One of the easiest ways to keep your dollars local this holiday season is to seek out shops that focus on items made in Michigan. These ten retailers from around the state, do just that.
Art Is In Market (Ann Arbor, Clinton Township, Livonia, and Novi)
Art Is In Market is a unique gallery of original art by local Michigan artists, but unlike many traditional galleries, it is operated by the artists themselves. Like an art fair, you can meet the artists and talk with them about their work. While there is some overlap, each of the locations carries some items you will not find at another, making a visit to each, worth a trip. You’ll discover items ranging from art to apparel and food to furnishings. Products are not available for sale online.
City Bird (Detroit)
This delightful little shop was thriving in Detroit’s Midtown, long before it became the most popular neighborhood in the city. Brimming with truly local goods, and a ton of city pride, you’ll find gifts galore for the Detroit lover in your life. Books, t-shirts, ties, jewelry, glassware, and more. As an added bonus, you can cap off your shopping spree with a pop in to check out Jack White’s Third Man Records, the original Shinola store, or enjoy a craft beer from Jolly Pumpkin, all of which are right across the street. If you can’t make it in person, shop their online store.
Half Mile Handmade (Bay City)
This tiny, but robust, boutique is nestled in the center of historic downtown Bay City. While not everything in the store is from a Michigan maker, the majority of the items are. This is a particularly good place to find Michigan-themed home furnishings and apparel—ideal items for the loved one who has moved away. Some items are available for purchase online.
Heart of Michigan (Howell)
You know you’ve wandered into a shop that takes its relationship with Michigan seriously, when you can order a hot pasty while you browse. There is a nice combination of food, gifts, and apparel to be found in this Howell gem. Of particular note are the gift baskets. They are well curated, and nicely presented, but perhaps best of all, the team is flexible and willing to help you customize one that suits your needs.
Made in Michigan (Grandville, Saugatuck, Mackinaw City)
You’ll find mugs, coasters, food products, clothing and more at all three shops. Each brick and mortar location has its own unique charm. The online offerings are also robust and definitely worth a click and a browse as you make your list of gifts to give.
My Secret Stash (Traverse City)
This beautifully curated shop is as charming and sophisticated as the town in which it resides. Two stories high, it is larger than most other retailers specializing in local fare, allowing for a deep collection of items from which to choose. No visit to Traverse City is complete without popping in to see what’s new. Many of the items may also be purchased online if you don’t have a T.C. trip on the horizon.
The Michigan Shoppe (Birch Run, Frankenmuth)
If you’re planning a visit to Bronner’s this holiday season, be sure to set aside some time to stop by The Michigan Shoppe for an excellent selection of Michigan-themed apparel, home goods, books, food, and other delights. One of our favorites is the ongoing collection of Petoskey Stones for sale in a wide range of sizes. Those aren’t as easy to find in a shop as you may think. Don’t forget to get some chicken at Bavarian Inn while in town, or check out their Michigan on Main restaurant for lots of local specialties. The Frankenmuth Cheese Haus has also recently expanded to a new site and is worth a visit while in town.
The Mitten State (Grand Rapids)
A visit to this shopping destination is all about grabbing up gifts that show off state love. One of the things that makes the place unique is that they take as much pride in providing soft, cozy apparel, as Michiganders take in our beloved Mackinac Island. If you’re looking for a hoodie or tee, this is the place. You can also buy online to your heart’s content.
Tip’n the Mitten(Grayling)
Gaylord is a tourist mecca all year. Some are just passing through on their way further north or south, while others are headed to a nearby lake or snowmobiling trail. The friendly folks at Tip’n the Mitten are ready to serve them, as well as locals, with a wide range of products. Everything they carry from food to books to gifts and more are made and/or designed in Michigan, by clever Michiganders from across the state. While they don’t sell online, you can view many products to get an idea of the selection. Better yet, pop in on your next pass through Gaylord.
U.P. Supply Co. (Marquette)
If you’re heading toward Marquette, this shop is a must stop. Loaded with the outdoorsy and the quirky, it is a nice mix of what makes the Upper Peninsula so special. The focus here is totally about the U.P. so if you have a Yooper past or present on your list, these self-proclaimed purveyors of the Upper Peninsula are an excellent resource. If you’re not planning a trip in the near future, fear not, Yooper products galore can be found in their virtual store.
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