Top 10 Gift Ideas: The Silk Worm

Well, Christmas is coming.

I usually wait until after Thanksgiving to start thinking/eating/breathing/living the holidays, but on Main Street has given me the perfect excuse to dive in early. 

The business is hosting a Holidays Aglow Open House this Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The day will include holiday demonstrations, refreshments and special sales around the store.

"It's going to be a fun, festive day," said owner Mary Ann Victor. "And an excellent way to get in the holiday spirit!"

My announcement

So with the announcement of this fun event, I am also taking this opportunity to launch my 2011 holiday series — Top 10 Gift Ideas from Around Town.

From now until Christmas I'll be visiting Rochester and Rochester Hills' favorite stores to report their top gift recommendations. Let me do the footwork for you!

(And if you have a store you'd like me to check out, just let me know through comments or by email.)

The Silk Worm's top 10 gift ideas

What better place to start than a store already decked out in full holiday mode with 11 gorgeous themed trees and a whole lot more.

led me through this list:

1. Merry Christmas sign: This sparkly silver sign says it all! It looks great hung on a door, a wall or on your favorite neighbor's tree. It's $9.50.
2. Cardinal tree percher: If there's a bird-lover on your list, this unique cardinal would be a beautiful addition to their Christmas tree. It is $19.95.
3. Pretty Tools: Look no further for stocking stuffers for the ladies in your life. These are tools "designed with a woman in mind." From scissors and tape dispensers to the prettiest hammer you've ever seen (with a screwdriver built into the handle!), this line makes the most practical gift perfect. Prices range from $5.95 to $9.95.
4. Scarves: Stylish, warm and lightweight, what's not to love about this collection of wool-blend scarves? Each is $39.95.
5. Michigan-made wooden chip-and-dip set: This beautiful handcrafted set would make a perfect gift for the Martha Stewart in your life. It's $39.95. The dip mixes make a great addition. Each is $3.95.
6. Print Pizazz stuffed animals: Vibrant red owls, soft blue dogs and silly pink monkeys are just some of the adorable animals available in the Print Pizazz collection. Items range from $5.95 to $16.95 for the littlest ones on your list.
7. Habersham candle: These amazing made-in-the-USA candles are wick-less, flame-less and last more than a year. There are more than a dozen scents to choose from, including many Christmas aromas. They make a great teacher gift and cost $26.95.
8. Anne Griffin tote: This beautiful blue double laminate tote is just right for the mom who no longer needs a diaper bag but still has a lot to carry around. It's $65. Also available are a matching cosmetic bag ($19) and journal ($13).
9. Mary Lake-Thompson wine bag: This is a beautiful collection of fine linens, towels, napkins and cocoa, but my favorite item is the snowman wine bag. With the message, "Cheers" it's the perfect wrapping for the hostess gift. It's $10.
10. Ornaments! Ornaments! Ornaments! Ornaments make such a great gift. They guarantee you're thought of at least twice a year— when the tree goes up and when the tree goes down! The Silk Worm has a phenomenal selection, from a giant cupcake to your favorite collegiate team. My favorite is the metallic confetti ball for $4.

What Christmas means

When you shop downtown, chances are the person you're talking to is either the owner or on a first-name basis with the owner. It's more than a paycheck; it's a living and you can tell the difference with the service you get. 

Meeting these people that make our town great is one of the favorite parts of my job.

Here's what I learned about Vizena during our tour of the store:

• Favorite holiday song: "It has to be 'Jingle Bells,'" Vizena said. "My middle son, who is now 27, sang that for his preschool Christmas program and even now when I hear it I picture him in his green velvet outfit shaking those bells with all his might. To me that song is the total joy of Christmas."
• Favorite holiday treat: "I have two: my Grandma Marvel's shortbread cookies and eggnog — my dad and I always made fresh eggnog together," Vizena explained.
• Best holiday gift you've received: "Oh, that's easy! My youngest son was born two hours after Christmas," Vizena said. "He was born at and they wrapped him in a stocking!"

And just like that, the Around Town holiday season has begun!