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 Detroit. Click here to find gift guides for makers and sellers in cities across the Mitten, like Traverse City, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Flint, Saginaw, Lansing and Grand Rapids. And by supporting the locally owned businesses that sell them, they’re all gifts that’ll keep on giving.
Wool Knit Mittens ($75 at Shinola)
Shinola has developed a reputation for luxury, and it’s because it makes some pretty luxurious things—like these mittens. Each pair is knitted in Peru using alpaca fibers and wool, making them both warm and stylish. Choose between five colors, and don’t forget the matching hat.
Thyme Balm ($9 at Kenna Nicole)
This illipe butter and beeswax balm is infused with thyme and lemon, giving it a sweet, earthy fragrance that will remind you of spring. Use it to soften your lips, prime your favorite lipstick, add a dewy glow to your cheekbones and tame the odd flyaway. Feel good about your purchase, too. Every product is created with as many Michigan ingredients as possible. Michigan hives produce the beeswax, and a farm in Portland grows and extracts all the oils.
Willow Run Trifold Wallet ($44 at Pingree Detroit)
This trifold wallet is made from upcycled automotive steering wheel leather, sealed with military-grade industrial threads, and known for being incredibly durable. It also takes on a magnificent patina with use and age—much like the Greatest Generation that inspired it.
Woodward Crewneck Tee ($34 at Detroit is the New Black)
This Detroit company’s sole mission is to uplift Black- and minority-owned brands in the Motor City. Shirts like this don’t just help to support that work. They’re pretty comfortable threads, too.
Michigan Wildflower Tote Bag ($18 at City Bird)
Save the environment from plastic bags—and learn a thing or two about native plants in the process. This gift is perfect for your friends who can’t get enough of Michigan’s great outdoors.
Starry Night Necklace ($28 at Mimi and Ferne)
Just like the night sky that inspired this stunning local piece of jewelry, the scattered star pattern on each necklace will vary—making this gift guaranteed to be unique for your friends and family.
Pierogi of the Month Club ($350 at Pietrzyk Pierogi)
Michiganders can never seem to eat enough pierogies, but this monthly delivery package from Detroit is sure to test their limits. Imagine having a dozen freshly frozen pierogies delivered to your door every month. Now, stop imagining it and sign up now. Pierogi of the Month Club members also get early access to paczki orders for Fat Tuesday, which is almost priceless.
Railroad Gin ($35 at Detroit City Distillery)
This small-batch, London-style gin is made in Detroit and infused with the finest juniper, cardamom, citrus and spice—making it the perfect gift for the mixologist in the family. Pro tip: Give the gift as soon as you arrive, and maybe you’ll get a free cocktail out of the deal, too.
Ripple Mug Set ($55 at Nora)
These stunning mugs are not only unique, but they are functional—as they’re designed to be stackable, and occupy less space in your cabinets. Sets are available in blush or black, and include two mugs that were inspired by columns used in ancient Roman and Greek architecture.
Nighttime Skin Care Bundle ($26.99 at Boubi Skin)
This Detroit-based skincare line is formulated with organic and vegan ingredients, leaving out the parabens, fillers and alcohol so you’re only nourishing your skin the natural way. And this lavender skin care kit (with oil and a mist) will leave your skin feeling fresh and oh-so-smooth.
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.
Nokomis Clarey-Schultz Nokomis Clarey-Schultz is the pastry chef for That Early Bird Café in Grand Rapids.
Kyle Kaminski Kyle Kaminski is an award-winning investigative journalist with more than a decade of experience covering news across Michigan. Prior to joining The ‘Gander, Kyle worked as the managing editor at City Pulse in Lansing and as a reporter for the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
