Friends of Prentice and The 900 Shops have joined forces for a Mother’s Day weekend event that is the perfect mix of causey and fun. On  Saturday, May 12^th from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., The 900 Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-915-3916) hosts a full day of events including free mini manicures and massages at Mario Tricoci, a free mini cupcake at Williams-Sonoma; free makeovers and facials by Clarins at Bloomingdale’s, and 20 percent off purchases at most mall stores, including Preggers and Galt Toys + Galt Baby. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door and all ticket proceeds benefit Friends of Prentice. All day parking is $10.

Color Wheel Studio (2016 W. Concord Pl., Chicago, 773-661-1743) is hosting a pretty cool event called “Book for a Book.” Between now and Friday, May 18^th, stop by the studio to drop off gently used books that your kids have outgrown. Then return on Saturday, May 19^th from noon to 5 p.m. and pick out new (to you) reading material. If you bring one book, you take one book—if you bring 10, you take 10, and so on.

Both locations of Madison and Friends (43 E. Oak St., Chicago, 312-642-6403; 2040 W. Roscoe St., Chicago, 773-697-7971) host a gumball promotion through Saturday, May 11^th. Stop in and buy a gumball to see if you save 30, 40, 50, or 60 percent off your purchase.

Brilliant Sky Toys & Books (Yorktown Center Mall, Lombard, 630-495-3424) is offering 25 percent off Kidorable rain gear.

Julia Franzosa Photography is offering mini photography sessions as a fundraiser for Kids Fight Cancer. Sessions run 20 to 25 minutes on Friday, May 18th and Saturday, May 19th for babies, kids, maternity, or small families of up to four members. The cost for the session is $75 and will be donated to the organization. The price includes the session, 15 proofs, two 5 x 7 prints, and 50 percent off any additional prints. Spots are limited, so email info@julia-franzosa.com or call 773-342-1280 to book a space.

In celebration of Mother;s Day, Randoons (962 1/2 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, 847-784-1890) offers 15 percent off all jewelry through Sunday, May 12^th.

Notice: Accessories for Living (202 S. Cook St., Barrington, 224-655-2085), a local chain owned by a mom and two daughters, opens in Barrington, the third area location (others are in Lake Geneva and Evanston). Although primarily a women’s clothing and accessory store, the shop carries Dwell Studio baby bedding and cute baby gifts. The grand opening celebration runs Thursday, May 10^th through Saturday, May 12^th—stop in to receive free gifts with purchase and enter to win a shopping spree.

This one is a bit of a cheat as it’s not really a sale, but I can’t resist a good cause. CircEsteem, the non-profit that uses circus arts to build self-esteem in kids, holds its Spring Circus this weekend. More than 100 kids aged 7 to 18 from throughout the area perform juggling, clowning, trampoline, trapeze, tight wire, and other circus acts. Shows run at Alternatives, Inc. (4730 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, 312-731-4242) on Friday, May 11^th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 12^th at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Saturday, May 19^th at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 20^th at 2 p.m. Tickets range $8 to $35.