Show Them. You Know Them
1Z
By Judith Cookis
creativ e
Alice Liberson, owner of
DogmaCatmantoo in Ann Arbor, sells
Chanukah treats and toys for animals.
"I have squeaky toys in the shape of a
dreidel, menorah and I even have
gelt," says Leiberson. "I have Jewish
stars and bagel squeaky toys which are
great for every day. Can you imagine?
I even have a cow plush toy that says
`Oy Vey' when you shake it." Call
(734) 929-0022.
Any true animal pal loves all crea-
tures, so how about a donation in
your friend's name to the Michigan
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LE
re you sick of buying Mom
her favorite perfume? Can't
stand the thought of rum-
aging through another
sweater bin for Grandpa? This year, get
creative with your gift giving. From
cooking lessons to crystal dog collars or
a celebrity biography, often the best
gift is the one that's not so obvious.
Think hard about your recipients' hob-
bies, their secret indulgence, their
occupation or even their alter ego.
Yes, it might be the all-business
office type (and former garage band
singer) who would love concert tickets
to the headbanger's reunion tour.
Still stumped? Surf the Web for
some inspiration. Sites like www.sur-
prise.com , www.holidaygiftideas.com
or www.ebay.com offer cost-conscious
to extravagant suggestions.
Some of the following ideas are
inexpensive; others require a little
more bankroll. But one thing's cer-
tain, these gifts will be met with over-
whelming appreciation. And maybe,
Am
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2002
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just maybe, you won't get a
coffee mug or earmuffs in
next year's family grab bag.
Animal Lovers
Know someone who loves his
pooch as much as his family? Maybe
more? Commission a portrait of Fido
in all his glory. The Uppity Puppy
gourmet doggy bakery and_boutique
in downtown Royal Oak works
with artist Kevin O'Brien, who
paints custom 11x14 pet portraits
($135 plus matting and framing).
Give him two to three weeks and
at least four, color photos, and
he'll create a lasting professional
portrait. Or give someone a glass
bulb ornament, custom painted with
his or her pet's loveable mug ($27 and
up). The bakery also sells dog collars
and leads made of Austrian crystal,
luxurious pet beds, clothes and organ-
ic treats like "pup pizza," soy-nut but-
ter cookies and carob bagels. Call
(248) 336-2380.
"
Pewter wine coasters
and wine opener,
Williams-Sonoma.
Humane Society or The Detroit Zoo?
For gift donations to the humane
society, call (248) 799-7400 or visit
www.michiganhumane.org . Detroit
Zoo gifts help fund equipment and
medicine for the veterinary hospital,
educational programs, and conserva-
tion efforts for endangered animals.
Call (248) 541-5717 or visit
www.detroitzoo.org.
Busy Moms
Bring the spa to her with luxurious
European bath and body products.
Decorate a basket and fill it with
assorted goodies like French milled
soaps, fragrant Tocca candles and
Deep Steep's all-natural Honey Bubble
Bath and assorted lotions from Muse
in Berkley. Call (248) 544-MUSE.
At Ruby's Balm in West Bloomfield,
stock up on L'Artisan Perfumier and
Creed fragrances. Call
(248) 626-7829.
SHOW THEM on page 4