It’s almost December and that means holiday shopping should be well underway. This time of year heavily emphasizes the act of giving, but sometimes it’s hard searching for a present. What should I buy? Where do I even look?
While there are tons of big chain stores scattered across the area, Macomb County also has local retailers that can offer you just the kind of gifts you may need. Antique, collectables, toys, and a variety of other gift shops can be found throughout the community.
In Mount Clemens, there’s Max & Ollies Vintage Boutique found on Macomb Place where they sell lots of clothes, accessories, decorative items, and even a few kids’ toys. Around the corner is Weirdsville Records, stocked with records, CDs, and cassette tapes of all kinds, as well as musical instruments and accessories. Down the street is the Bohemian Goat, which has a marketplace that only opens this December 9-12, and December 16-19. So don’t miss out on your chance to browse their assembly of cool accessories.
In St. Clair Shores, Time Warp sits on Harper Avenue, a collectables and antiques store that also has a variety of Christmas-themed products to help you get ready for the holiday season. Also on Harper Avenue is Kitty Deluxe, a cute, pink house that some consider to be a staple of the community. Here you can find handmade jewelry and accessories for recipients of any age.
Just a little further down the street is the Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy Inc., another local favorite that is one of the best places to buy your child’s Christmas presents. It’s filled to the brim with toys of all kinds, similar to Vera’s Balloons-R-Fun in Romeo, another wonderland of games, dolls, and childhood accessories. Imagine Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but more toys and a lot less dangerous!
If you’re looking for another establishment specifically targeted for kids, Connie’s Children’s Shop on Mack Avenue in St. Clair Shores sells childrens’ apparel spanning from casual to dress wear. This retailer is also a great place to find school uniforms for the upcoming school semester!
Towards Lake St. Clair, Gifts Afloat on Jefferson, has collectables with a variety of gifts and other home decor items. From lamps to candle holders and water bottles to Great Lakes style meal trays, this store has a nice collection of practical items to gift your friends and acquaintances.
Another store to look for home decor is Birch & Arrow. Located in Clinton Township, this shop has home goods and holiday-themed products not only for the people around you, but for your own house as well! Here you can buy blankets, ornaments, and Christmas displays galore!
Of course, we have to add All Around the House Interiors to our list of great local retailers that can supply you with your homely needs and gifts, as well. Unique and local crafts adorn this quaint shop on Main Street in Romeo. They also offer services, including recoloring and/or redesigning furniture and other accessories.
Looking for more clothing and yarn? Tickled Pink For Life LLC in Chesterfield has it all from sleepwear to loungewear, headwear, footwear and even accessories like jewelry and sunglasses. Their stylish products can act as the perfect gift for your lady friends and family!
If your gift recipient is interested in not only buying clothes but also making them, then be sure to give Crafty Lady Trio a try! Located in Macomb Township, this retailer also has lots of cool clothing, yarn, and accessories to choose from. They even offer classes on how to knit and/or crochet some of the cutest things, so if you’re into that, spread the word and help support a local business near you!
Another way to help retailers in the community is by entering the Shop Local Macomb campaign. Now through Dec. 5, if you snap a photo and upload it to our website, you have a chance to win a $150 gift card. But that’s not all! The business you submit also has the opportunity to earn a $1,000 grant! Learn more: https://living.macombgov.org/living-thingstodo-shoplocal
Here at Make Macomb Your Home we want to support our local businesses by promoting their services to the rest of the community. We hope that you have a chance to shop locally this holiday season, and don’t be afraid to check out some of the amazing retailers listed above!
Happy Holidays!
Rachel Dearing is an intern for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.