New chair of economic development commission discovers plenty of reasons to shop local
A vest from Jeans and a Cute Top Shop is perfect for Jill Sunderson's mother-in-law, who lives in Fresno, Calif. She found gift ideas at each of the dozen stores she visited in Hinsdale, where she serves as chair of the economic development commission. (Jim Slonoff photo)
Jill Sunderson loves to shop in Hinsdale.
But her appreciation for the village's retail stores isn't her only qualification for serving as chairman of the Hinsdale Economic Development Commission. She's also got a bachelor's in economics from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
She's staying home right now raising the three children she has with husband Jason - Owen, a fifth-grader; Kate, a second-grader; and Charlotte, a kindergartner.
Sunderson took time out to visit a dozen stores last week for the first installment of The Hinsdalean's annual gift ideas series. She noted that the village is at its highest retail capacity in years, with more than 200 retail shops and services in town.
"Maintaining this strong retail environment is essential to the charm of our community," Sunderson said. "So grab a coffee, grab a friend and shop local this holiday season."
• A royal blue cashmere sweater with ruffle trim is a gorgeous and pragmatic choice for sister Jana. J. McLaughlin, $278
• When niece Caroline, a Harvard sophomore, travels to Shanghai on a Women in Business trip in January, she'll look quite professional in a black and white tweed blazer with a removable dickie black-and-white striped sweater that keeps things fun. Lepa Boutique, $272
• Sister Jenae and her husband can ring in the new year - and relive some fond memories of their honeymoon in France - with a bottle of Cristal 2009 Louis Roederer champagne. Hinsdale Wine Shop, $199
• A set of 25 personalized flat correspondence cards in 120-pound card stock with lined envelopes will make the perfect gift for sister-in-law Emily. Ashley's, $75.
• Sunderson can't wait to give a V-neck royal blue sequined mini dress with billow sleeves and a velvet and sequined tie to her niece, Claire. "Then I would borrow it from Claire," she said. Red e Mas, $650
• A 9-pound corn-fed completely trimmed beef tenderloin will be the star of the menu for the 40 or 50 people who gather every year at Sunderson's parents' home for Christmas Eve. Missing from the gathering will be her father, Ray, who passed away in August. "He cooked the beef tenderloin every year, and now it'll be up to Jason," she said. Prime 'N' Tender, $450
• Baby-sitters Erika and Carlee Schwartz can use these Oliver Thomas machine-washable bags with a water bottle pocket and hidden bottom compartment as an overnight bag or for going to the gym. One sister will get the blue camo, the other metallic silver. Trousseaux, $125 each
• A mini chain foldover cross-body bag in sparkly black faux leather will be the perfect accessory for Jenna, Sunderson's best friend since the two grew up next door to each other in Joliet. Vintage Charm, $48
• The family ornament party Sunderson hosts Dec. 8 will be even more festive with a 32-inch-long rectangular centerpiece filled with spruce, pine cones, ornaments, berries and flowers. Phillip's Flowers and Gifts, $329
• Seventh-grade nephew Ryan, a huge sports fan, will stay warm under a 50-by-60-inch fleece with the Crimson Tide "A" logo during a long winter of playing Xbox with his friends. "I can picture him now in the basement," she said. Campus Colors, $39.95
• Sunderson selected a bronze vest with a fur-trimmed hood (fur removable) for her mother-in-law, Krista. "This would be perfect for her walks in the wintertime in Fresno," Sunderson said. Jeans and a Cute Top Shop, $148
• Sunderson hopes this sparkly dome ring - with almost 2.5 carats of sapphires and .32 carats of diamonds - will bring a smile to the face of her mom, Mary, this Christmas. "My mom deserves it," Sunderson said. "My mom helps me with everything in my life." Fine Gold Jewelry, $6,900
