This holiday season, you can get lost in the endless sprawl of big box stores offering identical gifts, or you can take a stroll through your local shopping district and its charming storefronts, highly curated by passionate people.
Whether you’re looking for clothes, accessories, handcrafted leather and jewelry, bath and body goods, perfume, books, food, art, stationery, home goods or just about any other gift you can imagine, you can find it at a local store.
But you don’t have to get off the couch for just one shop—birds of a feather flock together and these storefronts are no different. You’ll often find local boutiques grouped together in charming little districts perfect for meandering and perusing.
So, if you want to knock out your whole holiday gift list in just one or two trips and have a great time doing it, put on your puffy coat, scarf and shopping boots, and head to one of these local shopping districts for unique and handcrafted presents.
UPTOWN
EASTOWN
Starting in Eastown, you’ll find one of the most popular options in the city—as evidenced by the fact it wins Best Gift Shop in Best of the West year after year—Rebel. This shop has been around for quite some time now, garnering loyal customers for consistently great offerings, from sassy mugs to witty notebooks to quality home goods, cute clothing accessories, fun puzzles and so much more. And if you’re feeling festive, you’ll definitely enjoy the jam-packed decorations during the holiday season.
Right around the corner is a shop from the same owners: Sticky Fingers. This little candy store is brimming with unique treats, whether you’re looking for vintage classics or that trendy new snack you saw on TikTok. Keep walking and you’ll arrive at Spirit Dreams, a “metaphysical supply store” offering crystals, tarot cards, incense, jewelry, candles, herbs and more. Across the road you’ll find Wax Poetic Candle Bar, filled with scents crafted in-shop, alongside Yours Truly, which has been offering a wide variety of colorful gifts, women’s apparel, jewelry and artwork in the area since 2002.
While you’re here, feel free to head east to Gaslight Village, where you’ll find a number of shops, including Style Restoration, offering a thoughtfully curated collection of well-made basics that effortlessly blend comfort and sophistication—whether it’s a classic white tee, a versatile pair of jeans, or a cozy knit sweater.
EAST HILLS
Keep heading down Lake Drive and you’ll find yourself at Cherry Street in East Hills, a lovely little corridor of shops, restaurants and bars. Here, you can hit tons of stops at once, starting with Adored Boutique, a store with a purpose. Their high quality and stylish apparel is made by individuals provided safe and dignified work conditions and pay, not to mention the fact proceeds go to fight human trafficking. Next is Books & Mortar, a “proudly progressive, consciously curated, and fiercely independent” bookstore. They’re known for being part of the community, championing marginalized authors and fighting for the future of books.
Across the street is Gemini Handmade, a handcrafted maker studio and shop most known for their leather-craft, from wallets to belts, totes, fanny packs, keychains and more. Just steps away you’ll find Covet, focused on small-batch clothes—meaning companies that make fewer than 500 garments in each run, which results in less waste.
If you’re looking for unique apparel you can’t find anywhere else, this is the place to go. Stop in for a treat at Le Bon Macaron, then head next door to Nestology Shop and Studio, “a shop for handmade items with a love of nature,” offering an earthy, welcoming vibe and handmade items from makers all over. They have prints, resin art, eye pillows, essential oils, pins and even jewelry made in-studio by the owner and curator.
Then you can hop across the street to Commune, a home goods store with a strong aesthetic, largely home to earth tones, black and white, gold accents, stoneware, dried plants and so much more. It’s interior design made easy. Finally, you can take a short trip to Fulton for Blue Bridge Games, for the gamer and/or puzzle lover in your life!
WEALTHY STREET
If you want even more options, we’re heading to Wealthy Street, starting with Basic Bee Boutique, which launched in 2020 with the goal of bringing styles not commonly found in the area. Despite the name, they’re anything but basic, with a focus on being fashion-forward and super stylish, from cute crop tops to sleek blazers. Nearby is The Counting House, a home goods and lifestyle store with lots of seasonal offerings. Head in now for cozy cabin vibes.
Down the road is Woosah, a Grand Rapids institution run by founder and artist Rae Lang, who became known for their woodblock prints and slowly developed that into an iconic local clothing brand. Woosah is home to highly nature-focused clothes, almost entirely developed around the woodblock art of Rae, along with cards, accessories, candles and all kinds of great gifts. Further west you’ll find Modish Moth, a family-owned store with a curated collection of custom art, home oddities, and all things baby. Next door is Dime & Regal, a jewelry shop that that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship with a special interest in supporting women artists, makers, and designers—offering everything from delicate necklaces to statement earrings.
A few more steps and you’re at Mokaya, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Their beautiful artisan chocolates, candies and baked goods are all made in-shop by a passionate family, with no preservatives or artificial flavors. Across the road sits Fox Naturals, providing effective & affordable skincare solutions crafted from potent plant-based ingredients that cater to all skin types.
They have high-quality, one-of-a-kind perfumes, skin care and soap. Zig-zagging back across Wealthy, you can hit up
Sable Candle Co., which offers collections from the experts, or the ability to come in and design your own candle fragrance. And right next door is Art of the Table, a gourmet cooking store offering everything you could need in a kitchen, from cutting boards and cheese trays to aprons, baking dishes, utensils, tools and more, not to mention curated snacks, olive oils, cheeses and much more.
DOWNTOWN
In the heart of Grand Rapids, more and more excellent little stores have opened up in recent years. Starting on Fulton, The 12th House is home to both handmade gifts and metaphysical supplies, such as tarot cards, candles, incense, crystals and more. They have all kinds of gifts, from bath and skin care to ceramics, journals, mugs, ornaments, pride merch and more.
Heading to Monroe Center, you’ll find Courage & Soar, a truly beloved boutique with locally made products and size-inclusive clothing. They have all kinds of cute and cozy apparel featuring little animals, witty slogans and local pride. Right next door is Oh, Hello Co. Paper & Gifts, from the same owners, but with a focus on stationery, writing utensils, greeting cards, mugs, stickers, candles and much more—including a new store kitten!
A few doors down is The Aroma Labs, best known for the ability to create your own scent from 40 different fragrance oils. So, you can walk in and craft a scent that you think your loved one would enjoy, or give them the gift of enjoying that experience—you could even make it a date! Across the road is Vault of Midnight, which is basically nerd heaven. Their shelves are stocked with hundreds of graphic novels and comic books, including locally made zines, along with board games, figurines, blind boxes, plushies, gunpla and more. And even if that all means nothing to you, the staff will happily help you out!
Nearby is Shinola, your destination for exquisite timepieces, leather goods, jewelry, and “gifts that embody fine craftsmanship and timeless design.” Around the corner on Ottawa is
Periwinkle Fog, a “globally inspired, locally discovered” shop chock full of high-quality and unique gifts, including home décor, local art, handmade paper goods, fashion accessories and jewelry, party games and puzzles, and Michigan apparel. You can then take a short walk over to the Arts Marketplace at Studio Park, which is all about local vendors and businesses largely owned by women and minorities, selling art, clothes, accessories, candles and more.
Heading to Division, you’ll find some of the coolest fashion around at Second Vibess. This clothing shop is all about re-worked and sustainable fashion, with a passion for curating and up-cycling sustainable materials. Head here for totes, bomber jackets, tanks and more that you won’t find anywhere else. Next door is OTONO, home to stylish second-hand clothes and carefully curated home goods. Down the road is Decaydence Vintage, whose carefully curated collection includes a wide range of vintage clothing, records and books, toys and games, housewares and home decor items. And for the art lover, check out ArtRat Gallery, which carries an extensive collection of fine art by local and world renowned artists.
ROCKFORD
Start your journey at Gather-d where you can explore an array of products to help make your home warm and inviting, along with stylish women’s clothing and gift items. It’s a cozy shop with cozy offerings. Book lovers will feel right at home at Epilogue Books, a beloved independent bookstore owned by Pat and Valerie Burkholder. They’ve created a haven for readers, curating titles that speak to all ages and interests. Plus, they have Tommy, a friendly golden retriever who’s practically a Rockford celebrity!
For those with a creative streak, J.T. Stitchery is a must-visit. This cozy store offers a vast selection of unique yarns, knitting and crochet supplies, and accessories. You’ll also find an enticing selection of candles, lotions, and other bath and body products to complement your crafting haul. Next, step into The Local Basket Case to pick up some Michigan pride! This shop stocks an eclectic mix of Michigan-made apparel, gifts, and accessories, from quirky tees and sweatshirts to hats and glasses featuring the state’s map.
If fashion’s more your speed, head over to Paperdoll Boutique, a gem in the heart of downtown Rockford. This boutique offers a curated selection of chic, affordable apparel, accessories, and gift items. Browse their in-store collections, or get inspired by their website’s Lookbook before you make the trip. And for the men, hit up Everywear, a clothing store offering smart casual apparel, weekend wear and lite technical gear—plus, tons of great gifts, from plaid blankets to woodworking, stickers, patches and more.
Cheese lovers won’t want to miss The Rockford Cheese Shop. Here, you can sample more than 70 varieties of cheese from around the globe, while knowledgeable cheesemongers help you find the perfect selections for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a party, picnic, or just treating yourself, you’ll also find an array of nuts, jams, crackers, and more to pair with your cheese choices. Finally, no Rockford shopping trip is complete without Aunt Candy’s Toy Company. This family-owned treasure has been a favorite for over 25 years, offering tons and tons of toys, books, and games for all ages. Known for hosting book signings and kid-friendly community events, Aunt Candy’s is marked by a cheerful polka dot sign.
ADA VILLAGE
For fashion-forward shoppers, the always-growing Ada Village has a selection of boutiques catering to different styles and age groups. Croft Haus, Gina’s Boutique, The James Boutique, and Runway Angels Consignment Boutique all provide a range of women’s clothing and accessories, from trendy, luxury, modern pieces to curated second-hand finds. Children’s fashion is front and center at HMD Boutique, Tip Toes, and Village Kids Consignment Boutique, each offering unique styles for the little ones. If you’re looking for apparel for the whole family, Laurel & Jack has you covered with a broad selection of clothing.
For those in search of special gifts or home décor, The Artisan Fox offers carefully crafted items from local makers, while Heather Lane Pottery specializes in handmade pottery that blends artistry and function. Pursuit Paper & Gifts is a go-to for thoughtful stationery and unique gifts, and Lima-United by Love curates a selection of goods with a global and fair-trade focus.
Book lovers will find a haven at Plumfield Books, an independent bookstore that celebrates the joy of reading with a well-chosen collection of books for all ages.
HOLLAND
This lovely beach town is open to visitors year-round, especially thanks to its excellent brick sidewalk snowmelt system. Start at Bridge, a fair-trade store offering ethically sourced items from around the world. From handcrafted jewelry to eco-friendly home goods, Bridge is ideal for the socially conscious shopper. At Carolyn Stich Studio, discover whimsical artwork and colorful prints that capture the spirit of Holland. Carolyn’s creations make perfect gifts for art lovers and those who appreciate local talent.
For vintage-inspired home décor, check out Tin Ceiling. This shop specializes in distinctive home accessories and gifts that evoke a timeless elegance. Then, get a slice of Dutch tradition at Nelis’ Dutch Village. Here, you’ll find Dutch-themed souvenirs, from wooden shoes to delicious stroopwafels, making it a fun stop for culturally themed gifts.
There’s also Cherry Republic, which celebrates this local tart fruit, with more than 200 cherry products “to satisfy any cherry skeptic,” including chocolates, jam, salsa, candy, nut mixes, sauces, condiments and so much more. They have a wide selection of gift boxes that do all the work for you as well!
Next you can head to The Poppy Peach, a boutique offering women’s fashion, earrings, other accessories and unique gifts. Meanwhile, the unique Holland Clock Company is home to dozens if not hundreds of cuckoo clocks, novelty clocks, nutcrackers, wooden ornaments and more. Wrap up your shopping at the Apothecary Gift Shop, known for its extensive collection of gifts, including candles, kitchenware, and seasonal décor. It’s a one-stop-shop for finding something for everyone on your list.
KALAMAZOO
The Kalamazoo Mall is a famous landmark for becoming the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States. It opened in 1959 and served as a model for others across the nation. Today, the historic Kalamazoo Mall remains a staple in Downtown Kalamazoo and features revitalized Art Deco buildings, specialty shops, chic restaurants, unique coffee shops and lively brewpubs!
Begin your shopping at Bee Joyful Shop, a zero-waste store where you can pick up eco-friendly products, including reusable items and sustainable home goods—perfect for the environmentally conscious person on your list. Earthly Delights at Amy Zane is the place to find handmade jewelry and unique art, all sourced from independent artists. It’s a treasure trove of locally crafted beauty for anyone who loves artisan gifts. For stylish clothing and accessories, visit Lana’s Boutique. Their curated selection of women’s fashion is ideal for the trendsetter on your list.
LUXE Gift Shop & Boutique offers a wide array of high-end gifts, from luxe home décor to chic fashion accessories, making it a go-to for something sophisticated and elegant. For a taste of local pride, check out Spirit of Kalamazoo, where you’ll find Kalamazoo-themed apparel, gifts, and souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot to find something special for anyone who loves this vibrant city.
Stop by Kalamazoo Candle Company for beautifully hand-poured candles in a variety of scents, made right in Kalamazoo. These make great stocking stuffers or thoughtful gifts for anyone who enjoys filling their home with inviting aromas. Wrap up your gift hunt at Uncle Buddy’s Toy Stash, a nostalgic toy store filled with classic toys, games, and fun finds for kids and kids at heart.
STOCKING STUFFERS
We couldn’t fit every possible great store in this guide, especially the ones that are all on their lonesome out there. So, here are a few more gift ideas from local stores.
Mojo THC Peanut Butter Minis
From: NOXX Cannabis
Michigan Map Oven Mitt
From: Schuler Books
Goddess Figure Candles
From: Black Cat Bodega
Motorcycle Pizza Cutter
From: Lucia’s World Emporium
Handmade Cutting/Serving Board
From: Flat River Gallery and Framing
Pinot Grigio
From: Pink Barrel Cellars
