Nancy Biehn, owner of Sweet Gem Confections, makes pear puree with pink peppercorn truffles. Her business is in a section of Morgan & York's store on Packard Road.

So you haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet? Here are three stops you can make – hitting four locally owned businesses – to help wrap up your 2008 gift-giving list.

Sweet Gem Confections, Morgan & York

When The Chronicle dropped by the Sweet Gem Confections kitchen recently, owner Nancy Biehn had covered her working table with an army of truffles, lined up like they were ready to march into someone’s mouth – which, eventually, they were. At any given time, Biehn makes about 16 different types of these chocolate bites of decadence, including seasonal flavors like eggnog and chestnut rum for the holidays.

She sells these chocolates at Morgan & York – her business is tucked into the corner of that Packard Road store – or you can order online. They’re also available at Arbor Farms and Zingerman’s Next Door.

Hers isn’t the only local company that’s found a home at Morgan & York. This specialty store, known for its wide selection of wines and cheeses, sells smoked fish from Durham’s Tracklements and Smokery in Kerrytown, and pastries and other baked goods by Miyoko Honma of Cafe Japon on East Liberty.

Tommy York and Sean Hartwig behind the cheese counter at Morgan & York. York and his partner Matt Morgan have owned the store since 2001. Hartwig is the store's manager.

Co-owner Tommy York was in the store when The Chronicle showed up, and gave us a tour of their offerings. [Editor's note: York's partner, Matt Morgan, is no relation to anyone working at The Chronicle.] They carry roughly 1,500 different wines, with an eye toward having a wide range of prices in their selection – from under $10 a bottle to upwards of $500. Their cheese selection is also ambitious, with as many as 125 different types on hand at any given time.

They sell oil and vinegar in bulk – shiny metal casks and green glass bottles with a Morgan & York label stand ready on a table near the cheese counter, with specialty selections like champagne and Piedmontese cider vinegar. As the classic sign in front of their store (the former Big Ten Party Store) states, “Olive oil and vinegar are life’s affordable luxuries.”

Address: 1928 Packard Road

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.

Phone: 734-662-0798

Vicki Honeyman and her Papillon, Lucy, in her Ann Street shop, Heavenly Metal.

Heavenly Metal

There aren’t many places in town where you can get your hair cut, buy a sweater and pick up a package of locally made pasta for dinner, but you can do all of that at Vicki Honeyman’s Heavenly Metal. The shop seems tiny until you realize there’s a large back room that’s filled with an eclectic mix of clothing, home furnishings, art and whimsy – like the Iron Fairies collection (no, not those fairies – these come from Australia and don’t have doors all around town).

This store has a following: When The Chronicle happened by, a mother and daughter from Toledo were there – they’d driven up with Heavenly Metal at the top of their list of places to shop. Books, jewelry, cards, buttons, felt key fobs shaped like pigs and cats, pillows, hand-painted candles, colorful Baggu reusable shopping bags in three sizes, Skif sweaters, Maruca handbags, Al Dente pasta gift boxes – it’s hard not to find something for even the most difficult-to-buy-for person on your list. And if you need to trim those bangs? Well, you’re in the right place.

Address: 207 E. Ann St.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Phone: 734-663-4247

Bleux guards the shelves of biscuits, with scents like breath mints and cheese fries.

Ann Arbor Biscuit Co.

Just around the corner and three blocks down the street from Heavenly Metal is the Ann Arbor Biscuit Co., which is worth a visit just to 1) meet Bleux and 2) marvel at the smells of these homemade biscuits, which might make the imprudent shopper think they were for humans. Cheese fries…..mmmmm.

Bleux belongs to Yvette and Sean Stayduhar, who own the shop and make the dog biscuits. They’ll tell you that though Bleux looks like an intimidating pit bull, he’s actually a pussycat. Well, not literally, of course. But he is a sweetheart.

In addition to treats for your pet (or someone else’s), the shop has a selection of pet toys, including chewtoys shaped like snowballs and red or green Christmas bulbs.

Address: 209 S. Fourth Ave.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Phone: 734-994-5550

Some of them – the Washtenaw Drain Commission, for example, or the Ann Arbor Public Schools – aren’t in the business of selling gifts in the traditional sense. But many are, and we’d encourage you to consider spending some of your holiday dollars in their shops. To that end, here’s a quick roundup of some of the things you’ll find at these local businesses.

Oliebollen: This Ann Arbor business sells its funky, colorful children’s clothing, toys, books, furniture and more online at Oliebollen.com. But on Saturday, they’re opening up their warehouse for a sale – a rare opportunity for local shoppers to browse their wares in person, with deals of up to 80% off. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 101 Parkland Plaza, off of Jackson Road on the west side of Ann Arbor (in Scio Township, actually). Though you can use your credit card when ordering online, on Saturday they’ll be accepting only checks or cash, so come prepared.

Sunday Artisan Market: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, you’ll find a wide range of local artists and artisans selling everything from sweaters, hats and other clothing to jewelry, artwork, handmade baskets, and dozens of other items – check here for more details about the people their work. The market, located in the Farmers Market area in Kerrytown, will only be open through Dec. 21, so you’ve got two more Sundays to take advantage of the eclectic mix of local vendors there. After a winter hiatus, the market will resume in April.

Hazen Schumacher: Known for his popular NPR radio show, “Jazz Revisited,” Hazen Schumacher has written a book with John Stevens called “A Golden Age of Jazz Revisited: 1939-1942″ (read an excerpt of it here). The book includes two CDs with more than 50 recordings of the jazz pieces that Schumacher and Stevens review. It’s for sale online, and on Sunday, Schumacher will be at the Ann Arbor District Library’s downtown building to talk about and play about his favorites – that event runs from 2-3:30 p.m.

Middle Earth: An anchor in the South University district, Middle Earth’s wares reflect its motto: “Harming only the humorless since 1967.” From “holy” water bottles to wasabi gumballs, you’ll find shelves lined with quirky, unique items that you won’t see anywhere else in town. That includes some Ann Arbor T-shirts and totes designed in-house and printed locally at Underground Printing, as well as greeting cards, magnets and pins designed by the store manager, Hope Meadows. The shop is located at 1209 S. University Ave.

Shaman Drum: Karl Pohrt has owned Shaman Drum Bookshop for 28 years, and just this year started transforming it into a nonprofit entity, called the Great Lakes Literary Arts Center. In addition to carrying a large selection of books and magazines, the shop at 311-315 S. State St. regularly hosts author readings, roundtables and other events – many times with local authors. Right now, you can get 20% off of a selection of “staff favorite” books – check out the details here.

State Street Area Association: The shopping district along the State and Liberty corridor is home to many locally owned businesses, from Bivouac, a sporting gear and outdoor wear store, to Van Boven Shoes in Nickels Arcade and Van Boven Menswear around the corner on State. The association’s website provides a list of these shops, with links to their websites. And while you’re online, check out the collection of videos that Bob Dascola has put together showcasing several of the businesses in that area.

Pot & Box: Lisa Waud sells fresh flowers – including Fair Trade roses – potted plants and other items. You’ll find Pot & Box at local farmers markets in the summer, and just recently she set up shop in a nook at Everyday Wines in the Kerrytown Market & Shops. And honestly, you never know where she’ll turn up – The Chronicle ran into her at the annual dinner for Slow Food Huron Valley earlier this week. She and other local vendors were there to highlight their products.

RoosRoast: John Roos roasts coffee and sells it in a variety of ways, including the Farmer’s Market and online. On the shelf you can find it at Sparrow’s Market in Kerrytown. The label on every bag of beans is printed by hand using a block designed and cut by John himself. Current designs include one with “To: _____ From: _____”.

The distinctive carillon tower at Kerrytown Market & Shops.

This month, The Chronicle is highlighting Ann Arbor area businesses where you might find just what you need for people on your holiday gift-giving list. Our reports are a sampling – we welcome readers and business owners to add their own suggestions in the comments section. We’ve previously looked at local shops selling used/rare books, and made some suggestions for the political junkies in your life. Today, we’ll look at a few of the shops in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown district.

For the kids: On the second floor of Kerrytown Market & Shops, two adjacent stores cater to kids. Elephant Ears sells clothing for children up to 12 years old, plus items like umbrellas and bedding. Next door, Mudpuddles Toys carries games, books, puppets, Thomas the Train and all manner of kits for wintry-day projects.

Kids can also meet Santa at Kerrytown on Saturdays this month from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The shops will have carolers singing holiday songs as well, similar to the festivities reported in a recent Stopped. Watched. item.

Eclectic gifts: The Chronicle was nosing around Found Gallery earlier this week and talked with owner Mary Cambruzzi, who told us that the silver spoon angels they sell, made by local artist John Marchello, are among their most popular items.

Angels made from silver spoons by local artist John Marchello, sold at Found Gallery. Marchello engraves "Ann Arbor" on the bottom of each piece.

As its name implies, the shop (also on the second floor of Kerrytown Market) carries a mix of vintage items – antique ornaments, for example, or a copy of your favorite Bobbsey Twins novel – as well as re-purposed objects like the silver spoon angels or jewelry fashioned from old typewriter keys, by local artist Amy Lagler.

Going down to the first floor, Hollander’s is best known for its amazing variety of specialty papers, but Tom and Cindy Hollander also sell notecards and other stationary, bookmarks, work by local artists, and supplies to make your own books. They’re also known for their workshops – is anyone on your list a potential bookbinder?

Though one advantage of Kerrytown Market is the fact that it houses several stores under one roof, if you go on the weekends you can also browse local vendors outside at the Farmers Market on Saturday or the Sunday Artisan Market. These folks deserve a visit for toughing out the sometimes brutal December weather, and you’ll find a wide range of wares for sale, including clothing, food, jewelry, artwork, birdhouses, cards and more.

Clothing: In Kerrytown Market & Shops, Vintage to Vogue and Mathilde’s Imports both sell lovely frockery for women. And if you venture outside to the opposite end of the Farmers Market, you’ll find Collected Works, another women’s clothing store that sells jewelry and other accessories, too.

Mike Monahan, owner of Monahan's Seafood Market, talks to a customer.

Food & drink: Everyday Wines on the first floor of Kerrytown Market carries a wide selection of wine and champagne, as well as wine glasses, coolers, wine openers and other items. Owner Mary Campbell is often in the store and willing to help you make a selection. On the day we dropped by, she introduced us to “cork pops,” a novel kind of bottle opener. She also sells gift cards – for values of $50 or higher, she donates 5% to Food Gatherers.

Monahan’s Seafood Market and Sparrow Markets (a butcher shop and grocery) are both on the main floor of Kerrytown Market & Shops, and owners Mike Monahan and Bob Sparrow are usually behind their respective counters. And that’s really part of the beauty of shopping at locally owned stores – you can get to know the people behind the counter.

A selection of spices and dried mushrooms at Spice Merchants, on the second floor of Kerrytown Market & Shops.

Sparrow Markets sells kitchen supplies, T-shirts and other non-food items.

A window display at Everyday Wines.

The entrance to Collected Works, a women's clothing store in Kerrytown next to the Farmers Market.

A selection of books from West Side Book Shop. This first American edition of "Moby Dick" (the green book, next to its blue leather case) is priced at $45,000.

This month, The Chronicle is highlighting Ann Arbor area businesses where you might find just what you need for people on your holiday gift-giving list. Our reports are meant as a sampling, and we urge readers and business owners to add their own favorite spots in the comments section.

Today, we take a look at some of the local shops that sell rare and used books.

West Side Book Shop

Many of the items in this shop are older than the building at 113 W. Liberty, a structure from the 1880s where West Side Book Shop is housed. Collectors regularly visit, but proprietor Jay Platt and Doug Price – who sells vintage maps and photographs in the store – have worked to make this a top-to-bottom bookshop. Their selection is aimed to appeal to even the most casual used-book buyer.

One of their strengths is an encyclopedic knowledge of both literature and non-fiction. The Chronicle was trying to recall the name of a book by Wendell Berry, and off the top of their heads, Platt and Price were able to reel off at least a dozen of his titles. They can give you guidance on virtually any topic, from children’s books to North Pole exploration. Platt is an expert on this topic, which is especially useful during the holiday season, we’d guess.

At the store you’ll also find well-preserved maps of the southeast Michigan area from the 1800s, including some of the University of Michigan. Unique photographs are also part of the mix, like a large 1904 portrait of Native American Indian Chief Garfield-Jicarilla, from a series taken by Edward Curtis.

Platt is also carrying a first American edition copy of “Moby Dick,” published in 1851. Herman Melville is said to have liked this particular edition, which he apparently described as “very much like a whale.” You’ll have to throw down $45,000 to take this book home with you.

Platt and Price say they can help you make a selection for much less, of course – Price says if your budget is closer to $50, you can walk out with four or five books.

Address: 113 W. Liberty

Hours: Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Phone: 734.995.1891

Garrett Scott outside his shop, which is located off of Packard behind Morgan & York. Off camera is the shop's fairy door (what – you thought they were only downtown?)

Garrett Scott, Bookseller

Tucked behind Morgan & York on Packard, Garrett Scott’s shop is the kind of place where he’ll fix you a cup of tea to knock the chill off a wintry day. Or at least that’s what he offered The Chronicle when we stopped by recently. On his website, Scott describes his store this way: “The inventory is available for viewing by chance or appointment, under central Washtenaw County’s most semi-pleasant conditions for the casual browser of uncommon 19th century material.”

Here you’ll find the first novel published in Ann Arbor – “East West,” by Daphne Giles ($225). The book had its first printing in New York, then Giles brought the stereotype plates with her when she moved to this area. She had the second edition printed here in 1855. (She was blind, by the way – that’s the kind of interesting factoid you might learn by talking to Garrett Scott.)

He’s also selling the 1902 collection of short stories titled, “Ann Arbor Tales” by Karl Edwin Harriman, with the distinctive block M on its back cover ($50). And if you’re interested in “fringe” religion and 19th century religious thought, this is the place for you.

He does carry some newer work – the instructional pamphlet “Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop” by Reginald Bakeley might prove useful for some. It costs $4.

Address: 1924 Packard Road

Hours: By chance or by appointment. It’s best to call first.

Phone: 734.741.8605

Jeffrey Pickell, proprietor of Kaleidoscope.

Kaleidoscope Books & Collectibles

Jeffrey Pickell’s shop brings to mind an organized version of your great aunt’s attic, if it were well-lit and included a tour guide – and if your great aunt had eclectic tastes.

There are vintage toys and old wooden card catalog drawers filled with all manner of greeting cards from the past century – including, of course, Christmas cards.

But we’re talking rare and used books today, and you’ll find plenty of those, too, whether you’re looking for pulp fiction, science fiction, children’s books, University of Michigan yearbooks and memorabilia, or something else entirely.

A selection of Kaleidoscope's pulp fiction.

The shop’s vintage comics range from $3 to $100, and Pickell’s sizable collection of pulp fiction – also known as Good Girl Art – includes books as cheap as $1 to some costing several hundred dollars. A copy of “Junkie: Confessions of an Unredeemed Drug Addict” by William Lee (a pen name used by William S. Burroughs) goes for $1,500.

Pickell is almost always behind the counter, and can tell you just about anything you’d care to know about the books and other items in his shop.

Address: 200 N. Fourth Ave. (corner of Fourth & Ann, former location of Wooden Spoon Books)

Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m-8 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Phone: 734.995.9887

Other suggestions? If you’ve found cool gift ideas for people with an interest in rare or used books, please share them with Chronicle readers in the comments section below.

Brian Mackie, Washtenaw County prosecutor, with his dogs in the Political Pets of Washtenaw County 2009 calendar. The calendar raises funds for the Community Action Network and Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Throughout the month of December, The Chronicle is highlighting Ann Arbor area businesses and nonprofits to help feed your local shopping habit – or to give you reasons to start one. Our lists are meant as a sampling, and we encourage readers and business owners to add their own favorite finds in the comments section.

We know many of you didn’t totally satisfy your fix during the past election season, so here are some ways to keep you or your favorite political junkies happy for the holidays.

Political Pets of Washtenaw County

It’s surprising that we don’t see this kind of thing more often – or at all. Community Action Network has put together a 2009 calendar featuring Washtenaw County elected officials and their pets. You’ll find out which pols are attached to a miniature donkey named Willie, a bunny named Carmel and a poodle named Miles, among others.

The calendar raises money for CAN, a nonprofit that provides support services for local public housing communities. A portion of the funds also go to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. The calendar costs $15 and is available at the Humane Society, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, or by emailing CAN at canetwork@juno.com. The calendar will also be available soon on CAN’s website.

Detail of a T-shirt sold at Dogma Catmantoo

For the Dogs – and Cats

Alice Liberson, owner of Dogma Catmantoo, designed T-shirts for Obama supporters who want to let the world know that their dog or cat would have voted for the dude if they could have. In addition to Ts ($19-$25), there’s a whole range of “petriotic” gear, including buttons ($1.50), bumper stickers $2) and dog treats ($7).

Location: 208 N. Fourth Ave. (between Ann and Catherine)

Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Phone: 734.929.0022

Obama Blend coffee from Mighty Good Coffee Co. This bag is on the counter at Jefferson Market, 609 W. Jefferson St.

A Liberal Brew

Local stores that carry Mighty Good Coffee report that the Obama Blend is one of their best-sellers. Here’s how the Ann Arbor company describes it: “Part Hawaiian Kauai, part Kenyan AA with a little bit of Indonesian to balance the budget, this is a coffee of distinction worthy of the Presidential race. And while we aren’t necessarily declaring our support for one candidate or another, there just aren’t any good coffee beans in John McCain’s past, or heritage, worth roasting.”

Mighty Good’s website includes a list of local stores that sell their coffee. You can also order online – a 1 lb. bag of Obama Blend costs $15, and Ann Arbor customers get next-day delivery.

More Political Ts

You don’t need to have a pet to make your body a political billboard. Elmo’s Main Street T-Shirts sells a wide range of Ts, whatever your persuasion (though honestly, Dems will find more of a selection here – come on, it’s Ann Arbor!). If you drop by, there’s a good chance that owner Elmo Morales will be behind the counter.

Location: 220 S. Main St. (between Liberty & Washington)

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Phone: 734.994.9898

Detail of an Obama T-shirt sold at Elmo's Main Street T-Shirts, 220 S. Main St.

Other suggestions? If you’ve found cool gift ideas with a political bent, please share them with Chronicle readers in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.

David Menefee serenades shoppers at Sunday's Art in the Barn.

Off of West Huron, just west of the railroad tracks, is a compound of buildings that houses an eclectic mix of businesses. And on one day for each of the past eight years, a building within this compound known as The Yellow Barn transforms into a venue for local artists and holiday shoppers.

On Sunday, 17 artists gathered for this year’s show, many of them regulars from previous years, plus some first-timers. Despite the crappy economy and threat of this season’s first major snowstorm, there were a steady stream of customers when The Chronicle dropped by around noon.

Mary Coscia, a basketmaker, was weaving small reindeer from strands of birch when The Chronicle wandered over to chat. She’s sold her work at previous shows, but to her surprise, said this year she’d had even stronger sales. She’s also a regular at the Sunday Artisan Market, but was thankful on this particular blustery day to enjoy the coziness of The Yellow Barn rather than her open-to-the-elements stand in Kerrytown. And by the time we parted ways, she’d figured out what was wrong with the reindeer she’d been working on – somehow, the poor thing had sprouted an extra leg.

Billy Gross, who organizes Art in the Barn, and Britten Stringwell, who exhibits her handiwork there. They also host a monthly gathering at The Yellow Barn called the Bizarre Dance.

Billy Gross, who manages the 416 W. Huron properties, has been organizing these shows, and says they might add an additional event in the spring. He and Britten Stringwell, who was exhibiting her unihoods and other creations on Sunday, also host a monthly gathering called the Bizarre Dance. It sounds like the kind of thing that’s best experienced rather than explained – a chance to tell stories, play and listen to music, wear unihoods, have some fun and meet people you might not otherwise encounter. “It’s definitely about community,” Gross said. (You can see a video of one of these events on Stringwell’s website, which features local folks like Lou Glorie, Shannon Brines of Brines Farm and John Roos of RoosRoast.) The dances are held on the last Saturday of each month, starting at 9 p.m.

But back to Sunday’s show: Sam Bates was exhibiting for the first time, selling his functional pottery and sculpture. He said he’d recouped his $50 booth fee during the first hour of sales. The more he sold, the less he’d have to put in storage while he’s studying next year in Spain. That’s a pretty concrete goal.

The Chronicle’s goal of chronicling this year’s Art in the Barn had been met as well – just in time to head back to Chronicle Central before the heavy snow.

Nancy Melet, with her baby Gillian, was selling her hand-linked silver jewelry. She also sells her work online at www.nancymelet.com.

Local artist Jim Lounsbury next to some of his oil paintings.

Ella Horwedel was helping out at the booth of her mother, artist Julie Fremuth.

Sam Bates with a table of his functional pottery.

Mary Coscia weaves birch strands into a reindeer.

Mary Coscia's reindeer and baskets.