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Celebrating Small Business Saturday—Top Places To Find Gifts Near Our Communities

November 22, 2022

The holiday season is in full swing here in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, and many of us are starting to think about gift-giving ideas for loved ones, but it can be hard to know where to begin. Instead of settling for a gift or resorting to last-minute panic shopping, there are dozens of unique shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques that offer up unforgettable, meaningful gifts for the people you love most—especially around Ann Arbor.

At Norfolk Homes, we’re celebrating Small Business Saturday by providing you with our favorite local shops to find special gifts this holiday season near our communities in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Jackson and Marshall. 

Ann Arbor 

On Main Street in Downtown Ann Arbor, you’ll find the charming Paper Rock Scissors shop that’s full of one-of-a-kind gifts and unique keepsakes to give to family and friends. From mugs and apparel to specially-designed gift boxes and fascinating stocking stuffers—everyone can find the perfect gift in this local Ann Arbor shop. For those closer to Saline, there’s an additional location on Michigan Avenue!

For those who express love and gratitude through the gift of food, Cherry Republic is a must-stop shop for you. Also on Main Street, this local store celebrates Michigan's Montmorency Tart Cherry through its 200+ cherry-based products—including chocolate-covered cherries, BBQ sauces, jams, jellies, salsas, nut mixes, baked goods, condiments, soda pop, cherry wine and cherry beer. Whether you’re looking for a sweet tooth gift basket, a jam sampler or a cherry essentials box, Cherry Republic has what you need for the ultimate unforgettable gift.

If you’re looking for sentimental gifts for your parents, significant other, colleagues or friends—Found on 5th Avenue is a beautiful local shop that has an array of rare gifts. Handmade jewelry, stunning wall decor, printed tote bags, meaningful knick-knacks, scented candles and so much more fill the shelves to ensure anyone can find a gift that will warm the heart.

Dexter

Placed on Main Street in Downtown Dexter, The Painted Trout is a locally-owned shop that started as a way for the owner to sell her hand-painted silk scarves with trout designs. Eventually, the store flourished into a local staple by adding supplies and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as t-shirts, pajamas, jewelry and more. Gift-givers will find anything from high-end outdoor apparel to fly fishing equipment—perfect for all outdoor adventurers alike.

If there’s one gift that will always bring joy and happiness, it’s fresh flowers. Hearts & Flowers on Main Street is an incredible local business to support, offering stunning flower arrangements and top-tier customer service to the Dexter area for over 25 years. From Christmas-themed centerpieces to bright bouquets, fresh flowers can make for an amazing gift by themselves, or a great addition to add extra meaning to a smaller gift.

Saline

McPherson Local on Ann Arbor Street in Saline is a remarkable shopping destination filled with distinctive gifts, all made by local vendors. From children’s gifts and food items to home decor, jewelry, pet accessories and bath and body care—this Saline shop provides the perfect opportunity to find the ideal gift for all types of people. Whether you leave with the handcrafted preserves from Gus & Grey or a soy candle from Bookend Candle Co., your loved one will undoubtedly appreciate receiving a gift made in Michigan. 

Jackson

In the center of Downtown Jackson, Anna’s Gifts & Home Decor is a one-stop shop for all of your gifting needs. This local shop offers chocolates, home decor, knick-knacks, clothing, accessories and more to make for an easy, unforgettable gift-giving experience for everyone involved.

For minimalist, beautiful gifts that will fit everyone’s personal style, Rustic Market Co. on Jackson Street is a great place to find exactly what you’re looking for. This gorgeous shop has everything from tea towels and taper holders to clothing, journals and home accent pieces. The marshmallow roasting set, midwest sweatshirt and denim napkins are all bestsellers that make for ideal gifts for anyone in the family.

Marshall

Sitting on Michigan Avenue for more than 45 years, The Mole Hole in Marshall is a phenomenal place to buy gifts while offering up an unforgettable experience. As the only gift shop with a working 6-rank pipe organ, this local store boasts shelves and tables filled with unique gifts for people of all ages and home decor that will certainly impress your loved ones.

Also on Michigan Avenue, Serendipity is a local staple in Marshall that aims to provide enjoyable, memorable gifts that people will cherish and value. Gourmet foods, home decor, roasted coffee, kitchen items, jewelry, candles and more come together to create a seamless, enjoyable gift-buying experience—especially with the delicious coffee shop inside the store.

Chelsea

On Werkner Road in Chelsea, The Little Flower Soap Co. is a Michigan-based, small-batch body care company established in 2010. Designing products that become must-have favorites, their healing recipes smell amazing, work incredibly well and are beautifully packaged—making for the perfect gift for anyone you know. Lip balms, body balms, candles, soaps and more are available to purchase in this charming Chelsea store, and everyone will love these all-natural products.

Located on the bustling Main Street of Chelsea, you will find an abundance of outstanding gifts and treasures at Bumble’s Dry Goods. With a variety of goods that include American-made products, special items made by hand, useful housewares, kid-friendly toys, greeting cards, and so much more—you’re sure to find a gift that stands out in this local store. 

Shop local this holiday season

When shopping from these amazing businesses this holiday season, you’re not only buying unique, unforgettable gifts with increased sentimental value—you’re also supporting the entire local business community and giving back to the towns that mean the most to us. Norfolk Homes is proud to build our high-quality homes within these tight-knit communities, and we couldn’t be happier to provide you with these fantastic places to find gifts this holiday season. 

If you’re wanting to elevate your holiday season even further, give yourself the invaluable gift of homeownership with a new home from Norfolk Homes. Check out our limited-time offer to use up to $40,000 in Norfolk Money as you choose, and browse through our quick move-in homes throughout our communities in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Jackson and Marshall to find the perfect home for you. For more information, give us a call at (734) 336-1912 or contact us online, and we hope you have a joyous holiday season!