This holiday season spread joy to your loved ones by supporting local businesses and attractions! Skip the chain stores and celebrate our community’s talented entrepreneurs by browsing through all of the unique gifts available from our city’s local businesses. Our gift guide makes it easy for you to find the perfect treat for everyone on your list this season, so join us in celebrating our local talents and start shopping small today!
This holiday season, why not show your support for local businesses and attractions by skipping the chain stores and shopping small? There are so many creative and unique gifts available from local businesses in our city that will spread holiday cheer to your loved ones. Our community is full of entrepreneurs who work tirelessly all year round to produce amazing goods and provide unforgettable experiences. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a local gift guide to help you find the perfect present for everyone on your list this season. So come join us in celebrating our local talent and get ready to enjoy some happy shopping!
Support Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
Experience Grand Rapids is proud to feature the incredible talent of Grand Rapids in action at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Whether you choose tickets to one of their upcoming shows, such as Clyde’s and Disney’s Descendants: The Musical, or a gift certificate so your giftee can pick their adventure, you’re sure to find something that will bring joy to someone special. Or, keep the magic of community theatre alive by donating in someone’s name as a gift.
Give the Gift of Deliciousness All Year Long
Love’s Ice Cream is the perfect way to give the gift of deliciousness all year long. Their Year of Pints and Year of Chocolate Clubs provide an opportunity to pick up a pint or four bonbons each month from their home in Downtown Market. With regular flavors on rotation, seasonal favorites like Peppermint Stick or White Russian, and even nationwide shipping of their pints, Love’s Ice Cream offers something for everyone. And when you complete 12 monthly pick-ups, you get a bonus pint or chocolates for free! Local pick-up is required for the memberships, so don’t miss out on this amazing offer.
Enjoy Premium Wines with Grand Vin Wine Club
Grand Vin Wine Club is the perfect gift for any wine connoisseur. Led by Certified Sommelier Tom, Grand Vin offers a monthly membership with three bottles of carefully chosen wines, complete with producer notes and pairing suggestions. For those who prefer to not commit to a monthly membership, mixed boxes of wine are also available in $175, $250, and $400 options – all of which can be discounted up to 15% when purchasing a case. Grand Vin Wine Club is the perfect choice for the sophisticated oenophile.
Treat Your Loved One to a Unique Culinary Experience with The Local Epicurean
For the person on your list who has everything, why not treat them to a unique experience with The Local Epicurean? They offer a variety of classes to suit any level of expertise, from beginner to expert. Classes are available 7 days a week start at just $99 per person, and can cater to groups of up to 48 people. If you’re not sure which class they would like best, gift certificates are also offered so that they can choose their cooking adventure.
Delicious Treats for Everyone
Walk through the door of Sticky Fingers and you will be greeted with a world of delightful treats that will bring back fond memories. From classic favorites to new items, there is something for everyone’s sweet tooth. Mokaya in Grand Rapids creates their handcrafted artisanal chocolate in small batches that make them perfect for gifting. Not sure what to get? Check out their online shop and pick them up or have them shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Create Something Special with Wax Poetic
Wax Poetic in Eastown creates a unique and cozy experience for customers. This creative opportunity allows customers to choose the combination of smells they would like to create their signature scent. Soy wax and a cotton wick are then added to complete the candle, all that’s left is for the customer to name their one-of-a-kind creation. Customers can book an appointment for an in-person experience, purchase a DIY candle kit to enjoy at home or purchase a gift card so their giftee can schedule candle-making on their own time. Wax Poetic enables everyone to create something special with ease.
Book an Appointment Today
Dime & Regal is a luxurious jewelry business located on Wealthy Street. Offering a variety of styles and pieces from local jewelry artists, including the owners themselves, Dime & Regal makes it easy to find the perfect gift for any occasion. Their Eternity Bracelets are a unique and special way to give someone an experience along with a gift. While walk-ins are accepted, it is recommended that customers book an appointment in advance, especially if there are multiple people in their party. During their appointment, customers can choose the chain they would like and explore the many unique pieces available.
Passionate Marketing Consultant and Lifestyle Blogger
Ashley Wierenga is a passionate marketing consultant, lifestyle blogger, and Grand Rapids cheerleader. She takes immense pride in helping local businesses tell their stories, making sure that the community is always put first and celebrated. In her free time, Ashley loves to capture moments through photography, watch shows, explore bookstores, and savor the many wonderful things her city has to offer with her husband. Anyone looking to connect with Ashley can find her on Instagram @ashleywierenga or visit her website sincerelyashley.com.
No matter who you’re shopping for this holiday season, our city has plenty of local businesses sure to provide you with a special present that’s bound to make anyone feel special. This year perhaps we can all join together to show our appreciation and support those individuals in our community working hard behind the scenes so that we can enjoy unique experiences and products from stores, festivals, and attractions right in our backyard. With so many creative ideas in the works, you’ll have plenty of options for giving loved ones remarkable gifts that are indicative of all the fabulous things Grand Rapids has to offer.
