Help fill a law office in Chicago with tacky items

August 2, 2009 10:02 PM

Where can I buy tacky office decorations in Chicago?

Where can I go to find tacky office decorations that would be appropriate for a law office? I’m looking to spend no more than $400 or so on various office decorations. I would like to get a few ugly items.

Specific things I’m looking for –
Ugly desk lamp - I like this giraffe lamp giraffe lamp for instance, but obviously don’t want to spend almost $400 for just one lamp.

Amusing artwork – For example, I am highly amused by paintings painted by elephants. Obviously, elephant art is not going to be found in Chicago, but I’m looking for goofy artwork in general. It could be a photograph, painting, etc.

Tacky items to put on a desk – The sillier the better. I like chattering teeth for instance.

Does anyone know of a store that sells ugly/tacky items in Chicago? It could be an antique store, but I’m not looking for a “high end” type place. It could be a thrift store, but preferably one that specializes in objects and not clothes.

posted by parakeetdog to shopping (4 comments total)

Try American Science and Surplus and Uncle Fun (Uncle Fun is better for the chattering teeth kind of thing).
posted by carrienation at 10:09 PM on August 2

Archie McPhee is another traditional tacky bric-a-brac supplier.
posted by chairface at 6:25 AM on August 3

There's lots of weird stuff that might work at the dollar store at Jackson and Plymouth. And I've never been to either one, but I think Doolins has similar stuff to Uncle Fun.
posted by Xalf at 7:20 AM on August 3

There are tons of Party City locations throughout the city: they've got tons of silly toys, party favors, and decorations on the cheap. For something more like Archie McPhee, try Uncle Fun. And for weird antiques and knick-knacks, hit up Lost Eras on the far north side.
posted by eamondaly at 9:57 AM on August 3