Spirit of giving: Some holiday gift ideas for colleagues at work

By Jeanine Matlow Legal News The clock is ticking as you ponder your holiday shopping list. While a generic gift is a nice gesture, a more personalized present requires some thought. Here are some suggestions from a few local sources and attorneys that support them. Diane DeCillis, owner of Lido Gallery & Gifts in Birmingham, offers legal-themed desk sets, bookends, paperweights and more. Sophisticated office décor includes a wide variety of sculptures, sand timers, chess sets and vintage images that depict Detroit landmarks, such as courthouses. DeCillis has helped Geoffrey Fieger select some of his favorite law-related art and sculpture. "Diane has been my art consultant for 33 years," says the trial lawyer with Fieger Law in Southfield. "She is responsible for most of the art in my office and my homes." Lido Gallery also carries their own line of teas that pay homage to great artists and elegant chocolate bars fused with full-color artwork that is completely edible and presented in a decorative frame. The bars that were featured in Oprah Magazine can also be custom made. "This season, people are doing more custom framing of meaningful photos and memorabilia and Michigan made products are selling well," DeCillis says. "People are also gravitating to gifts with a purpose like candles and kitchenware." Their bestselling item is the Volary of Words poster, a reference for collective nouns that pertain to animals. "It's exclusive to us and it's the kind of poster that inspires conversation," DeCillis says. Gift baskets can be completely customized. "We love a theme and our gift baskets run the gamut: from literary baskets that feature Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman and Shakespeare teas with pens and notebooks, to Art Lovers baskets and Foodie Finds." Northville-based attorney, Ward Powers, frequents nearby Dancing Eye Gallery for unique gifts. "The store carries thought-provoking knickknacks like placards and signs with thoughts that have meaning," he says. "They carry funky and cool stuff that you don't see every day. The pieces have more of a trendy contemporary feel." Another gift idea is the DVD for the independent film "ONE" that the attorney made several years ago. It was just picked up by the Oprah Winfrey Network. "People buy more of them as gifts during the holidays," Powers says. Theresa Schierloh, owner of Dancing Eye Gallery in Northville, carries an array of ornaments that range in shape from classic snowmen to martini glasses. Her shop is known for its selection of decorative tiles and other items by local artists. Some come with sayings such as: "May you become the person your dog thinks you are;" "Be the change you wish to see in the world--Ghandi;" "In the middle of difficulty opportunity lies--Einstein;" "Believe there are no limits but the sky--Cervantes." Katherine Trever, an attorney and counselor who currently practices real estate law, acting as outside counsel for the law firms of Schneiderman & Sherman PC, Randall S. Miller and Associates PC, and Orlans Associates PC, makes jewelry on the side that is sold at Dancing Eye Gallery. "My jewelry is a unique mix of vintage and new pieces I collect. I love using salvaged parts and giving something new life again. Anything goes as long as I think it looks good," she says. "I think there is nothing better than giving someone a Pewabic tile for Christmas. It's like giving a little piece of Detroit's history and there are so many to choose from. They look wonderful on walls, but also make a lovely paper weight or desk ornament," says Trever, who also favors the gift of food. "I don't think you can ever go wrong with giving someone really good chocolates or candy. It will get eaten by someone!" Published: Thu, Dec 15, 2011

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