 Treasure ChestPerhaps the best way to find a one-of-a-kind
gift is to purchase it from a local crafter. When looking at
handmade items, seldom will you find two that are exactly alike.
At the Treasure Chest, on the south side of the Pulaski and
Kickapoo corner, you'll have the opportunity to view handcrafted
items from 15 local crafters, as well as some lovely retail
items offered by store owner Barb Reinwald.
From painted glass to special-interest Christmas ornaments
featuring the Lincoln Railers to jewelry from Crystal
Mountain, this store offers a unique selection of gifting items,
all at reasonable prices.
And while you're there, be sure to make the trip down to the
basement. In addition to being able to see a large variety of
Christmas items displayed for sale, you can see a piece of history.
As is the case with much of the downtown area, the Treasure Chest is
located in a building as old as the town itself.
 The basement is
constructed with rock walls rather than modern concrete and is quite
interesting in itself, as are all the lovely items it houses.
Prairie Years
While the next two stores are not on the downtown square, they
aren't far from it, and they are must-sees on your walkabout.
Prairie Years is an old-fashioned toy store, offering
educational and fun toys, games and books for the young and
young at heart.
In addition, they offer some more grown-up items such as
designer purses, super-slim wallets, jewelry and much more.
In the toy line, the store offers something for every boy or girl
on your list, from infants to teens and beyond.
Choose from Blue Ribbon collectible horses, Brain Noodles,
Baby Stella dolls and clothing, Dr. Seuss, or maybe even a
Slinky Dog.
Prairie Years is also a must visit if Webkins are on your
list of gifts this year, as the store has a wide variety and a huge
inventory in stock.
This year's hot item at Prairie Years is the Momiji doll.
These cute little Japanese dolls are resin construction and have a
secret message slot on the bottom of the doll. Buy the doll of your
choice, then personalize the gift with a handwritten message from
you tucked inside.
The store also offers a wide variety of books. From cookbooks
to lifestyle, fact or fiction, there is something to suit, from
the very young all the way to adult.
And, while you're there, be sure to check the small back-room
area, where you'll find a selection of items marked down a minimum
of 50 percent.
Abe's Carmelcorn
Last, but far from least, don't forget to stop in at Abe's
Carmelcorn.
In the days of the Great Depression, mothers used worn-out work
socks to make monkeys to give to their children when toys were scare
and not affordable. Abe's features a large selection of the
modern-day version of the sock monkey, along with several other
children's items.
The store also features gourmet kitchen appliances and gadgets,
many of which are identical to what is seen on well-known cooking
shows such as "Barefoot Contessa" and "Paula's Home Cooking" with
Paula Deen.
But spend a minute with Helen Rainforth, the store's owner, and
she'll tell you that Abe's is really all about the food.
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Of course, their popcorn is famous around the country,
and Rainforth says that in all honesty their only competition in
that area is Garrett's Chicago Popcorn. But, "they are twice our
price, and you can quote me on that," she says.
Whether you're planning your Christmas feast or need to fix a
dish to pass at a church dinner or a finger food for a party at
work, the sales staff at Abe's can help you choose something special
and unique that will make your contribution memorable.
In addition to the popcorn, Abe's is carrying on their original
tradition of offering gourmet and specialty food products. The
best-seller in the store is their Wind and Willow product line.
Wind and Willow offers starter mixes for a wide variety of
cheese balls, dips, soups and breads. Their offerings include
something for everyone, from sweet to savory.
The store offers the finest in gourmet cocoas, coffees, teas
and other items.
 This year, Abe's is offering a new line of Christmas candy.
Items from Long Grove Confectionary in Long Grove, Ill.,
are individually wrapped and reasonably priced, making for a perfect
stocking-stuffer.
 Their
offerings include chocolate covered marshmallow snowmen, Rice Crispy
Treats with stenciled Christmas decorations and marshmallow trees
again covered in chocolate, just to name a few
And again, if you have a sports enthusiast on your list, the
store offers a variety of sport logo items.
Rainforth said that this year especially, she has worked to offer
items in a wide range of prices. With the economy being what
it is this year, she wants to be able to offer quality items that
won't bust the budget.
Be adventurous
As you finish your walkabout day of shopping in Lincoln's
downtown area, perhaps you'll be motivated to do a little more
exploring on your own this Christmas season.
The lovely shops and stores that surround the square are truly
only a part of all this city has to offer. From the well-known chain
stores throughout the town to the little shops scattered along the
thoroughfares, this city has much to offer if you spend but a few
moments looking about.
And please remember, it is our local merchants who support our
youth programs, donate to our causes and do what whatever they can
to support residents in our community in times of crisis and help our
needy throughout the year.
It is tax revenue from the dollars you spend locally that
supports our city departments, such as fire, police, streets and
more.
To sum it up, when you support local businesses, you're
supporting your neighbors, your friends, your causes, your churches,
your children and, in a roundabout way, yourself.
Shop Logan County. It helps everyone.
[By NILA SMITH]
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
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