Where to Find Unique Gifts for Teenagers in Barrington, Illinois

Are you counting the days? The holidays are approaching rapidly and I am certain most people's Christmas lists are getting longer and longer. If you are like me, you probably have not even bought wrapping paper yet, let alone any gifts. If the physical act of purchasing gifts is not stressful enough, then add in purchasing a gift for your teen. Teenagers are never at a loss for gift ideas, but they usually come with an expensive price tag. What is a shopper to do?

If you live in the Barrington, Illinois area there are plenty of economical and unique choices for your teens. Here is just a sampling of some of the area shops that have perfect teen gifts.

Soak, located in the Ice House Mall, has a wide range of items that are appealing to the teenage girl. Soak sells bath and body products that are a little different from the typical bath and body products you would find at the national store chains. For instance, the bath confetti they have comes in a variety of designs and scents and starting at just $2.50 they make great stocking stuffers. Another hit with Soak's teenage shoppers - the body butters. These products contain Shea Butter, Avocado & Macadamia Nut Oil, Vitamins A, C, D & E, and Aloe Vera Gel and are the perfect way to keep your teen's skin hydrated and smelling good. You can also create your own personalized gifts by filling tubes with your own combinations of bath salts and confetti. Soak is located at 200 Applebee St, Barrington, IL 60010. Their phone number is: (847) 277-2007. Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., are 9:30am - 5:30pm; Thursday, 9:30am - 7:00pm and Sun., 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Website: www.shopsoak.com

What about the teenage boy? Well, Pac Sun has a large assortment of hoodies. Hoodies are the ultimate in warmth and comfort and Pac Sun has an unbelievable amount of hoodies in all sorts of colors. Some of these colors can be a little psychedelic and out there, but that's what makes them appealing to everyone. You can find these hoodies starting at $39.50 and if you do not see what you like in the store you can also go online to their website. Pac Sun is located at Deer Park Town Center. Their phone number is: (847) 438-2636. Hours: Mon-Fri., 10:00am - 9:00am, Sat., 9:00am-9:00pm and Sun., 11:00am - 6:00pm. Website: www.pacsun.com

Is your teen an iPod addict? The Apple Store offers an extensive collection of iPod accessories. The Belkin Sport Armband Plus for iPod classic is one accessory that is perfect for any teenager who is on the go. This armband comes in blue and works with the iPod classic. The $29.95 price tag makes it affordable and if you have a track star in your house, he or she will love listening to their tunes while they practice knowing that their iPod is safely secured on their wrist. The Apple Store is located at Deer Park Town Center. Their phone number is: (847) 847-0400. Hours: Mon-Fri., 10:00am - 9:00am, Sat., 9:00am-9:00pm and Sun., 11:00am - 6:00pm. Website: www.apple.com

Another popular gift for teenage girls - candles. Everyone loves the scents and the warmth that candles bring to a room, but when you are dealing with the teenage population (who rarely stay in one room for more than a few minutes) you may be leery of the potential for unintentional fires. Pier 1 Imports has the perfect solution - Holiday Reed Diffusers. These products use reeds that are inserted into a bottle of scented oil. The oil is absorbed by the reeds and released into the air. They have the same affect as a candle without the flame. The Holiday Reed Diffusers come in pretty holiday jars embossed with holiday words like: Twinkling and Jingle. They are great stocking stuffers and only $15. Pier 1 Imports is located at Deer Park Town Center. Their phone number is: (847) 438-6050. Hours: Mon-Fri., 10:00am - 9:00am, Sat., 9:00am-9:00pm and Sun., 11:00am - 6:00pm. Website: www.pier1.com

My last suggestion is truly unique, especially in the age of text messaging and internet blogging. However, a special gift for your introspective teen can be found at Barnes and Noble. Journals are wonderful gifts to give your teens so they can record the momentous as well as the mundane events in their lives. An interesting twist on this idea is a journal entitled The Book of Myself, A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions. This is a gift that will stay with your teen well into adulthood and provide them with the opportunity to examine their lives as they age. If you cannot find this item in the Barnes and Noble store, it can be ordered online. Barnes and Noble is located at Deer Park Town Center. Their phone number is: (847) 438-7444. Hours: Mon-Fri., 10:00am - 9:00am, Sat., 9:00am-9:00pm and Sun., 11:00am - 6:00pm. Website: www.bn.com

With a bit of luck, these suggestions will get you on the path to starting your holiday shopping adventure. If you are still at a loss for ideas - well, you have about 23 days to come up with something. Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!