Pure Michigan Holiday Gift Guide Encourages Shop Local, Gift of Travel Opportunities this Season

Thursday, Dec 17, 2020 0

The holiday shopping countdown is on, and Pure Michigan is encouraging shoppers to consider giving Michigan-made products, supporting local retailers and restaurants, or presenting the perfect Michigan getaway as a special holiday gift this year.

“The memories made exploring and enjoying the state of Michigan are gifts that last forever, and while the holiday season might look and feel a bit different this year, Michigan-inspired gifts are always the perfect way to showcase that Pure Michigan pride,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Those shopping for loved ones can find inspiring travel ideas, great deals and packages, and Michigan-themed merchandise ranging from cozy winter accessories to games that are fun for the whole family – all by visiting michigan.org.”

From fun and unique stocking stuffers to the perfect present, Pure Michigan’s “Michigan-Inspired Gift Guide” has something for everyone, while allowing shoppers to support Michigan’s small businesses. The guide showcases a wide variety of Michigan-inspired products, including apparel and accessories by Detroit vs. Everybody, mittens featuring maps of each peninsula made by Michigan Mittens, and the iconic Stormy Kromer line of caps, apparel, accessories, and more. Edible gifts are always a hit, whether it’s sweet treats from Sanders or Shurms Candy, snacks, salsas, and cherries in every imaginable form from Cherry Republic, or beer, wine, and spirits from breweries, wineries, and distilleries around the state.

For shoppers looking to forgo the giftwrap and instead give a Michigan getaway as a unique holiday present, the Deals & Packages page on michigan.org offers up unique travel promotions, perfect for the travel enthusiast on your shopping list. Shoppers will find everything from spa weekend getaways, ski and stay lodging specials, family fun getaways and romantic couple’s packages from all across the state. Additional inspiration can be found in the Pure Michigan Travel Guides, which also make a fun, free stocking stuffer for the avid traveler.

In November, MEDC launched a new “Support Local” campaign, which urges Michiganders to shop, eat, and travel safely in their own neighborhoods and downtowns. As efforts continue to combat the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign reminds Michiganders of the importance of supporting local businesses during the upcoming holidays and throughout the winter season.

As part of the Support Local campaign, the michigan.org website offers resources that help residents shop and eat local, including links to vibrant downtowns that are filled with local shops specializing in décor, fashion, pet toys, hardware and more. Around Michigan, independent bookstores overflow with page-turning stories and gifts. To refuel, shoppers can visit one of Michigan’s coffee shops and get a bag of beans to brew at home. From a gift card to local restaurants to shopping, the possibilities are endless.

“Gift certificates to a favorite local restaurant are always a welcome and thoughtful present, especially during the busy holiday season when carryout can be a much-appreciated, easy meal solution,” Lorenz said. “There are so many ways we can support Michigan’s small businesses, while also making the holidays special for our loved ones.”

The Support Local campaign builds on the Pure Michigan Pledge, a promise to uphold local safety protocols and CDC travel guidelines to travel safely this summer season and beyond.

The Pure Michigan Pledge outlines seven steps businesses in the travel industry will take to ensure a safe environment for travelers. These steps include: following all CDC guidelines, wearing face coverings in all required and otherwise appropriate areas, keeping high-touch surfaces clean, practicing social distancing, use of credit and debit cards as much as possible, providing adequate supplies of soap and sanitizer to employees and visitors alike, and finally staying home if there are any signs of illness.