Top 10 Gift Ideas: Catching Fireflies

has been part of the downtown Rochester scenery for five and a half years. 

I can't help but wonder how many gifts (with complimentary wrapping) have been purchased in that time. It's got to be a lot, because this store has something for everyone.

If you're stuck on a gift, I highly recommend you stop by. I doubt you'll walk out empty-handed.

(Note: Patch cannot be held responsible for freelance writers' Double-Dutch-Dares.)

Catching Fireflies Top 10

Store manager Dena Gillespie has worked at Rochester's Catching Fireflies since Day 1, so she knows her store. Here's her Top 10 list, with bonus ideas in the photo gallery.

1. Fingerless mittens: Colorful knit on the outside, warm fleece on the inside, these fingerless mittens let you text in comfort and style. And on a very practical note, Gillespie pointed out, "You don't have to take them off, so they don't get lost." Brilliant! They're $24.95 a pair.
2. Chalkboard sticker: Whether it's for a kids' playroom or a mom's kitchen, this chalkboard sticker is the ticket. Die-cut in an attractive 19-inch-by-24-inch size, the sticker is removable. It's $12.95 with chalk included.
3. "Just the Ticket" book: For that guy who has a pile of concert tickets, this 20-page book fits 80 ticket stubs with room for notes. It's $15.99.
4. Shower steamers: These make a great stocking stuffer. Each steamer is $3.95 and comes in scents like Healing, Refresh and Hangover Buster.
5. Detroit sign: Every picture tells a story. But in this case, every picture makes a letter and the letters spell "Detroit." The art comes with paperwork on what each letter is and where it's located. They also come in Rochester, U of M and MSU. $84.95.
6. "The Twelve Days of Christmas in Michigan" book: What a great way for kids to learn about our state! From a robin in a white pine tree to 12 cherry sundaes, this book is fun and educational. (And if you have any Rochester third graders on your list, that is the grade that Michigan is on their social studies curriculum.) The book is $12.95.
7. Buckyballs: Here's a desk toy for the grown ups that's hard to put down. Buckyballs are 216 powerful magnets that you can build with or just squeeze tight into a stress ball. It's $34.95.
8. Magic Tree and Magic Snowman: If you're traveling this year and can't get a tree or if you're sending gifts to kids in warm-weather locations, the magic of the season can still be found in this gift. Build a crystal tree or snowman in six hours with these sets. Each is $5.95.
9. Thinking putty: Here's a gift you can bounce, knead, tear, pop, stretch and create with. It's thinking putty and it's available in three different forms: magnetic ($15.95), hyper-color ($11.95) and creatures ($12.95). Gillespie said it's great hand therapy.
10. Monkey bread mix and Margarita mix: Your hostess has worked hard; this gift makes it easy. The monkey bread mix only needs water and butter to create a delicious treat. It's $12.95. The cranberry key lime margarita and cranberry tangerine cosmopolitan mixes make an entire pitcher. Each is $8.95.

What Christmas means

Gillespie took a break from her Top Elf duties to share these Christmas memories:

• Favorite holiday song: "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree — it's upbeat with a lot of great energy," Gillespie said. "My mom used to play the record all the time so the song reminds me of being a kid."
• Favorite holiday treat: "Buckeyes! My aunt used to make them every Christmas and I'd sneak them. Now I'm in charge of making them," Gillespie said.
• Favorite thing about the holidays: "Family— there are people I only see at Christmas so it's great to see the children growing and the new additions," said Gillespie.

Around Town Laura is delivering holiday gift ideas to you in an ongoing series. Click on the links to read about Top 10 lists from: 

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