I need MI-made gift suggestions

Hey everyone I just discovered a great new Michigan run business that strives to use Michigan owned products.  Plus they produce some of the yummiest Gluten Free cookies, brownies and cakes I've had in 4 years of trying to live Gluten Free.

Check out www.bizzylizzybakery.com

You're gonna love this ladies stuff.  Met her at the Plymouth Green Street Fair this weekend and had to sample all of her goods.  So far I have not found one item that I am not crazy for.

Chris Corliss

My gallery, Firebrick Gallery and Pottery Studio showcases Michigan artists exclusively. You'll find ceramics, glass, metal, paintings, photography, mixed media, and jewelry. Our pieces are reasonably priced and make excellent unique gifts!

We also make "Pet Paw Prints in Clay" - 5% of the proceeds go to the Leader Dogs of the Blind. Just make an appointment to bring in your beloved dog and create a tile!

www.firebrickgalleryandpotterystudio.com

e-mail: christine@firebrickgalleryandpotterystudio.com

Hi,

I know a woman, Mary D'Alessandro who makes gift baskets at any price range with Michigan products. you can reach her at 734.996.0966.

Thinking Local First!  I love it! 

I have a former student in my business start-up class whose business - Vroomers - makes the most adorable, cartoon-like slippers in the image of vehicles: travel trailers, sports cars, robots - they are a hoot.  See her website www.vroomersonline.com. 

A member of Women Business Owner's of Southeastern Michigan has some great artisans:

Totes by Tanya is a custom purse maker.  The recipient of your gift can choose the type and size of the bag, the outside fabric, the inside fabric, the number and placement of pockets, the type of handles - it is custom made for her.  Check out the website: www.totesbytanya.com.

Artistica Gallery (Dexter) is a fabulous place to find locally made pottery, jewelry, fiber art, woodworking, ceramics, and paintings.  Let your imagination soar with their unique choices.

How about a get-a-way weekend at a local bed and breakfast: near and dear to my heart is Davies House Inn Georgetown in Ann Arbor.  Check out the website www.davieshouseinn.com.  Special discounts between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day, so take advantage of buying now or book for summer art fair, fall football, or your special birthday or anniversary celebration.  More than you want to spend?

Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, business referral groups or Think Local First organization:

Local restaurant gift cards - not a chain!  How about in a city they visit frequently - maybe in the summer: Petoskey, Traverse City, Gaylord, Sagutuck  . . . . . . OR, take that friend or family member to lunch or dinner - they'd rather spend time with you!

A local gym or Y pass/membership  - not a chain!  OR, go with them to get them started with their exercise routine - it's more fun with a friend anyway!

Hire a local cleaning person for a homeowner - not a chain!  OR, schedule a weekend with them to help them sort through papers, clean out the garage or basement, work in the yard . . . . . Local conceirge businesses can help: Betty Bridade (Birmingham and Ann Arbor) or Town and Country Errands (Ann Arbor) are two good ones at different price points.

Pamper your lucky recipient with a relaxing, revitalizing spa treatment.  There are lots of GREAT locally-owned spas at various price points: Bellanina Day Spa (Ann Arbor) Jullianna Day Spa (Plymouth), Avalon Aveda (Birmingham), Revitalize (Birmingham), OR perhaps a cosmetic consultation at Nan's Merle Norman (Ann Arbor). 

Reward a business colleague to a local business organizaion event - pick up the fee!

Choose locally made speciality foods, even for folks far away: Clancy's Fancy Hot Sauce (Ann Arbor), Garden Salsa (Ferndale), Sandhill Crane Winery (Jackson), Zingerman's  mail order (Ann Arbor), Leelanau Cellars Wine (Up North) . . . . . . . . 

Look around you, there are WONDERFUL local choices.  These are just some of my favorites. 

Bee All Natural Organic products.  They carry lip balms and hand and foot creams as well as a full line of products for infants.  Made here in Michigan!

As a doctor I always scrutinize the products i sell or recommend and i give my full recommendation to these products.

So drop Rachel a message at www.beeallnatural.com

I am a big fan of www.michiganmint.com . Their chocolate is fantastic!!

About them? In business since 1992. They live and produce their product in St. Johns Michigan the county seat of Clinton County and the Mint Capital of Michigan. The Mint that they mix with their high quality chocolate is brought to them right from the local mint fields. They also have cherry flavored mints and use local cherry juice.

Hi Lisa,

A friend of mine, Josh Welton, is a local metal artist. He makes small sculptures out of scrap metal and has received quite a bit of national recognition. He is right here in Macomb County, take a look at his work:  www.browndogwelding.com

Elan Candies in Grosse Pointe Woods is a family owned and operated company that makes a pecan toffee which can be dipped in milk or dark chocolate.  They also sell a bark and gift baskets which include toffee popcorn that is out of this world.  They are seasonal and will open again October 1st through April 30th.  Their number is 313-885-4524.

Arbor Teas, out of Ann Arbor, are awesome. They're loose teas, come in a recyclable can, and are either organic or natural. Either Arbor Teas or an Achatz Pie. :] You seriously haven't tried a good pie until you've tried an Achatz Pie. They started in my little town of Armada, and expanded to 7 locations: Chesterfield, Shelby Twp, Utica, Sterling Heights, Oxford, and Beverly Hills. Pretty crazy. But all their ingredients are as local as possible, 100% natural, and vegetarian. :]

Good Morning Lisa,

Check out MADE Fashions in downtown Birmingham, 237 Willits Alley.  Michigan MADE handbags, belts, lap top cases, Messenger bags and accessories.. You can "like" MADE Fashions on Facebook to see some exampes.  The owner, an Automotive designer in a previous life, creates the items from recycled automotive leather and locally produced sustainable goods.

Great for Graduation gifts!

Nothing says love like a Cadillac CTS V Red Coupe.