Shop Small, Shop Local | Great Lakes Bay Region Holiday Shopping
If you’re looking to find the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones this holiday season, the Great Lakes Bay region is the place to visit. No matter if you’re for gifts big or small, you’re sure to find the perfect present for each person on your list.
Best Frankenmuth Holiday Shopping Spots
Bronners CHRISTmas Wonderland
25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
If the holidays are your time to shine, you absolutely must visit Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. There you’ll find wall-to-wall decorations and just about any sort of Christmas decoration you’re looking for.
Before you know it, you have easily spent a couple of hours in wonderment, checking out Christmas ornaments, snowglobes, Christmas trees, lawn decorations, and countless other Christmas trinkets.
If you’re looking to celebrate your family’s heritage or a friend’s heritage, you can find ornaments, knick-knacks, and other items from just about any country you can name. With more than two acres of coverage, you’ll find something for everyone.
Bronners is also open year-round, so if you want to start shopping early, you can visit the store at off-peak times.
Bead Haven
925 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
If you’re looking to give a gift of jewelry this Christmas, you must visit Bead Haven in Frankenmuth: Michigan’s largest bead store. There you’ll find all the chains, clasps, Czech beads, brass beads, seed beads, and kits to give the perfect gift.
All the shop’s chains are made from brass, a naturally hypoallergenic metal. With nearly a dozen types of chains, more than a dozen clasp varieties, and more than a dozen Czech bead options, you’ll find the perfect piece for a loved one or friend to wear.
If you want to make a homemade gift, the store offers kits for pieces such as wrap bracelets, stretchy bracelets, and wire-wrapped earrings.
Bavarian Inn Castle Shops
713 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Bavarian Inn Restaurant in Frankenmuth is known for its world-famous chicken dinners, but its lower level is home to an array of small shops where you can find great gifts.
If someone loves baked goods, you can find delicious homemade breads, delectable pastries and cookies, and even giant pretzels. If you’re shopping for someone who loves to cook, you can pick up many of the items found in the restaurant, including noodles and spices.
Frankenmuth River Place Shops
925 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
You can also do some holiday shopping in downtown Frankenmuth at the River Place Shops. The River Place shops consist of more than 40 attractions and shops, so you’re likely to find something truly for everyone.
For the chocolate lover in your life, check out Zak and Mac’s Chocolate Haus for fresh daily chocolate treats. If you’re looking to give someone a relaxation gift, try a gift certificate to Serendipity Wellness Spa, which offers massages, facials, body treatments, and mani/pedis.
If your family’s Irish, you can visit the Funky Skunk for Irish-themed merchandise. If you have friends that love spirits or wine, you can get them Michigan-made gifts from Black Star Farms or Grand Traverse Distillery.
Best Bay City Holiday Shopping Spots
My Secret Garden
600 Saginaw St, Bay City, MI 48708
If you’re unsure of what makes the perfect gift this holiday, My Secret Garden in Bay City offers a little bit of everything.
Looking for clothing? The store sells everything from sweatshirts to footwear to accessories to bags and purses.
Looking for a gift item? You can pick up drinkware, figurines, kids’ toys, and even Michigan-themed items. For the cook in your life, you’ll find a variety of mixes and dips to choose from, as well as salsa, kitchen gadgets, and different candies.
If you’re searching for a home item, My Secret Garden sells plenty of home decor items for you to find the perfect piece.
Ferne Boutique
922 Washington Ave, Bay City, MI 48708
Ferne Boutique in Bay City can be a one-stop shop for all your clothing gift needs during this holiday season. Whether you’re searching for dresses, top, and bottom outfits, shoes, jewelry, or accessories, the store’s variety allows you to find something to match every style for the people on your list.
If you need help getting started on shopping, the store handpicks items for a holiday gift guide, where gifts range from $12 on up. If you’ve got a sassy friend in your life, check out the store’s Cute Sh*t items, which include stickers, mugs, and pins. For the friend who’s always looking to keep on top of trends, there are plenty of new arrivals you can peruse.
Best Midland Holiday Shopping Spots
Serendipity Road
215 E Main St, Midland, MI 48640
Serendipity Road in Midland is a brick-lined shop that highlights the work of different Michigan artisans. Here you can find everything from home decor to Michigan-themed clothing to housewares. You’re sure to find some unique, original gifts here.
Coyer Candle Co.
129 Ashman St, Midland, MI 48640
We all know someone who loves candles and if you’ve got a candle connoisseur to cross off the list, visit Coyer Candle Co in Midland. Candle lovers will be taken in by the variety of intoxicating smells and you’ll find something for everyone.
You can pick up wax melts for warmers, air fresheners, and just about any candle flavor you can think of. If you’re looking for a customized gift, fear not! You can buy a customized clear jar or smoked jar of candles where you can pick your preferred scent and upload your favorite photo and have it put on the jar along with a customized label and text.
Best Saginaw Holiday Shopping Spots
Cheryl’s Bookstore
3647 Bay Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603
For the bookworm in your life, Cheryl’s Bookstore in Saginaw is the place to go. You’ll find a well-reviewed selection of used books of every genre. Reviews of the store rave about its selection and organization.
If you’re trying to find a specific selection, an email forum allows you to leave your contact information as well as specifics about the book you’re after, so you can get a quote.
Coy’s Comics
3220 Bay Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603
If you’re looking for a gift for the Marvel or DC Comics fan in your life, Coy’s Comics is a must-see on your gift-buying quest. For more than 30 years, Coy’s has offered an enticing selection for new and old comic fans alike.
You can find all the latest titles from your favorite superheroes, gaming supplies, Funko Pop figures, collectible cards, graphic novels, Manga, and posters, among other items.
Super Cute
5870 Midland Rd, Freeland, MI 48623
This is the place to go for holiday gifts and decor in Freeland. The store holds several holiday events, including a Black Friday sale, and is always updating its inventory. Check the store’s social media pages or call the store to hear about the latest deals.
Birch Run Premium Outlets
12240 S Beyer Rd, Birch Run, MI 48415
If you’re looking for more of a traditional mall shopping experience around the holidays, visit the Birch Run outlets. With more than 100 stores and name brands like Coach, Columbia, and Michael Kors, you’re sure to check more than a few gifts off your list. Many stores offer seasonal deals, so you may be able to pick up some fun extras along the way.
Best Great Lakes Bay Region Holiday Markets
One of the great things about holiday shopping in the Great Lakes Bay region, in addition to all the great stores listed above, is the holiday markets, where you can find some truly unique items. There are some great fall markets in Bay City and Midland, but here are a few to check out in the wintertime.
If you’re in Frankenmuth, check out the Christkindlmarkt, a European-style market with holiday gifts and greenery.
In Midland, you can visit the Great Lakes Market at Dow Diamond where you’ll find holiday gift-giving made simple in a heated concourse.
While not a holiday market per se, SVRC Marketplace in Saginaw is a great place to find gifts.
Antique Shops in Great Lakes Bay Region
If you’ve got family or friends who are into vintage clothing or antiques there are numerous antique stores in the Great Lakes Bay region worth checking out.
In Bay City, check out Michigan’s largest antique center, Bay City Antiques Center. This spans an entire block in Bay City and is open nearly all year.
In Saginaw, visit the Saginaw Antique Warehouse and Speciality Shoppes. You’ll have 70 dealers to choose from and lots of unique items to check out.
The Freeland Antique Mall features 16,000 square feet of antiques from about 100 different dealers. The mall also holds holiday events like an annual Christmas sale, so you might be able to score a truly unique item at a reasonable price to give as a gift.
Shop Small in Michigan
As you can see, there is no shortage of shopping opportunities in the Great Lakes Bay Region. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to find lots of unique shops with homemade gifts sure to delight your friends and family this holiday. And while you’re in the area, check out all the Christmas attractions and holiday events.
For more ideas for shopping locally in Michigan this holiday season, check out our Shop Small in Michigan article.