Shop Local: Unique Boutiques For Early Holiday Gifts

By: Carolyn Hall | November 12, 2023
The Rust Belt Market exterior - local boutiques

Photo courtesy of The Rust Belt Market

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to show your appreciation for friends and family. But why stick to waiting last minute when you can get something special, unique, and crafted with love early on? Consider shopping at local boutiques for your holiday gifts as they offer a wealth of opportunities to find meaningful gifts. Whether you’re in search of one-of-a-kind home decor, rare finds, or locally-produced goodies, these shops have something for everyone.

KITTY DELUXE

22202 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores

Kitty Deluxe is a go-to destination for those in search of unique accessories. This isn’t your typical fashion store. The pink house offers an eclectic mix of styles that are perfect for gift-giving. From handmade jewelry, fun candles, and pop culture references, Kitty Deluxe has it all. If you want something that captures a fun personality or style, Kitty Deluxe is a must-visit for holiday shopping.

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THE ROCKET GIFTS & CANDY

200 West Nine Mile Road, Ferndale

122 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti

Rocket Gifts and Candy is a paradise for both kids and adults. With a wide array of candies, toys, and quirky gifts, this shop offers endless opportunities to bring joy and smiles. Imagine gifting handpicked candies to a loved one, or a vintage toy that brings back childhood memories. A visit to Rocket Gifts and Candy can be a delightful experience for the young and young-at-heart.

PENINSULAS

3171 Twelve Mile Road, Berkley

For those who love Michigan-inspired items, Peninsulas is the place to go. “The Peninsulas collection includes high-quality home goods, apparel, accessories, and gifts inspired by lakes – great and small – and land. Most of the items are custom. Many are Michigan-made. We are proud to be one of the first stops for shoppers looking to show their Great Lakes pride or to give gifts to Michiganders far and wide,” shares Robert Jameson, co-owner of Peninsulas. If you want to gift something that represents local culture and heritage, Peninsulas has something perfect for you.

peninsulas display for spirit of detroit and the mackinac bridge with glasses and trays - local boutiques
Photo courtesy of Peninsulas

THE RUST BELT MARKET

22801 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale

Rust Belt Market is not just a single store; it’s a collective of creatives. Gina Jeffries, Social Media Manager for The Rust Belt Market tells us, “The Rust Belt Market is a warehouse marketplace that houses over 30 boutiques, craft vendors, vintage resellers, and a full bar and event space. It serves as a mall for artists and makers. Chris and Tiffany Best founded The Rust Belt Market after witnessing artists struggle during the months when art fairs were less frequent. They aimed to provide artists with a consistent and permanent space to sell their work. With over 10 years under its belt, the market has been an anchor storefront in Downtown Ferndale.” A trip to The Rust Belt Market is almost like a treasure hunt, where you’ll stumble upon rare finds that are perfect as unique gifts. Whether it’s a handcrafted piece of jewelry or an antique find, Rust Belt Market offers endless possibilities.

The Rust Belt Market interior archway into shopping areas - local boutiques
Photo courtesy of The Rust Belt Market

GREEN DAFFODIL

624 Livernois, Ferndale

Focused on handcrafted soaps, lotions, candles, and more, Green Daffodil offers a delightful selection of natural products. These make for perfect gifts, especially for those who enjoy a bit of pampering. With their range of scents, you can personalize your gifts to suit individual tastes. With premade gift sets, holiday shopping just got even easier. 

ELDORADO GENERAL STORE

1700 Michigan Avenue, Detroit

Eldorado General Store is the perfect place to find free-spirited and unique items. From handcrafted jewelry to fun finds, this shop features a collection of rare items that would make exceptional gifts. If you’re looking for something a little bohemian or retro, Eldorado General Store has got you covered.

POESY

32284 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak

Specializing in artistic creations, Poesy is an ideal stop for those who appreciate remarkable gifts. From intricately designed jewelry to eye-catching photography, the boutique offers gifts that not only delight but also inspire. Owner Holly Laginess shares that Poesy is, “A happy gift gallery on the east side of Woodward Ave at 13 and a half mile in Royal Oak. We have been open for 11 years and offer the community a happy place to shop. We offer the work of 300 makers and artisans from all over the USA, with many things made right in Michigan. Our small local shop has free parking out front and our gift wrapping is always free and festive.” With the added convenience of free gift wrapping, Poesy can be a one-stop shop for holiday finds.

Poesy glass christmas tree display with hanging ornaments - local boutiques
Photo courtesy of Poesy

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