‘Tis the season! A quick glance inside any department store, warehouse club or even the corner pharmacy, and you’ll know holiday shopping season is in full swing. (Is that “Jingle Bells” ringing from the store speakers?)
Though the sheer volume of holiday sales—in-store and online—can feel overwhelming, take heart and (re)discover the joy of giving. Take a deep, relaxing breath; pour yourself a steaming mug of cocoa and use these tips to score unique gifts your family and friends will love.
Holiday Markets
Shopping at nearby holiday craft and artisan markets is a festive and efficient way to kick-start your holiday shopping. In a few hours or less, you’ll find unique, hand-crafted items from dozens of sellers—all in one convenient locale.
Some items can even be customized on the spot, or the seller can arrange a convenient pickup time, usually within a week or so. Some events require an admission fee; check the links below for details.
- On Sunday, November 8, Detroit’s Eastern Market hosts the All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping Experience & Food Truck Rally from noon-5:00 PM (optional VIP early access starts at 10:00 AM).
- Canton Farmers Market’s 9th Annual Holiday Artisan Market is on Saturday, November 14, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, at Canton Preparatory High School.
- Support local ceramic artists while browsing their wide array of functional and decorative pieces for sale at Cherry Hill Potters Guild’s annual Holiday Show, November 20-22, at Canton’s Arts Warehouse on Cherry Hill Rd.
- Winterfest in Cherry Hill Village is on Saturday, December 5, 3:00-7:30 PM. Canton’s Cherry Hill Village transforms into a bustling open-air holiday market and an indoor market at the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill. Shop for fine art and seasonal gifts from local craftsmen while enjoying live carolers, a petting zoo, cookie decorating and more.
- Nearly 150 artists and crafters from across the Midwest will offer their wares at the Handcrafters Tinsel & Treasures Market and Mistletoe Market during Christmas in Plymouth, December 11-12, featuring a free Holiday Shopping Trolley to transport riders between both markets, horse-drawn carriage rides, a Candy Cane Corner Kids Zone and other festivities.
Think Small, Think Local
In recent years, “Small Business Saturday” has been building momentum. On November 28, the day after Black Friday, shoppers are encouraged to support their hometown stores. Why not develop a “shop small, shop local” mindset all year long?
When you frequent close-to-home boutique, gift, greeting card, jewelry, garden, floral and Made-in-Michigan shops, you not only help fuel the local economy but also discover countless unique and often handmade gifts that can’t be found in big-box stores.
Need help finding these local gems? Start with your local chamber of commerce.
- On the Canton Chamber of Commerce website, select “Retail/Specialty Shopping” from the drop-down search menu.
- You’ll find nearly 40 businesses listed on the Shopping & Specialty Retail webpage of the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce. Also, check other categories within the Plymouth Chamber Directory, including Arts, Culture & Entertainment; Book Store; Candy & Ice Cream; Clothing & More; Florists – Flowers; Framing; Gift Shops & Home Accents and many more.
Thrifty Is Nifty
At local thrift shops, you never have to wait for a “sale” to find unique and vintage gift-worthy items, often at bargain-basement prices. The stores listed here are run by charitable organizations, so your gift-shopping dollars also help others in need.
Most thrift stores double as drop-off spots, making them great places to donate your unwanted, gently used items.
- Find Salvation Army Family Stores in Canton, Livonia, Garden City and surrounding cities.
- Goodwill of Greater Detroit has stores in Canton, Livonia, Ypsilanti and eight other locations.
- Volunteers of America has a Thrift Store in Westland and other locations across Michigan.
Gifts for Book and Library Lovers
At Secondhand Prose Bookstore inside Canton Public Library, browse thousands of gently used books, jigsaw puzzles and DVDs for thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts. If you’re not sure which items your loved ones will love, why not buy them a Secondhand Prose gift certificate?
Because you’re reading this, there’s a really good chance you have one or more Canton Public Library lovers on your gift list! Why not surprise—and honor—them by making a donation in their name to the CPL Endowment Fund?
Contributions help ensure the library’s long-term financial stability, creating a legacy that will benefit Canton residents for years to come. The fund was established under the management of Local Impact Alliance, which promotes many other local philanthropic initiatives across Western Wayne County.
More Gifts that Keep on Giving
Is there someone on your gift list who “has everything?” Consider making a donation in his or her honor to a charity near and dear to their heart.
If they love classical music, contribute to a local orchestra or community chamber music society. Art aficionados will appreciate a gift made in their honor to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). For history buffs, perhaps a gift to the Canton Historical Society or Plymouth Historical Museum?
Some contributions to fine and performing arts organizations come bundled with benefits such as free admission, premium memberships, annual subscriptions or season tickets to performances.
Made by Hand, from the Heart
Truly great gifts don’t have to cost great sums of money. Gifts handmade by you, often using supplies you already have on hand, can feel priceless to your recipient.
Get your creative juices flowing by checking out some DIY, arts and crafts, needle crafts, cooking and hobby books and magazines from our extensive collection. Also explore our online resources, including Creativebug (available to Canton Public Library cardholders) and Hobbies & Crafts Source from the Michigan eLibrary.
A few final words of advice to bring extra zen to your holiday shopping: Do not shop till you drop.
Instead, pace yourself. Be joyful, patient and courteous whenever and wherever you shop. If possible, avoid the frenzy of “doorbuster” sales. Oftentimes, you’ll still get that good deal before and after the sale.
Finally, pour yourself a refill of that steaming mug of cocoa.
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