Garmin www.garmin.com
"Who ever thought I would get high tech, Linda says. "But finally used one of these recently and fell in love. It makes getting lost impossible!"
There are models than range in price from under $100 to more than $200.
ABC7 Discount: If our viewers go into a Best Buy store to buy one, say they saw it on "Linda's Favorite Things" and they'll get a discount. (ILLINOIS and INDIANA stores only)
Kindle Wireless Reading Device
More high tech Linda! "I happen to love holding a book in my hand to read and keeping the books I enjoy. But got a Kindle for when I travel," she says. "Now I'm smitten. Best feature for me: I can make the type face the size I want! Bought one for my son and he says it makes him read more. Me too!"
Available at www.amazon.com
Jewelry from Chicago-based designers
Ellie Thompson: "I met Ellie at an event and fell in love with the necklace and earrings she was wearing," Linda says." Because of the price, the person who buys this must really really really love me."
Available at Ellie Thompson's gallery, 8 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 2203, Chicago, Illinois 60603; 312-263-2264; www.ellieco.com Also available as at The Field Museum Store (located outside the Nature of Diamonds exhibition)
Patricia Locke: "I've worn these pieces for many years. Patricia and her design partner sent these pieces from their latest collection," Linda says.
Available at www.patricialocke.com, Macy's and other Chicago area stores.
ZhuZhu pets
"Hottest toy of the season. Enuff said", comments Linda. Hard to find. No, don't call me. This Zhu Zhu pet is already spoken for."
Painted cocktail glasses from Designs by Lolita
"She's an artist. At a party once, she observed that naked cocktail glasses did not help make the party more festive," Linda says. "She started painting and now she does them for all kinds of themes, and sells up to 4 million glasses a year."
Available at www.thelolitastore.com, Macy's and other Chicago area retailers.
Butterfly glasses
"People who think I'm hard to buy for don't think about my favorite things ... butterflies, dragons and pandas," Linda says. "Sylvia definitely knows. She found these glasses!
Available at Alixandra Blue, 40 S. Washington, Hinsdale, IL 60521;
www.alixandracollections.com
Panda things
Speaking of pandas. Here's a bobble-head panda ."I search the stores of Chinatown whenever I'm in Chinatown for more of these. Put them in the light and see the head start going," Linda says,
Panda patisserie. "A friend found this on EBay," Linda says. It comes from a source in Hong Kong."
Find it at www.cgi//ebay.com/Home-Patissier-Pancake-Waffle-Nonstick-Mould-PANDA
Scottevest
"Want to go shopping hands free? Travel hands free? Have a lot of stuff?" Linda asks. "My son found this and I fell in love with it. Bought a vest for myself."
This is a Scott E Vest: jacket and fleece liner for men. These 2 pieces have 52 pockets!!!! And they won't look bulky. They have a full line of men's and women's jackets, vests, shirts and pants. The company started in Chicago and recently moved to Idaho.
Available at www.scottevest.com
Giving
"Every year, I believe in giving to local theatre and community organizations. That's especially important in today's economy," Linda says. "Give the gift that supports local theatre. I try to do that with the Piven Theatre. They're working on a new production now. Buy someone a set of tickets."
For information, visit www.piventheatre.org
As for the community organizations that are important to me:
Juvenile Protective Association: Police and juvenile court refer families to this organization when families need help. You can make a donation on the website www.juvenile.org
Chinese American Service League: "I had long helped this organization that helps immigrants," Linda says. "You can make a donation right on the website www.caslservice.org.
