Ultimate Local Gift Guide
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By Aimee Grant Eldon Behold, the ultimate Michigan gift guide for every kid and adult on your holiday shopping list.
Pint glasses and home décor
Find an enticing array of stylish kitchen towels, mugs, cozy pillows, and household items to show off your pride for the Mitten, including State of Michigan Pint Glasses ($12) in an assortment of vivid primary colors. Available at Rock Paper Scissors, 216 S Main St., 734-531-6264. rockpaperscissorsshop.com
New and used albums
Best Gifts for Kids
Books from local authors and publishers
Ann Arborites love their books, and Nicola’s loves to stock favorites from regional authors. Look for new picture books from two beloved Michigan authors and illustrators — Patricia Polacco’s Remembering Vera ($17.99) and Philip and Erin Stead’s adaptation of a Mark Twain story, The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine ($24.99). For early readers, try Dave Coverly’s Night of the Living Worms ($5.99) or his graphic novel Dogs are People, Too ($12.00). Intermediate readers will devour Jonathan Rand’s newest Michigan Chillers Sault Ste. Marie Sea Monsters ($5.99), and YA readers will adore Kristin Bartley Lenz’ The Art of Holding on and Letting Go ($12.95). Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave., 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
BowsHead bows and accessories
Handmade hair accessories for babies, girls, and tweens make lovely stocking stuffers, and Michigan company BowsHead makes bright colored satin and grosgrain hair bows that can clip in hair or get fashioned as a clip-on bow tie for a suit. $10. My Urban Toddler, 3010 Washtenaw Ave. Ste 107, 734-585-0788. myurbantoddler.com
Kahoots Spinograph, Plasticine, Color Forms, and Fashion Plates
This Ann Arbor toy company offers creative toys for aspiring artists and designers. Kids get to imagine, experiment, and make designs of their dreams and proudly cover the fridge in their inspired creations. $12.50 - $34. Available at Mudpuddles, 407 N 5th Ave., 734-662-0022. kerrytown.com/mudpuddles
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Best Gifts for Adults
Find albums from your favorite Michigan artists at the shop with the most curated selection in town. Shoppers can find Michigan originals like Bob Seger, White Stripes, Motown artists like Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson, and other well-known and obscure regional artists. Prices starting at $1. Available at Encore Records, 417 E Liberty St., 734-662-6776. encorerecordsa2.com
T-shirts, buttons, and stickers
Pick from a huge assortment of Michigan stickers ($1.99- $3.99), buttons ($1.50), magnets ($2-$3.99) and T-shirts, including a perfectly nostalgic Say Yes to Michigan T-Shirt ($19.99) at The Rocket, one of the best stores in the area for stocking stuffers. The Rocket Candy and Novelties, 122 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, 734-483-2291. shoptherocket.com
Plants, prints, calendars and scarves
For the nature lover on your list, pick up small house plants, succulents, and fairy garden plants grown on site ($3.50 $15), Gwen Frostic block print note card packages, calendars, bookmarks, and journals ($.75 – $16.50), and many items by Michigan artists including eco-printed silk scarves ($25.50). Matthaei Botanical Garden gift shop, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd, 734-647-7600 lsa.umich.edu/mbg
Don’t Forget Furry Family Members
Tee See Tee and Michigan Awesome T-shirts and weatshirts Available in everything from onesies to adult sizes, this state of Michigan gear is sure to be a hit with bigs and littles alike. With designs featuring all things Michigan, this spirit gear is required wearing for all proud Michiganders. $19.99-54.99. The Little Seedling, 2121 W. Stadium Blvd., 734-418-2392. thelittleseedling.com
Writer’s Sew Shop felt toys
Imaginative play just got more fun with pretend s’mores and campfire set, play food sets, dinosaurs, and other whimsical felt creations. Soft and squishy, these toys are flying off the shelf at this new Ypsilanti store. $12-$36. Brick and Mortar Modern General Store, 21 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, 734-340-2343 brickandmortarypsi.com
Paws to Shop
Stop by to get a gift for an animal lover, while helping animals at the same time! Get pet-themed cookie cutters, unique pet toys, and wearables at the HSHV store. Or cat “wine,” an issue of Pussweek, and meowny other novelties at the Tiny Lions Center store! Gift cards are also available. Proceeds benefit our community’s homeless animals at the Humane Society of Huron Valley and Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center. Available at Tiny Lions Cat Cafe, 5245 Jackson Rd., and Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. hshv.org
• December 2017 • www.annarborfamily.com