Top Ten Holiday Gifts
For the Ladies on Your List

Created, Concocted, Sold, Packaged, or Performed in Rochester, NY

By Jackie Perrin and Debra Ross

Mom, Aunt, Sister , Teacher, Girlfriend – there’s a good chance at least one of these names is on your holiday gift giving list this year. When it comes to gift giving, the old adage rings true: It’s the thought that counts. While any gift is valued, one that implies some forethought is especially appreciated.

This year, why not personalize your gift, as well as support a Rochester businesswoman, by buying locally? Following are our top ten picks for holiday gifts – all products and services are made right here in the greater Rochester area.

1. Make her laugh with tickets to the “Best of EstroFest,” an anniversary comedy show featuring Rochester’s most gifted funny gals at the height of hilarity. Tickets for the Spring Season, running April 1-30, 2005, are $15 each and are available at all Rochester area Wegmans "That's the Ticket!" counters (with no additional service charge). The ladies of Estrofest have offered two tickets to be given away in our free drawing on December 17, 2004.



2. Here’s a great gift for the teacher on your list: a night off from cooking! Personal Chef Patti Battista’s Casserole Connection service offers customers a selection of more than 200 made-from-scratch gourmet casseroles, such as roast sirloin pot roast, macaroni and cheese with vegetables, shrimp, orzo and gorgonzola cheese. Prices range from $25.00 for one casserole or $100 for five. Gift certificates are available.



3. Early December is the time to assemble care packages from home. Tops on our list of goodies-to-go are handmade chocolates, ribbon candy, peanut brittle and sugar speck (a Dutch delicacy) from The Original Candy Kitchen in Williamson, Wayne County. Owner Mary Kostakis, a third generation Greek goddess of confection, will package your parcel in a festive gift box and send it on its way. Order online at http://www.originalcandykitchen.com or by calling 315-589-9085. Mary has generously offered a 4-lb solid chocolate old-world Santa giveaway to KidsOutAndAbout.com readers...the drawing will be December 10, 2004.



4. Let it snow Let it snow! You’ll be snug as a bug in a rug in a hand knit scarf, hat or sweater from the Milkhouse Gift Shop, located in Palmyra, Wayne County. The shop is chock full of great gift items like handmade Amish quilts and handmade soaps, as well as handspun yarns in a great variety. Owner Peggy Green is a talented fiber artist, who--when she’s not birthing lambs--is burning up the loom. Milkhouse Gift Shop at Paragon Farm is at 9993 Cornwall Road, east of the village of Palmyra on Route 31, (315) 597-6742. Hours for the gift shop are 3-6pm weekdays and 12-9pm on Saturdays. We're happy to report that Peggy has donated a hand-knitted wool hat to give away through the KidsOutAndAbout.com site; this giveaway will be drawn December 10, 2004.



5. We could spend the better part of a day (and do so at least once a year) browsing through the rooms of Craft Company #6, located in the University art district. Local jewelry artist Yvonne Cupolo offers the perfect present for pet lovers in her cloisonné enamel jewelry. Cloisonné is an ancient Chinese craft, and cats and dogs are Cupolo’s favorite subjects. Bring in a pet photo and pamper your favorite Mom with a personalized purchase.



6. Give your favorite gal the gift of fun and fitness with an Adventure Out! exercise adventure! Adventure Out, a “fitness experience for women,” is by spearheaded two mom athletes and offers classes in snowshoeing, rowing, biking and Pilates-- for beginners to serious sweaters. Adventure Out! is particularly known for snowshoe outings, and this holiday season is offering several gift adventures for enthusiasts, including a girlfriends trek, couples and family packages. “It Takes Two to Shoe” is a couples basket with a bottle of wine, biscotti, hot chocolate and a certificate for a weekend snowshoe rental for two. "The Family that Plays Together” gift basket includes hot chocolate, biscotti, Rice Krispie treats and a certificate for a weekend snowshoe rental for a family. Snowshoes are delivered on a chosen Friday and picked up on Monday.



7. Is someone on your list expanding--her belly and her family? If so, give her some diet help. Eating-for-you (and baby too) is a nutrition consulting service for expecting and new mothers. Registered dietitian Maggie McHugh and her sister, Ellen Burggraf, offer gift certificates for nutrition evaluation, menu planning, and one-on-one wellness coaching. And they have offered a great giveaway through our site, with the drawing December 17, 2004.



8. If you’re a regular KidsOutAndAbout.com reader of our “Giveaways” page, you’ll have seen Terri Urzetta’s company Indigo Canyon offering a wonderful wine-and-cheese basket. Urzetta, who is a local mother of twins, creates wonderful custom gift baskets for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion: you can click here and scroll down for a sample of baskets. If you’re especially nice, mom may even share! Terri has donated a gourmet cookie basket to give away through KidsOutAndAbout.com; the drawing is December 10, 2004.



9. Give Mom a break from Pampers with some pampering of her own! She can have a little bit of luxury every day with a supply of marvelous lotions, spritzers, salt scrubs, bath products and other relaxation products from Country Bunny Bath and Body. Amy Toric, our local Rochester representative and a mom from Brighton, is responsible for introducing Debra Ross (KOA's publisher) to Country Bunny products, and now Deb can't live without the Satin Shea Body Butter in the vanilla cream scent. Click here for a list of the gifts and packages available.



10. Or go all out and declare “Moms Day Off” with a pampering party at Luxe Spa. While you’re commandeering the kids, mom can luxuriate in “Nirvana Time,” “Pure Luxe,” “Peaceful Retreat,” or one of many other packages and services. It’s no wonder that owner Ameann DeJohn, mother of three young children, looks so great. Gift certificates are available in any denomination. Order one over the phone, and the Luxe Staff will package it up pretty, just like her.

Rochester-area ladies! If you would like me to email the sweetie in your life a link to this article, so that it's noticed but is not an obvious hint-hint from you, please email me the name and email address of the person in question. Put "Pass along the gift article link" in the subject or body of the email so I know what it's about.

If you own a western New York business and are interested in donating a prize for our free giveaways, click here to complete a form to let us know what you'd like to donate, and when!

© Jackie Perrin and Debra Ross, 2004
All rights reserved.