A Greater Lansing Holiday Gift Guide

Amanda Fischer

Horrocks Farm Market is one of my favorite places to shop for gifts. I like to look through the beers and wines to find one that the person I’m shopping for has never tried. Next, I usually grab a variety of the popcorn, candy and other fun snacks. I also discovered Horrocks sells greeting cards, so you can basically create a goodie bag customized to the person you’re shopping for without going to a bunch of different stores.

Chad Hussle

I’m really into Brazilian jiujitsu, and I want everyone to benefit the way I have. So, I think a great gift idea and a way to support local would be lessons at places like Magic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or KSK Martial Arts. This is a great way to get in shape and learn discipline — and anybody can do it, it just takes determination and practice. It is pretty life changing and would make an epic gift.

Christopher Nagy

The gift of an experience is always a fun idea. Our thoughts often turn to “elsewhere” when we think of getting out and seeing new things; however, you don’t have to take a vacation to go exploring. There’s plenty of great events and attractions right here in the Greater Lansing region that will give friends and family members an experiential outing, from history and outdoor recreation to nightlife and things to do with the kids. Plus, a lot of these places were closed due to the pandemic, so even if they’ve been there before, it’s a chance for the recipient to reacquaint themselves with their hometown. The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau is a great place to get great ideas.

Kyle Dowling

If I were to look for gifts from local suppliers, my one-stop shop would have to be the Old Town General Store. It has plenty of Michigan-made items, from Michigan fudge and cherries to Michigan-shaped cookie cutters and cutting boards. It even has many items packed in a convenient basket for easy gift giving. All the baskets are great; you can’t go wrong.

Liz Reno-Hayes

Horrocks Farm Market is my go-to. Specialty popcorn, chocolates, nuts, coffee, olive oils, etc. all make great local gifts and the best stocking stuffers. I usually nab a gift certificate for my mom to do her spring flower/garden shopping.

Mary Gajda

I like to create a custom gift box for each family member. For my daughter, I love to shop local boutiques like Grace Boutique and Twiggies in Old Town. For my son-in-law, a sports fan, I pick up gift certificates to places like Frank’s Press Box so he can enjoy his favorite food and watch the big game. My husband is a musician, so his gifts could come from places like Elderly Instruments. Personal gifts make all the difference.

Megan Fleming

Dinner and a show. A gift to a favorite restaurant in town, like OneNorth, and tickets to the new Funny is Funny Comedy Club is the perfect pair. I love gifting experiences, especially for people who already have everything.

Melissa DeMott

My family is doing a secret Santa exchange this year. I love shopping locally for one-of-a-kind gifts. I plan to shop at Metro Retro since it has unique thrifted finds at reasonable prices. I will also visit Fabiano’s Candies for their delicious handmade candies, like truffles and almond clusters, and Great Lakes Art and Gifts for the handmade Michigan goods.

Tiffany Dowling

With the holiday season upon us, Cask & Kettle is bringing the holiday cheer with hard coffee and cider cocktail pods that can be prepared in any Keurig-style brewing machine or poured directly into a steaming mug of water. These pods can be found in several chains throughout Michigan, as well as independent retailers and from the business’s online store.