Central grad, new economic development commissioner locates items for family, friends
Vishnu Srinivasan says his daughter, Meera, loves to collect stuffed animals like this one at Hinsdale News Agency. The member of the village's economic development commission found great gift ideas at the dozen stores he visited last week.
Vishnu Srinivasan has lived in Hinsdale for only two years, but he's no stranger to the area.
He grew up in Oak Brook and graduated from Hinsdale Central before going on to earn his degree in finance from the University of Pennsylvania and his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Joining the Hinsdale Economic Development Commission was a no-brainer for Srinivasan.
"I've always been interested in business, and I like living in a community where there is a vibrant retail offering so you can walk to stores," he said.
Plans call for a trip to his sister-in-law's house in Florida later this month to celebrate Christmas and see family.
"Normally they all come here in the summer and we go there in December," he said.
Hinsdale won't be as warm as Florida this month, but the forecast calls for milder temperatures than usual, making holiday shopping here that much more enjoyable. Srinivasan sees many advantages to shopping local.
The small shops in Hinsdale offer things he can't find online, such as a chance to see the item before he buys it, advice from sales clerks and in some cases, complimentary gift wrapping.
He received plenty of advice and inspiration for the second installment of The Hinsdalean's annual gift ideas series.
• A mix of precious and practical, an 31mm Rolex with rose colored markers, an oystersteel and everose gold bracelet and fluted bezel is a timeless gift for wife Saila. Razny Jewelers, $9,650
• Daughter Meera's snow village collection is sure to have room for an adorable snow cottage, adorned with three frosted evergreen trees and complete with a resident snowman. Blue Iris, $79
• Daughter Jaya prefers collecting items she can cuddle with, like a Fancy Pals fluffy white cat in a cupcake purse. Hinsdale News Agency, $4.99
• A limited edition photo from Jeff and Jason Lewis of the Chicago skyline - with a "Go Bears" message in lights on one of the skyscrapers - will help remind Vish's brother, Hari, who now lives in San Francisco, of his hometown. Acquisition of Fine Art, $750
• Mrs. Lenhardt, middle school head at Avery Coonley School (where Meera is a fifth-grader) and a die-hard Cubs fan, will be reminded of her favorite team each time she looks at a print of Wrigley Field from Rifle Paper Co. Sass N Class, $24
• Sister-in-law Srikala, who loves to cook, will enjoy a large holiday gift box filled with tagliatelle, olive oil, tomato sauce, limoncello jelly, chocolate-covered almonds, Nonna's biscotti and Amarena wild cherries (for the cocktails). Altamura, $70
• Dad Gopal travels internationally for work and pleasure, and he'll do so in style with a Tumi Lattitude light-weight polycarbonate four-wheeled carry-on. Kaehler Luggage, $750
• A gift basket containing some 40 pieces of fruit and two pounds of nuts is the perfect hostess gift to bring to the neighbors' annual Christmas party. The Fruit Store, $100
• Best friend Cyrus can jam to his favorite tune or relax to a piano sonata with iFrogz Audio Toxix wireless on-the-ear headphones with noise isolating ear cups. Verizon, $59.99
• A Trinity NuFace Advance Facial Toning Device will brighten the holidays - and the complexion - of sister-in-law Judith. Blue Mercury, $325
• Aunt Jyoti will stay warm and look good wearing a dark gray rex rabbit ruffle scarf. Hinsdale Furriers, $60
• Good friend Paul can use a pure Italian 2-in-1 leather wallet when he travels to Hong Kong, pulling out the removable card case once he has arrived at his destination. Mucci di Firenze, $209
