Santa Claus is Coming to Town… and Shopping for Local Gifts in Kalamazoo
The holiday season is upon us and if your children are like mine, that means Christmas wish lists are already in process. Whether it’s toys or music or stuffed animals, the sky is the limit with their imaginations.
Christmas offers an amazing opportunity to both support local businesses and delight your kiddos with fantastic local gifts from Kalamazoo.
We’ve rounded up suggestions for kids and parents from right here in Southwest Michigan. And if you’re looking for less “stuff,” consider experiences like tickets to events or memberships to a local museum.
Tell Santa to give the elves a night off: the best local gifts are in Kalamazoo. Happy shopping!
Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership
Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit organization that works to establish Downtown Kalamazoo as an accessible, diverse, green, progressive and vibrant urban center.
Downtown Dollars Make Great Gifts
Give the gift of Downtown Dollars – it’s like having a gift card to 50+ downtown businesses.
Whether you treat yourself or gift to another, Downtown Dollars are simple to purchase online and even easier to spend at downtown’s many shops, salons and restaurants.
Downtown Dollars Small Business Saturday BOGO Deal
Supporting local just got easier this holiday season, thanks to Consumers Energy.
Receive free $10 downtown dollars by visiting Consumers Energy on Small Business Saturday (November 27), 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, across from Lana’s Boutique.
Offer valid while supplies last.
Retailers
From clothing to music, books to bubbly soda, there are local gifts for everyone at our Kalamazoo area shops.
Apparel
Amy Zane
132 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Find Earthly Delights apparel, handmade jewelry and other unique pieces at Amy Zane‘s eclectic gallery featuring artists, makers and small batch designers.
Lana’s Boutique
124 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Mom and Dad can upgrade their closets with premium denim, shoes, accessories and other apparel from Lana’s Boutique.
Little Chick Shoe Shop
1924 Whites Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Score some new snow boots or gym shoes from Little Chick Shoe Shop, featuring brands like Kamik, Stride Rite and Keen.
Pink Lemonade
7039 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Restock your little one’s wardrobe in style with new outfits from Pink Lemonade in Texas Corners.
Spirit of Kalamazoo
154 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Confirm that Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo with these onesies from The Spirit of Kalamazoo. Be sure to check their other local gifts for big kids and adults.
Terrapin World Imports
235 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Grab some unique apparel, jewlery and artifacts from around the world at Terrapin World Imports.
The Waiting Room
235 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Upgrade Dad’s wardrobe with The Waiting Room. This boutique can outfit men from head to toe with clothes, shoes, watches and more.
And if Dad is looking to spiffy up for the holidays, send him here for a haircut- they are also a full service barbershop!
More Apparel Shops
Crescent Moon of South Haven | 317 Broadway, South Haven, MI 49090
Gazelle Sports | 214 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Horton’s Haberdashery |1609 Whites Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Lee & Birch | 7047 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Libin’s | 1028 E Cork St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Little Sprout Children’s Boutique | 3009 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
So Fetch Boutique | 6206 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
V&A Bootery- Downtown Kzoo | 202 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
V&A Bootery- Portage | 6292 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Art, Music & Literature Shops
Expand your music collection, restock those bookshelves or upgrade your artistic supplies with these local stores:
Art Bayou
3306 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Select from over 400 pieces of pottery to paint at home or in the studio at Art Bayou.
Bookbug
3019 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Upgrade your children’s bookshelves with some new novels (and games!) from Bookbug.
Colors & Cocktails
154 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Foster your artist’s creativity with an art kit from Colors & Cocktails.
Fanfare
4415 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Find comic books, collectibles, sci-fi & fantasy games, video games and sports cards at Fanfare.
Local Book- A Tree Could Be
Children’s Book by Kalamazoo Author and Illustrator, Gina Stevens
In this story, Griffin begins to notice and understand how valuable trees really are to our survival, from helping us breathe to acting as a habitat for countless critters that bring a forest to life.
Rocket Comics
4235 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Pick up some vintage or modern day comics from Rocket Comics, plus toys featuring your favorite characters from 1960s to present day.
Satellite Records
808 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Add some tunes to your kid’s music collection at Satellite Records: they sell new and used LP’s, 45’s, CDs and cassettes.
This is a Bookstore
3019 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
This is a Bookstore is owned by the same owners as Bookbug, but made for grown ups. Find a plethora of reading materials here and delicious food from the Table of Contents Café.
More Art, Music & Literature Retailers
Green Light Music | 4717 W KL Ave, Ste B Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Jest Paint | 5048 Lovers Lane Portage, MI 49002
Pet Shops
We know Fido is just as much a family member as his humans. Try these shops for ways you can pamper your pooch (or other pets) for Christmas.
Beowoof Provisions for Pets
428 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Find a new squeaky toy, leash or harness at Beowoof Provisions for Pets. They will also have pet photos with Santa on Sunday, December 5.
Wild Birds Unlimited + Bark’s 5th Avenue
3015 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Neighbors Bark’s 5th Avenue and Wild Birds Unlimited are located in Oakwood Plaza in Kalamazoo and offer a variety of food, products and oodles of animal knowledge.
More Pet Shops
Oak Ridge Feed & Pet Salon | 7035 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Other Retailers
Kalamazoo and its surrounding cities offer a variety of shops for every interest: try these retailers for rocks, jewelry, plants, and other unique gifts.
Bee Joyful Shop
243 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Shop for the eco-conscious friend or family member at Bee Joyful Shop. This zero waste shop features a refill station, food wraps, reusable bags, and many other sustainable gifts.
Geoscape Rock Shop
37111 Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079
This family-owned shop in Paw Paw is worth the drive. With rocks, minerals, geodes, jewelry and carved soapstone animals, there is something for every rock-loving member of your family at Geoscape Rock Shop. They are open 7 days/week.
Fly Buy Gift Shop
6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Snag some STEAM-based toys or Air Zoo swag at the Fly Buy Gift Shop in the the Air Zoo. You can also shop online!
Grayling Ceramics
814 Palmer Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Upgrade your mug collection with these handmade beauties from Grayling Ceramics. They offer growlers, howlers, steins, mugs, cups, tumblers, bowls, mixing bowls, plates, and various containers. Retail store on Palmer opens November 2021.
Kalamazoo Candle Company
166 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Purchase a locally-made, hand-poured candle or make your own at Kalamazoo Candle Company.
Mason Jar Plant Shop
116 W South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Create some green space at home with some plants from the Mason Jar Plant Shop downtown.
Samson’s Haircare + Barbershop
254 E. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Samson’s offers a great cut and style AND some amazing, locally-made haircare products for men. Try some shampoo, conditioner, pomade or beard oil, available for purchase at their shop or Lana’s Boutique.
The Aroma Labs
352 S Kalamazoo Mall Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Skip the beauty counters at department stores and build your own custom fragrance with The Aroma Labs downtown.
UniQ Jewelry Gallery
3940 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
UniQ Jewelry Gallery features custom and designer jewelry, unique engagement rings/wedding sets, and distinctive gifts. Their team offers repairs, appraisals and personalized designs. This fun store is located next door to Fieldstone Grill in Portage.
Quilts Plus
3314 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Not a crafter? No problem. Stop by Quilts Plus for a cozy gift. If you are ready to make your next project, they assist all skill levels (both by machine or by hand) in creating beautiful, original pieces.
More Retailers
Kalamazoo Kitty | 581 Romence Rd, Portage, MI 49024
Nord Jewelers | 220 W Michigan Ave Ste A, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Rose Jewelers | 6619 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Spa World | 13240 N US Highway 131 Schoolcraft, MI 49087
troVe |8639 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Wedels | 5020 Texas Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Wildfire Grace | 57645 Murray St, Mattawan, MI 49071
Coming Soon: Rocket Fizz Pop-Up Toy Shop. Opens on Black Friday.
Family Experiences & Memberships
Kalamazoo is brimming with museums, indoor play facilities and places to visit animals. Consider these experiences and memberships as local gifts the entire family can enjoy.
Experiences
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan
4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(248) 409-6001
[email protected]
Give the gift of LEGO® fun the whole family will enjoy!
Gift tickets to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center include flexible admission to the ultimate indoor LEGO playground — the perfect place for families with kids ages 3-10!
They’ll save the day on 2 interactive LEGO rides, see Detroit landmarks built out of millions of LEGO bricks, experience the action with their favorite LEGO characters in the 4D Cinema, build and race LEGO cars against their friends and more!
Adults must be accompanied by at least one child in the party to enter.
“Great time with our four-year-old…got a kick out of seeing one of the LEGO movie characters.” -Facebook review
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(248) 409-6001
[email protected]
Give the gift of flexible admission to Michigan’s largest aquarium with gift tickets to SEA LIFE Aquarium.
They’ll come face to fin with over 250 species including sharks, rays, and green sea turtles as they explore the freshwater lakes of Michigan all the way to the depths of the ocean.
They’ll learn what it feels like to pet a sea anemone, crab and sea star in the Interactive Touchpool, then stroll through Michigan’s ONLY Underwater Ocean Tunnel as thousands of tropical fish swim overhead!
“Very fun place to see creatures I’ve not seen before.” -Kellie P.
Airway Fun Center
5626 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Strike something off the list with bowling passes to Airway Fun Center. They also offer an arcade, miniature golf and go-karts.
Allegan Event
439 River St, Allegan, MI 49010
Try out the largest indoor ropes course in Michigan at Allegan Event.
Bittersweet Ski Resort
600 River Rd, Otsego, MI 49078
Pick up some season passes and get ready to hit the slopes at Bittersweet Ski Resort in Otsego.
Climb Kalamazoo
136 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Tired of climbing the walls? Head downtown and try Climb Kalamazoo‘s instead.
Colors & Cocktails
154 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Take an art class or host a painting party with Colors & Cocktails.
Kalamazoo State Theatre
404 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Purchase tickets to an upcoming show at The State Theatre.
More Experiences
Art Bayou | 3306 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Birth Kalamazoo (prenatal/postpartum massage) | 2001 Hudson Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Escapology | 5600 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center | 7255 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Revel & Roll West | 4500 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Swiss Valley Ski Area | 13421 Mann St, Jones, MI 49061
The Zen Dens | 4242 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Timber Ridge | 07500 23 1/2 St, Gobles, MI 49055
Wine & Canvas | 7055 South Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Memberships + Season Tickets
Air Zoo
6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
With over 100 air and spacecraft, indoor, amusement-park style rides, camps and classes, the Air Zoo‘s membership is a local favorite for families. A family membership also includes admission to over 1200 museums and science centers worldwide.
Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49014
A membership to Binder Park offers an entire season to feed the giraffes and visit the snow leopards, lions and Al the tortoise.
Boulder Ridge Animal Park
8313 Pratt Lake Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302
Boulder Ridge‘s membership provides free admission, discounted train rides and 10% off at their gift shop.
Civic Theatre
329 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Civic offers two ticket subscription packages, consisting of either eight or 16 admissions.
Farmers Alley Theatre
221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Purchase season tickets in increments of either six or 12 at Farmers Alley Theatre.
Gilmore Car Museum
6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Auto enthusiasts will love a membership to the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, as they are home to over 400 vehicles on their 90-acre campus.
John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
John Ball Zoo‘s membership means free admission in Grand Rapids to see tigers, red pandas, and penguins.
Kalamazoo Wings
3600 Vanrick Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
K-Wings hockey season ticket packages offer flexibility: full season (36 home games), half season, or weekends only.
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
12685 C Ave E, Augusta, MI 49012
A membership with the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta provides free admission to feed the waterfowl, visit the birds of prey and walk the beautiful, paved paths. The bird sanctuary is open year-round.
More Memberships + Season Tickets
Airborne Adventure | 5103 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Glass Art Kalamazoo | 326 West Kalamazoo Avenue #100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum | 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Kalamazoo Growlers | 251 Mills St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts | 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Kalamazoo Nature Center | 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Kalamazoo Symphony | 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Ste 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Miller Auditorium | 1341 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Food & Beverages
Need a delicious stocking stuffer or unique, tasty gift? SW Michigan’s shops are up to the challenge with cocoa bombs, popcorn, cheeses and plenty of candy.
Cherri’s Chocol’art
101 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Pick up some hot cocoa bombs or other decadent chocolate from Cherri’s Chocol’art.
ChocolaTea
7642 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Help warm up those cold, winter mornings with locally-made treats and over 200 varieties of loose leaf tea from ChocolaTea in Portage.
Pop City Popcorn
346 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Stock up on sweet and salty snacks at Pop City Popcorn downtown.
Rocket Fizz
125 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Mix and match some bubbly sodas and browse the massive candy selection at Rocket Fizz.
Schultz’s Treat Street
3023 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Grab some fudge, chocolate covered strawberries or cocoa bombs from Schultz’s Treat Street. They also offer custom desserts if you have something special in mind for a stocking stuffer.
The Cheese Lady
7035 West Q Ave, Kalamzoo, MI 49009
As the shop name implies, there is no shortage of cheese at The Cheese Lady in Texas Corners. Over 100 cheeses are available for purchase, along with accompaniments such as crackers, jams, nuts and pasta. They also have a shop within Salut Market in Kalamazoo.
More Shops
Confections With Convictions | 116 W Crosstown Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Heilman’s | 1804 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Layla’s Cool Pops | 4213 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (preorder and curbside pickup only)
Mattawan Candy Company | 23920 City Center Cir, Mattawan, MI 49071
The Pantry on Tap Oil & Vinegar | 7634 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Cover photo: Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership (photographer: Fran Dwight)
Holiday Fun Finder
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