It's prime gift giving season, with many of us on the hunt for that perfect little something for a colleague, friend or loved one. For ideas on perfect stocking stuffers that can be scooped up from a wide selection of local West Michigan businesses, keep reading.
JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES
Something sparkly is always a good idea, especially this time of year. Treat those on your list to jewelry and accessories they'll love to wear—from dangly earrings and delicate rings to cute hairclips and fuzzy scarves. Trendy bobbles and bits are easily found at stores like Rebel, Basic Bee and Lee & Birch.
SWEET TREATS!
Let's face it—sometimes you just need a little sweet treat. So treat yourself and those on your list by stopping by storefronts like Mokaya, where you can score some house-made artisan chocolate and confections; Spice & Tea Merchants, where sweet teas and interestingly flavored sugars abound; and Le Bon Macaron, where flavorful macarons and scones make for a perfectly colorful present.
FOR THE KIDS
The wonder and magic of the holiday season is alive and well with the children in our lives. If you're on the lookout for some stocking stuffers to really bring the festive vibes home, there are plenty of stops you could make. Find stuffed animals and toys at the Gift Shop at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital; books and games at Hopscotch Children's Store; and puzzles and more at Yours Truly.
TREATS FOR A FURRY FRIEND
No holiday shopping is complete without getting something special for the fuzziest among us—our pets! Fido & Stitch offers some adorable outfits and their Bone Box subscription makes a great gift, and the holistic offerings at Your Pets Naturally have your pet's overall health in mind. Don't forget Beer City Biscuits, which crafts delicious and nutritious dog treats and has a core mission of empowering people with disabilities.
HOME ACCENTS
You can never go wrong with a cute accent piece for the home this time of year. For mugs, candles and items like vases and coasters crafted in wood and marble, venture to Croft Haus in Ada. If it's trendy glassware for your bar cart or an aesthetically pleasing cutting board you seek, Commune is always a hit. Remember to swing by The Counting House for delightful serving dishes, seasonal decor and more.
SKINCARE IS SELF-CARE!
Whether you're pampering a friend or being a real one by refilling one of their favorite products, skincare can make an incredibly appreciated stocking stuffer. Pop into Fox Naturals for perfume and body care made from high-quality organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Stop off in Ada at SkinCoLAB for some of the top names in medical-grade skincare, along with luxury aesthetic accessories.
SPRINKLE IN SOME MAGIC
For the new age girlies in your life, you can't go wrong with something a bit mystical this holiday season. To find just the thing, drop by Spirit Dreams for a tarot deck and herb Spirit Bundles; 12th House for gift boxes and appointments for intuitive astrology readings; and Saugatuck's Mother Moon for metaphysical books and gemstones and crystals. You never know what could manifest itself!
SOMETHING VINTAGE
For a unique gift you likely won't be able to find anywhere else, don't forget about the treasures that await at West Michigan's second-hand vintage storefronts. Whether you swing by the booths at Elevated Grand Rapids, the several stores found within the Sligh Furniture Building in downtown Grand Rapids or Grand Haven's West Michigan Antique Mall, you're sure to find a trinket to please those on your gifting list this year.
Of course, if you simply don't know what to get someone on your list, a gift card to a local establishment is always an appreciated gift (and one that can be used at your loved one's leisure)!
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
