Ann Arbor is the perfect destination for unique shopping for any season! With everything from vintage finds to one-of-a-kind pieces, you’ll find something special at each of the gift shops the city has to offer. Shop locally and support small businesses while showing your family and friends how much you care. From FOUND to Thistle & Bess, Roeda Studio, and other independent retailers, there’s a host of intriguing options to choose from.
Ann Arbor is the perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone! With a variety of gift shops offering all kinds of locally made products, you can show your support for small businesses while finding something special for your loved ones. You don’t even have to leave the house, as many of these shops have online storefronts for easy and convenient shopping. Shop locally this season and help make Ann Arbor an even more vibrant community!
Shop Unique Gifts at FOUND
FOUND, a creatively curated shop located in the Kerrytown Market & Shops, is a must-visit destination when you’re looking for unique gifts. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, housewarming, or “just because”, FOUND offers an eclectic selection of vintage and brand-new items hand-selected by owner Mary Cambruzzi. From mugs to jewelry, planters to candles, pillows to body products, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list!
A Platform for Local Artists and Makers
Situated in the vibrant Kerrytown area, Thistle & Bess offers an exciting range of vintage finds and carefully selected merchandise, including exquisite jewelry, fashion accessories, barware, bath and beauty products, home decor, paper goods, and children’s clothing and toys. As an active member of the arts community, Thistle & Bess provides a platform for local artists and makers to showcase their products, as well as brands from all over the world. Similarly, Roeda Studio specializes in metal art magnets, each cut, primed, and hand-painted by its talented studio artists. Founded in 1981 by Carol Roeda, it is now run by her daughter, Amy, and continues to bring joy to customers with its vast selection of unique kitchenware, jewelry, home decor, candles, stationery, and more.
Shop Emily LoPresto’s Collection Online
We are lucky to have Emily LoPresto of E-Lo Ceramic Art right here in the Ann Arbor community. She creates beautiful, functional slip-cast ceramic objects for everyday use that demonstrate her mastery of mold making. Emily’s work can be found in shops and galleries across the country, as well as art fairs in Southeast Michigan. You don’t even need to wait to find her at a fair – you can shop her beautiful collection, including mugs, vases, plates, bowls, and more, conveniently online.
Explore the Gutman Gallery
Discover the Gutman Gallery and be amazed by the incredible handmade pieces created by local talent. From jewelry to pottery, prints to paintings, this fine art gallery offers rotating exhibitions, a gallery shop, and creative workshops and events for the community to enjoy. Open from 11 am-5 pm Wednesday-Saturday, you can also explore their list of artists online and find something special.
Bringing More Joy Into Your Life
Catching Fireflies is a vibrant and enchanting gift gallery that encourages shoppers to recognize the beauty around them, savor life’s simple pleasures, and bring more joy into their lives. With an extensive selection of products available for all ages and occasions, Catching Fireflies has something perfect for everyone – from babies to grandparents, and from birthdays to graduations. What started as a single shop in Kerrytown, Michigan many years ago, has now grown to three locations throughout the state.
Shop for the Perfect Gift for New Parents
The Little Seedling is the perfect place to shop for a special little one on your holiday list. This local store offers a wide selection of clothes and accessories for babies and kids that will bring joy to any family. The journey began when Molly Ging, also known as “The Diaper Lady,” opened Tree City Diapers and started selling cloth diapers. The business has since evolved and now offers an extensive range of products such as strollers, car seats, apparel, and more from their new location. This cozy store is fully stocked with everything a new parent could need – what better way to show your love for the new parents in your life?
Discover Unique Artisan-Made Items
Featuring original artisan-made objects for the home, office, and garden, 16 Hands in Kerrytown Shops is a unique shopping destination. They proudly represent both emerging and established artists and makers, primarily from the U.S., including several local creators based in Ann Arbor. From beautiful jewelry to fashion accessories and a variety of gifts, each item is crafted and curated with care. With an ever-changing inventory, there’s always something new to discover at 16 Hands!
For over ninety years, the Caravan Gift Shop has been a beloved fixture in Ann Arbor’s historic Nickels Arcade, delighting locals and visitors alike. Caravan boasts an impressive selection of vendors from across the United States and the world, offering customers something truly unique. Whether you’re looking for a perfect present or just to browse, Caravan has something for everyone with their carefully curated gift boxes, containing items like a hostess/move-in set, a student pick-me-up set, and a floral gift set.
Ann Arbor is a vibrant and bustling city stocked full of interesting shops that have something for partners of all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for vintage items at FOUND, jewelry at Thistle & Bess, or unique home decor from Roeda Studio, there are plenty of exceptional gifting options to choose from when shopping in Ann Arbor. Supporting these small businesses by shopping locally is a great way to show your support for the local community this holiday season while finding distinctive presents for those receiving them.
