Need Holiday Gift Ideas? Start with These Michigan-Made Products!

BY: KARA KUCINSKI

With the holiday season in full swing, now is the time many of us begin searching for the perfect gifts for family, friends and business associates. To help inspire your gift ideas, our team at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center put together a list of some of our state’s manufacturers’ most exciting products on the market. To make this holiday season extra special, instead of buying the same gifts as every other year, consider choosing these unique, Michigan-made products:

• Ethel’s Baking Co. offers many sweet gift pack options, with bundles ranging from brownies to blondies to pecan dandies – and they’re all gluten free! The company was founded in Saint Clair Shores in 2011 when Jill Bommarito, Owner, hosted her first Christmas dinner for her extended family and decided to serve entirely gluten-free foods to satisfy her relatives who have Celiac Disease. Search their online store below:
  • Gift shop
  • Dessert bars
  • Cookies
• North Star Candle Co. has something for everyone with their customizable candles. Customers can choose from more than 30 scents, then decide from a variety of product offerings, including wax melts, double-wicked candles and tall tumbler candles. To make your candle truly one-of-a-kind, ask for a custom design! The idea for these natural soy candles was born in 2012 when founder Yasmine Hamad began hand-pouring candles at her home in Dearborn to give as holiday gifts, eventually growing it into a prosperous business.
• Journeyman Distillery encourages customers to “find your spirit” among their many handcrafted, artisan spirits. Once you make your choice, head to their website for seasonal cocktail recipes. Since 2010, this family-owned company has grown to supply multiple states with their spirits, with headquarters in Three Oaks.
• Sanders gift baskets are one of the most reliable (and delicious) gift options available. With more than 30 different gift offerings listed online, including dessert toppings, chocolates, cakes and dips, Sanders can satisfy any type of sweet tooth. Sanders has been perfecting their sweets since opening in 1875. They are based in Clinton Township.
• Pop Daddy, headquartered in Whitmore Lake, offers many unique popcorn and pretzel products for those interested in satisfying their salty craving. Flavors include yellow mustard, garlic, kettle and hot sauce (plus many more!), with options to purchase individual bags or variety packs. After starting the company in a garage just over five years ago, Pop Daddy has gained massive support state-wide and can now be found in retailers across Michigan.
• Mighty Good Coffee is the perfect gift to keep loved ones warm in the harsh winter. Based in Ann Arbor, Mighty Good Coffee uses coffee carefully selected from farms, mills and co-ops to make 16 unique blends, including two decaf options. For those who can’t get enough coffee, the company offers several monthly subscription options to try new blends throughout the year.
• Stormy Kromer’s legendary caps were built to withstand the coldest of temperatures – even Michigan winters. Since 1903, Stormy Kromer has provided millions of customers with comfortable and fashionable hat options. Now owned by Bob Jacquart of Jacquart Fabric Products in Ironwood, Stormy Kromer has grown to offer products for homes, children and even dogs! Look through their online store here.
• Thegreenglovedryer of Vicksburg takes warmth a step further by providing a way to keep snowy gloves dry. Created by a mom who was tired of dealing with her kids’ stinky, wet gloves every morning, these eco-friendly dryers will keep gloves warm and dry throughout the entire winter season. View their full product offerings here.
• Scientific Anglers creates a wide variety of products for Michigan’s most dedicated fly fishermen. Founded in Midland with the goal of influencing the way modern fly fishermen interpret and practice the sport, Scientific Anglers strives to advance fly fishing with every product they create. From fly lines to backing to clothing, Scientific Anglers offers many accessories and products to please even the most advanced fly fisher.
• Grip-Dry of Macomb provides an innovative product for another warm-weather sport: golf. For many avid golfers, it is a constant challenge to keep each club’s hand grip dry and clean while working through the course. With the Grip-Dry accessory, all grips are kept off the ground and free from dirt, dew and sand. Plus, each Grip-Dry can be customized to make the gift more personal.
• Happy Howie’s guarantees all your loved ones will get a gift they’ll love this year – even dogs! Happy Howie’s was founded in Detroit with the dual purpose of providing high quality dog treats in the Midwest and being a part of the revitalization of Detroit. Using 100% all-natural ingredients, Happy Howie’s produces dog food snacks such as deli-style sausages, beef jerky and burgers. For those with multiple four-legged friends, Happy Howie’s offers bulk packages in addition to flavor bundles. View their entire product line here.

Something special for everyone on your list can be found right here in Michigan. Whether it’s sweet or salty, or for winter or summer, these memorable Michigan products are sure to make your holiday season unforgettable – while providing support to local manufacturers.

For more ideas on where to shop, view our extended list of locally-made products here.

For other local manufacturers interested in showing off their Michigan-made pride, we invite you to join Proud to Manufacture in Michigan (PTMIM). Learn more about the benefits provided by a free PTMIM membership here.


MEET OUR EXPERT

Kara Kucinski, Marketing Specialist
In her role as Marketing Specialist at The Center, Kara is excited and ready to help build The Center’s brand and create interesting and informative content for all platforms. Kara’s primary objective is to help put a face on the organization to explain what we do and why we do it best.

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses to successfully compete and grow. Through personalized services designed to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.the-center.org.