (including “Bear Down” gummy bears), nostalgia candy and much more. There are even gift sets if you would like something pretty and pre-packaged. For those who are trying to avoid the sugar, Candyality also sells non-candy items like coffee mugs or plush Hershey’s Kisses.

Marbles: The Brain Store
55 E. Grand Ave., 4745 N. Lincoln and in Old Orchard Mall in suburban Skokie
(312) 494-7769 www.MarblesTheBrainStore.com
Located just outside of The Shops at North Bridge, this mentally stimulating store has gifts that can have a big effect on someone’s brain. Many items are also small enough to fit in a stocking. The store is divided into six main sections: Memory, Critical Thinking, Coordination, Visual Perception, Brain Fitness Software and Word Skills. Each of these sections exercises a different part of the brain, and each is filled with specific games, books and software designed to target a person’s individual brain needs. Marbles has gifts at a variety of price points. It also has games, books and software for various ages and skill levels.

Sanrio
The Shops at North Bridge — Third Floor
(312) 644-9783
www.Sanrio.com
Sanrio is known for its fun accessories, school supplies and apparel. Originating in Japan in 1974, this store (originally called “Hello Kitty)” has an abundance of cute characters like Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Badtz-Maru and many others adorning everything. Sanrio has items ranging from $1 to hundreds of dollars. In other words, you could find a cute and inexpensive change purse and then treat yourself to a Hello Kitty diamond watch. From pencils to messenger bags to jewelry, this shop has a little (or big) something for everyone.

Chicago Sports
The Shops at North Bridge — Third Floor
(312) 923-9868
If you know someone who would rather spend their time rooting on the city’s sports teams than doing just about anything else, Chicago Sports is the ideal place to find a gift for them, with hundreds of products showcasing the numerous sports teams that have earned our affection. Grab a Bears hat, a Cubs bat or White Sox jersey, whatever will make the sports fan in your life happy on Christmas morning. Chicago Sports has items big and small, so the prices run across a large spectrum. Give your loved ones the chance to show their pride — whether it’s at the stadium, the bar or on the couch.

Lego Store
The Shops at North Bridge — Third Floor
(312) 494-0760
www.Lego.com
Good things come in small packages. That is the lesson the folks at LEGO have taught America for over 70 years. They continue this tradition by inspiring gift givers to make these small, stackable blocks a part of their holiday season. This store, on the third level of North Bridge, is one of the focal points of the mall. Not only does LEGO have a large store selling these perfect stocking stuffers for adults and children, but it also has LEGO sculptures throughout the complex. These sculptures offer photo opportunities and building inspiration for tourists and locals alike. Check out the large selection of LEGO kits and pre-assembled items, and don’t forget to venture to the back of the store, where you can fill up a bucket with different LEGO pieces to make your own creation.

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