Find Gifts for All Occasions at From Dee to You

Just in time for last-minute holiday shopping, From Dee to You Gift Boutique has set up shop at . The gift shop, which officially opened on Black Friday, specializes in customized gift baskets and goodie bags.

From Dee to You was located in Crystal Lake for 12 years, but owner and McHenry resident Dee Gately was ready for a change. “I’m a huge fan of the ,” she said. “This location has a nicer presentation, and I can carry more product lines.”

While she enjoyed her time in Crystal Lake, Gately wanted to expand to offer more items, like hair accessories and an assortment of popular Ty stuffed animals. From Dee to You also carries gourmet snacks and chocolates, Japanese erasers, jewelry and seasonal merchandise.

The new location also allows Gately more space to display her customized gift baskets and goodie bags, which were the original inspiration for her to start her own business.

“When I got married in 1999, I wanted to give all the guests goodie bags,” she said. "I loved it, and after we got married, I decided to pursue it.”

Gately’s background in journalism and advertising lends to the creative aspect of her gift baskets. “I love celebrations and big events,” she said. “I let my work speak for me.” Gately creates customized baskets for everything from thank-you gifts to “get-well-soon” gestures.

“Especially in this economy, I think we have to take time to remember those who have helped us,” she said.

Gately also welcomes customers to hand pick items from the store that she can then creatively arrange for them. The shop’s variety of stuffed animals, candy and hair bows also appeals to children.

Customer and Algonquin resident Joanne Salt is happy to see a gift store at the commons. “This is the kind of store we’re lacking. Kids can bring in their pocket money and shop here,” she said. It’s very cute.”

Gately still is settling into the new location and continues to make it her own. The store was previously a flooring company, as the various tile patterns of the flooring suggest.

“I kind of like it,” Gately said. “It’s kind of elegant.”

Overall, the transition from Crystal Lake to Algonquin has been a smooth one for Gately. “I love it here,” she said. “It’s very inviting and welcoming. I want my children to inherit the business — if they want to, of course."

From Dee to You is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The shop also will be participating in the Ladies’ Night Out event Thursday, Jan. 19, at the .