As the holiday season approaches, the hustle and bustle we normally experience is different.
Throughout the year, we have heard just how important it is to support small businesses now more than ever. We cannot emphasize enough how true it is today as it was a month ago, six months ago, and nine months ago.
As the holidays approach, consider shopping local for all of your gift-giving. Many small businesses had to close their doors more than once for extended periods of time this year. If you like your neighborhood shops, eateries, and services, now is a great time to show your appreciation and help them stay in business.
Don’t know where to start? Check out a few exceptional local businesses here, and walk out into your community to discover even more.
FOR FOODIES
Black Pearl
Black Pearl has the best chocolate covered cocoa dusted almonds! Spiced rubs and chocolate-covered coffee beans are also special treats. Order the spiced rubs online and call or email Judy Graham for other orders – 231-330-2500.
www.blackpearlrubs.com
Pellston, Michigan
Blackrocks Brewery
Native brew from Marquette, MI. Blackrock Brewery operates a Nano Brewery (1 BBL brewhouse) and a 20 BBL production system in Marquette. Merch and gift cards are available for purchase on their website, and locals can order beer for pick up at their brewpub.
www.blackrocksbrewery.com/the-store
Marquette, Michigan
Donckers
Using the best tasting, highest quality product that we can, we use wholesome, all-natural ingredients in our from-scratch, small-batch food and confections. As much as we can, we draw from local suppliers to promote a positive, local economic impact within our community. Serving our community also means supporting local farms and suppliers. Shop online to have treats delivered right to your door or opt for curbside pick up if you are in the area.
www.donckersonline.com
Marquette, Michigan
Drifa Brewing Company
Michigan’s First Cooperatively-Owned Craft Brewery offers great beer in small batches. Purchase a lifetime membership to become part-owner of the brewery and enjoy discounts in the taproom, voting rights, and a say in how the brewery can meet your needs. Drifa also offers online ordering for Marquette locals to pick up beer to go.
drifabrewing.beer/#membership
Marquette, Michigan
Sofia’s Selection
Whether you want to add something new to your favorite pasta dish, or you’re looking for a new style of dip to enjoy snacks such as cheese and cured meats, she’s got the tapenade for you. Online ordering available.
www.sofiaselection.com
Detroit, Michigan
Waterfire Vineyards
A sustainably farmed vineyard focused on artisanal wines, specializing in regionally underrepresented European varieties – Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, and Riesling. Order online for curbside pick up or shipping to eligible states.
www.waterfirewine.com/shop
Kewadin, Michigan
FOR COFFEE AFICIONADOS
Contrast Coffee
With four locations in the Upper Peninsula, Contrast is the perfect spot to pick up a gift card for your favorite student or a bag of their locally roasted coffee for the coffee lovers on your gift list. New this year, an online ordering app and new merchandise – treat yourself – we won’t tell.
contrastcoffee.com/shop-categories/
Iron Mountain, Michigan
Iron River, Michigan
Ironwood, Michigan
Marquette, Michigan
Populace Coffee
From Petoskey to Bay City down to Detroit, Populace coffee has the lower peninsula covered and offers coffee subscriptions, the gift that keeps on giving. Holiday baskets are also available in their online store.
populace.coffee/collections/coffee
Bay City, Michigan
Velodrome Coffee Company
In the heart of downtown Marquette, Velodrome offers a tranquil sipping experience and boasts locally roasted single-serve coffee packets for that on-the-go java fiend. Order coffee, gifts – including subscriptions, and apparel online.
www.velodromecoffeecompany.com/collections
Marquette, Michigan
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Applecore General Store
Michigan made edibles, gifts, home goods, and accessories that celebrate the art and craft of the Great Lakes State. Order online or stop in to select the perfect gift.
applecoregeneralstore.com/collections
Cedarville, Michigan
Arletta’s Flowers
Flowers are a great gift for minimalists, and for those that say – I don’t need/want a thing—order online for delivery.
www.arlettasflowers.com
Lake City, Michigan
Ruff Life Pet Outfitters
Sweater season is here, and there is no reason why your furry friend shouldn’t be able to get cozy this winter. Ruff Life offers dog sweaters + jackets, collars, bowls, and every other special treat you could need for your Good Boy this Christmas. Order your best friend a gift on their website.
www.rufflifepet.com
Petoskey, Michigan
Tip’n the Mitten
Michigan-made products from a store owned and operated by Michiganders! From food to books to gifts and more – Tip’n the Mitten offers products made and/or designed in Michigan and conceived in the minds of Michiganders from across the state. Call in your order for shipping nationwide.
www.tipnthemitten.com
Grayling, Michigan
FOR TRENDSETTERS
Boomerang Retro and Relics
From accessories to apparel, Boomerang is ready to help you shop for the fashionista in your life who loves the task of the way-back-when. Stop in for home goods for the mid-century modern lovers in your life as well. Shop online for shipping anywhere in the United States.
boomerang-retro-and-relics.square.site
Marquette, Michigan
Cheryl Stevens Studio
While these hand-stamped clay necklaces and bracelets may be crafted in a small studio in the Upper Peninsula, Cheryl ships her creations anywhere in the United States! Order online and send a piece of home to someone you love who can’t be here this holiday season.
www.cherylstevensstudio.com
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Dressed to a T
Do you know someone who is getting engaged over the holidays? A gift certificate to Dressed to a T is the perfect gift to begin their wedding planning. They also carry other special occasion wear – christening dresses and formal wear for men and women.
www.bedressedtoat.com
Grandville, Michigan
Grand Alpaca Farm and Fiber Mill
High quality, locally made clothing such as socks, hats, gloves, scarves – or luxurious Alpaca yarn for those who want to DIY.
www.grandalpaca.com
Montague, Michigan
HOTplate Pottery & Art Studio
Create fun things without guesswork and buying unneeded supplies, or figuring out how to make it look good. Whether it’s a gift or something just for you, let the experts at HOTplate help you to create awesome art with a To-Go Kit and get creative in the safety of your home. Online ordering and reservations are available.
hotplatepottery.com
Marquette, Michigan
Piggy Polish
For those on your list heading to sandal climates in the New Year, Piggy Polish has cute stocking stuffers and the perfect gifts for neighbors, postal workers, teachers, or anyone looking for some color in their life (and on their toes). Quarterly subscription boxes are available for the fashionistas in your life that are always staying on-trend.
www.piggypolish.com/shop/collections
Grand Haven, Michigan
Stormy Kromer
The legendary wool Stormy Kromer Cap with cozy pull-down ear flaps, as well as handcrafted apparel, accessories, and pet products made in Michigan, are the perfect gifts to keep your loved ones cozy. Order online or find a local retailer on their website.
www.stormykromer.com
Ironwood, Michigan
Traverse City Guitar Company
Give the gift of music! Whether you are shopping for an accomplished musician or someone looking to start a new hobby – Traverse City Guitar Company offers the finest American made guitars and lessons.
tcguitarcompany.com
Traverse City, Michigan
FOR HOME DECORATORS
Kobasic Creations
Based in Escanaba, Kobasic Creations delivers handmade laser engraving and woodworking to customers locally and nationwide. Shop with Kobasic to find the perfect, personalized gift.
kobasiccreations.com
Escanaba, Michigan
Ragsdale
Handcrafted in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright and Limbert, Ragsdale Home Furnishings offers beautiful lamps and tables. View their products online and call to place an order – (269) 275-8208
www.ragsdalehomefurnishings.com
Battle Creek, Michigan
Shop local this holiday season to positively impact your local economy and support your neighbor’s dream. Check with your local Downtown Development Authority (DDA) or Economic Development Organization to find ways to support businesses in your area.