Top 10 Gift Ideas: Green Baby

Today and Saturday, on Main Street is hosting a Made in the USA Event.

"Our customers come in and ask for it," store manager, Christine Nugent said. "People want organic goods made in the USA, and that's what we're giving them."

Even better, they're giving it at sale prices.

As part of the event, all items made in the USA will be 30 percent off. The items will be called out with American flags on display.

"About 30 percent of our store is American-made product so it will be great to see all those flags," Nugent said.

Special guests offer great holiday gifts

In addition to the sale, the event will also host special guests.

• Luna's Eyes Photography will be conducting mini holiday sessions. The $40 package includes one 5x7 and four wallets. Call 248-650-0700 to reserve a spot.
• Artist Anna Banana will be on site to do ceramic hand and footprints. Prices vary by size. Call 248-650-0700 to reserve a time.
• Author Bridget Llewellyn will be on site Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to read and sign her book, "One Child, One Planet."
• Pikkupoika Knits will be selling knit and crochet items made from Michigan organic yarn.
• will be on site to sell jewelry for moms and expecting moms.
• will be in the house with the store's made-in-the-USA crib.

Green Baby's top 10 gift ideas

On Wednesday I launched my holiday gift ideas series. Today we turn the Around Town spotlight on Green Baby. Nugent led me through their list (keep in mind, American-made products are 30 percent off today and tomorrow):

1. Baby's First Christmas ornament: This adorable ornament by beehive (one of Oprah's favoirtes) was inspired by kitchenware. Made in Massachusetts, the deer ornament is $18. 
2. Oopsy Daisy growth chart: From dinosaurs to fields of flowers, these beautiful growth charts are a fun way to watch the children grow. Made in California, the $49 chart can be customized for an additional $10. If you're looking for something different to give the grandparents, this could be it.
3. Big belly bank: What better way to encourage saving than a coin-gobbling moose? (or dinosaur? or giraffe?). These big wooden banks are made in Massachusetts and cost $39.99.
4. HABA blocks: These colorful wooden blocks from Germany offer more than your average square of wood. Adorned with bells, marbles and mirrors, your child will never be bored. A set is $40.
5. Sophie the giraffe: Helping teething babies since 1961, this adorable  stimulates the senses while soothing the gums. It's $23.
6. Green Toys: Made from 100 percent recycled plastic, these colorful toys were once milk jugs! The selection includes stacking cups, tug boats, race cars, tea sets and, my absolute favorite, the pink dump truck. Prices range from $8 to $28 on these California-made toys.
7. The Jane Goodall Wild Animal Collection: These stuffed animals are 100 percent non-toxic, made of cotton with natural coloring. Nugent tells me the gorilla is her favorite, as it reminds her of her monkey-collecting daughter. It's $25.
8. Plan Toy pull-along alligator: Sure it's fun to learn to walk, but even better when you can bring a friend. This cute green guy could fit that bill for the toddler on your list. He's $22.
9. Plan Toy solid drum: Kids can explore rhythm, develop hand-eye coordination and make music all while having fun with this drum. Different areas of the surface create different sounds giving a fun lesson in cause-and-effect. The drum makes a great gift for the over 18 months set and parents will be happy with the rubber drumstick head to soften the sound. It's $23.
10. Plan Toy baby car: Nugent isn't the only fan of this baby-friendly vehicle; it's won awards including Oppenheim Gold Seal for Best Toy. Designed for ease of baby's use, it's colorful and flexible. It's $14.

What Christmas means

Nugent has worked for Green Baby for three years, two as the store's manager. Here's what she shared with me as we toured the store:

• Favorite holiday song: "'Little Drummer Boy' chokes me up every time," Nugent said. "I grew up very poor. His talent was his gift and that is very emotional for me."
• Favorite holiday treat: "My mom made French meat pies with homemade crust. She would use the leftover dough to make cookies with butter, cinnamon and sugar," Nugent said. "I still make those cookies with my kids. In fact my son did a show-and-tell in elementary school on how to make them. He just thought they were the neatest things."
• Favorite holiday memory: "In 1976 we didn't have any money. My son was four and I didn't know what kind of Christmas I could give him but every gift he opened he would exclaim, 'Thank you, Mom!! It's just what I always wanted!' His joy was everything," Nugent explained.