When you buy something handmade by a local artist or craftsperson, you can be 100% confident no one else at the Secret Santa will have a duplicate. It shows a level of care that goes beyond the shelves of big box stores.
There are all kinds of gifts too, and this Holiday Gift Guide explores a wide variety, from cooking and hobby classes to vintage stereos, collector’s items and clothes. Check it out now to get your holiday shopping done early so you can focus on enjoying the festivities!
FOR THE BOOKWORM
As people search for a way to escape the endless scrolling of screentime, books are making a big comeback in our culture, and the holidays are the perfect time to support that hobby. West Michigan is full of fantastic local bookstores, but here are just a few suggestions.
Schuler Books
2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids | schulerbooks.com
In a world that saw a slew of bookstore closures in the 2010s, we’re deeply lucky to still have Schuler Books, which has been a cornerstone of the community for decades now. The sizeable store makes gift-shopping so easy, it feels like cheating. Of course there are thousands of books to choose from, but you’ll also find accessories like bookmarks, book stands, totes, book-themed socks, mugs, and so much more. Or, just get them a gift card and let them spend a day in a book lover’s paradise.
Pages & Grapes
1760 44th St. SW, Wyoming | pagesandgrapes.com
Reading and wine go together like tea and biscuits. Whether it’s a rich, heartwarming red by the fireplace or a crisp, refreshing white at the beach, it’s the perfect complement to a romance novel—that’s where Pages & Grapes comes in. This relatively new shop is run by a romance enthusiast who will happily guide you to a perfect pairing for the bookworm in your life.
Book Lover’s Box
We Are LIT | 121 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
This box at We Are LIT makes your job easy, combining all kinds of accessories in one place. The collection includes six bookplates, six bookmarks, greeting cards, postcards, notebooks, a notepad, stickers, a poster, and a paper banner—all featuring the whimsical, cheerful illustrations of Louise Pretzel.
Book Nook Miniature
Rebel GR | 1555 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Bookworms love to show off their many books, and one great way to do that is with a miniature “book nook.” These craft kits take cozy places like reading dens, shopping quarters and bookstores and shrink them down to the perfect size for shelves. Think bookends, but with more detail and personality. It’s like a portal to another (miniature) world, which is why it pairs perfectly with books themselves.
Book Page Holders
Bluestocking Bookshop | 12330 James St., Holland
Thick books are a joy—until your fingers are screaming for mercy from holding them open. That’s why Bluestocking works with a 3D printer to make these lightweight little gadgets slip right onto your thumb and help keep the pages flat with a lot less effort and plenty of charm.
FOR THE FOODIE
If you read Revue, chances are you either are or know someone who’s passionate about food. That means not just going out to eat at nice restaurants, but sourcing the best ingredients and accessories for home cooking. You can always get a gift card to their favorite bistro, but there are plenty of other ways to satisfy the foodie’s appetite.
Photo courtesy of Local Epicurian.
Cooking Classes
The Local Epicurean | 1440 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
A true foodie doesn’t just want to eat, they want to cook—to know how the sausage gets made, and be able to make their own. There are all kinds of cooking classes in West Michigan that help you learn how to make impressive dishes at home, such as pasta, risotto, scallops, steak, desserts and much more. These classes typically include food, drinks, and a fun time meeting new people. Check out The Local Epicurean, Thought Design, and Motherland Cooking Xperience.
Art of the Table
606 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids | artofthetable.com
Good luck leaving Art of the Table without some treats for yourself. The shop is loaded with high quality ingredients, provisions, kitchenware, cooking accessories, cookbooks and more. They have everything anyone could need to up their home kitchen game, on top of great options for people who love to host guests. Plus: Dozens of handcrafted gift boxes, from A Pleasant Picnic to The Full Fancy.
Downtown Market
435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | downtownmarketgr.com
If you haven’t been to the Downtown Market in a while, you’re missing out on one of the best places to buy a variety of gifts in one spot. For the foodies, Spice Merchants offers a massive array of spice mixes, dips and hot sauces; Old World Olive Co. has tons of unique, gourmet olive oil and balsamic vinegar; Sav Sav is home to tons of wine, cheese and specialty beverages; or you could give a gift card to Carvers or Fish Lads so they can bring home high-quality protein.
The Cheese Lady
Multiple Locations | thecheeselady.net
The Cheese Lady has spread her love of great dairy all across the Mitten State, with locations in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph. Here, you’ll find everything anyone could ever need for a stellar charcuterie and cheese platter, including olives, honey, artisanal jams, crackers, condiments, fruits, nuts and more. As the shopper, there’s an added bonus: Before buying, you get to sample a ton of cheese with the help of friendly workers.
Private Dining
If you can afford it, nothing is a more exclusive, unique treat for the foodie than having a professional chef cook up a private dinner just for them and their friends. Some have a place to host you, but many will come to the foodie’s home and make it happen right there. Check out The Everyday Chef & Wife, Tiny Dinners, and Steadfast Supper Club for private dining that always impresses.
FOR THE COLLECTOR
There are hobbyists, there are fans, and then there are collectors. These are the people who love to seek out rare finds, to hunt down complete sets, to have something truly special. They used to be all about baseball cards and coins—now we have records, LaserDiscs and blind boxes. The good news for you is, you definitely know what they like.
Photo courtesy of Vertigo.
Vertigo Music
129 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids | vertigomusic.gr
With more than 30,000 records spanning just about every genre you could imagine, in addition to cassettes and CDs, Vertigo is a music collector’s dream. If you know what your giftee is into, take the time to enjoy flipping through records, hunting for the perfect pick. Or, just get them a gift card so they can go on that adventure themselves! The search is half the fun, after all.
Bring Back Analog
2240 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids | facebook.com/bringbackanalog
Bring Back Analog is meant to be a playground for everyone who loves vintage audio and other physical media. Born from the passion of a deeply knowledgeable owner , you’ll find everything from supremely rare gear meant for collectors, to speakers, receivers and turntables that are more affordable but still focused on quality and reliability. Stop in, play with the Game Boys, and ask what would make the perfect gift for your audiophile friend.
Alive Again
1541 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids | aliveagaingr.com
If your giftee loves physical media, horror movies, cult classics, collectible toys, or just fun, spooky stuff in general, Alive Again is the place to be. You could easily spend hours searching the densely packed shelves here, with thousands of VHS tapes, DVDs and BluRays filling the store. Or ask the super friendly owner what rare collectibles he currently has in stock!
Rocket Comics
4235 Portage St., Kalamazoo | rocketcomicz.com
One of the most classic kinds of collections is vintage comics, action figures and trading cards—this is Rocket Comics’ specialty. They’re all about comics from every age, including many graded and certified for collectors, plus rare, high-quality collectible action figures, models and other toys.
Rewind Grand Rapids
17 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids | rewindgrandrapids.com
When you want genuine vintage clothing, not a cheap mass-market recreation, you head to Rewind. Here you’ll find loads of rare T-shirts which are long out of print, some of which have survived decades. It’s your chance to get a Pokémon shirt from 2000, or Nine Inch Nails from 2005, or New Kids On The Block from 1989, all still in great condition. They also have hats, bottoms, toys and more!
FOR THE CRAFTSPERSON
We’re all looking for things to do that don’t involve staring at our phones, which means crafts are on the rise. Knitting, crocheting, needlework, miniatures, woodwork, painting, pottery—they’re all fantastic ways to express yourself, occupy your mind and bring something new into the world. Whether your giftee is deep in their craft or searching for something new, we’ve got you covered.
Unwind GR
1059 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids | unwindgrstore.com
Two passionate artists and educators started Unwind with the goal of bringing together a creative community. Here you can find a vast array of yarn, needles, hooks, accessories, and patterns, along with beginner-friendly embroidery kits that make getting started easy. Or get them a gift card so they can join a class to learn new skills and meet new people!
The Craft Outlet
1450 Buchanan Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | craftoutletgr.com
It would be hard to overstate what a vast, impressive collection Craft Outlet has, and that’s not even mentioning the significantly discounted prices. Their departments consist of: memory/scrapbooking, sewing & quilting, knit & crochet, craft basics, kids crafts, home décor, paint & paintable, floral, ribbon & trim and needle crafts. We get the feeling you’ll be able to find the perfect gift for your crafter here.
Peacock Alley Needlepoint
452 Ada Dr. SE, Ada | peacockalleyneedlepoint.com
The oldest needlepoint-only shop in the country, Peacock Alley goes back to 1966. You’ll find everything a needlepointer could ever need, including canvases, threads, acrylic trays, accessories, and books full of stitches. Not to mention finished products for inspiration!
The Mud Room
1971 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids | themudroom.com
The Mud Room is perhaps best known for their classes, which are for newbies and more advanced artists alike. Gift a multi-week beginners course on the potter’s wheel, or something a bit more simple like pottery painting. Or go a completely different direction like wood signs or glass fusing! If your giftee prefers to craft at home, you can even get pottery-to-go, which offers all the supplies they need (except the kiln).
ColorWay Arts
219 N. 7th St., Grand Haven | colorwayarts.com
More than just a store, ColorWay is a cozy space for creativity, inspiration, and connection in the heart of Grand Haven. They’re all about cartonnage, which is the art of making boxes out of fabric. It’s simple, accessible and relaxing, but produces impressive results. You’ll find all kinds of DIY kits here with all the materials included, along with tools, supplies and step-by-step tutorials.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
For the one who’s always effortlessly put-together, who knows the difference between “on-trend” and “timeless,” West Michigan offers a collection of boutiques and shops where style is an art form. Whether your fashionista leans minimalist or maximalist, classic or avant-garde, these local destinations inspire stylish gifting.
Dime & Regal
656 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids | dimeandregal.com
For the jewelry lover who values craftsmanship, Dime & Regal is a dream. This boutique champions small-batch, women-owned brands and handcrafted jewelry and accessories. You’ll find minimalist gold hoops, modern bracelets, elegant earrings, bold necklaces and more—all designed to last and made with care.
A.K. Rikk’s
6303 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids | akrikks.com
If you’re aiming for full-on luxury, AK Rikk’s is the destination. This sprawling boutique is where fashion dreams meet concierge-level service, offering everything from runway-ready designers to emerging labels. Work with their stylists to find the perfect outfit or accessory for any gender, or give a gift card for an indulgent afternoon of fashion exploration.
Lee + Birch
Multiple locations | leeandbirch.com
Lee + Birch nails the “cool girl next door” vibe with effortless elegance and a touch of comfort. Their racks are filled with soft knits, versatile dresses, and chic accessories that can go from brunch to boardroom to bonfire. Gifting ideas? A cozy oversized sweater, a delicate necklace, or one of their vegan leather handbags. It’s the kind of boutique that makes everyday style feel special.
Summit Lane
6750 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids | shopsummitlane.com
This newcomer has quickly become a go-to for modern, curated fashion that leans edgy yet wearable. Summit Lane’s aesthetic is sleek and elevated, with structured jackets, trendy silhouettes, and neutral palettes that make layering an art form. Pick up a statement coat or high-quality denim for the fashionista who loves looking effortlessly polished.
Fashion Connection
515 N. Drake Rd, Kalamazoo | shopfashconn.com
Let’s not forget the fashion-forward guy in your life. Fashion Connection brings high-end menswear to Kalamazoo, featuring top global fashion and premium streetwear brands. It’s perfect for the man who’s on the cutting edge of style, knows a good fit and appreciates the finer details.
Written by Josh Veal, Managing Editor for REVUE.
This article originally appeared in REVUE West Michigan, a Serendipity Media Publication.
Main photo courtesy of AK Rikks.
