The countdown to Christmas is on and with less than ten days left to snag the perfect gift I encourage you to take advantage of some of the fantastic local finds our city and its surroundings has to offer. With options for every age and interest group, you are sure to find gifts that will put a smile on your friends and loved ones faces.
To get you started, here is a short list of some great local finds:
Unique and Personalized Gifts-
From personalized pillows, charming home décor, a book to curl up with, or a fun unexpected gift, there is a wide variety of specialty stores around Greater Grand Rapids. Here are a few notable ones:
o Boxed GR
o Parooz
For the Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts-
Grand Rapids has lots to offer for the fitness and sports enthusiast year-round. Here are a few ideas for the movers and groovers in your life.
o Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park
o Membership to one of our great local gyms
o A personal training session with a local trainer
Grab a Growler-
Grand Rapids is Beer City, USA and there are so many fantastic local breweries. Here are a few that might help make some spirits bright:
o Grand Rapids Brewing Company
Keep Them Caffeinated-
Coffee and tea is always a big gift giving item, but don’t settle for a boring Starbucks gift card; try one of these awesome Coffee selections instead!
Find the Way to Their Heart Through Their Bellies-
Who doesn’t love a little Holiday treat. From cheese, to chocolates, and so much more local shops have you covered. Maybe give some of these a try:
o Spice Merchants of Grand Rapids
o The Cheese Lady Grand Rapids
Have them Saying Cheers with Great Wines and Spirits-
You can’t go wrong with wine and spirits in my opinion. Try something new and help warm up your loved ones on a cold snowy nights by visiting one of these select stores or trying a new local spirit:
o Russo’s International Market
o Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
Give them a Taste of the Town-
Give them a gift certificate to one of the many local restaurants. Whether you are looking for fine cuisine or soup and sandwiches, there are awesome choices all over. Click here for a great local restaurant listing resource.
Help Them Make Memories-
Instead on giving them a tangible gift, consider giving them an experience. Whether its testing their wits in an escape room or getting artistic, there are lots of great options around town! Here are a few:
o Get tickets to see a local sports team
o Catch a show at one of the many local theaters and performance arts locations with events including everything from live bands and concerts, ballet, Broadway productions, plays, symphony performances, and comedy shows
o Get a gift card to one of our great golf courses to they can hit the links when the whether clears
Give them a Gift to Enjoy All Year-
Annual Memberships to local establishments can have them returning for fun time and time again. Bonus, no extra clutter taking up space in their house ;) Some great places for memberships around town include
o Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
o Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Remember, when you buy local your money stays in your community and helps boost the local economy; and when a community is doing well, the properties values of homes in that community do well too ;)
Happy Shopping!!