Everything from Big Green Egg to small diamond earrings on Johnson's list of gift ideas
Bigger isn't always better - at least that what Rob Johnson thinks when it comes to picking out diamond hoop earrings for his wife, Stacy. He chose the medium-sized hoop (second from right) from Razny Jewelers as one of his gift ideas on a combination virtual and in-person shopping trip through town. (Jim Slonoff photo)
Rob Johnson enjoys Christmas shopping - especially the trips he and son Jaden take in town to buy an outfit for wife (and mom) Stacy each Christmas.
"I have a good eye for stuff like that and I like doing it," he said.
The former TV news anchor appreciates good-looking and comfortable clothes for himself, as well, and is hoping to find some Lululemon pieces under the tree this year along with a pair of dark red winter boots he spotted Dave Chappelle wearing on David Letterman's Netflix show.
Rob, Stacy and Jaden will be celebrating Christmas at home this year, enjoying each other's company and a delicious meal featuring Rob's jambalaya, per Jaden's request.
Rob also enjoyed doing some virtual and in-person shopping for the final installment of The Hinsdalean's gift ideas series. He found these dozen gift ideas for family and friends. Read the story online for links to specific items.
• Rob's dad, Don, has strong feelings about grilling outdoors.
"He loves it," Rob said.
So a large Big Green Egg with nest and other accessories will get plenty of use. Fuller's Home and Hardware, $1,278
(purchase in store)
• A powder blue cable-knit sweater made of the finest cashmere yarn from Scotland is an indulgent gift Johnson can put under the tree for himself. Burdi, $995
https://www.burdiclothing.com/cable-knit-sweater-powder-blue.html
• When parties resume, an eight-piece hand-painted pottery serving set with seven dip containers and a tray will make the perfect hostess gift. Turkoise, $225
(purchase in store)
• ParaJumpers' "Jayden" casual quilted jacket in slate gray, perfect for milder winter days, is also perfect for Johnson's son, Jaden. King Keyser, $335
(purchase in store)
• Memoire's 18-karat white gold imperial hoops with .77 carats of diamonds in medium are not too small or too big for wife Stacy. They're just right. Razny, $1,795
https://www.razny.com/keyword-search/Memoire%20hoop%20earrings
• A phalaenopsis double stem white orchid with curly willow branches and a moss base in a decorated ceramic container is the perfect way to say thanks at Christmas - or any time of the year. Jane's Blue Iris, $125
(purchase in store)
• The one-cushion 78-inch sofa in a blue-green velveteen with three fluffy plaid pillows will make staying at home during the pandemic a pleasure. Trumeau, $11,500 marked down to $2,495
(purchase in store)
• A bronze lambskin leather and tulle laser cut stroller will look great on Rob's mom, Beth. Hinsdale Furriers, $395
• If the earrings are going in Stacy's stocking, the ribbed knit hat in a glossy metallic gold finish topped with a plush fox fur pom pom can go under the tree. Marcus, $125
https://shopmarcus.com/collections/jocelyn/products/gold-metallic-pom-hat
• Rob will send a four-pound prime grade beef tenderloin for his brother, Edward, to enjoy with friends at the Easter Seals facility he lives at (he has Down's syndrome) in Little Rock, Ark. Prime 'n' Tender, $200
(purchase in store)
• A Luxor silver Swiss desk clock that bongs on the hour will be a beautiful addition at brother Andrew's house. Hinsdale Watch Shop, $800
(purchase in store)
• Any teacher friend will appreciate a caffeine boost to help get through this strange school year. A basket with three 12-ounce bags of coffee (regular, Sumatra and Kenya) with a travel mug and assorted chocolates will earn high marks. Café la Fortuna, $50
(purchase in store)
