Dashing Through the Snow for Gifts? Buy Local!

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Real Estate

The countdown to Christmas is on and with less than ten days left to snag the perfect gift I encourage you to take advantage of some of the fantastic local finds our city and its surroundings has to offer.  With options for every age and interest group, you are sure to find gifts that will put a smile on your friends and loved ones faces. 

 

To get you started, here is a short list of some great local finds:

 

Unique and Personalized Gifts-

            From personalized pillows, charming home décor, a book to curl up with, or a fun unexpected gift, there is a wide variety of specialty stores around Greater Grand Rapids.  Here are a few notable ones:

o   Global Infusion

  Horrocks Market

o   6.25 paper studio

o   Almassian Jewelers

o   Anna’s Hammocks

o   Apothecary Gift Shop

o   Baker Book House

o   Books & Mortar

o   Boxed GR

o   Clothing Matters

o   Drop by Drop Apothecary

o   Lee & Birch

o   Legends Sports and Games

o   Parooz

o   Schuler Books

o   Serene Body Essentials

o   Spirit Dreams

o   Villa Décor

o   Finch and Cotter

o   Aunt Candy’s Toy Company

o   EcoBuns Baby + Co.

o   Hopscotch Children’s Store

o   Fido & Stitch

 

For the Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts-

            Grand Rapids has lots to offer for the fitness and sports enthusiast year-round.  Here are a few ideas for the movers and groovers in your life.

o   Gazelle Sports

o   Higher Ground Rock Climbing

o   Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park

o   Cannonsburg Ski Area

o   Bittersweet Ski Resort

o   Membership to one of our great local gyms

o   A personal training session with a local trainer

 

Grab a Growler-

Grand Rapids is Beer City, USA and there are so many fantastic local breweries.  Here are a few that might help make some spirits bright:

o   Founders Brewery

o   Railtown Brewery

o   Brewery Vivant

o   The Mitten Brewing Company

o   Harmony Brewing Company

o   Perrin Brewing

o   Atwater Brewery

o   Grand Rapids Brewing Company

o   New Holland Brewery

o   City Built Brewing

 

Keep Them Caffeinated-

            Coffee and tea is always a big gift giving item, but don’t settle for a boring Starbucks gift card; try one of these awesome Coffee selections instead!  

o   Jamnbean Coffee Co.

o   Madcap Coffee Company

o   Schuil Coffee & Tea Shoppe

o   Simpatico Coffee

 

Find the Way to Their Heart Through Their Bellies-

            Who doesn’t love a little Holiday treat.  From cheese, to chocolates, and so much more local shops have you covered.  Maybe give some of these a try: 

o   Koeze Gourmet Nuts

o   Grand Rapids Cheesecake Co.

o   Harvest Health Foods

o   Grand Rapids Popcorn Co.

o   Loves Ice Cream

o   Patricia’s Chocolate’s

o   Spice Merchants of Grand Rapids

o   Cellar Door Preserves

o   Chocolates by Grimaldi

o   Ferris Coffee & Nuts

o   Furniture City Creamery

o   Sweetland Candies

o   The Cheese Lady Grand Rapids

 

Have them Saying Cheers with Great Wines and Spirits-

            You can’t go wrong with wine and spirits in my opinion.  Try something new and help warm up your loved ones on a cold snowy nights by visiting one of these select stores or trying a new local spirit:

o   Coppercraft Distillery

o   Farmhaus Cider Co.

o   Long Road Distillers

o   Martha’s Vineyard

o   Russo’s International Market

o   Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery

o   The Crushed Grape

 

Give them a Taste of the Town-

            Give them a gift certificate to one of the many local restaurants.  Whether you are looking for fine cuisine or soup and sandwiches, there are awesome choices all over.  Click here for a great local restaurant listing resource.

 

Help Them Make Memories-

Instead on giving them a tangible gift, consider giving them an experience.  Whether its testing their wits in an escape room or getting artistic, there are lots of great options around town!  Here are a few:

o   Escape Michigan

o   Dr. Grinns

o   River City Improv

o   The Mudroom

o   Wax Poetic Candle Bar          

o   Get tickets to see a local sports team

o   Catch a show at one of the many local theaters and performance arts locations with events including everything from live bands and concerts, ballet, Broadway productions, plays, symphony performances, and comedy shows

o   Get a gift card to one of our great golf courses to they can hit the links when the whether clears

             

Give them a Gift to Enjoy All Year-

            Annual Memberships to local establishments can have them returning for fun time and time again.  Bonus, no extra clutter taking up space in their house ;) Some great places for memberships around town include

o   Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

o   John Ball Zoo

o   Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

o   Grand Rapids Public Museum

o   Grand Rapids Art Museum

 

Remember, when you buy local your money stays in your community and helps boost the local economy; and when a community is doing well, the properties values of homes in that community do well too ;)

Happy Shopping!!