1. Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash and Lotion from The Gent’s Place (Deer Park): Adventurous. Confident. Iconic. Wash $32; Lotion $15.
2. White gold diamond ring contains 78 round brilliant diamonds at Timothy Grant Jewelry (Lake Zurich & Schaumburg): Total diamond weight is 1.85 carats. $7123.
3. Give the gift of better-than-organic from Milk & Honey Farmstead (Wauconda), featuring a wide variety of products raised on the farm or sourced from other local organic providers.
4. Life is easier for someone close to you with the gift of home automation from ECO Automated Designs (Mundelein): the Ring X Line Video Doorbell ($499) is professional grade, flush mounted and includes Lifetime Basic monitoring plan.
5. OM4 Organic Male, from 18 l 8 Fine Men’s Salon (Barrington), is the first skin-type and condition-specific professional men’s line in the US: Voted American Spa’s Best for Men. $38—$58.
6. In Lake Zurich, owners Bob and Sunny Kryscha of ZIN Gastro Pub serve fresh, farm-to-table goodness 6 days a week. Give a ZIN gift certificate to the discerning diner on your list.
7. Crown Shaving products are for men who appreciate the art of a close shave from 18 l 8 Fine Men’s Salon: Barber-approved for the man who wants the best. $20—$24.
8. Control 4 Neeo Universal Remote from ECO Automated Designs ($600) integrates control of audio, video, media, lighting and more with touchscreen display and stylish design.
9. Give the swinging life of dance to your favorite partner. Fred Astaire Dance Studio (Long Grove) offers a great package to trip the light fantastic: four private and four group lessons. $360.
10. You have to see Acosta’s Home (Lake Zurich) to believe it. Browse upstairs in room-after-room of gift items perfect for the home cook, a favorite guy, the family pet and more.
11. Truefitt & Hill Sandalwood products at The Gent’s Place are modern and sophisticated classics. Cologne $85, Shaving balm $56 and Shave Cream $35.
12. Blue topaz suite in 14k white gold with topaz and diamond accents from Timothy Grant Jewelry: Pendant is $2,178; earrings $2,727.
13. From Avalon Salons (Lake Zurich & Crystal Lake), a holiday favorite is the Aveda hand relief trio with three aromas: calming Shampure, invigorating Rosemary Mint and Sweet Cherry Almond, just $24.
14. In Wauconda, Threads has the Sea Lily collection of upcycled piano wire and fresh water pearls: linked necklace ($60) bracelets ($34), and wrap bracelets ($20).
15. Made in America leather wireless recliner exclusively at LRS Interiors (Lake Zurich). Place it anywhere since it’s powered by a rechargeable battery pack ($6600). Stop in for holiday discounts.
16. On the second floor of Acosta’s Home there’s a candlecopia with hundreds of options, including Swan Creek, 100% American Made Soy Wax with intense fragrances.
17. Win the holidays for everyone on your list with luxurious gifts of self-care from Avalon Salons. Buy a $125 gift card & they’ll bump it to $150, plus a chance to win a free spa day.
18. Accent your home from the wide selection of one-of-a-kind accessories from LRS Interiors, including hand-wrapped books with clever quotes ($60 each) and handblown paperweights ($95—$275) from a local artisan. Stop in to find seasonally priced specials.
19. Threads keeps hands warm with handmade Wooly Mittens and More, made locally from upcycled sweaters ($42). And: cute Holiday Elves ($8), also made with upcycled fabrics.
