Books starting under $10, fair-trade bracelets for $24 and a nonprofit resale shop stocked with community donations give Lake Forest shoppers options at independent stores this holiday season.

The Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its Cocoa Crawl for Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring shopping, cocoa and a holiday raffle. Individual store offers may vary.

Books for every budget

The Lake Forest Book Store, at 662 N. Western Ave., published its indie bestseller list for the week ending Nov. 8. Prices range widely, and several titles fall under $25:

  • Under $15: "The Mitten" by Jan Brett ($9.99), "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank ($9.99), "Goodnight Moon" ($10.99), "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" ($10.99), "1984: 75th Anniversary" by George Orwell ($12.00)
  • Under $25: "Red Rising" by Pierce Brown ($18.00), "Fruit Fly" by Josh Silver ($19.99), "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer ($20.00), "Theo of Golden" by Allen Levi ($20.00), "Dungeon Crawler Carl" by Matt Dinniman ($20.00), "Where the Wild Things Are" ($21.99)
  • $25–$40: "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck ($25.00), "Peck & Peck" by Bonnie Garmus ($30.00), "Miss Wolcott's Ghost" by Louise Penny ($30.00), "Hollywood, Ending" by John Green ($32.00), "The Calamity Club" by Kathryn Stockett ($35.00), "Simply Ina" by Ina Garten ($40.00)

The bookstore offers online ordering with store pickup, ready within one to three business days, according to its shipping policy. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

The store is also hosting a Staff Picks Showcase on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., where booksellers will help shoppers find gifts, according to its events page.

Fair-trade gifts at Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed, at 202 E. Westminster, sells fair-trade gifts and donates its profits. Its online shop lists 12 items with prices. The most affordable is the Indian Braided Cuff in black/silver or gold at $24 each. A Chicago Candle runs $30. Sterling Silver and Mother of Pearl Earrings cost $36, and a Bright Endeavors Candle is $42. For bigger budgets, the Filigree Sterling Silver and Pearl Earrings are $54, and a Lake Forest Market Bag is $74.

Resale finds at Forest & Found

Forest & Found, a nonprofit resale shop at 1363 N. Western Ave., sells community-donated clothing, handbags, jewelry, decorative items and holiday decorations. The store says it has given more than $600,000 to over 40 local charities through its sales proceeds. Inventory changes weekly, so prices and selection vary. The shop is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More shops to check in person

Other local shops offer toys, home accessories, plants and chocolates. Check individual websites or contact stores for current availability.

  • Kenzy Gifts & Décor, 222 E. Westminster Ave., sells jewelry boxes, bangles, charcuterie boards and tea sets. Its website notes a discount on bangle sets applied at checkout, though the amount is not listed.
  • Sage Explorers, 644 N. Bank Ln., carries toys, games and craft supplies for children. Call (224) 271-2135 for prices and availability.
  • Pasquesi Home and Gardens in Lake Bluff stocks holiday houseplants including poinsettias, amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs. Gift cards are also available and mailed within seven to 10 days, according to the store's gift card page.
  • Sweet's, 260 E. Deerpath, sells chocolate hostess trays starting at $75.95 for a 3.25-pound basket, according to its online shop.

The chamber's Lake Forest shopping directory lists additional stores in Market Square and along Western Avenue and Westminster.