Thoughtful, locally curated gifts mean the most to loved ones, and we're here to help! Visit Ann Arbor’s unique stores this season for your holiday shopping, and plan experiences your loved ones will never forget. Check out our Ann Arbor gift guide for ideas for everyone on your list.
Shop Downtown Districts
Main Street area is home to unique shops for any interest. Step into Vault of Midnight for comics and board games. Himalayan Bazaar carries items from Nepal's Himalayan region. Rock Paper Scissors is a must-visit for gift box bundles and Michigan-made goods. Browse dazzling jewelry at Abracadabra and Shinola, and retro candies at Rocket Fizz. Browse Main Street area shopping.
Stroll through State Street’s iconic Nickels Arcade, home to unique shops like Caravan Gift Shop and Arcadian Antiques. Support your favorite local businesses with gift cards—perfect for stocking stuffers! Treat loved ones to an experience with gift cards for tickets and concessions at the historic theaters nearby. Explore shopping and more near State Street.
The South University and Kerrytown districts are filled with several shops unique to Ann Arbor and specialty stores. Click here for Ann Arbor area shopping.
Gift a Taste of Ann Arbor
From international favorites to fine dining, Ann Arbor’s food scene has something for everyone. Treat loved ones to a night out or gift card to Amadeus serving Central Europe specialties, seafood favorites at the Black Pearl, and Mediterannean bowls at Spiedo. Many restaurants offer gift cards. View area restaurants here.
The Kerrytown Market and Shops are a popular destination for chef-themed gifts. Visit Fustini's Oils & Vinegars for unique flavors and Everyday Wines that pair well with any meal.
Stock up on sweet treats, including Korean baked goods at Yoon’s Bakery, coffee cakes and roasted nuts from Zingerman’s, handmade desserts from Bon Bon Bon, and chocolate bars produced in Dexter at Mindo Chocoolate.
Artwork & the Arts
For artists and art fans on your list, visit galleries like Gutman Gallery and WSG Gallery for special finds. The Ann Arbor Art Center offers project Artboxes and a full gallery store. Motawi Tileworks creates handcrafted tile art perfect for someone special.
Surprise a friend with tickets to a show hosted by the University Musical Society and Theatre Nova. Explore Chelsea’s Purple Rose Theater and Chelsea Ballet's upcoming performances. For live music, purchase passes for an upcoming Blue LLama Jazz Club dinner and show, or an intimate concert at The Ark. Surprise friends with a night of laughter with tickets to the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase!
Click here for more arts & culture inspiration.
For the Readers
Ann Arbor is home to nationally recognized independent bookstores. Literati Bookstore offers thousands of titles including LGBTQ+ and staff suggestions. Cozy community bookshop, Booksweet, is your go-to to chat about books and local resources for learning. Discover rare, used books at Westside Book Shop and first editions, maps, and prints at Dawn Treader Book Shop.
Nearby, visit Serendipity Books in Chelsea carrying new and used books. Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center in Ypsilanti specializes in African American literature. Fine Print Bookshop in Saline focuses on building an inclusive community through the love of reading.
Craft Coffee & Tea
Create your own flavor of Ann Arbor through thoughtfully curated coffees and teas. Stop into TeaHaus and create your own sample pack of some of the best teas in Michigan. Craft coffee shops like RoosRoast provide uniqe gift boxes ready to go, or pick up fresh beans Vertex Coffee Roasters prioritizing sustainability.
Best Brews & Distilleries
Ann Arbor's craft breweries and distilleries here are truly unique. Create your own six-pack gift basket by picking up bottles from breweries Mothfire Brewing, Grizzly Peak, Erratic Ale Co. in Dexter, and Original Gravity Brewing in Milan to name a few.
For those who enjoy spirits and cocktails, visit Ann Arbor Distilling Company and in Manchester, River Raisin Distillery for specialty bottles uniquely crafted and only found here. Browse more suggestions: bars, pubs, and breweries.
Fashion Enthusiasts
Ann Arbor boutiques and shops are fitting for any style. Sam’s Clothing has carried fashionable casual clothing for decades. Browse 'treetown' shirts and tie dye at Elmo’s T-Shirts, and men’s style fashion at Van Boven and more at Renaissance Clothing. Your gift doubles as art when shopping at MIX. Discover more styles at Ferne Boutique, One DNA, and Sandy's Boutique.
Vintage lover on your list? Shop The Getup Vintage, Dear Golden and MALOFTA Vintage for fashionable finds. Clothes Mentor offer affordable and upscale options for all ages.
Self-Care Ideas
Give the gift of health and wellness with treatments at spots like InfusIV Hydration and LaVida Massage of Ann Arbor, or yoga and meditation classes at Zion Well. Shop for all things lavender at Lavender Lane on Main in Milan, cruelty-free and eco-concious products at Bohmey Beauty, and workout gear at Ann Arbor Running Company. Visit Della's for hair care and skin care products donwtown Ann Arbor.
Outdoors & Sports
Great gift idea: gear! For those who love outdoor activities, visit Schultz Outfitters for fishing supplies and guided trips. Pick up gear for every season at Bivouac. Give your sporty loved one a fun experience at Wolverine Pickleball and Axe Ventura.
Explore more
We recommend checking out Ann Arbor’s surrounding destinations for more special holiday events and unique shops. View this season's Ypsilanti Shopping Guide for 2024 for more unique retail.
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