If you're at St. Clair Square today with your kids, stop by the Food Court and check out the Read Across America and Dr. Seuss birthday activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stories will be read to the children every half-hour, and there will be lots of other fun stuff to do. The first 25 kids who donate a new book today will receive a Dr. Seuss hat.

Target stores are helping to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday today (born March 2, 1904) as well, with two beginner Seuss books for $10 and two larger classic tales for $20.

At Build-A-Bear Workshop at the mall, get a free Easter egg decorating kid with a $20 purchase.

Brides To Be: Visit Things Remembered at the mall today or Sunday and get your name or initials engraved on a free keychain.

Just show your Facebook status as "engaged" on your phone or in a printout and receive the gift. The retailer will even use one of its premium fonts. It's a good time to browse the many bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts.

Brides, mark your calendars for the March 10 annual edition of March Down the Aisle with Dillard's at St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights. The bridal show runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on the upper level of the department store.

Getting ready for prom? it's never too early to do some window-shopping. JC Penney on Friday got a new line of short and long party dresses with very edgy yet feminine designs from Pearl by Georgina Chapman of Marchesa. In red and/or black in organza and lace, they're certainly not what your mother wore to prom, but worth a look. Prices range from $110 to $180.

If you are the kind of parent who plans ahead for car trips with the kids, head to World Market in Shiloh. The store has a really cool collection of games that, while not electronic or requiring the use of a wi-fi connection, will have youngsters playing together and entertained. I was particularly taken with the Magnetic Hangman game for $9.99. It's meant for two players and includes a white magnetic board, letter tiles, instructions and, of course, a scaffold and a cowboy who comes in pieces. While you're there, check out the other games and toys.

Just what do you do with that precious tooth that's meant for the Tooth Fairy? My mom put it in an envelope to tuck under my pillow. In the 21st century, the Tooth Fairy is still making her rounds, but now you can put that tooth in a special little soft pillow that has a compartment for the tooth and one for the reward. The Tooth Fairy Pillow is $7.99 in versions for boys and girls. They're sold at Ben's Crafts & Florals in downtown Belleville. Look for them right inside the High Street entrance.

Kohl's Department Store in Fairview Heights, like many retailers, is champing at the bit to get merchandise in the store for spring. So, out goes the old as everything goes on sale now through Sunday. Head to the Early Bird special sales from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, with some amazing deals: 65 to 70 percent off closeout luggage, such as a Samsonite carry-on upright for $79.99, regularly $279.99. Even if you get there after 1 or on Sunday, all women's handbags and wallets are 30 to 50 percent off. Too many price cuts to mention.