Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Times are tough, and don't we know it! So it's sort of galling that, when the holidays come around, it's not enough that we're exhorted to reach into our pockets and shell out shekels, or we can't walk into a store without hearing that jingle-jingle, we're told it's our patriotic duty to display supreme consumer confidence and support the retail juggernaut for another big year. Well, you know what? We've put together a guide of worthy little shops that will value your business, local creative types who will keep your money in town, or books by authors we should reward for their love of our town, and much more. Read on, and give wisely!

Local gifts online From stuffed animals to Michigan-themed stuff at Etsy

Craft fairs, rummage sales, flea markets ... ... and more retail fun (sometimes with a beer chaser)

Jazz geniuses boxed in Taking stock of Mingus, Hawkins and more

Discs worth slipping in a gift box From pioneer punks to a giant of soul

For the aspiring rock star How to make it, and how making it goes wrong

Literary gifts This year, a million books to give about our fair city

Graphic language Two comic geniuses get their due

A film fan's gift guide Toys, tools and a classic box set