Michigan Wishlist: 11 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas From Grand Rapids 

MICHIGAN—Finding the perfect gift for your favorite Michigander can be tough—we get it. So we’re here to help, with a series of gift guides designed to delight everyone on your list. These aren’t just any big box store suggestions. They’re all unique products made right here in Michigan…specifically, this guide is all about products made or sold in Grand Rapids. Click here to find gift guides for makers and sellers in cities across the Mitten, like Traverse City, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Flint, Saginaw, Lansing and Detroit. And by supporting the locally owned businesses that sell them, they’re all gifts that’ll keep on giving.

Handmade Earrings (Prices Vary at Brambles Woodwork)

Local jewelry designer Jarrd Napierkowski is all about nature—specifically creating modern jewelry from materials born in nature. None of the products at Brambles use any stains or dyes, and Napierkowski sources most of the material from hikes in the woods near his home in Ada. The website is updated every Sunday at noon, and the new pieces tend to sell out quickly. 

Holiday Blend Coffee ($11.49 at Schuil Coffee Co.)

Schuil is known for producing a wide variety of tasty, seasonal coffee blends. The company’s “secret” holiday blend features four festive flavors for the holidays, but we could only detect three of them: cherry, chocolate and almond. Stop in the store to test a brew before you buy, or order online. All coffee blends are allergen friendly, without sugar, gluten, dairy, soy or nuts. 

Coffee Bar ($12 at Joven Coffee) 

This chocolate bar contains only three ingredients: coffee, cocoa butter and sugar. And sales help to support coffee farmers all over the world. Owner Frankie Volkema sources the coffee from a 23-year-old farmer in Honduras—and you won’t find anything similar anywhere else. 

Woven Blanket ($125 from Woosah Outfitters)

Woosah is known for making some fabulous wall art, and their blankets are just as stunning. The lightweight woven blankets have a raw, unfinished edge that adds a touch of natural softness. They can be used to keep you warm, or be the centerpiece of your bedroom wall. 

Dog Treats ($16 at Beer City Dog Biscuits)

Don’t forget Fido—and support your local community in the process. Every treat at Beer City Dog Biscuits is handmade by a team of adults with disabilities, who are at the core of this Grand Rapids’ company’s culture and business practices. All donations and sales are reinvested into the company’s mission to support disabled adults in their personal and professional growth.

At-Home Cocktails ($15-$18 at Let’s Stay Home Cocktail Kits) 

Forget the bar. Stay home and become your own mixologist with a little help from this Grand Rapids company. Each cocktail mix has been carefully measured by a professional bartender. Simply add a shot or two of your favorite liquor, and you’ll be drinking in style over the holidays. Don’t drink? The mixes are great for mocktails, too. Just add seltzer and you’ll be good to go.

Handmade Goods (Prices Vary at Gemini Handmade)

This family-operated studio specializes in handmade leather goods, and regularly features creative works from other local artisans. With wallets, bags, belts and cases to hold all sorts of different trinkets, it’s a great place to find something for everyone on your shopping list. Want to impress your friends? Check out the holiday cards that fold out into a 3D gingerbread house. 

Children’s Toys (Prices Vary at Hopscotch Children’s Store)

This local store was opened by two sisters in 2005 with one main goal: Sell locally crafted products. Though now under new ownership, the mission has stayed the same—to help customers discover unique, educational products that will inspire children and parents. And over the years, the shop has grown to include a massive assortment of toys, baby gear, cloth diapers, children’s gifts and more in the thriving East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids. 

Sporting Goods (Prices Vary at Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus)

This store has been serving outdoor enthusiasts in Grand Rapids for more than 60 years—and it’s known for having some of the highest-quality sporting goods on the market at reasonable prices. A new winter coat? Climbing gear? Snowboards? Kayaks? Bill and Paul have it all.

Cooking Classes ($99-129 at The Local Epicurean)

Looking to give an experience this year? Check out the Local Epicurean for your culinary-minded friends and family—and walk away with some tasty homemade food in the process. Classes are designed for adventurous eaters and chefs of all experience levels. Imported cheese, pesto, baguettes and infused beverages are also served during every class. 

Just About Everything Else (Prices Vary at Rebel)

Didn’t find any suitable gifts on this list for your friends and family? Rebel has your back. This Eastown shop brags that it carries “everything you need for creating the best gift ever”—even for the pickiest person on your shopping list. Snarky notepads, trendy jewelry, baby onesies, wine glasses, Michigan-made artwork. The list goes on. You can even place custom orders.

Editor’s Note: The prices for each item featured in this guide were checked for accuracy on Nov. 30. With constantly rotating sales, they’re always subject to change.