Nothing but moths in my bellfry...

April 22, 2011 7:44 AM

I need to buy a bell today. Where would I shop for such a thing?

I need to find some sort of hand bell. Not a sleighbell, not a cowbell, not the kind you slap your hand down on to summon the desk clerk. Just your basic bell-shaped bell with some sort of handle to ring it.

I'm in the west suburbs of Chicago if anyone knows anywhere specific to check. But in general, what type of store might sell these? Or what department would I look in?

No time to shop online, unfortunately. I need this by tomorrow afternoon.

posted by Serene Empress Dork to Shopping (16 answers total)

This is kind of a random idea, but you may want to try a Christian supply store. Bells are often used in religious services. Or, if you have a teacher's outlet nearby that might be a place to check also.
posted by Falwless at 7:54 AM on April 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

A local Staples, Office Depot, or other office supply store usually has them in stock.
posted by thebestsophist at 7:56 AM on April 22, 2011

School supply and music stores, too.
posted by SMPA at 8:03 AM on April 22, 2011

(I mean, music as in instruments and sheet music.)
posted by SMPA at 8:04 AM on April 22, 2011

To help your search, the term for what I think you want is "hand bell."
posted by gubo at 8:08 AM on April 22, 2011

Try an engraving store (think 50th anniversary) or a gift store (the kind where *ladies* shop).
posted by amtho at 8:08 AM on April 22, 2011

Also, if you just want a dinging sound and don't care that it has the Chicago skyline on it, bells are a popular tourist souvenir that you could probably pick up in the gift shop of any city landmark, as well as any cheesy convenience mart across the street from a landmark.
posted by aimedwander at 8:13 AM on April 22, 2011

If you're not picky, the sort of place that sells souvenirs to travelers (think airport or hotel gift shop) might have one emblazoned with the city name or local attractions or whatever.
posted by makeitso at 8:13 AM on April 22, 2011

A Hallmark store would definitely have them around Christmas. Not sure about Easter, but it's worth a try.
posted by sleepingcbw at 8:13 AM on April 22, 2011

Best answer: I suggest a Buddhist bell - beautiful object, beautiful sound. They're available at:

TIBETgift
828 Dempster Street
Evanston, IL
tel. [phone]

(from what I can gather, Evanston is only 10 miles north of Chicago - though of course you say you're in a western suburb...)

Or contact: Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago, 7331 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago IL, tel, [phone]. They can probably recommend more options.
posted by likeso at 8:22 AM on April 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

On preview, do call before you trek over to Tibet Gift - the bells aren't in their online shop. But these are essential practice tools, so I can't believe that they won't have them in stock.
posted by likeso at 8:27 AM on April 22, 2011

Best answer: Altar Bell (Church Supply Warehouse in Wheaton)

Wheaton is your go-to suburb for anything remotely church-y.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 8:32 AM on April 22, 2011

A children's toy shop, ideally the kind of place that sells handcrafted wooden things rather than Toys R Us.
posted by Lebannen at 8:37 AM on April 22, 2011

Seconding a teacher's store. Plus they're just fun to poke around in.
posted by JoanArkham at 8:51 AM on April 22, 2011

Response by poster: These are some great ideas that I would not have thought of. Thanks so much!
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:51 AM on April 22, 2011

Response by poster: I found two small hand bells at the Quest bookstore in Wheaton, with the meditation supplies. Perfect! Thanks especially to SuperSquirrel and likeso for pointing me in the right direction.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:32 AM on April 23, 2011