It’s no secret that this year has been the pits. With the ongoing pandemic things have been bleak. It’s been especially bleak for all of the small businesses trying to hang on.
Now that the holidays are quickly approaching I have whipped together a list of nearly 50 places to shop small in Metro Detroit for all of your gift giving needs.
Throughout the list, I’m not only going to highlight brick and mortar stores, but also the people who supply the goods that go into the stores. From baby and children’s goods, clothes, food, and housewares this list should have something for everyone.
This should go without saying but if you do decide to head out to the store to do some shopping please wear your mask, keep your distance, and also be nice to these shop owners and employees. It’s hard out there, and a little bit of kindness goes an extra long way nowadays.
And if you have a favorite, local place we should consider, send me an email at shi -at- dailydetroit.com. I’d love to keep adding to this. We’re also working on lists about drinks and food. This one is more about stuff.
We also talked about it on on our daily local podcast, so have a listen in the player below if you want.
Let’s get onto the list!
Babies and Kids
Little High Flyers
If you are looking for some cute baby and kid clothes that you won’t necessarily find everywhere else, I highly suggest checking out Little High Flyers. You can knock out a ton of shopping around Cass and Canfield in Midtown.
Address: 4240 Cass Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48201
Modern Natural Baby
Sure baby is in the name of this store, but Modern Natural Baby is so much more than a store for baby gear and clothes. They have a ton of great toys, board games, and plenty of beautiful puzzles. They have really upped the amount of puzzles they carry since the pandemic started. The store is currently closed to in store shopping, so they have been doing a daily Facebook live to show off different products. You can order online, over the phone, or even by text. They are offering curbside pick up or shipping.
Address: 200 W 9 Mile Road. Suite B Ferndale, MI 48220
Whistle Stop Hobby and Toy
The Whistle Stop is one of my son’s favorite stores ever, especially when he was obsessed with trains. This store has been bringing kids of all ages joy for decades. They are open for in store shopping and are also doing curbside pick up.
Address: 21714 Harper Avenue St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48080
Genuine Toy Company
Small independent toy stores are really having a hard time staying afloat this holiday season. So if you are looking to buy a new board game for someone head over to Genuine Toy Company in Plymouth. They don’t really have an online shop, so you will need to go into the store. But they do offer shopping by appointment.
Address: 550 Forest Avenue, Suite 8, Plymouth, MI 48170
DCreated Boutique
DCreated Boutique has been one of my favorite baby clothes designers since I first met Brianna outside of her old shop on the Avenue of Fashion. She’s moved on from that space, but she’s still whipping up the cutest fashion for babies and children. Follow her on Instagram to see everything she is making for the season.
Clothing and Accessories
The Peacock Room
Oh, the Peacock Room is one of those places that you can just walk into and find all kinds of gorgeous clothes and little treasures. It’s where I go when I want to get something special for someone I care about. Shopping at the Peacock Room is not just shopping, it’s an experience. If you’re staying out of public spaces, check out the live stream sales that Rachel does. It’s a great way to see what she has to offer while staying home.
The flagship Fisher Building location has all of the goods. But if you are looking for a fancy gown, head over to the Park Shelton location.
Addresses: Fisher Building – 3011 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit MI 48202
Park Shelton – 15 East Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202
Yama
We’re sticking on the Rachel Lutz train for a bit, because Yama is also one of her shops. I know that 2020 is the year of leisure wear since a large majority of people are working from home. But there is something nice about putting on some real clothes. If you have a fashionable woman in your life, head over to Yama in the Fisher Building.
Address: Fisher Building – 3011 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202
Frida
Did I mention that Rachel Lutz is really good at finding great pieces of clothes and accessories for women? Because she is. Finishing up this Rachel Lutz hat trick is Frida, which is located in the Park Shelton. If you’ve got someone who has more of a boho vibe in your life, I highly suggest checking out Frida.
Address: 15 East Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202
Detroit Is The New Black
If you’re feeling like heading down to take in the tree in Campus Martius, I highly suggest stopping into Detroit Is The New Black on Woodward. Currently BXNX, Lynzi, House of Raw, Awanya, and Ghetto Kids are popping up inside the store.
Address: 1426 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
Ferne Boutique
Have a stylist lady in your life? Or maybe you are the stylish lady and you want to treat yourself to something nice for the holiday. Ferne Boutique should be on your list to visit.
Address: 6529 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48202
Kitty Deluxe
It’s hard to miss Kitty Deluxe when you are driving down Harper Avenue in St. Clair Shores…it’s a cute pink house. Inside you will find all kinds of cute jewelry and gift items. The shop is open, but you can also do porch pick up.
Address: 22202 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Art, Books, Pop Culture, and Music
Pewabic Pottery
What would a shopping list be without Pewabic Pottery? I remember getting my first Pewabic tile, and how much it made me feel special. Have you seen the new copper iridescent glaze? It’s beautiful! Anyway, Pewabic is always a good choice when it comes to gift giving. The store is open for shopping, but you can order online and do curbside pickup.
Address: 10125 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI 48214
Pages Bookshop
Calling all book lovers! Pages Bookshop in Grandmont Rosedale is one of my go to bookstores. The store is currently doing shopping by appointments but you can also order online and do an in store pickup.
Want to support some Michigan authors? Here are a few of my suggestions: The Witch of Delray by Karen Dybis, Wicked Detroit, by Mickey Lyons, Beautiful Music by Michael Zadoorian, and Greetings from Detroit: Historic Postcards From the Motor City by Dan Austin.
Address: 19560 Grand River, Detroit, MI 48223
Source Booksellers
Source Booksellers is one of my other go to bookstores when I’m looking to buy a book for myself or for a gift. Right now the store is closed to the public due to the pandemic, but you can purchase books on the website or over the phone. You can pick up your purchases at the store or they can ship them to you.
Address: 4240 Cass Avenue, Detroit 48201
Signal Return
Both Jer and I have prints from Signal Return, and I might have been known to stop in to grab some cards when I feel like sending out snail mail. I have a soft spot for the art of printmaking, so it is nice to have such a great spot in the city.
They are currently open by appointment, so there is a bit of planning that will need to be done to visit. But you can always order online and do an in store pick up.
Address: 1345 Division Street, Detroit, MI 48207
Yellow Door Art Market
The Yellow Door Art Market is one of my go to places when I need a unique gift. There are 70 individual small businesses that call the Yellow Door home, so there is something for everyone on your list. Be sure to check out the great Michigan themed art prints from The Mighty Mitten.
Address: 3141 12 Mile Road Berkley, MI 48072
Third Man Records
If you’re spending time in the Cass Corridor why not stop into Third Man Records? They have a few things for sale that I would love to add to my collection. Speaking of which, the new White Stripes Greatest Hits will be released on Friday, December 4th. You can preorder it now.
Address: 441 W Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48201
Found Sound
There is something special about finding a new piece of vinyl and putting the needle down for the very first time. If you have a music lover in your life, head over to Found Sound in Ferndale.
Address: 234 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220
Vault of Midnight
The downtown location of the Vault of Midnight is one of my go to shops when buying gifts for my husband. They have a ton of great comics, graphic novels, t-shirts, and memorabilia. You can shop in store or online and they offer curbside pickup.
Address: 1226 Library Street, Detroit, MI 48226
Retro Taku
This is one of my husband’s go to places for finding obscure video games and gaming accessories. If you have someone in your life who likes video games, I highly suggest checking this place out. You never know what you might find there.
Address: 507 W. 11 Mile Road Madison Heights, MI 48071
Nerd Out
Sure – Nerd Out is a toy store – but I have a feeling that it is more geared toward the collectors out there. If you have someone who collects action figures this is the store for you.
Address: 8106 W. 9 Mile Road Oak Park, MI 48237
A Little Bit of Everything
Peninsulas
Want to share some Michigan goodness with the people you care about? Head over to Peninsulas in Berkley. This shop is a go to for anyone who loves our state and the outdoors. From Michigan State Parks gear, to Stormy Kromer, and fun Michigan homewares.
Address: 3125 Twelve Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072
Catching Fireflies
I know I sound like a broken record by now, but I also go to Catching Fireflies a lot when I’m looking for gifts. This gift shop carries everything from cute trinkets, picture frames, cards, and pampering items. They also have a great section for kids and babies. They are doing in store shopping, but you can also order online and opt for curbside pick up.
Addresses: 3117 W. 12 Mile Road, Berkeley, MI 48072, 203 E. University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307, and 419 Detroit St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Leon & Lulu
This is one of those eclectic shops that you never know what you might find when you stop in. They are currently all gussied up for the holidays so be sure to stop in for some home decor and gifts. The store is currently open for shopping, but you can also order online.
Address: 96 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson, MI 48017
The Rocket
Whenever I am looking for a fun pop culture gift I hop on over to The Rocket in downtown Ferndale (they also have an Ypsi location.) But seriously, this store is a lot of fun. They have a ton of different types of candy for those of us with a sweet tooth. Both locations are open for in store shopping, but they are also doing curbside pickup and local delivery.
Addresses: 200 W. 9 Mile, Ferndale, Michigan 48220 and 122 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Rail & Anchor
If you’re heading to downtown Royal Oak, be sure to stop into Rail & Anchor on Washington Boulevard. This curated shop has everything you might need for the men, women, and children in your life. The store is open for shopping but you can also do curbside pickup.
Address: 502 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Rust Belt Market
If you want to really help some small businesses, I suggest heading over to the Rust Belt Market. There you will find plenty of vendors to choose from. The market is open on the weekends, so plan accordingly.
Address: 22801 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, Michigan 48220
Green Daffodil
The women behind the Green Daffodil make some of my favorite candles and lip balm. They are based out of Ferndale and their general store is so cute. Not only can you get their own line of products, but they have a great selection of gifts in their store. The store is open for shopping, but you can order online or by phone and do curbside pick up.
Address: 624 Livernois Ferndale, Michigan 48226
POST Detroit
What is there to say about POST that I haven’t already said before? I love this store a lot. It has so much to choose from. You’ll be able to find prints and cards from Paisley Paper Co., Hazel + Dolly, and so many other creators. Not to mention frames and valets from Mutual Adoration. And plenty of cool things from Tait Designs. Have a cocktail enthusiast you need to buy for? They have some lovely cocktail kits from Hunt & Gather. The store is open, but you can also shop online!
It’s also a clear favorite of our podcast listeners.
Address: 14500 Kercheval, Detroit, MI 48215
Urbanum
I love a good curated shop, and Urbanum is just that. There are plenty of great gift giving options throughout the store. There are fun cards and stationary, kitchen and barware items, apothecary, and even a section for the little ones in your life. I love the cocktail glasses they carry here. They have a good weight and feel nice in your hand.
Address: 6545 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202
Mama Coo’s Boutique
If you’re looking to be more sustainable this holiday season I highly suggest checking out Mama Coo’s Boutique in Corktown. If you’re looking for one of a kind treasures, look no further. If you’re trying to impress a teen in your life who is obsessed with 90’s fashion…head on over to Mama Coo’s. They will probably have what you’re looking for.
Address: 1701 Trumbull Street, Detroit, MI 48216
City Bird and Nest
If you’re looking for Detroit themed gifts, City Bird is usually one of my go to places. They have everything from home goods, fund Detroit themed shirts, and jewelry. Not to mention a pretty killer selection of greeting cards.
Nest is City Birds sister store, and Nest is far more focused on homewares, apothecary, and fun gift ideas. My favorite pair of green drinking glasses came from Nest five years ago.
Address: 460 W. Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48201
Hugh
What is there to say about this cool shop on Cass? If you have someone in your life who loves Mid Century Modern decor this is the place to shop. Right now they have some really awesome Pan Am cufflinks. The store is open, but they are also doing curbside pick up, local delivery, and shipping for all of your shopping needs.
Address: 4240 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
Nora
One of the best things about shopping along Cass in Midtown is that you can park and walk to a whole host of different small shops, including Nora. You can find sleek home and kitchen goods, apothecary, books, and children’s items here.
Address: 4240 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
Woodward Throwbacks
Woodward Throwbacks is one of those places where you never know what you might find when you go to the showroom. There is a nice combination of restored furniture and home goods. Not to mention a ton of goodies if you are restoring a house.
Address: 11500 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Simply Polish
If you are a fan of Polish pottery have I got a store for you! Simply Polish in Garden city sells pottery, amber, jewelry, glass ornaments from Poland. I personally adore Polish pottery and all of the intricate designs. Currently the store is doing shopping by appointment, so call and make an appointment today.
Address: 6207 Middlebelt Road, Garden City, MI 48135
Earth Lore Plymouth
If you’re looking for a more spiritual gift, one of our listeners suggests heading to Earth Lore in downtown Plymouth. They sell everything from gems, jewelry, religious books of all kinds, crystals, sandals, and more. The store is currently open for shopping, they do suggest making an appointment.
Address: 895 Wing Street, Plymouth, MI 48170
Made in the Mitten
If you’re looking for more Michigan made goodies to give to your loved ones, check out Made in the Mitten in downtown Royal Oak. They carry everything from yummy treats, to bath and body products, to home decor. The store is currently open for shopping, but be sure to check on the website for hours each week since they do change due to staffing. They do offer curbside pick up as well.
Address: 706 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48067
By Popular Demand
By Popular Demand is new this holiday season and is setting up in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood. This is a shopping collective that has various vendors, so you will have a nice selection to shop from. Personally, I really love Trinkets and Such, which makes personalized jewelry. They are letting ten shoppers in at a time, and have set up a reservation system on the website.
Address: 6540 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48202
Beauty
The Lip Bar
I have been a huge fan of Melissa Butler and The Lip Bar since I tried her liquid matt lip colors at Detroit Is The New Black back in 2016. If you have someone on your list who loves makeup, I highly suggest checking out The Lip Bar. My suggested lip color: Bawse Lady which is the perfect red for any complexion. The flagship store is located in Parker’s Alley in the Shinola Hotel.
Address: 1435 Farmer Street, Detroit, MI 48226
Sfumato Fragrances
While you’re shopping head over to our friends at Sfumato to get some natural fragrances and incense. While you’re there order some cocktails to go from Castalia.
Address: 3980 Second Avenue Detroit, MI, 48201 (They are in the lower level)
Natural Red Essentials
Natural Red Essentials does not have a brick and mortar location, but it is still one of my favorite natural body care lines. If you have dry skin I highly recommend the Scrub Me Sweet Sugar Scrub. I buy it for everyone. It’s also a great gift for the teachers in your lives.
Pets
3 Dogs 1 Cat
Pets deserve gifts too! So if you have a four legged pal head over to 3 Dogs 1 Cat in Eastern Market. There are plenty of cute things for sale over there for your fur babies.
Address: 2714 Riopelle Detroit, MI, 48207
City Bark
If you’re hanging downtown why not stop into City Bark over in Capitol Park. They have a great selection of pet goodies for your furry friends. The store is open for shopping, but you can also order online and get curbside pick up or delivery within 20 miles of Capitol Park. Pretty sweet if you ask me.
Address: 1222 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI, 48226
Lou’s Pet Shop
Long time east siders know about Lou’s Pet Shop in Grosse Pointe Woods. They have been in business since 1970, which is actually longer than anyone on our team has been alive. I digress, they sell everything you need for pets of all types. The store is open, and they are also offering same day curbside pickup.
Address: 20779 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236
Cass Corridog
In reality, you could do all of your holiday shopping within the three blocks in Midtown. Cass Corridog is another great option if you are looking to spoil your four legged friends. The store is open for shopping, but they are offering curbside pickup and local delivery within 5 miles.
Address: 4240 Cass Avenue Suite 110, Detroit, MI 48201
