Destination Ann Arbor Holiday Gift Guide 2025

This holiday season, experiences are the vibe. And we've got the perfect place for you to start! Use this ultimate holiday gift guide to inspire the perfect Ann Arbor experience and gift ideas your friends and loved ones will look forward to!
 

Jump to a section to get started:

• A Taste of Ann Arbor

• Ann Arbor Weekend Visit

• Concerts and Live Shows

• Michigan Fans

• Self-Care and Wellness

• Artwork and The Arts

• Shop Downtown Districts

A Taste of Ann Arbor

Gift a taste of Ann Arbor’s renowned food scene through treating a loved one to a night out or gift card to a special restaurant. Browse restaurants to filter by location and cuisine type.

Gift Ideas: 

• Gift cards: Seafood specialties and upscale dining at Black Pearl, fast-casual Mediterranean at Spiedo.
• Customized goodie basket from Zingerman's. 
• Wine tasting at Vinology or estate-bottled wine from YORK. 
• Yoon’s Bakery and Mindo Chocolate for sweet treats.
• Chef-inspired gifts and cooking finds at Kerrytown Markets & Shops.

Ann Arbor Weekend Visit

Spending time together in a change of scenery can be the best gift of all. Ann Arbor’s charming boutique hotels make a weekend getaway feel within reach.

Gift ideas:

• A gift certificate for a 1-2 night hotel stay and cozy getaway.
• Bed & Breakfast at Stone Chalet or Burnt Toast Inn.
• Plan a weekend around a special event: Ann Arbor events calendar.
• Dinner reservations and shopping spree for the full experience.

Concerts and Live Shows

Ann Arbor is a top Michigan music and entertainment destination. Save your seats for an upcoming concert or live performance.

Gift ideas:

• Tickets to a concert at The Ark, Blue LLama Jazz Club, and Kerrytown Concert House.
• A night of comedy at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
• Live performance at Theatre Nova and Purple Rose Theater.
• Gift certificate for two: tickets, popcorn, and candy at Michigan Theater or State Theatre.

Michigan Fans

For the ultimate University of Michigan fans, Ann Arbor has exactly what you’re looking for. 

Gift ideas:

• Book a free Michigan Stadium tour for an insider experience.
• Tickets to their favorite athletic event.
• A jersey plus U-M swag at Rally House or Elmo’s.
• Gift cards from the favorites of U-M legends like Tom Brady at Mr. Spots and Brown Jug. 

Self-Care and Wellness

Everyone deserves time to rest and recharge. Encourage calmness this season by gifting relaxation.

Gift ideas:

• Yoga / Meditation class subscriptions at Zion Well.
• Pair TeaHaus tea blends with a cozy blanket from Found.
• Crafted journal and incense or candle from Himalayan Bazaar.
• Massage or spa package from local studios like Main Street Massage Therapy.

Artwork and The Arts

For artists and art fans on your list, make Ann Arbor your next destination. From original fine art to custom jewelry, start here:

Gift ideas:

• Original artwork from Gutman Gallery or Motawi Tileworks.
• ​Hands-on art class for two at the Ann Arbor Art Center.
• Shop local crafts, Michigan-made art during Midnight Madness.
• Custom fine jewelry from Abracadabra.

Shop Downtown Districts

Downtown Ann Arbor is made up of three unique districts all within walking distance. Start browsing local and creative shops across downtown and build your own map for your holiday shopping. Start here:

• Main Street Holiday Shopping Guide
• ​State Street Shopping Directory
• Kerrytown Shopping Directory

Shopping based on interest: 

The Avid Reader 

• Literati Bookstore offers thousands of titles including LGBTQ+ and staff suggestions. Booksweet, Westside Book Shop and first editions, maps, and prints at Dawn Treader Book Shop.  

Great Outdoors 

• Those who fish love Schultz Outfitters for supplies and guided trips. Pick up gear for every season at Bivouac. Give your sporty loved one a fun experience at Wolverine Pickleball.

Craft Beverages

• Raise a glass to local flavor! Find tickets to a tasting event at a local brewery or pick up an Ann Arbor-themed bottled beverage from a distillery. For coffee lovers, gift a local coffee bag from RoosRoast or Lowertown Bar & Cafe.

Latest Fashion

• From cute, Michigan-themed clothing at Ferne Boutique to quality, elegant wear at Renaissance, the best fashion is found in Ann Arbor.  
   

This is just a sample of gifting ideas and experiences around Ann Arbor. Keep exploring for more inspiration.

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