Chicago - November 26, 2007

Just Say Ess

Essimar Stationery

The last time your friend threw her annual Thanksgiving party, you really cut a rug.

Then you upchucked on it.

Good thing there’s Essimar cards, the perfect way to make amends.

Shell out the apologies with the turtle note or up the adorableness with a screen-printed baby bear. Of course, you could always brighten her day with the tulip design or ask for a fresh start with a hand-sketched tree.

For redemption requiring a present (ahem, dry cleaning), the gift cards printed with vintage patterns of rabbits, elephants, deer, and more are charming enough to erase any animosity.

Though you might want to think about laying off the eggnog this year.

Ess is more.

Available at Komoda, 2559 West Chicago Avenue, between Rockwell Street and Maplewood Avenue (773-276-8229); Renegade Handmade, 1924 West Division Street, at Winchester Avenue (773-227-2707 or renegadehandmade.com); online at etsy.com.