Unusual, Nature-Inspired Holiday Gifts at Arboretum

Create Incredible Illusions; Decorate Self With Recycled Silk, Home With Ornaments

LISLE, IL (November 10, 2008) – Santas and wreaths are already popping up, and holiday shopping is underway. This season, The Morton Arboretum offers some unique gifts sure to please even the pickiest of personalities.

"We are really excited about our merchandise mix this year, there are lots of new items,” says Jacqueline Fucilla, Arboretum Store Manager.

Many will find the 3-D Mirascope unbelievable. At least in this case, seeing is not believing, because what you’re seeing isn’t really there. Confused? You will be delightfully so. The 3-D Mirascope features a concave, mirrored bowl. The owner places a small item, such as a plastic, miniature frog in the base, and then covers the bowl with a like-sized lid that has a hole. The result is an optical illusion: the frog appears to be sitting atop the bowl. You’ll be rolling in laughter when friends try to pick up the frog, but it’s not really there. 3-D Mirascope sells for $9.

Keep your nearest and dearest warm and cozy with colorful recycled-silk winter accessories from Nusantara. The items, hand-crafted in Nepal, include scarves, mittens and three styles of hats priced from $20-$28.

A sure-fire hit for fine-art collectors is the Christopher Radko ornament, “Woodland Delight,” specially designed for the Arboretum, featuring a magical holiday woodland scene. This is the third ornament in the Arboretum series, created in cottage workshops in Poland, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic. The ribbon-topped, bell-shaped ornament features cardinals and a jolly image of Santa Claus in the snowy woods. The Arboretum Store offers this ornament exclusively; it becomes available for purchase at 5 p.m. on November 20, for $68.

The fierce fashionista will certainly love the jewelry and accessory line which melds cool steel with exotic woods and leather, creating unique masterpieces. These are the brainchild of TIVI, Ryan Wither, and Chicago native Paul Lewin. The Arboretum offers purses, necklaces, bracelets, and rings for the fashion savvy woman. Men too can appreciate the fine craftsmanship of their cool cufflinks and daring rings. These stylish pieces are priced from $45-$320.

Decorators will appreciate the Julia Knight collection, featuring sand-cast aluminum serving pieces inspired by natural designs. Priced from $28-$180, the items are hand-painted with a pearlescent finish. Knight’s “Holly” collection is an attractive way to display your hors d’oeuvres and features rich green, cranberry and ivory hues.

Artists will find joy in Today’s Botanical Artists, a book that displays fine pieces of nature-inspired artwork. Artists can view the beautiful works, gain insight into the natural muses behind each piece and awaken their own creativity. This book is available for $39.95.

Loved-ones will enjoy staying organized with bench-crafted leather journals, organizers and portfolios from Oberon. Created by skilled artisans, these journals are truly works of art and feature gorgeous nature themes. Some styles feature hand-cast pewter button closures which nicely accents the fine leather detailing. Prices range from $60-$145.

Men who may have trouble finding gifts for their girlfriend or wife have the opportunity to attend Men’s Shopping Night, December 18. From 5-8 p.m., men can enjoy beer, snacks, and receive free gift wrapping for holiday purchases made. The event includes a Patricia Locke jewelry trunk show and ale from Two Brothers Brewery in Warrenville.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time or sunset, whichever is earlier. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit www.mortonarb.org, click About, and then Press Room, or call to learn more.

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