If you have been reading this blog you’ve probably realized two things about me by now:
1. I love Detroit and don’t mind shouting it to the world.
2. I am committed to buying locally and supporting my local community.
So, I’m really excited to give you Detroit Moxie’s Holiday Gift Guide.
Do you have someone in your life that loves Detroit and Michigan as much as I do? Do you want to buy locally this holiday season and support your community? Maybe you’re just looking for cool, unique gifts. Whichever it is, I’ve put together this guide, which highlights local shops and local goods.
Gifts for someone who wears their heart on their sleeve
Detroit themed t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories are a great way to proclaim your love of Detroit. My favorites include Detroit Manufacturing, Made in Detroit, and Pure Detroit. I own a piece from each of these companies and my Little Miss Detroit tee from Detroit Manufacturing always produces smiles.
Wearing your pride on a tee shirt isn’t just for the Lower Peninsula. Check out these fabulous t-shirts by Yooper Steez that feature only the Upper Peninsula. I love them! They are also a great conversation starter for people not familiar with Michigan’s upper half. As an added bonus, there is a 30% off sale until the end of November, which is today. (Use discount code NOV2009)
Upper Peninsula t-shirts from Yooper Steez.
Looking for something a bit more unique?
City Bird just opened up in Midtown in the Canfield Lofts and features homemade and vintage goods. The shop carries their own line of Detroit-themed goods plus the works of over 50 local and regional artists.
Also in the Canfield Lofts, and right next door to City Bird, is Bureau of Urban Living. You can find unique designer wares, stationary, and again, Detroit-themed art. They have a fabulous print of the Detroit footprint with each neighborhood named and noted. I wish I had taken a picture of it!
I spotted these amazing skateboard decks by Einfach Skate at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair and immediately swooned. The artwork is amazing! This is the perfect gift for the skateboarder in your life. Don’t have one of those? Me neither, but I could easily see these hanging on a wall or used in another creative way. Bookshelves, perhaps?
Speaking of the Detroit Urban Craft Fair, check out all the vendors that attended for handmade goodness.
Even more art
Art for the Holidays from the Detroit Artists Market offers original art from over 100 local artists. Two other great places for holiday gifts are the DIA and MOCAD gift shops.
Something for the book lover
John K. King Used & Rare Books is a Detroit institution. This is the place to find out of print and rare books, it’s also a great place to browse and see what you find. You could spend hours in this place just looking around at over a million books!
Leopold’s is the new bookseller on the block and I have yet to visit. However, from reading the reviews on Yelp it looks to be a hit.
Gifts for the misplaced Michigander
Gift Baskets From Michigan puts together delightful treats from across the state and some are packaged in a crate that is in the mitten shape of the Lower Peninsula. Loved ones who have moved out of state will appreciate the flavors of Michigan.
You can also put together your own care package filled with local favorites including Faygo Pop, Better Made Potato Chips, Vernors Ginger Ale, Sanders Hot Fudge, and Germack Pistachios.