I agree with all of the posts already here and don't want to reiterate the same info -- but if you're looking for unusual gifts with a thoughtful touch -- the Schwartz book stores also have lots of author events (more then anywhere else I've found). It's a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors/to hear them speak -- and it's a great way to shop for some of the hard-to-shop-for people on your list. Two of my most successful Christmas gifts last year were signed books -- books I knew the recipients would like anyway and having them signed put them over the top.
I frequent their Brookfield location most often and have found that their staff is very well-informed and helpful.
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