One of a Kind Sale in Chicago and New York

Looking for that unique, quality gift that can’t be found in every mall or catalogue? Need a great holiday activity for you and your BFFs to share? Just want to shop in one place without running all over town? Look no further:

I’ve been lucky to attend the annual One-Of -A-Kind Sale in Chicago. I had never heard of it until sr L invited me to accompany her to the Chicago show…she attends every December and had a complimentary pass to admit 2. We cabbed to the Merchandise Mart, (it’s huge: MM has it own zipcode!) and took the elevator to the 8th floor. We checked our coats and accepted some complimentary champagne and cookies, then got to the serious business of shopping.

Shopping with a friend (or family) can be tricky: you can’t both buy the same things, you need to shop at the same pace or not be easily insulted if the other one wanders off.

I’m a wanderer…I like to float from aisle to booth and back again. With over 500 booths, plan to wander all day. Each piece sold at the One of a Kind Sale is hand-made by independent artists who are sharing their talents and wares with you. Every type of artisinal craft can be found there: from paintings to ceramics to jewelry to holiday decorations to clothing to gourmet foods. Sr L found a cool placque made from an old door knob and keys to hang buy her front door and hold her keys! She also bought gifts galore, like clever boot cuffs that change the style of any boot in seconds. Moi bought a reversible pleated silk jacket (for Moi, bien sur!) and some Cub-themed dog leashes, one for all the dogs in the extended family. All price points are represented: the presentation and dazzling displays and creative ideas alone are worth the admission price!

And not to worry: there are plenty of gourment cafés, lounge areas and even a big-screen television so you (or your husband) can rest-up between shopping spurts. Chicago amenities  include a licensed child care center, coat check, complimentary bag check, gift-wrapping and curbside package carryout: everything to make your shopping as convenient and hassle-free as possible: they want you to be happy!

One Of A Kind Show and Sale: Chicago

• Dec 3-6
  • Thursday, Dec 3: 12 – 9pm
  • Friday, Dec 4: 11am – 9pm
  • Saturday, Dec 5: 10am – 7pm
  • Sunday, Dec 6: 10am – 5pm
• Merchandise Mart, Kinzie and Wells Streets, Chicago 60654
• Tickets: (a ticket is good for all 4 days)
  • Adults: $12
  • Senior and Students: $9
  • Children 12 and Under: free

This year, Moi is really lucky: I can’t attend the Chicago show, but for the first time, the One of a Kind Show and Sale is coming to NYC! Offering the same high quality artisans and products that have made the show such a success in Chicago, the NYC show is sure to become an annual event.

One of a Kind Show and Sale: NYC

• Dec 10-13
  • Thursday, December 10: 5 – 9pm
  • Friday, December 11: 11am – 8pm
  • Saturday, December 12: 10am – 7pm
  • Sunday, December 13: 10am – 5pm
• Pier 94, 12th Ave at 55th St
• Tickets: (a ticket is good for all 4 days)
  • Adults: $15 (it’s NYC: everything is more $$)
  • Seniors and Students: $12
  • Children 12 & under: Free

NYC show promises to offer quality amenities, including a food and break lounge, coat check, free shopping package check, package and shipping service, and transportation and shuttle services.

She’ll be shopping soon at the NYC show!