IT’S NOVEMBER AND FOR MOST PEOPLE, GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT ENTAILS charitable giving, decorating the home, shopping those sales for presents for friends and family. But for business executives, the holidays are also an opportunity to thank employees for their dedication and contributions throughout the year.
Here are our suggestions for holiday parties for the office, gifts for employees and clients and even gifts for the boss and others on your Christmas list. We hope these suggestions, available at local businesses, will help you make the holiday season memorable!
BY SHARI HELD
For Him
There are loads of options for the men on your list! Consider sports related items, clothing or jewelry. Here are a few specifics to get you started.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF VALPARAISO
The biker in your life will always appreciate a little bling for his bike, but since a bike is more like an extension of the biker’s personality than a means of transportation, better let them pick out their “chrome goodies” themselves. A gift certificate is the most popular holiday gift at Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso, and one that’s always welcome to bikers. Logo clothing is another option. A high-end Harley leather biker jacket that’s made for adventures on the road can cost up to $500, but logo jackets begin at $99. And who can’t use an extra t-shirt. Harley-Davidson puts out hundreds of new designs every year, so you’ve got plenty to choose from. The hottest selling bike accessory now is audio equipment—upgraded speakers and amplifiers. A fullblown audio system runs around $3,000, but a simple upgrade set of speakers begins at $150.
WE RECOMMEND: The iPod interface. It works in tandem with the plug-and-play factory radio system, allowing the biker to read the iPod screen on the radio. It runs about $250.
HOOSIER BAT COMPANY
If your boss is a baseball fanatic, a collector bat just might make the perfect gift. You can buy a bat used by Joey Cora, Doug Mientkiewicz, Lyle Mouton and others. At $50, it won’t break the bank, either. If he’d rather play the game, give him the advantage of a custommade bat. Hoosier Bat Company, located in Valparaiso, makes birch and ash custom bats that sell for $65 and $55, respectively. It takes a minimum of two weeks to make a custom bat, so get your order in early! There’s also a nice selection of baseball-related novelty items.
WE RECOMMEND: The Wood Force 2000. It’s the invention of owner David Cook, a former scout for the New York Yankees. Fashioned of three different kinds of wood—ash, maple and hickory—it is designed for durability, and is a favorite of Major League player Sammy Sosa. It sells for $65.
L.R. MEN’S CLOTHIER & TUXEDOS
For dressier men’s apparel, check out the designer clothing at L.R. Men’s Clothier & Tuxedos in Laporte. Owner Leann Van-Schoyck can steer you toward current styles that will give him an updated, classy look. What’s “in” this year? Olive green is the hot color in a palette that features earth tones. Two-button suits have replaced three-button suits, plaids and stripes are popular, and shirttails are tucked in this year. VanSchoyck calls it a very “clean” look. You can’t go wrong with a sports coat paired with a dark denim jean and shoes and a belt to match. Try Joe’s Jeans ($130) for a more casual look or their dressier counterpart, Agave dark denim jeans ($199). A dark chocolate boot is the perfect foil for olive green.
WE RECOMMEND: A winter-weight wool sports coat in dark brown with a green windowpane check by S. Cohen. This Canadian line runs around $350. Pair it with a lowheel, side-zip, leather boot with a round toe in chocolate brown by Allen Edmond ($295) or Johnson & Murphy ($150).
LIGHTHOUSE PLACE PREMIUM OUTLETS®
You can do all your holiday shopping in one place at Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets in Michigan City. With more than 120 outlet stores—Toys R Us just opened and Samsonite is opening in November—you’ll be sure to find everything you need at a great price. Midnight Madness from Midnight on Friday November 25 through 10 p.m. kicks off the holiday hours—Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Whether it’s a Burberry signature scarf, country classics from Polo Ralph Lauren, American classics from Brooks Brothers or designer clothing from Kenneth Cole or Tommy Hilfiger, all your favorite stores are there. For the sportsman, shop at Columbia Sportswear Co. or Under Armour. Don’t forget Coach or Wilson’s Leather for wallets and leather goods, Movado for upscale watches or Bose for music systems!
WE RECOMMEND: Purchase a no-fee, Simon Gift Card and let him choose in the mall. There’s no expiration date on the card, and it can be used in any Premium Outlet Center in the U.S.
For Him & Her
Watches make a great gift for both sexes. Check out jewelers for holiday sales on watches, money clips or desk accessories that can be engraved with the company logo or a special message.
MARTIN BINDER JEWELERS
Martin Binder Jewelers records what people like, making giftgiving easy. Just get him or her to come in and make their wishes known! The family-owned store also offers a lay-away option. Located in downtown Valparaiso, Binder’s has been in business since 1940. When it comes to gifts for men, there are plenty of options ranging from a $5,000 Rolex watch to a golf tool accessory by Swiss Army that sells for around $45. Owner Bob Flude says the hot new trend in men’s jewelry, whether wedding rings or bracelets, is alternative metals such as tungsten and titanium. For her, check out a piece by designer Charles Krypell, who uses diamonds and colored stones in his creations. Other options include pieces from the ELLE line, which begin around $45, and Pandora charms. For corporate gifts, Flude says Christmas ornaments ($15 to $20) engraved with the date and the company logo make very popular giveaways. They can also engrave glass vases and other items and carry a contemporary line of corporate jewelry that can be engraved.
WE RECOMMEND: A contemporary style Edward Mirell metal bracelet in a combination of metals for men. For women, you can’t go wrong with diamond stud earrings. A half-carat pair starts at $800 and a one-carat pair ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Binder Jewelers gives you full credit for a pair of diamond studs previously purchased from them toward an upgrade.
For Her
Pampering is always in order for the females on your holiday gift list. Give her the gift of relaxation and rejuvenation and make her day.
SPA BLU AT BLUE CHIP CASINO HOTEL & SPA
At Spa Blu in Michigan City, pedicures and facials are the top two requested services, but the 10,000-square-foot spa, salon and fitness center offers everything from make-up services to massage. “My Blu Heaven” pedicure—exfoliation, mask and paraffin wax treatment for $65—is 50 minutes of bliss for the feet. A 25-minute Express version is available for $40. The signature facial begins at $55 for 25 minutes. Enhancements can be added to customize it to her particular needs. Watch for specials such as the October/November pumpkin spice services for pedicures, body scrubs and facials.
WE RECOMMEND: The gift certificate. Why? A Blue Chip gift card can be purchased in any amount from $10 to $500 and can be used at the spa, the hotel and hotel restaurants.
The region boasts several great spas, such as State of Mind, Salon & Day Spa in Crown point, that can give your boss or employees a day of redemption away from the office. Another great way to leave business behind and enjoy the holidays is to give theatre tickets. Entertainment is always appropriate and appreciated. The lineup for Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre features the Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant “2 Friends Tour” in November and Alice Cooper’s “No More Mr. Nice Guy Tour,” The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show and Damon Williams’ New Year’s Eve Comedy Bash in December. Check the local schedule for the incredible Northwest Indiana Symphony’s holiday shows. Or check out a Broadway show in Chicago.
THE MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER/LEIGHTON THEATER & PALAIS ROYALE BALLROOM
The Morris features “the HOTTEST Tickets in Town!” Home of the Broadway Theatre League of South Bend, Inc., the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and Southhold Dance Theatre, it is an award-winning cultural venue that has been entertaining folks since the 1920s when it hosted the Guy Lombardo Band and other big band acts. Both buildings are listed on the national register of historic buildings. Upcoming attractions include Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, The Nutcracker, South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays” show, BLAST! and My Fair Lady.
Food Gifts
Remember your clients during the holiday season with great tasting food gifts they can share with others. Here are a few of our favorites.
FAIR OAKS FARMS
Choose from a variety of dairy products made from the milk of antibiotic- and hormone-free cows. www.fofarms.com
WE RECOMMEND: The Cream of the Crop Gift Box contains eight-ounce portions of the best sellers and award-winning cheeses.
ANDERSON VINEYARD & WINERY
Fourteen years ago this Valparaiso winery was an apple orchard. Now the grounds are covered vineyards, from which its nine estate wines are made. Anderson Vineyard’s mead is made from honey collected from their own beehives. The winery also offers 11 fruited wines as well as jams and jellies, apples, cider, candles, cheeses, wine and beer making supplies, fudge and candy and wine accessories. Wines begin at $9.99, with a bottle of port topping out at $24.99.
WE RECOMMEND: A gift basket. You select the items; they wrap it. The price depends on your selections. Try their best-selling Vineyard Blush. It goes great with turkey and chicken.
ZINSZER’S BAKERY AND COOKIES
The bakery is located on the North side of Anderson, but owner Judy Zinszer routinely trots the globe in search of unique and tasty cookie creations to add to her cookie repertoire. The bakery ships sweets all over the world. Its gift list includes baklava boxes, brownie boxes, cookie boxes, jumbo decorated cookies and decorated cakes—any of which make great corporate gifts. www.ZinszerCookies.com
WE RECOMMEND: Their signature Big Red Yard of Cookies. Forty-two hand-dipped cookies, made with the fi nest natural ingredients, are shipped in a shiny red mailing tube. The tasty creations will be sure to make a lasting impression!
STRONGBOW BAKERY
Established in the 1990s, the Strongbow Bakery is part of Strongbow Inn, and carries on a family tradition that has spanned three generations. In the last five years the bakery’s gift shipping business has taken off great guns, and they ship client’s gifts nationwide. The most popular holiday items are the chocolate-dipped caramel apples, chocolate-dipped pretzel rods and decorated shortdough cookies, which come in a variety of holiday shapes. The cookies can be packaged in tins and mailed to clients or ordered by the tray for office parties.
WE RECOMMEND: A selection of goodies featuring caramel apples, decorated cookies, pretzel rods, truffl es and turtles is a winner! www.strongbowinn.com
SIMPLY AMAZING MARKET
Operated by Opportunity Enterprises, a Valparaiso-based not-for-profit organization that provides jobs for disabled individuals, Simply Amazing Market prepares gourmet popcorn and fudge. When it comes to popcorn, Butter Caramel, Chicago Mix and Gourmet Cheddar are big favorites, but for the more adventurous people in your life, try the Buffalo Wing or pizza flavors. Called “ambrosia in a box,” fudge flavors run the gamut from Chocolate/Cheesecake Swirl or Chocolate/Mint Swirl.
WE RECOMMEND: A gift basket that includes a selection of gourmet popcorn and fudge flavors as well as other candies and treats. www.simplyamazingtreats.com
APPLEWOOD FARMS
With more than 50 years in the food service industry, Schererville-based Applewood Farms has an incredible corporate gift-giving program. You’ll find high-quality, farm-fresh turkeys and hams as well as sausages and even lobster!
WE RECOMMEND: The turkey. Not your typical turkey, Applewood Farm turkeys are fed an all-natural gourmet diet and raised in an ideal environment. You’ll be able to taste the difference. www.applewoodfarms.com
THE CHOCOLATE GARDEN
In the 13 years since she founded The Chocolate Garden, Tina Buck’s handmade truffles have been attracting national attention. They’ve been featured on the Food Network, Fine Living TV and the Travel Channel and named “Best Chocolatier in America” by America’s Best Online. Buck creates her tasty concoctions in the middle of a peach orchard in Southwest Michigan. Unlike many truffles, hers don’t have a hard coating—you can even put one on the rim of a champagne flute! Besides the traditional flavors, try Cayenne Kick, Lemon Drop, Black Licorice or a wine- or sherry-infused version. Buck suggests pairing her dark chocolate raspberry truffle, a favorite, with a dry red wine for contrast or a sweet dessert wine with hints of raspberry.
WE RECOMMEND: The Full Bloom. It features nine different flavors of truffles in a mix of milk, dark and white chocolate for $26.99. It’s Buck’s most popular box. There’s also a Pound Full Bloom for $43.99. For a buck more they’ll decorate the holiday boxes with foil stars that are appropriate for any holiday. Or, try Holiday Spice (milk chocolate with a blend of spices) or Candy Cane (white chocolate covered in crushed peppermint)—two special truffl e creations only available during the holidays. www.chocolategarden.com
Holiday Entertaining
Nothing says “thank you” more than a holiday gathering where everyone gets the chance to relax and mingle. Give them one they’ll remember.
THE INN AT ABERDEEN
It’s a picture perfect venue for a Christmas party—16 decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, lights and a grand staircase all add up to a spectacular photo op and a memorable experience. You can even ride around the grounds in a red sleigh, pulled by Bob, the Inn’s resident white horse, to get your holiday spirit in high gear. The Inn can accommodate 64 for a sit-down dinner and 120 for a cocktail/appetizer party. The menu features fresh and flavorful American cuisine with fish, beef, pork and chicken selections, but Bill Simon says that around the holidays prime rib and roasted pork loin in maple plum sauce are the most popular choices. If you’re looking for something different, you can rent the whole Inn—it has 11 guestrooms—and have a DJ and dancing, a wine tasting dinner complete with the vintner or opt for a holiday-themed murder mystery party that will get your guests actively involved. (Contact the Inn at least two weeks in advance so they can arrange the script.) Often businesses will award outstanding employees a night at the Inn or they will hand out gift certificates for one of the Inn’s package deals—Dinner & Romance package, Dream Golf Getaway, Day of Luxury or Design Your Own Special Gift. The Inn, located in Valparaiso, has been in operation for 16 years.
WE RECOMMEND: The holiday mystery party and the sleigh ride. It’s an experience your guests will remember for a long time to come, and a great way to show your employees your appreciation. The only problem: how to top it in 2012! www.innataberdeen.com
GREAT LAKES CATERING
For 20 years, Great Lakes Catering has been catering holiday parties for businesses in Michigan City and the surrounding area. The full-service event management/catering company counts many construction companies and factories as clients. General Manager Ed Kis has been in the business for 57 years and has seen trends come and go. He says most companies opt for a prime rib carving station paired with a lighter option such as a turkey breast or pork tenderloin carving station. Kis says most clients want a hearty meal followed by a splashy dessert that will make a lingering impression. Traditionally the most popular items are cakes or cookies decorated with the company logo or slogan. This holiday season the frozen strawberry shortcake adorned with fresh strawberries and frozen orange torte adorned with fresh orange slices are very popular.
WE RECOMMEND: There’s no going against tradition when it comes to the holidays. Bring on the prime rib, pork tenderloin and the frozen strawberry shortcake!
Finally, fine dining gift certificates are always a big hit with busy executives. How about Lucrezia Restaurant in Chesterton and Crown point, Gamba Ristorante in Merrillville, Ciao Bella Ristorante in Schererville or Don Quijote Restaurant in Valparaiso and Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville.
Remember that the holidays come only once a year. Happy Holidays from all of us at NWIBQ!
