Holiday Gift Guide

Shop Local. Scatter Joy! 

When you meet Southwest Michigan’s shop owners and artisans, you may think they were raised at the North Pole. They love the holidays and specialize in creating stress-free shopping experiences. Nearby parking, festively decorated shops, eager-to-help staff and often complimentary gift wrapping put the fun back into gift hunting.

While we could fill page after page with all the gifts you can find in our region, this is a quick guide with idea starters. Shop for a day or, better yet, spend a night or two to see how easy gift-finding can be this year.

Creative Ideas

Find one-of-a-kind gifts in these artist studios, galleries and co-op shops. You can often talk to the artists and learn more about their work. Still not sure where to start? Here are some favorites.

Water Street Glassworks limited-edition holiday blown glass ornaments, fused and stained glass, plus glass-blowing, fusion and jewelry-making classes.

Box Factory for the Arts galleries and the gift shop brim with original paintings, jewelry and photo art.

Chartreuse is an artist-owned gallery with jewelry, photography, ceramics, watercolors and textiles.

Krasl Art Center offers an array of decorative and functional art in its gift shop and galleries. Their outdoor firepits are toasty places to rest before continuing your gift hunting.

Perennial Accents brims with home/kitchen/outdoor living ideas perfect for everyone’s living spaces. Watch their Facebook page for classes to enjoy on your own or with friends. 

The Market is one of St. Joseph’s newest, all-under-one-roof shopping experiences. Find world cheeses, dozens of teas, hand-roasted coffees, craft beverages, fresh flowers, gelato and so much more. 

The Christmas Tree, just four miles north of St. Joseph, offers  hundreds of ornaments, holiday décor, collectibles, baby keepsakes and delicious party food. Gift wrapping and complementary Michigan mints add to your shopping joy. 

Roti Roti Art Center presents an ever-changing selection of jewelry, pottery and small artwork.

Craft Beverages

Southwest Michigan is renowned for its craft wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries. Gifts for tasting experiences, bottles of their craft, food pairings and serving accessories are always appreciated. Encourage recipients to try the free Makers Trail Passport Challenge to earn more gifts.

Makers Trail destinations have beverages, keepsake glassware, apparel, totes and more.

Toys Galore

You are never too old for toys, puzzles, board games, outdoor fun and books. Making choices is so much easier when you can flip through the books or try out the toys. You can do that in Southwest Michigan! Many of our shops also carry stocking stuffer ideas. And our specialty stores can fill your pet’s toy and treat wishes, too.

• The Brass Ring Gift Shop at Silver Beach Carousel, St. Joseph

• Forever Books, St. Joseph

• Oh My Darlings, St. Joseph

• State Street Stuff, St. Joseph

• Toy Company, St. Joseph

• FuzzyButz Pet Bakery, St. Joseph

Gift-of-Time Ideas

Some of the best presents don’t fit in a box. Attending a play, concert or symphony performance, taking an art or cooking class together, downhill skiing, being pampered in a spa, going out to dinner or spending a family or romantic getaway at a hotel — these are cherished gifts.  

Creative Connections tickets, memberships and season passes to music and art venues, theaters and museums. Invite your loved ones (and you can, too) to download the Visit Southwest Michigan app and earn more artsy “gift” rewards.

The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College is one of the largest and most versatile performance venues in the region. You and your gift recipients will thoroughly enjoy national and international acts, touring musicians, well-known speakers and community productions — including joyous holiday shows.

The Culinary Cottage offers hands-on pasta-making, farm-to-fork, baking and mom & me classes.
Hotels offering the rates, amenities, waterfront views and family or romantic packages your recipients want.
Restaurants with farm-to-table entrees, new and traditional cuisines, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian choices. Choose from settings with lake, vineyard and cityscape views.

Spas and the Nature Therapy of Michiana let you give the gift of relaxation and well-being.

Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area offers daily or season passes, equipment and lessons.

More Perfect Gifts in Our Small Towns

Along Lake Michigan, on our riverbanks and in our countryside, you will find some of the most relaxing places to shop in Michigan. Best of all, you will be supporting local small businesses that offer thoughtfully curated gifts to delight everyone on your list. Discover these easy-to-explore towns, each with its own heartwarming personality.

And if you want to give your recipients more choices, you won’t disappoint them with St. Joseph Today Love Local SWMI Gift Cards. They will be amazed by all the fun shops, restaurants and places to play they can redeem them at.

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