Shop Local this Saturday

Friends, as evidenced by the 60-foot Christmas tree that's now standing in Campus Maritus, Christmas is upon us. Which means one thing: Christmas shopping. For some, this is a dreaded activity that fills that elicits unquenchable rage. We kind of like shopping, so we thought we'd put together this little guide of local places to shop for Christmas gifts.

You won't find any malls here. Personally, we think malls are a catalyst for that Christmas shopping rage. Hit these locally-owned shops for a better experience. Plus, you're supporting your fellow metro Detroiters.

The official 2014 installment of Small Business Saturday isn't until Nov. 29, the day after Black Friday, but why not make every Saturday in November and December a small business Saturday?

Leon & Lulu
96 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson | 248-288-3600 | leonandlulu.com
This place is huge! It's located in the old Clawson skating rink, but now it's filled with home decor, furniture, kitchenware, funky gifts, and quirky kids toys. You'll probably be able to find something fun for every lady on your list, and maybe something for the men too. Oh, and don't forget about you!

The Rust Belt Market
22801 Woodward Ave, Ferndale | rustbeltmarket.com | 810-441-0956
OK, we're all familiar with the Rust Belt by now, right? It's a well-curated vendors market found inside what used to be Old Navy on the corner of Woodward and Nine Mile in Ferndale. Inside you'll find mini-shops from Incognito Eyewear, Lady Lazarus, Painted Lady Trashions, Cyberoptix and many more. There's always plenty of jewelry-makers, artists, and vintage clothing sellers on hand, too. 

Glowfish Studios
2840 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte | 734-552-6323 | www.glowfishstudios.com
Located in cozy downtown Wyandotte, Glowfish Studios is a gem in downriver. Somewhat akin to Clawson's Leon & Lulus has everything from candles, to books, to jewelry, toys, and more. It's a great place to poke around if you find yourself in the area – who knows what you'll find. 

Rail & Anchor
502 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak | 248-397-8985 | railandanchor.com
New-ish to downtown Royal Oak, Rail & Anchor is a dream if you're looking to pick something up for your hipster friend. Their stock includes Paddywax Candles, jewelry from local artisans, air plants, copper mugs, books, and plenty more. We even had a friend who bought a vintage typewriter from here once. 

Algo Especial
2628 Bagley Ave, Detroit | 313-963-9013
If you're not fluent in Spanish, Algo Especial means "Something Special" which is exactly what you'll find inside this Mexicantown gift shop. It's right down the street from Our/Detroit, so, you know, you can get some drinking in after you've picked up something 

Tulani Rose 4201 Cass Ave., Detroit | 313-832-2477 | facebook.com/tulanirose
Tulani Rose is small, but packs a lot of great goods that make perfect gifts. Think: coffee table books, bath products, pretty candles, locally-made jewelry, art and plenty more. It's located in the thriving retail section on Cass Corridor just down from Wayne State, but be careful not to miss it. It can be found inside the Spiral Gallery. 


Nora & Hugh
 4240 Cass Ave., Detroit | noramodern.com & lovehughlongtime.com
Just across the street from Tulani Rose are these two stores. Nora is more for your lady friends, while Hugh will likely hold something for the stylish and fabulous man in your life. Both hold fun but expensive-ish gifts that range from shaving kits and barware to fancy soaps and Japanese salad thong sets. 




Savvy Chic & Savvy Gents