Looking for the best gift-giving ideas with a Rockford theme in mind? We have you covered with these gift ideas that are sure to please.

Add a little charm. Explore the world of the Victorian era through gifts from Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford; 815-964-2424; tinkercottage.com. An attractive Tinker Railroad Gardens mug ($10) accompanies a 12-sheet set of stationery ($2), which is a reproduction of what was sold to passengers on the Illinois Central Railroad. If you are looking for something artsy, try the pastel painting ($20) of the railroad gardens, which was created by Willard Dorr, a renowned artist in the Rockford area.

AMY J. CORRENTI | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM

Get your sock on. Create your own sock monkey in different sizes (small, medium, large) in this two-pair pack assortment made by Red Heel. Instructions on how to make one is located on the back of the package. (Midway Village Museum, $9.99)

Ogle said the socks make great gifts and added that one can learn to make other sock toys in the book “How to Make the Original Red Heel Sock Money and Other Toys,” which retails for $9.99. In the book, learn how to make more than 50 sock toys, including Eskimo Boy, Hobby Horse and Katie ‘N’ Jamie.

Hit a home run with “Baseball in Rockford.” This delightful book celebrates Rockford’s history in baseball. The 2003 book was written by local author Dr. Ken Griswold. (Midway Village Museum, $19.99)

Batter her up! The baseball fanatics in your life will love this bobblehead of a Rockford Peaches player for $9.50 (Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford; 815-397-9112; midwayvillage.com). The Rockford Peaches were a team in the all-American Girls Professional Baseball League playing in Rockford from 1943-54. “The bobbleheads are very unique and a popular seller,” said Paula Ogle, Midway Village sales associate. Ogle also says the Peaches label pin, which retails for $5, is a nice item to give along with the bobblehead.

Adorn a table. The Dala Horse can be a timeless piece to add to any table. This particular Dala Horse retails for $30 at Finials, 4626 E. State St., Rockford; 815-398-4428; ifinials.com. Several sizes and shapes to fit your budget can be found. The traditional carved and painted wooden statuette of a horse originates from Sweden. Many Rockfordians have a Swedish background.

Turn it up. Cheap Trick paid tribute to its hometown by naming its 2006 rock album, “Rockford.” The local band has been in the music game since 1974.

AMY J. CORRENTI | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM
Puzzles from Anderson Japanese Gardens.

Find your place. With these exotic scenic puzzles, you will have a great time putting them together as a gift for your loved one or for yourself. Choose from four scenes that are all located on the grounds at Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford; 815-229-9390; andersongardens.org. The original pictures were taken by Jeff Anderson, son of owner John Anderson. The 550-piece puzzle can be displayed attractively in a frame to be hung in your house. “It’s a big seller year-round and very affordable,” gift shop coordinator Diane Bryant said. (Anderson Gardens, $17.95)

AMY J. CORRENTI | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM

Get artsy. A monogrammed mug ($10) and tote bag ($25) lets everyone know how much you dig the Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford; 815-968-2787; rockfordartmuseum.org. “The mug, tote bag and symbol ornament ($22) make good gifts for those who travel,” Rockford Art Museum Store coordinator Diane Hedberg said.

AMY J. CORRENTI | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM

Eat and be merry. This Mrs. Fisher’s gift box includes a variety of potato chips, nuts and assorted flavored caramel corn all for $40 (Mrs. Fisher’s Inc., 1231 Fulton Ave., Rockford; 815-964-9114; mrsfisherschips.com). “It has a pretty good variety of all we have to offer,” owner Roma Hailman said. “It’s a good sweet and salty mix.” Hailman said the box can be customized to fit the customer’s preferences.

Give a history lesson. The Rockford Register Star put together “Rockford Through Our Eyes,” a hard-bound historic retrospective of Greater Rockford. The book uses notable front pages from the newspaper archives to capture the memories from the 1800s through today. (Through Oct. 29, the book will be available for a special presale price of $29.22 with tax, if picked up at the Rockford Register Star, 99 E. State St., Rockford. If ordered by Oct. 29 and shipped, the book will cost $34.97 with tax and shipping. After Oct, 29, the book is $40.04 if picked up and $45.79 if shipped. Orders can be placed by mail, Attn: Book Offer, 99 E. State St., Rockford, Il 61104; by phone, 800-333-4567; or online, rrstar.myshopify.com.)

Fast ideas
Are you in a hurry, without enough time to shop? Try these gift card or certificate ideas that can keep everyone entertained either at a game, in the water, at the links or at a show.

Score a goal. A Rockford IceHogs gift certificate is the perfect gift solution for that special hockey fan. The gift certificates can be made out in any amount and are available at the IceHogs’ office located at 300 Elm St., Rockford. 815-986-6465; icehogs.com.

Make a splash. Dive into it with a gift card or season pass from Magic Waters. Prices range from $65 to $125. Certificates are good throughout the 2010 and 2011 season. Renew or purchase your season pass at magicwaterswaterpark.com, or in person at the Rockford Park District office at 401 S. Main St., or Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road. Magic Waters’ special holiday offer with a free stocking begins in November. 815-987-8800.

Take to the links. Get your favorite golfer a gift card that can really go far. Gift card prices start at $20 and can be purchased at the Rockford Park District office or Carlson Ice Arena. A person can use them either for a round of golf, golf cart rentals, on the driving range or for lesson programs. The gift cards can only be used at the Park District courses located at Sandy Hollow, Ingersoll, Elliot and Sinnissippi. 815-987-8800.

Sing along. Get a good seat at the Rockford Symphony Orchestra when purchasing a gift card in any amount. The gift cards are available at the box office, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, or can be purchased by phone. 815-965-0049; rockfordsymphony.com.

A night out. Take to the stage with a Coronado Performing Arts Center gift certificate, which can be purchased in any amount and is good for five years on any performances on sale at the time of redemption. They can be obtained in person at the box office at 314 N. Main St., Rockford. “Gift certificates at the Coronado have increased over the years,” said Chrissy Bartik, Coronado associate box office manager. 815-968-0595; coronadopac.org.

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