10 Gift Ideas from the Elmhurst Historical Museum

Submitted by the Elmhurst Historical Museum.

Last-minute gift shopping can add stress to the holidays, but never fear: the Elmhurst Historical Museum staff has a few suggestions for unique hostess gifts and stocking stuffers that reflect local heritage and are easy to purchase with one quick stop.

Here are a few last-minute gift ideas that are all conveniently available in the Elmhurst Historical Museum’s gift shop, located on at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst:

1. Chicago Beer History Books — An interesting selection of new books have been added to the shelves including these titles related to our “Beer Chicago: The Refreshing History” exhibit: Historic Bars of Chicago, Chicago by the Pint, and The Great Chicago Beer Riot. Add a visit to our “Beer Chicago” exhibit, our new handy Chicago Beer Map, and a six-pack of local craft brew—and voila, the perfect grab-bag gift.

2. Churchville Schoolhouse Ornament — A classic brass or ceramic ornament featuring the Churchville Schoolhouse, a National Register of Historic Places property, makes a great teacher’s gift.

3. Specialty Soaps — Fragrant handmade soaps, including an array of beer soaps from Taylor Street Soap Co. and All Things Herbal, are a practical and welcome present.

4. Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest Tees — Comfy distressed tee shirts featuring the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest logo are a sure pick for local beer lovers.

5. Visionary: An Elmhurst Retrospective — The handsome art book format of this award-winning book, written by local historian Dr. Virginia Stewart, includes many interesting photographs and artifacts from the museum’s collection.

6. Coffee Mugs — Ceramic mugs depicting Elmhurst historical scenes along with a bag of fresh-roasted coffee makes a nice hostess gift.

7. Children’s Activity Books — Keep kids busy during the holiday break with history-themed activity books.

8. Museum Logo Items — Tee shirts and mugs featuring the Elmhurst Historical Museum logo would make any Elmhurst resident proud.

9. Matted Elmhurst Photos — A number of 8 x 10” photos selected by our curators from the Elmhurst Historical Museum collection have been matted and are ready for framing.

10. Membership — A membership in the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation supports the Elmhurst Historical Museum and the Churchville Schoolhouse, and offers many benefits including discounts for museum programs, members-only events and more. Foundation membership can be purchased in the gift shop or online at elmhurstheritagefoundation.org.

Wrap up a little Elmhurst history this holiday season. The Elmhurst Historical Museum gift shop, located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst, is open Sunday, Tuesdaythrough Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Third Thursdays from 1 to 8 p.m.

Call the museum at 630-833-1457 or go to elmhursthistory.org for more information.