Chicago is home to a world-class selection of stores that are aimed at delighting and entertaining the kids. For stores full of visual delights, or great gift ideas, check out any one of these popular destinations.
American Girl Place (Mag. Mile/Michigan Ave.)
With their signature red shopping bags, you can't miss the shoppers who've been to this fabulous flagship store. Although American Girl is a subsidiary of Mattel, there are no Barbies here.
What you'll find are appealing, real-girl dolls in contemporary and authentically historic clothes with all their accessories, matching outfits for real-live girls, photo ops for both, a doll beauty salon, live musical revue in the theatre, a cafe with special doll seats, a bookstore and more. Plan to spend a day. And bring your credit cards.
www.americangirlplace.com
Build-A-Bear Workshop (multiple locations)
If you think teddy bears are cute, wait till you see them with clothes on! Children of all ages can choose a bear or another cuddly animal, watch it being stuffed, and then select an adorable outfit. From trendy to traditional, character-inspired to career-oriented, you can’t help but smile when you look over the wardrobe choices. You'll be tempted to buy a closet full of clothes for your new bear! Have a special event? Make it a Build-A-Bear party.
www.buildabear.com
Club Libby Lu (multiple locations)
This trendy store is a popular place for young girls to play dress-up, have makeovers, create their own products, and purchase a “play” puppy with all the must-have accessories. With glittery "everything" – jewelry, cosmetics and clothing – any girl can be a princess in training.
www.clublibbylu.com
The Discovery Channel Store (multiple locations)
Because its TV enthusiasts aren't just couch potatoes, this store celebrates the fun of learning, making and doing. Whether you’re looking for educational books, toys, electronics, outdoor or health-related products for children or adults, you will find a wide selection of unique gifts here. It's a discovery in itself!
www.shopping.discovery.com
The Disney Store (multiple locations)
Filled with clothing, toys, stuffed animals and collectibles, this colorful store offers a wide selection of affordable Disney-themed merchandise. Popular characters include the Princesses (Snow White, Belle, Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty), Fairies, The Incredibles, Mickey and Friends, Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Winnie the Pooh, to name just a few. Reward a child, or remind a grownup of his or her favorite Disney character, with a gift from this store.
www.disneyshopping.com
Hershey Store (Mag. Mile/Michigan Ave.)
Candy is dandy. But this store is an experience. Now you can give everyone on your gift list a big fat Hershey Kiss. Have your own message inscribed on a giant Hershey bar. Indulge in luscious baked goods at the Hershey bakery. Play a worker in a candy factory. Celebrate a birthday. Or just go nuts over the "eye candy" merchandise, from mugs to pillows to clothing. A towering chocolate machine delights the kids as clanking candies fall two stories into their souvenir buckets.
www.hersheys.com
The Lego Store (multiple locations)
"How did they do that?" Even the casual passerby at Westfield North Bridge stops and marvels at the amazing Lego creations on display here. A giant spider, the robot R2D2, the Chicago skyline, are just a few of the designs that inspire Lego enthusiasts and novices of all ages. Basic building blocks for toddlers, play sets, building sets, and character-based merchandise are available at one of their Chicagoland locations.
www.lego.com
Rainforest Café Gift Shop (multiple locations)
This rainforest-inspired restaurant and gift shop offers a close-to-the-real thing experience with oversized aquariums, animated wild animals, and tropical rainstorms staged every few minutes. Kids will be entranced and, as at most themed attractions, it will be hard to leave without a souvenir. But the gift shop doesn’t disappoint, offering visitors a large selection of t-shirts, stuffed animals, and a forest of tchotchkes.
www.rainforestcafe.com
Sanrio(Hello Kitty) (multiple locations)
Maybe you don't need a Hello Kitty toaster or sandwich maker. But you'd be amazed at how many people do - and shop here for everything in the Hello Kitty family. From clothing to accessories, desk supplies to small appliances, this store caters to its loyal fans. And deserves a look from the rest of us, if just for a smile.
www.sanrio.com
SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - E. Engquist.
We recommend checking with stores for product availability. Suggested prices may change without notice. SeeMore Shopping strives for accuracy, but is not responsible for errors or omissions.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by SeeMoreShopping.Publ. 10/06.
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