A Heavily Michigan Inspired Holiday Gift Guide

Every year I send my co-worker a little holiday gift guide to (hopefully) spark some inspiration as he begins his holiday gift hunt for his kids and their spouses. (They are all around my age.) This year, I thought I'd share an extended version of that list with the rest of you.

LRD's Michigin

GET. THIS. GIN. Long Road Distillers' "Michigin" is crafted from 100 percent Michigan ingredients, including water fresh from Lake Michigan and juniper harvested on Beaver Island. It was named "Best Gin in the World" in July and sold out soon after the award was announced. Good news: they have it at the distillery now! And at Art of the Table! 

Amy Carroll Photograph

“Thomas Bangs” is the cutie catching my eye today but Amy’s work is so beautiful I’d love to add any of these to my collection. (I actually have one of her sheep prints hanging in my bedroom!)

Cleaning Service

This is pretty much the ultimate gift. Gift your sweetie or early-in-career kiddo a year of house-cleaning and they will love you more than you thought possible. Home cleaning for a small-to-moderate home typically ranges from $60-90 and is recommended twice/month. If you have friends that use someone they love, I'd suggest asking for their contact info. Makes it easier on the cleaner to be in the same general geo.

Photoshoot with friends

Consider gifting a pre-paid photoshoot! This can be fun for a birthday party, a boudoir session, new headshots, etc.! Reach out to my bff Dionel Fisher ("The Mittentog") if you're in West Michigan for pricing options. 

Car Detailing

Car detailing might not seem like a sexy gift but damn, a super clean car is magical. I finally bit the bullet earlier this year and got the interior/exterior package at Crystal Clean (owned by a fellow Forest Hills Ranger - heyo!) and I was thrilled with the results. (Bonus gift-giving points if you sneak their car away for a day and bring it back all beautiful!) 

Woosah Stump Print

Everything Erica at Woosah does makes me like her more. Big fan of this gold stump print she did from a dead tree she found in Saugatuck a few years ago. It's $30. Her shop also has a ton of awesome clothing options that you'll want to explore. 

Rebel Girls from Books & Mortar

If you have any young girls in your life: get them these books! They are filled with awesome one page bios of inspirational woman. Bonus: these books are available for purchase at one of the coolest local book shops ever: Books and Mortar. Skip Amazon, go to the store. It makes a difference. East Hills or West Side. :) 

Anything from Rebel Reclaimed

If you're in GR - Rebel Reclaimed is the ultimate spot for quick gifts - plants, cards, sassy gifts, macrame, artwork, candles - all sorts of goodies. Located in beautiful Eastown this was once a hidden gem but these days it is quite a hot spot! 

An African Robe #TheRobeLives

These bad$$ robes are about more than just looking good - they are about doing good. They are made with purpose in Zanzibar, Tanzania and each robe purchased enrolls one young woman into TheCup program. I have multiple and love them! (Oh, and, this is all possible thanks to a former Grand Rapidian & her hubby!) 

Massage/Facial/Acupuncture at Wege Institute of Mind, Body and Spirit

My absolulte FAVORITE spot for massages in West Michigan. This little oasis is actually situated within the Saint Mary’s campus and all gratuity goes directly to keeping the program operating so that patients can also be treated to these top-notch services. Win-win! They do gift certificates for all services which include massage (thai, hot stone, deep tissue, etc.), facials and accupuncture. 

La Grande Vitesse candle holders

One of my favorite ceramics artists, Anne Carnevale ("Canevale Clay"), creates beautiful candle holders that are variations on Alexander Calder's sculpture "La Grande Vitesse" which is one of Grand Rapids' hallmark icons. Anne currently lives in Chicago, IL. Would recommend checking our her entire online shop! 

Laughfest Badges

Laughfest is an awesome comedy festival put on by Gilda's Club in Grand Rapids every March. My parents have gotten Laughfest “badges” (show packages) for my siblings and I since it started and we all love them. You can mix-and-match multiple comedy shows/venues. There are a variety of badge options to check out.

Herman Miller Rocker

Shopping for expecting parents? Snag a Herman Miller Rocker - so classic and comfortable. My personal recommendation for a nursery would be this one. 

Solar System Joggers

These fleece pants are just calling my name. Cute co-ed design from right here in Grand Rapids. $50

This Dude Outfit

I would basically just "copy" and "paste" this outfit onto a dude because it's so cute and would make a great gift. Denym is one of the best boutiques in West Michigan - if you haven’t been yet, get there!  

6 months worth of Doorganics Deliveries

Doorganics delivers organic (and as a local as possible) produce/dairy/eggs/meat/etc. directly to your door. Great gift for healthy eaters (or, wanna-be healthy eaters!), cooks, or just those of us (!) who don't love going to the grocery store. Doorganics was started by a local GR guy and this is now available in Holland, Grand Haven, and the East Side of MI. To gift a subscription simply fill out a contact form and they will help you figure out what works best for you. 

Paper Flower Bouquet

How amazing are these??? These beauties are hand crafted by The Striped Petal here in GR. They will have them at the UICA Holiday Market on Saturday 12/2 or you can order online. (Not into paper flowers? Other great option: monthly flower delivery subscription! Holla at Kennedy's or In Full Bloom to coordinate!) 

A Case of Champs

I don't know anyone who wouldn't be thrilled about a bunch'o'bubbles. Stop by Art of the Table and they could hook ya up with an awesome case of deliciousness. (Not up for splurging on a whole case? Maybe grab a bottle and some of their cute champagne flutes!) 

Hip Hop Playing Cards

Everyone needs these. Designed here in G-Rap City, these beauties feature original artwork showcasing 54 quotes from legendary East and West coast artists. Best $24 you'll spend this Christmas. 

Cross Country Skis

We have tons of amazing trails that range from beginner to expert all around West Michigan. Bill & Paul’s has a great assortment and the staff is super knowledgeable about finding the right set up. (+ Good news: they are a lot less $ than downhill skis!) 

Wildship Studio Woodland Creature Poster

I don't have babies, but if I did: this would be hanging in the nursery. So cute! Great grab for all new parents out there. #PureMichigan 

Spice Jungle Goodness

If you’re shopping for a chef, impress them with some unique spice combos they can go nuts with. Spice Jungle is based here in GR and has an insane assortment of options!

Creative Class(es)

There are so many fun options for creative classes. Choose an experience over a gift and grab a 2-person class at one of these locations:

- Light Gallery offers awesome classes, such as “Tapestry for Beginners” - they don't have classes for '18 posted yet but I'd bet you could holla at them for a gift cert. 

- Kendall College Continuing Studies - Options from Abstract Painting for Adults (~$250 for 7 weeks!) to Junior Architect courses for kids. Full line-up.

- Sur La Table - TONS of options! Anything from “Croissants from Scratch” to “Meatless Monday” - Nick is a great instructor, so I’d recommend going to one of his classes. :) 

- Downtown Market - A few upcoming classes in January include “Winter Nights in Italy”, “Warm Up the Irish Way”, “Empandada-Rama” - all sound pretty fun to me! (~$75/person) 

- Wax Poetic Candle Bar - Pour your own candles together! Groups of 1-4 don’t need reservations ahead of time.  

One Line A Day Journal

My cousin, sister and I are all line-a-day-junkies. It's 1,000x easier than journaling but you still get a chance at the end of every day to stop and reflect. I would recommend this gift to anyone who will actually commit to it. Available through Paperdoll's online shop! 

Fabric Scout Studio Pillows

My friend Joel's mom makes these bomb pillows. Perfect for cabins, or those flannel-loving folks in your life. She'll do a "pick a pendant" pillow, or you can peep the ones she's already prepped. ~$54 and they look great! 

Engravable Cuff

A nice, sweet, thoughtful gift. Possible the lat/long of where you met your mate? A birth date? The # you and your friends always use? Endless opportunities! Snag this cutie from my friend Nicole's Stella & Dot site. If jewelry is on your mind, she'll even help pick stuff out for you! 

Frontier Ruckus Discography on Vinyl

For any vinyl fans out there: this is a great deal! Frontier Ruckus is a band out of SE Michigan that I used to swoon after as a young Spartan. I still love them and their jams and your gift recipient likely will too! :) Folky & Fabulous. $80

Haptic Lab Quilt

Been a Haptic Lab fan for many years. Emily, who opened her studio in Brooklyn in 2009 is actually from Michigan. They can also add custom location call outs to their cityscape quilts. (Options range from London, to Chicago to Toronto- check them all out!) 

MSU Swag from The Mitten State

The Mitten State is best place for the SOFTEST/cutest collegiate gear. Peep their whole online store or if you're local go visit them on Bridge Street! 

Monica's Cookies

Need the best hostess gift ever? THESE. (Unless, ya know, your host/hostess are gluten free...) These cookies are so addicting. Personal favorite? Call me boring but I can't get enough of the chocolate chip! Monica has a shop on 29th or you can order online. 

Best of luck on your shopping adventures! I encourage you to challenge yourself to skip Amazon Prime this year and give some of our  local Michigan gems a try. ;)