Sunday, November 27, 2022 || By Community Editors || @maywoodnews
Do your Christmas shopping at local businesses this year. Village Free Press compiled a list of holiday gift ideas from retailers in the Proviso Township area, many of which we’ve covered in the pages of our newspaper.
If you have some exciting gift ideas you’d like us to consider adding to the list, email them to [email protected]. Please remember to include the item price, a description of the item, the name of the retailer, and the store’s contact information. See last year’s Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide here.
F A S H I O N
A handmade earring, necklace and bracelet set from CYC Creations. | Facebook
CYC Creations
Cathy Y. Cook, a Broadview resident who owns CYC Jewelry Creations, has made handcrafted beaded jewelry for nearly 15 years.
“I order beads online. I go to bead shops. I go everywhere I can find beads,” she said. “Whether I’m in or out of town, wherever I go I want to see where the bead shop is. I like to make things that are unique and that nobody else will see.”
Cook’s memory wire bracelet and earrings stand out, along with were Black History-inspired beaded jewelry. For pricing and availability, call (708) 310-1735 or email [email protected]. Facebook.
Mararey Designs
Berkeley artisan Maria Ramos’ stunning handcrafted jewelry, infinity scarves, hats and crochet neck warmers make perfect design complements. Some of her most stunning pieces include a beaded necklace made of bright tropical Robles wood ($69) and the crochet hat and scarf sets ($28-$40).
Order online at marareydesigns.com.
A custom-made Derby Dress Hat by Bellwood-based Stratton Hats. | Stratton Hats
Stratton Hats
There’s a chance you’ve seen Stratton Hats handiwork without knowing it. The Bellwood-based company is the largest supplier of uniform hats — worn by everybody from National Park Service employees to sheriff’s officers and correctional guards — in the country.
But just because the hats are worn by law enforcement doesn’t mean they’re off-guards to the public. Treat the hat enthusiast in your family to a Stratton. Some eye-catching features include the Derby Dress Hat and the Tear Drop Dress Hat ($293.10-$303.10). Note that the hats are all custom-made and may take a few months to ship.
Order online at strattonhats.com/
A set of earrings made by Mystic Sisters Jewelry. | Mystic Sisters Jewelry
Mystic Sisters Jewelry
Mystic Sisters Jewelry, based in Westchester, offers handcrafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other artisanal products. This holiday, consider the earrings reminiscent of Christmas staples like snowflakes and poinsettia plants. For prices and availability, call (630) 240-3862 or email [email protected]. Facebook.
The Snag the Fairy Tale Feather Dress sold by Say Cute Women’s Fashion & Apparel in Maywood. | Say Cute Women’s Fashion & Apparel
Say Cute Women’s Fashion & Apparel
For the fashionista in the family, 617 Roosevelt Rd. in Maywood, carries a range of women’s dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, tops, bottoms and more. Snag the Fairy Tale Feather Dress ($54.99) to get a leg-up on your wardrobe prep for the upcoming spring and summer. And the Sasha Fierce Skirt Set ($27.99) is ready to accompany you on your next warm climate vacation.
Shop online or visit the store. More information at www.saycutebycheyennemarie.com/. Facebook. Instagram.
The dashiki print button-up long-sleeve dress shirt for men and the African wrap dress with bell sleeves for women sold by Suit Plus More Boutique in Hillside. | Suit Plus More Boutique
Suit Plus More Boutique
Black History Month is right around the corner, so why not prepare before the holiday season ends? Suit Plus More Boutique, 4219 Butterfield Rd. (Suite 1a) in Hillside, offers perhaps the most comprehensive selection of church attire and clothing made of kente fabric in Proviso Township. There is something for men and women – from the brilliant dashiki print button-up long-sleeve dress shirt ($89.99) to the African wrap dress with bell sleeves ($129.99).
Shop in-store or online at suitplusmorefashion.com/. Facebook. Instagram.
H O M E & B E A U T Y
A holiday gift set by Poofy Organics, which is sold by Berkeley resident Angela Sevcik. | Poofy Organics
Angela Sevcik for Poofy Organics
If you’re looking for non-toxic, USDA-certified organic products like soap, lotion, deodorant, all-purpose cleaner and candles consider Poofy Organics. Berkeley resident Angela Sevcik not only sells the New Jersey-based company’s products — she also swears by them.
“There’s over 500 products. I actually started off using their deodorant, which is USDA Organic,” she said. “I couldn’t find any other organic deodorant that works, but this one works. I’ve been using it since I was pregnant with my first child eight years ago and was blown away by the company.”angelasevcik.poofyorganics.com
Try the company’s holiday gift sets, including the Holiday Cheer Home Set ($45), which features hand soap, all-purpose cleaner and lotion.
Order online at angelasevcik.poofyorganics.com/
Handmade natural soy and beeswax candles sold by Westchester-based Luxe Lyte Vibe Candle Co. | Luxe Lyte Vibe Candle Co.
Luxe Lyte Vibe Candle Co.
Scented candles often make great, simple gifts for loved ones, but if you want to buy candles that burn cleanly with fewer toxins than conventional store-bought ones, consider the handmade natural soy and beeswax candles sold by Westchester-based Luxe Lyte Vibe Candle Co.
For more info on pricing and availability, email [email protected]. Facebook.
The Pinecone Holiday Wreath sold by the Bird Nerd Cafe in Westchester. | Bird Nerd Cafe
The Bird Nerd Cafe
Tammy Hernandez, a Westchester resident and owner of the Bird Nerd Cafe, has become well-known for her custom birdseed wreaths and designs for wild birds.
“Our seeds are made with high-energy fruit and nuts,” Hernandez said. “They’re made with all-natural ingredients and come with a custom hanging ribbon and beautiful design. I also make custom cylinders for our woodpeckers and other high-energy birds.”
Consider purchasing Hernandez’s holiday wreaths ($22) for the bird-lover in the family. The wreaths include everything from pine cones to fruits to a range of nuts.
Order online at www.thebirdnerdcafe.com/ or call (773) 551-1539.
The Basket Full of Christmastime floral piece sold by Manny’s Flower Design in Northlake. | Manny’s Flower Design
Manny’s Flower Design
This holiday season, fill your home with fresh Christmas floral arrangements from Manny’s Flower Design, 42 North Ave. in Northlake. You can also send flowers as gifts to friends and loved ones. Of course, no holiday floral spread is complete without the classic poinsettia (from $58.95). Also consider Manny’s Gather ‘Round Centerpiece (from $62.95) which will put the finishing touch on any holiday dining table.
Shop in-store or order online at www.mannyflowers.com/. Facebook.
A R T
Artist Jesse Howard in front of two of his pieces hanging on the walls of his home studio in Maywood. | File
Jesse Howard
Maywood resident Jesse Howard may be the most prominent artist in the Proviso Township area, with a growing national profile based on his unique drawings depicting the lives of the urban disenfranchised and dispossessed. Howard’s art has been displayed at a range of prominent cultural institutions, including the Elmhurst Art Museum and the University Club of Chicago. Give the art-lover in your family the gift of Howard’s art, a real cultural investment whose value will grow over time. Inquire about Howard’s new large-scale stone lithographs.
For more info, visit jessehowardstudio.com/. Facebook.
F O O D & D R I N K S
Rodel Malanyaon, the owner of Oriental Groceries, Foods and Markets at 1422 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Broadview, inside of his store in 2022. | File
3N’s Oriental
If you’re looking for a unique grocer in Proviso Township where you can buy authentic Filipino Christmas treats like leche flan and cassava cake, look no further than 3N’s Oriental at 1422 Roosevelt Rd. in Broadview. Gift these authentic delicatessens for the holiday. Leche flan is $6.50 for a small pan and $10.50 for a large.
Visit their website at 3nsoriental.com/ or call (708) 996-0081. Facebook.
Chef, lifestyle and dining expert Nicole Black, a Maywood resident and owner of Mrs. Black’s Yellow Kitchen, seated in front of a table of her making. | Shanel Romain
Mrs. Black’s Yellow Kitchen
Give the gift of homemade baked goods and/or a bespoke and intimate dining experience offered by Mrs. Black’s Yellow Kitchen, the company Maywood resident Nicole Black named after her late paternal grandmother. Try amazing baked goods like the old-fashioned pound cake ($45) and the strawberry crunch cheesecake ($65) or consider gifting someone with a ticket to the Sunday Supper Club meal.
Order online at nicholeblackhome5.godaddysites.com/ or call (708) 495-0699 for more info. Facebook.
S O M E T H I N G F O R E V E R Y O N E
Inside of McDealz in Melrose Park. | McDealz
McDealz Melrose Park
This independently-owned local business at 2089 Mannheim Rd. in Melrose Park is a gem for shopping for bargain-priced gifts. The store buys returns from large retailers and offer them at prices ranging from $1 to $9 per item. And you’ll never know what you’ll find — from AirPods, laptops and kitchen appliances to drones and high-end toys.
For more info, visit mcdealz.com/ or call (708) 938-5457. Facebook.
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