Art glass, such as found at the Sigwarth Glass booth (above) from River Falls, WI, is among the big draws at Merchandis Mart's One of a Kind show.  A JJ photo

The only problem with shopping at the Merchandise Mart’s One of a Kind show this weekend is not falling victim to the kid-in-the-candy-store syndrome.

The signs were there even before entering the Mart after the show opened Thursday. Dozens of people were walking up Wacker Drive with One of a Kind shopping bags.

Inside the Mart, elevator doors opened on the 8th floor to reveal eye catching ceramics, sparkling jewelry, fine art work and wearable art. The challenge was evident: how could a shopper pick a few gifts among so many extraordinary choices. More than 550 artists and artisans were juried into the show.

The back fold-out page of the show's guide book helped if interested in finding fashion, fine art or food (to eat or take). But a good way to navigate the show turned out to be walking the aisles, marking booths on the map that displayed promising gifts, relax with a bite and beverage, then go back to buy or seek more information. All artists are on hand to answer questions.

If looking for items for one’s own home, a good place to stop is a room put together for One of a Kind Design by Buckingham Interiors & Design between aisles 3000 and 4000 near the Center Stage. Designer Julia Buckingham Edelmann did the room with items from the Mart and from some of the show’s artists.

If you go
What: One of a Kind Show and Sale® began Dec. 3 and continues Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Dec. 5 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Dec. 6 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The Merchandise Mart, 8th Floor, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, north side of the Chicago River between Orleans and Wells Streets, Chicago, 800-677-MART (6728)
Tickets: Adults: $12, seniors and students: $9, children 12 and under: free