Where to Find Unique Holiday Gifts for Teenagers in Chicago

The holiday season is quickly approaching. We all aim to find that perfect gift for the ones we love, but shopping for teenagers has become increasingly difficult. Its very easy to settle for the same old thing: clothes, video games, DVD's and so on, but for those of you who are looking to think outside the box a bit this holiday season can benefit from the list below. I'll briefly overview 5 stores in the Chicago area that will give you a bunch of unique gift ideas for any teenager.

Powell's Books

If you've got an avid reader on your hands, then Powell's Books is the place for you. Located in downtown Chicago, Powell's has an assortment of books including new, used, textbooks and technical books along with children's books and DVD's. But what's special about Powell's Books is their Rare Book room. If your teen is a serious reader who is into the classics, then you can find a fantastic gift that they'll remember for years. In Powell's Books rare book room you'll find works from authors such as Blake, Bronte, Dickens, Frost and many many more. If you're looking for a truly unique gift, Powell's Books can help you find exactly what you're looking for.

Contact Info:
Powell's Books
1501 E 57th St
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 955-7780
www.powells.com

Des Plaines Hobbies

Many boys (and girls), when they are younger, dream about growing up to be train conductors. Their rooms are littered with toy trains and all they can think about are the choo choo's! As they grow up, most tend to grow out of the train phase. If you've got a teen that used to be a train fanatic, think about a gift from Des Plaines Hobbies. Des Plaines Hobbies, located in Des Plaines, IL is 'the' spot for all your train needs. Model trains are a great way to keep teens interested in trains. They are also a great tool to teach teens about building large scale models. Des Plaines Hobbies has tons of other hobby items as well, but if you are looking for trains, this is the place to go.

Contact Info:
Des Plaines Hobbies
1468 Lee St
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 297-2118
www.desplaineshobbies.com
Hours of Operation
Tu - W ~ 10am - 6pm
Saturday ~ 9:30am - 5pm
Sunday ~ 11am - 5pm

Old Town Aquarium

Many times parents will use pets as a way to teach children responsibility. The same can work for teens, but if you are looking for a unique gift, teach them responsibility with flare! At Old Town Aquarium in Chicago, IL, you can get your favorite team an underwater world all of their own. Old Town Aquarium has a wide array of saltwater fish as well as corals and invertebrates, all which are very interesting to look at and take care of. Salt water tanks require a larger responsibility than fresh water tanks; therefore your teen can take on the responsibility of keeping this wondrous world fresh and clean. Old Town Aquarium also carries fresh water fish and plants as well as a wide array of aquarium systems. They have everything you need to get you started. Let your teen create a beautiful underwater world this holiday season at Old Town Aquarium.

Contact Info:
Old Town Aquarium
1538 N Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 642-8763
www.oldtownaquarium.com
Hours of Operation:
M, W, F ~ 12pm - 7pm
Tue, Th ~ 12pm - 8pm
Sat ~ 11am - 6pm
Sun ~ 12pm - 6pm

The Chopping Block

If you're teen has expressed interest in cooking, The Chopping Block in Chicago, IL is the perfect place to shop. Stop in and save on fantastic kitchenware. Start your teen off with the basics they'll need to get started. Along with the gift, sign them up for classes. Your teen can take initiative and attend classes to learn new recipes and new cooking techniques. For a budding cook, taking cooking classes are great way to get experience in the kitchen. Combining kitchenware with classes is an excellent way to get your teen going. The Chopping Block also offers private events, recipes and more. For anyone interested in cooking, the chopping block is the place to go.

Contact Info:
The Chopping Block
4747 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
773.472.6700
www.thechoppingblock.net
Hours of Operation:
M - F ~ 10am - 7pm
Sat ~ 10am - 6pm

Century Pens

Teens go through a lot as they grow up. Many search for ways to vent their angst and frustration and end up releasing their built up tension by writing. With the technological age, most teens are blogging or keeping an online diary, but at Century Pens, located in Chicago, IL, you can give your teens the options of writing on paper. Century Pens carries many different styles and designs of pens. Many designers are displayed at Century Pens, giving any buyer a plethora of options to choose from. Pens are very important to writers, so this unique gift will mean a lot to any aspiring writer. Century Pens also sells many different inks as well as pen boxes and displays, but their pens are a truly unique way to show you care.

Contact Info:
Century Pens
231 South LaSalle St
Chicago, IL 60604
312.251.1090
www.centurypenschicago.com
Hours of Operation:
M - F ~ 9:03am - 5:30pm

These are just a few places in Chicago where you can find great gifts that you're teens are sure to love! There are many other stores in the greater Chicago area that will also help you to think outside the box when doing your teenage holiday shopping this season. Enjoy shopping and enjoy the season!