Stores (Mostly) Unique to Darien: Patch Picks

1.

From crocheted hats emblazoned with flowers to brightly colored, hand-decorated purses, the one-of-a-kind accessories at Ellie Gibbler make perfect gifts for the free spirit in your life. The boutique in a little cottage along Plainfield Road is the only Ellie Gibbler store, though you can also purchase the items created by owners Julie Showalter and Jenny Bailey online and at trade shows.

2.

Wilton Homewares sells its baking supplies at craft and cooking stores across the country. But Darien boasts the one and only freestanding Wilton store in the U.S. Shop for molded cake pans and patterned cupcake wrappers, or take a class at The Wilton School with Food Network-endorsed instructors.

3.

Darien is home to the only Illinois location of this small Madison-based bargain book chain. Just because you’re getting a deal at The Frugal Muse, however, doesn’t mean that you have to settle for castoffs—in addition to a bargain wall featuring overstock titles for $1, you can typically find current bestsellers discounted from the list price. If they don’t have it, the staff will order it for you, usually for about 25 percent off the price elsewhere.

4.

Whether you need a 3-D dinosaur puzzle or a miniature scale figure of a man using an air compressor, Oak Ridge Hobbies and Toys. The store has a robust catalogue business but only one brick and mortar shop. Though that store’s located in Downers Grove, it’s moving to Darien this spring.

5.

Have a child newly obsessed with garden gnomes post-Gnomeo &Juliet viewing? Then Boeger’s Landscape Supply has you covered. It also sells fountains, birdbaths and garden sheds. Though Boeger’s closes for most of the winter, it typically reopens in April. Start dreaming of spring now, folks!