Best Places to Find Last-Minute Holiday Gifts in Southwest Michigan

Holiday shopping days are flying by "like the down of a thistle," but there’s no need to panic. There’s still time to finish your last-minute holiday shopping, and the local shops are here to help. Our festively decorated towns along Lake Michigan and throughout the countryside make gift gathering a fun and relaxing experience. We’ve compiled everything you need to know to find the best last-minute Christmas gifts in Southwest Michigan. Start planning your shopping route with these suggestions.

Where to find heart-warming gifts for everyone on your list

Our local shops make it easy to find meaningful and unique last-minute Christmas gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

Where can I find fun gifts for children?

First stop — downtown St. Joseph. It offers several stores with award-winning games, STEM toys, dolls, arts and crafts, puzzles, dress-up clothes, and classic and contemporary books. Must-visit shops include The Toy Company, Oh My Darlings, Forever Books, G&M, and State Street Stuff. For older kids, don’t miss CollectorZown in south St. Joseph, which offers a wide range of unique collectibles. 

Not sure what to buy? The knowledgeable clerks at each store are ready to help with recommendations for every age group. While downtown, head below the bluff to the Silver Beach Carousel and the Brass Ring Gift Shop, where you’ll find carousel-themed books, toys, jewelry, ornaments and stocking stuffers galore. For a present that toddler parents, caregivers and little ones will profusely say thanks, consider giving The Little Things Play Cafe gift card.

How can I delight art lovers? 

Making art lovers happy is easy in Southwest Michigan. There are many art galleries and cooperatives throughout the region with several centralized in the Benton Harbor Arts District and downtown St. Joseph. Another prized gift is an art class. Check out our Creative Connections sites: Rebecca’s Ceramics, Brush + Bloom DIY Studio, Water Street Glassworks, Krasl Art Center, O and Co, JLN Studio, The Culinary Cottage and Roti Roti Art Center in Buchanan for a broad spectrum of beginner to advanced-level classes and workshops. 

Pick up the latest Creative Connections Challenge brochure at any participating location and include it with your gift! The more art destinations your art lover visits by early May, the more chances they’ll have to earn prizes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Where are the best places to buy local craft beverages and gifts?

Southwest Michigan is renowned for its locally made craft beverages. There are dozens of wine, beer, cider, spirits, and craft cocktail makers to visit along the Makers Trail. You can put bottles or cases of your favorite bubblies and vintages under the tree or fill glasses during your holiday celebrations. Santa will not disappoint your family or friends with gift cards for tastings and flights peeking out from their stockings. At many of the Makers Trail stops, glasses, growlers, and steins, corkscrews, chocolates, palate-cleansing crackers, mimosa or flight kits, apparel, hats, and other thoughtful gifts. 

Where can I pick up fresh-baked holiday cookies, cakes, pies and pastries? 

Finding time to bake is often stressful at the last minute. No worries. Some of the finest professional bakers are in Southwest Michigan. 

• Bit of Swiss in St. Joseph and Stevensville fills its shelves and glass cases with decadent Old World desserts, cookies, cakes, croissants, pastries, and flavorful artisan bread. 
• Sandra Kay Bakery in Stevensville is beloved for its delicious cookies, cakes, pies, and classic American pastries. 
• The Flour Shop Bakery in Stevensville is the go-to for cakes. Its baker uses the highest quality ingredients and the latest trends in decorating, such as rolled fondant cakes with sugar flowers and hand painting.
• Luisa's Swedish Bakery & Market in Harbert will tempt you with Danish pastries, bread, quiche, and cardamom coffee cake. 
• Froehlich’s in Three Oaks delights first-timers to regulars with its made-from-scratch bread, homemade jams and preserves, kitchen and home decor, and other gourmet items.

Where can I find chocolates and holiday candy?

Chocolates and holiday candies are perfect for gift exchanges, stocking stuffers, and hospitality gifts. There are lots of sweet spots in Southwest Michigan with everything from peppermint bark to candy canes, creamy fudge in a dozen flavors, caramel and Christmas-mix popcorn, peanut brittle, boxed chocolates, ice cream sauces, caramel apples and so much more. 

Visit Kilwins, Sweet Haven Candy, and South Bend Chocolate Company in downtown St. Joseph for an array of delicious confections. Or follow your sweet tooth to Veni's Sweet Shop in Niles, Caruso’s Candy and Soda Shoppe in Dowagiac, or Sweet on Elm in Three Oaks to bring smiles to young and old. 

What can I give to my four-legged best friend?

You’ll find everything your pet could dream of at FuzzyButz Pet Bakery & Boutique in St. Joseph. This shop has it all from homemade baked treats in your best friend’s favorite flavors (liver is a top pick!) to toys, chews, clothing, collars, and even gifts for pet lovers.

What do you suggest for “gifts of time”?

Some of the best gifts can’t be boxed and wrapped — yet gifts of time and special experiences are treasures when they come from you. Here are a few Southwest Michigan ideas that will come with grateful hugs. 

Downhill ski and snowboard passes or gift cards

Have a skier or snowboarder on your list? Someone who wants to learn the basics or sharpen their skills on the slopes from some of the best instructors? Give downhill ski or snowboard passes for Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area in Jones. Or pick up a gift card to cover lessons, gear, apparel, or food. It is the closest Michigan ski area to Indiana and Chicago so make this a gift for any out-of-state snow lovers. 

Getaways throughout the year

Finding time to connect with loved ones can be a challenge. This year, give the gift of quality time together with gift certificates to local hotels. Choose the property with the amenities your family member or friend will enjoy — a Lake Michigan or harbor view, complimentary breakfasts, a swimming pool, hot tub, workout or game room, spa, chef-prepared meals, and themed packages to make the stay truly special. We are a four-season destination so they can pick the best time of year for totally relaxing with us. 

Where can I find hospitality and gift baskets?

Whether you’re attending a party, spending the holidays with family or friends, or searching for the perfect business gifts, several local shops in Southwest Michigan can fill baskets with chocolates, specialty and gourmet foods, craft beverages, holiday decorations, lotions, and soaps, books, toys, and games. Find ready-made and custom baskets at Crystal Springs, Kilwins, The Cheese Lady, Olive Cart, and The Christmas Tree, to suggest a few ways to delight each recipient. 

Why Do My Last-Minute Shopping in Southwest Michigan?

There are plenty of advantages to choosing Southwest Michigan as your holiday gift-buying destination:

• No worries about shipping delays or stock issues. You’ll purchase gifts directly from the rack or shelf, ensuring they’re in hand immediately.
• No guessing about quality. Feel the clothing fabric, sample fragrances, play with toys, crack open a book to read the first few pages, or even taste-test wines, beers, ciders and spirits before you buy.
• No settling for generic big-box store gifts. Discover unique items like artwork, jewelry, pottery, handmade cards, clothing, glass-blown ornaments and more at art galleries, theaters and museum shops.
• No late-night wrapping sessions. Many stores offer complimentary gift wrapping.
• No battling through crowded aisles. Enjoy a relaxed and stress-free shopping experience.
• No expensive parking fees. Free parking means more money for gifts.
• No need to rush home. With plenty of cozy accommodations nearby, you can unwind and make a mini getaway out of your shopping trip.

Need help to find a gift?

Have specific gift ideas but aren’t sure where to find them? Reach out to the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council “elves” and they’ll guide you to the perfect spots to make holiday wishes come true. 

Give yourself more time to shop

There is enough rushing during this holiday season without squeezing your shopping into a day trip to Southwest Michigan. This year, give yourself some well-deserved relaxation time by extending your visit and staying at a local hotel. It makes it easier to explore more shops, do more tastings along the Makers Trail, sample more sweets, and put up your feet after a delicious meal. After all, you won’t want to miss a breathtaking Lake Michigan sunset and a peaceful stroll through the enchanting Light Up the Bluff displays — both are truly gorgeous.

Happy holiday shopping!

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