How to select the right gifts like a King

A mid-December arctic blast served as a reminder, lest anyone had forgotten, of what Chicago winters typically have in store. So Adam King was quick to enter each store as he toured downtown Hinsdale for the final installment of this year's gift guide.

King, a Hinsdale native and 2010 graduate of Hinsdale Central High School, is no foe of the elements, however, as director of sales at his family's King's Landscape Design right here in the village. He relishes breathing new life into clients' outdoor spaces. And he also loves the holidays.

"I've had it done since Nov. 4," King said of his Christmas decorations. "After Halloween's over, the blow-up Santa goes up. I'm so happy when Christmas comes."

Childhood celebrations this time of year always included a visit to the Hinsdale Christmas Walk as well as weeklong stay in Chicago right before the big day to take in the sights, see Santa at Marshall Fields and check off the gift list.

"We'd do a whole week of shopping," King related. "It was fun. It was a way to get out of the house."

This faux gift-identifying assignment didn't take a week, but he still discovered plenty of tree-worthy treasures.

• few things are sweeter than a wedding, which King's younger sister Abbey will be starring in this weekend. Presenting the newlyweds with a dozen gluten-free salted caramel cupcakes will help get their marriage started on a flavorful foot. "They're so good," King exclaimed. $47.88 for 12, Sweet Ali's

• King was delighted when his parents recently moved back to town. They've been busy festooning their new digs for the holidays, and a large 15-inch ball ornament would look great suspended from a 40-foot tree - or a living room corner in need of zhuzhing. $89.95, Hinsdale Flower Shop

• Mom Noel will be able to mark the passage of time with class through a 2025 classic calendar (easel included) from Karen Adams Designs, with each month featuring a unique, evocative image. "I think that would look great on a mantle," he said. $72, Sass & Class

• family gatherings are large-scale affairs in the King family. "There's 20 cousins, and they're all coming to my parents." And each bringing their appetites, which most certainly will appreciate a decadent taffy apple. $5 for plain/$7 for nuts, Hinsdale Fruit Store

• the bridal party for the aforementioned wedding includes King, and standing up can take a toll on the feet. To ensure the bridesmaids' comfort, they'll each receive a pair of Lover's Plush slippers with big heart design. $28, Alixandra Blue

• game night hosting will never be same after King adds the Fancy Monopoly Luxury/Trophy Edition Board Game to his personal collection. $210, Marcus

• friend - and Hinsdale Central classmate - Annie can stay warm throughout the season wrapped in sand color 120-inch-by-150-inch Svanefors Blanket Luna that features faux fur on the frontside and a soft velvet backside. $180, Stockholm Objects

• friend Chandler will be ready to head out with her friends to any holiday party with a makeup kit of Umpteen Cream and applicator brush from Hinsdale resident-created Carlucce. $38 each for cream and brush, Lepa Boutique

• diamonds are a mom's best present to find under the tree, especially when she set her eyes on a pair of earrings with almost a carat (90 points) of diamonds set in yellow gold. $2,100, Karat

• King put a lot of thought into his selection for grandma Annabelle, deciding she would appreciate La Mer's Creme de la Mer Duet Set gift set, which provides a container of moisturizing cream for home use as well a smaller one for when a quick application is needed when on the move. $390, Blue Mercury

• Dad Mark will elevate his work style toting the classy vintage chestnut-colored Ghurka Heritage Examiner No. 5 leather briefcase. $1,895, Frederick Lynn