2022 Gift Guide: Adventurer
Whether you stumbled upon this list or you’ve been following me for years, it’s easy to see that I love adventures. All nine of these items on this gift guide are items I personally use, love, and swear by. They’re my must-haves. I hope the adventurer in your life loves these products as much as I do.
Adventurer Gift Guide
Hiking Shoes – Merrell Moab 2
Hands down these are the BEST hiking shoes that I have ever owned. Check out my review on Merell Moab 2 Hiking Shoes to see why they’re the must-have every adventurer should own.
Snowshoes – Northern Lites
Snowshoeing is probably my favorite winter activity, and having a good pair of snowshoes is important. I personally love Northern Lites. I’ve had mine since college, and they’ve done all sorts of terrain trails with me.
Everyday Bag – Kavu
Kavu Rope Bags are my absolute favorite. I first discovered them at Getz, and have continued to support my favorite gear shop and buy Kavu bags from them. In all honesty, I probably buy two a year. They’re my favorite over traditional purses.
Hot Drink Cup – Ecovessel
Stylish and functional. Ecovessel sells the best reusable water bottles and coffee cups. You’ll never catch me on an adventure without one.
Paddle Board – Roc Sup Co.
I recommend Roc paddle boards to everyone. I have two paddle boards and my Roc is the one that gets the most use. I prefer it over any other brand of boards. If someone on your list is wanting a paddle board I cannot recommend Roc boards enough!
Socks – Darn Tough
Darn Tough socks are made for adventure. They’re more expensive than traditional socks, but they’re made in the USA, the quality is unbeatable and a must-have for any adventurer.
Inner Wisdom Cards – Shoppe Geo
A few years ago I started getting into inner wisdom cards. The deck from Shoppe Geo is my current favorite. Basically, I will start my day by picking a card, it gives me the little extra boost of positive vibe I need.
Moisture Stick – Treat Beauty
The Moisture Stick from Treat Beauty is a must-have for any adventurer. Apply it to anywhere you are feeling dry and need an extra boost of moisture. I love using it on my nose and lips, usually, they’re beaten up the hardest by the elements.
Snow Pants – Jack Wolfskin
Is someone asking for snow pants? Jack Wolfskin is my go-to brand for all things outdoors, and these are my personal favorite snow pants. From ice skating and sledding to hiking adventures or shoveling snow you’ll find me in these cozy snow pants.
2022 Gift Guide: Experience Gifts in Metro Detroit
Experience gifts have easily become my favorite gifts to give and receive. Not only are they unique, but they’ll offer a memory for years to come. Below I am sharing nine amazing experience gifts that any metro Detroiter is sure to love.
Gift Guide: Experience Gifts in Metro Detroit
Broadway in Detroit
I absolutely love attending Broadway shows, and eventually, there is always something for everyone that comes around. Upcoming shows are Tina, Beetlejuice, and Jagged Little Pill, or you can look to the new season with things like Frozen, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Wicked.
Creative Arts Studio
Located in Royal Oak, the Creative Arts Studio offers pottery painting, glass fusing, wheel throwing classes, and more. This makes a fun gift for everyone on your list. I recently took my mom to paint a gnome candle, and she absolutely loved the experience. I can’t wait to go back again. I’ll be giving my bestie a gift card to paint a pottery item this Christmas.
Metro Parks Pass
Who doesn’t love exploring? Most Michiganders have a Metro Parks Pass, but instead of making them pay for it, why not get them one as a gift? I received a Metro Parks Pass for my birthday and I used it to go fishing, kayaking, paddle a swan, bike, and hike. It was one of my favorite birthday gifts I have ever received and it always made me think of the person when I went.
Planet Rock – Indoor Rock Climbing
Planet Rock offers a fun indoor rock climbing experience. They get you set up for a climbing adventure and have everything there you can rent. This would be a fun gift to give to anyone on your list.
Detroit Institute of Arts
While the DIA is free to Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland residents, why not grab a gift card to the shop or restaurant inside and give it to the artsy person on your list to get them out enjoying something they may not typically think of doing.
Detroit Zoo
Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! A membership to the Detroit Zoo or just a day pass will make the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
The Henry Ford
Explore cars, planes, history, nostalgia, and more at The Henry Ford. There’s something for everyone at The Henry Ford. Currently, Disney Villian and Heroes dresses are on display!
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Know someone who is into the classic things in life. Why not get them tickets to see the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the year they have some amazing shows that anyone will love. This year they even had a Harry Potter performance.
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle
Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Send a friend or family member to see someone funny, bonus points of you go with them!
Experience Gift Idea: Creative Arts Studio
Experience gifts are my favorite way to celebrate the season. If you’re local to metro Detroit, I highly recommend the Creative Arts Studio in downtown Royal Oak as an experience gift. I recently went with my mom and we had the best time, not to mention painted the cutest gnomes there ever,
How often do you look back at Facebook memories, and old photos in your phone and think to yourself, “buying that cheese board was such an amazing experience!” I don’t imagine anyone would.
Instead, I’m sure you remember that autumn you went to the apple orchard with your mom, or the time your grandparents took you to Disney World, or maybe the time your child was so proud of something they built for you. You get the idea, they’re the memorable moments that’ll put a smile on your face every time you think about them.
I know that for me there have been plenty of Christmas, birthday’s and other special occasions in my life where I would have received a physical gift that I wanted so badly, but if I’m being honest, very rarely have any been anything that I remember. I couldn’t tell you what I received last year for Christmas.
You know what I can tell you I remember? My grandparents taking the family to go see The Rockettes one Christmas and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat another. You see creating memorable experiences, is something you’ll hold dear.
You hear the older generation talk about regretting experiences they didn’t get to complete in life, but rarely do you hear them talk about regretting not buying more of this or that.
Why not move away from the physical gifts this holiday season, and start creating opportunities for memories that will only bring you and the people you care about closer together.
This holiday season I wanted to create a new memory with my mom. Something I could cherish forever, taking into consideration she falls asleep during shows I found the perfect thing for us to do. We went to the Creative Arts Studio in downtown Royal Oak to paint some pottery.
Creative Arts Studio offers walk-in paintings or they have classes. My mom and I attended the gnome pottery painting candle class. The class was a ton of fun, I got to spend quality time with my mum being creative and take home an adorable gnome with a candle that I painted.
Whether you’re looking for an experience gift, a night out, or just want to do something for yourself or with friends, I can’t recommend Creative Arts Studio enough!
2022 Gift Guide: Made in Michigan
In honor of Small Business Saturday, I am sharing nine Michigan businesses that I absolutely love. Not only have I personally purchased from all these Michigan businesses to give as gifts, but they’re my personal favorites. Explore nine of my favorite Michigan-made gifts to give below:
9 Made in Michigan Gifts to Give
My Captured Journey
My Captured Journey is based in based Michigan, and offers some unique jewelry pieces. My favorite pieces are the ones that have sand in them from the Great Lakes. I personally own an Upper + Lower bracelet with sand, an Upper Peninsula bracelet with sand, a ring with sand, and a necklace. As you can tell I am a huge fan of My Captured Journey’s products. I first discovered the brand a few years ago at Arts Beats and Eats in Royal Oak and have been hooked ever since.
Detroit Can Company
I actually just discovered Detroit Can Company while I was at St. Nick’s Craft Show at Henry Ford High School. Detroit Can Company features cans that are filled with Michigan goodies, and it’ll make the perfect gift for my homesick Michigan bestie who now resides in Florida.
Pewabic Pottery
My mum actually turned me on to Pewabic Pottery years ago. I love how unique the pieces are. I own a few pieces and will be adding a few more to my personal collection this year. As well as gifting a couple.
Stormy Kromer
The tried and true, classic UP company. Not only do I love Stormy Kromer signature hats, but their clothing is amazing as well. If you live in a cold weather state or if you’re a Michigander without this must-have you are truly missing out.
Kalamazoo Candle Company
Let me reintroduce you to my favorite candle company. Kalamazoo Candle Company is home to soy candles that provide a clean burn, long-lasting fragrance, and have a longer burn time than most brands on the market *cough Bath and Body Works cough*. My absolute favorite scent is I’ve Got a Gal which smells like Love Spell. I always have extra Kalamazoo Candles around the house to give as gifts.
Northern Nail Polish
Northern Nail Polish not only has unique colors but each polish is also named after places or things that are unique to Michigan. The polish is long-lasting, the color is gorgeous, and is easily one of my favorite brands. I purchased a few polishes for friends this year.
Grand Rapids Popcorn
No movie night, backyard bonfire, or cocoa board will be complete this holiday season without Grand Rapids Popcorn. I currently have a few flavors on my cocoa cart ready for guests. Grand Rapids Popcorn makes a great gift for neighbors.
Murdick’s Fudge
My favorite Mackinac Island Fudge ships! This summer I ate my body’s worth of Murdick’s Fudge while I biked around the island, and in 2020 I mailed it to friends and family for Christmas.
Michigan Mittens
Michigan Mittens, if you’re friends with me you’ve probably received them as a gift. I have multiple pairs, and I especially love the oven mitts!
Fashion meets Food 