Your Local Holiday Gift Guide Has Arrived!
Looking for gifts that stand out from the crowd? Skip the predictable online scroll and explore what’s being created right in your backyard. Small businesses across Northwest Michigan are offering thoughtful, high-quality goods and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. And — bonus! — every purchase helps an entrepreneur grow.
We’ve gathered a mix of Venture North clients to make your holiday shopping effortless and meaningful. From treats and gear to services and one-of-a-kind finds, these local businesses have something for everyone on your list.
Food, Drinks & Hosting Essentials: for the home entertainers, food lovers, and holiday hosts who delight in sharing something delicious.
TC Floral Co. (Traverse City) - Add a little extra magic to the season with TC Floral Co.’s beautifully designed arrangements. Whether you’re gifting a festive centerpiece or brightening someone’s day with a winter bouquet, their blooms bring instant cheer to any holiday table.
BOS Wine (Elk Rapids) - With an impressive lineup of biodynamic wines, BOS Wine is a must-visit (or must-click!) for holiday gifting. Their bottles make thoughtful presents for hosts, collectors, or anyone who appreciates Michigan’s growing wine scene. Online ordering makes gifting easy.
Brinks Family Creamery (McBain and stores across the region) - Locally produced, farm-fresh dairy for the foodie in your life. Their award-winning creamline milk, small-batch cheeses, and seasonal specialties make a charming addition to gift baskets and holiday spreads.
J.bird Provisions (Charlevoix) - From paté to potato chips, plus darling kitchen towels, serving spoons, beverages…everything you need and more for putting together the perfect gift for that foodie you know and love.
Cultured Kombucha (Traverse City and across the region) - Most people look to Europe for cheese this special! We’re so lucky to have these artisanal delights here in our midst - visit their website to see where to pick yours up today!
The Lively NeighborFood Market (Empire) - A treasure trove of local produce, cheeses, drinks, and grab-and-go goodies. Whether you’re assembling a Michigan-made gift basket or fueling up between errands, this market makes holiday shopping a little tastier.
Holiday Retail Favorites: thoughtful, handcrafted, and locally inspired goods perfect for wrapping up — or keeping for yourself.
Northern Spice Co. (Manistee) - Bring bold flavor to someone’s kitchen! Their gift-ready spice sets and seasonal blends make practical, crowd-pleasing presents for home cooks, grillers, and flavor enthusiasts.
Beulah Outdoors (Beulah) - The shopfront is closed for the season, but the online shop is still open for business! A great option for outdoor lovers offering gear, apparel, and accessories built for northern Michigan’s seasons. Ideal for the adventurer, diver, or camper on your list.
River Street Marketplace (Manistee) - A beautifully curated space featuring multiple small businesses — including recently featured Tap House Boutique! — under one roof making it easy to check several names off your list at once. Stop in for locally made goods, home décor, apparel, edible gifts, and more.
Coastal Woods Vision (Manistee) - A modern eyewear boutique offering stylish frames, sunglasses, and accessories. Their carefully selected collections make for standout gifts…or a great holiday treat for yourself.
MJ Design Co. (Mancelona) - Thoughtfully handcrafted jewelry, home goods, and personalized wooden pieces made from local hardwoods. Their ornaments, signs, and custom items are especially perfect for meaningful holiday gifting.
Oak Heirlooms (Cadillac) - Look no further to find the lasting, treasured beauty of Amish-made furniture for that special someone who appreciates great craftsmanship and value.
Goodies & Gift Certificates: perfect for busy schedules, out-of-town guests, or anyone who prefers memories over “things.”
Art’s Tavern (Glen Arbor) - A beloved local staple and an easy win for just about anyone on your list. Grab a gift certificate for a classic northern Michigan experience: great food, great atmosphere, great company.
9 Bean Rows (Suttons Bay) - Know someone who loves pastries, pizza, or fresh bread? A gift card to 9 Bean Rows delivers farm-to-table goodness that’s perfect for weekend brunches or cozy winter dinners.
Elberta Pizza Co. (Elberta) - A fun, laid-back option for families, foodies, or anyone who appreciates a great slice. A gift certificate means the joy of a delicious pizza night — no cooking required!
Heart N Seoul (Traverse City) - Give the gift of comfort food with a Korean twist. Heart & Seoul offers delicious, soulful dishes that are ideal for busy families, adventurous eaters, or winter nights when only a warm bowl will do.
MI Farm Co-Op (Grand Traverse Region) - A CSA or winter produce credit offers a generous, practical, and healthy gift. Perfect for home cooks, families, or anyone wanting to enjoy local food without the weekly grocery-store shuffle.
Wellness, Movement & Self-Care: thoughtful, nourishing gifts for those who want to begin the new year refreshed.
In It to Win It (Traverse Region) - For friends or family who love healthy eating but lack the time to meal prep, this service is a lifesaver. Nutritious, ready-to-eat meals that support busy lifestyles — practical, delicious, and always appreciated.
L.A. Gymnastics and Fitness (Kalkaska) - Give the gift of movement this season with L.A. Gymnastics and Fitness in Kalkaska. With classes for toddlers, teens, adults, and everyone in between, they blend fun, fitness, and skill-building in a supportive environment. Follow their social pages for updates or call 231-564-2420 to learn more.
ELEV8 (Traverse City) - For the friend who’s craving something fresh in their fitness routine, ELEV8 is the perfect pick. This Traverse City climbing gym offers bouldering, yoga, weightlifting, and youth programs making it a fun and energizing alternative to winter hibernation. Their gift card promos make giving an active experience easier than ever.
Coastline Cycles (Frankfort) - Know someone who’s dreaming of new adventures in 2025? A gift from Coastline Cycles can help them roll into the new year in style. From bikes and helmets to sunglasses and expert tune-ups, this Frankfort shop has everything riders need to get out, explore, and enjoy Northern Michigan.
Pickle U (Traverse City) - Just because it’s snowy outside doesn’t mean the pickle-ballers in your life have to get rusty this winter. Consider giving a gift certificate — or snazzy equipment from their on-site shop — and show a loved one you want them to have fun — and stay warm! — this holiday season.
Right Bower Kitchen + Coffee or Owl Eye Coffee Roasters (Cadillac) - Let’s face it, for most of us, self-care begins with coffee and what could be better than an expert-level latte or locally roasted bag of coffee to brew at home? Stop by — or order online — to fuel your gift-getting excursions or for sipping by the tree.
