Keep your dollars in Detroit

Feb 18, 2015 at 1:00 am
Keep your dollars in Detroit

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GIFTS

Yellow Door Art Market

This adorable Berkley collective is a treasure trove of gift ideas. From handmade soaps to locally-made hand salve to prints to cute greeting cards and calendars to crocheted stuffed animals to pottery and jewelry — you're sure to find something funky and fabulous here.

Rust Belt Market

It's easy to forget that this enormous market was once an Old Navy. The collective has quickly and easily become a universal favorite among localvores. Hit Lady Lazarus for sharp jewelry and fresh succulents, Pink Lady Trashions for all things weird, and Incognito Eyewear for some chic shades. And don't forget to stop by often, you never know what new vendor you'll spot.

Handmade Detroit

This collective of local crafters prides itself on "putting the D in D.I.Y." They put on the biggest indie craft fair in Michigan, the Detroit Urban Craft Fair, which hosts 100 local makers every December. It's a one-stop stop when you're looking for pick up something unique for everyone on your list.

Mitten Crate

Want to get a little bit of Michigan delivered to your front door every month? Mitten Crate is one of those mail-order services that puts together fun, new, and locally made products for you to try. Sure, you could give it as a gift, but don't forget to order a subscription for yourself.

City Bird

What seems like decades ago, but was really only a few years, a brother and sister opened this boutique in Cass Corridor on West Canfield. Now, Andy and Emily Linn's gift shop is probably one of the best known in the city. A recent expansion has given metro Detroiters even more square footage to shop in. Stop by for greeting cards, etched glass tumblers, Michigan-shaped cutting boards, T-shirts, and more.

Willy's

If you're looking for a cool gift and don't mind spending a little extra dough, Willy's is the perfect place. While prices are a little, well, pricey, their goods are often one-of-a-kind and they carry a lot of Michigan brands and designers. Their stock rotates, so pop by often to check out what's new.

Vagrants and Valentines

This locally owned jewelry maker buys broken pieces and fixes them up to sell on the cheap, but she's also got a higher end line of necklaces she makes using bullet casings, feathers, and other trinkets. You'll usually spot owner Heather Franklin in a booth at festivals like Ferndale's DIY, but if you can't wait until summer, hit up her website, ilovevv.com for some funky finds.

CLOTHING

Carhartt

Heavy-duty threads are the name of the game at Carhartt. Men and women who work in construction trades count on their lined jackets, coveralls, and steel-toed boots. You can shop online or pick up their threads at just about any sporting store. Plus, this Michigan-based company just announced they'll be opening a store in Midtown this year.

Wolverine

Established way, way back in 1883 in Rockford, Wolverine has long been supplying Michiganders with the durable shoes our climate calls for. Of course, they're not all work boots and steel toes. Wolverine also makes some very stylish kicks for men that like the rugged, yet well-kempt look.

Joe Faris

This Detroit-based designer gained some fame from appearing on Project Runway before bringing his talents back to Detroit. He started Fashion in Detroit where he showcases not only his jeans and sexy leather jackets, but also the works of other locals.

Fo2la

Fotoula Lambros launched her label back in 2011, and since then she's been known for making organic clothing that's designed and manufactured in Michigan. From her award-winning convertible tube tops to her sassy jumpsuits, her designs are always forward-thinking and, perhaps more importantly, affordable.

Savvy Gents

The fabulous Randal Jacobs runs this Eastern Market boutique, where he stocks men's clothing, accessories, and hygiene products. The at any point in time store's stock could include Ralph Lauren button ups, Brooks Brothers outerwear, Evolution Man skin care, and plenty more.

Burn Rubber

Rick Williams and Roland "Ro Spit" Coit own this Royal Oak shoe shop. Sure, they sell all the best sneaks, but they also collaborate with brands like Reebok and New Balance to create Detroit-centric shoes. Our favorite had to be their cerulean blue Spirit of Detroit collaboration with Reebok, although we love the Vernors-inspired shoes they teamed up with New Balance for. Oh, did we mention they have a Web-based reality show too?

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Moosejaw

The outdoor outfitter is headquartered in Madison Heights, with stores in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Rochester, Grosse Pointe, East Lansing, Clinton Township, and Birmingham, as well as three other states. Sure you can pick up a parka, ski equipment, running shoes, climbing gear, and tons more, but we really visit their website for the tweets from Office Dog.

Detroit Bike Co.

In a 50,000-square-foot warehouse on Detroit's east side, Detroit Bikes assemble about 100 bikes a day. You can buy them at Al Petri & Sons, Wheelhouse Detroit, Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop, and a host of other places around southeast Michigan. Bikes run about $700.