Orthodontist, EDC member enjoys supporting local stores, merchandise she finds there
This Italian silk scarf from artist Dena Lyons is one of the gift ideas Carrie Thangamani discovered at the new Work+Shop pop-up boutiques while shopping at stores in downtown Hinsdale.
Carrie Thangamani, owner of CHT Orthodontics, has lived and worked in Hinsdale since 2011. (That spring she bought the practice in March, moved here in April and had her first child in May.) She's also a friend of Hinsdale Economic Development Commission Chair Jill Sunderson, who recently invited her to join the group.
"I think me being a business owner in town, personally and professionally, I think it was a natural fit for her," Thangamani said.
The mom of two, 7-year-old Nathan and 8-year-old Caroline, and the wife of Vijay, an orthopedic surgeon, Thangamani has a busy schedule. But she finds time to shop in Hinsdale whenever she can.
"I try to do as much as I can because I believe in shopping local," she said.
She joined The Hinsdalean Friday on a shopping trip downtown for the third installment of the paper's annual gift ideas series. Here's what she found.
• A pale blue Pleece collection supersoft long scarf by Design House will keep Aunt Ruth - who happens to be 100 percent Swedish - warm all winter long. SO Stockholm Objects, $78
• Nephew Joey, 18 months, can get a head start honing his basketball, soccer, football and baseball skills with a Melissa and Doug First Play sports kit. "If he's anything like his dad, he's going to be a sports buff," Thangamani said. My sister Kate, $27
• A small holiday square and cookie tray with mini brownies, lemon bars, shortbread, Mexican wedding cakes and mini gingerbread will keep hunger at bay for Thangamani's guests Christmas Eve day. Toni's Patisserie and Café, $68
• Custom-made martini-style moissanite stud earrings (over a carat each) with diamond-encrusted on-and-off halos (.27 carat) in 18K gold are a special gift for a special woman in Thangamani's life, her mom, Anne. Karat Jewelry Group, $1,155
• College friend Stephanie, mom of Brook and Chase, will enjoy wearing her children's initials - decorated with small cubic zirconias - around her neck. "She's not a flashy jewelry person, so this would be perfect," Thangamani said. Alixandra Collections, $20 per necklace.
• The Chanel mini-flap classic flat bag in black gold sequins (with the original $4,900 price tag still attached) will add some sparkle under sister-in-law Sandra's tree. "That's gorgeous!" Thangamani said. Kelsey Resale, $3,200
• Cousin Beth will enjoy stepping out in a metallic camp print runner by Philippe Model. Sweet William, $410
• A tray of mixed pastries and a pound of coffee will make sure everyone wakes up happy Christmas morning. Café la Fortuna, $40
• Nanny Diane will enjoy a medium blue and white ginger jar, especially when she learns its purchase supports the village in China where it was made. Yankee Peddler, $123.95
• A soft cotton and terry Elegante bath robe in paisley and organic designs is the perfect gift for Thangamani's mother-in-law, Amy. Yves Delorme, $350
• Seattle is the perfect place to wear a novelty puffer jacket in metallic gold with patent patch pockets with faux fur - and sister-in-law Diane is the perfect person to give it to. Marcus, $695
• A huge white poinsettia will add to the Christmas cheer at Thangamani's practice, CHT Orthodontics. Hinsdale Flower Shop, $74.95
• Grandmother Mary will look and feel fabulous in an Italian silk scarf printed with a tree image from artist Dena Lyons. Work+Shop, $250
• Thangamani is excited to celebrate New Year's Eve wearing a black sequined short-sleeved knee-length cocktail dress with feathery fringe by O'Blanc. Ma Belle Avenue Boutique, $350
