I think I could buy the whole store!…read more I don't live in Rockford but stumbled across this gem before having an appointment at 'A Charmed Life'. Having a small time frame to work with definitely saved my bank account from completely unloading into the store. Seriously, such cute things. They have a lot of great local artists showcasing their work with a lot of Michigan-themed items. The store is full of fun items to decorate with as well as a unique gift to give a friend. Definitely, give yourself some time to browse around in the store because there is a lot to see and take in! The store isn't all that big but everything is styled and displayed in such a way that it all just seems to go together, you may miss a gem if you just give an area a quick look! They seemed to get new things pretty frequently so feel free to come back often and you'll always find something new! Also, the ladies in there have always been super nice to me when I am there and are very helpful!

I love this store! It's small but they have such unique things, it's an amazing place to find a…read moregift, or something for your home. They have sweet baby items and an awesome candle assortment. Such a wide variety of things, so happy to have this in Rockford!

Locally owned businesses who believes in equality for all and basic human decency. They have the…read morecutest gifts all year round but I particularly love their Christmas displays and ornament selection.

I came here as a tourist from out of town, found a mass produced book and pulled out my phone to…read morewrite the book name down. The reality was, I couldn't travel with the book because it was too large and heavy to add into my luggage. The person who I ASSUME is the owner came over and immediately raised his voice and started calling me names. Saying I'm being shitty and I shouldn't "do that to a small business." I tried to explain why I was doing what I was doing and he made sure to tell me he didn't care. Not that this person will change how they operate but all he had to do was be like "hey do you mind?" And I would have pulled my head out of my ass and been understanding. However! Raising your voice and approaching anyone in that manner is deeply shitty and clearly an attempt at humiliating me. I'm not here to argue that I was in the right, I was just too busy thinking about myself and how I was bummed I couldn't travel with the book. Anyway can't wait to receive that book from literally anywhere else but this shop

I found this hidden treasure while looking for a downtown Grand Rapids bookstore. What I found was…read morean amazing store front for various local small businesses to display their products. If you're in the West Michigan area, and wanting to shop for a special gift, this is a beautiful, unique, and affordable place to browse and find something special.

This is such a cool concept and store. The Arts Marketplace is a nonprofit that exists to support…read moreand further woman and minority owned businesses by providing them subsidized rent to have their goods displayed at the Arts Marketplace store. This is a one stop shop for anyone you could probably think of! I saw tons of fun gifts and products, including clothes, jewelry, accessories, home goods, coffee, Polish pottery, books, tea, cards, art, etc. I love that it gives the opportunity for these small businesses to have a space to sell things even if they don't have their own storefront. I'm not sure how often the vendors rotate, but it's always fun to stop in and check things out. I especially love the Public Thread bags and accessories, the Polish pottery, and all the interesting art. There are signs everywhere letting you know that if you break something, you buy it, so be careful. I have purchased gifts here for myself and others and hope it sticks around for a long time!

If you are looking for a Michigan themed or Michigan made gift, go here!…read more They have clothing, home decor, food, toys, books, and much more that's either Michigan made or Michigan themed (or both!) It isn't just the typical stuff you find at box shops. The uniqueness and low prices of this store make it a hidden treasure (not to be confused with the store across the street similarly named...) It is small in size, but large in offerings. They have gift boxes and baskets to choose from and send as well. Try some of the hand made candies and sodas. The pasta is GREAT!

From the owner: We specialize in gifts, gourmet chocolate, vintage and locally sourced goods!read more

Love this concept!…read more Come support the Pack Elephant, a shop filled with local artists that make a variety of items from clothes, edibles, cards, jewelry, etc. Everything is laid out beautifully amongst small display areas that I assume local artists rent out. I fell in love with these pictured earrings, but I'm currently on a budget and resisted the urge to purchase. Way to go will power! Check this place out to gift something special to someone you love, or maybe treat yo'self! I love that the staff slides in the artist business card during check out. It makes you feel connected with whom you bought from. Overall great vibes here.

Pack Elephant is a new store located in the Studio Park plaza downtown. It features gifts and…read moreproducts from local artisans and makers, many are women and minority owned. The space is large, bright, airy, and open, with lots of space for distancing and plenty of local artwork on the walls. My boyfriend and I stopped in on Valentine's Day and were pleasantly surprised with the wide range of items we found! Coffee, greeting cards, apparel, snacks, bath and body products, tea, pet items, beauty products and makeup, eco-friendly products, plants... I could keep going! Each maker has a little bio and information about the products which is so cool. This is one of the many reasons why I love supporting local shops like this. Getting to know the backstory behind someone's business makes me more likely to purchase something! Pack Elephant is definitely going to be high on my list for go-to shops for when I need a gift. I love the mission of the place - supporting hyper local, small makers and especially women and minority owned businesses. I ended up getting some tea, cheese popcorn, and coffee! The employee who rang up our purchases was very polite and sweet. They've just recently opened so definitely check them out if you're in need of a gift for yourself or a loved one.

All signs made to order usually same day local Kalamazoo made 269 501-2465 ask for Dave he's a…read moreretired veteran 37 year truck driver recently had 2 heart attacks trying to stay busy.

I love local, so this place is going to be a must-visit when I'm in the Vine neighborhood. There's…read moresuch a big makers movement in the area, it'll be nice to see the shelves fill up with even more local crafters, artisans and artists. I liked the layout of the store and the fact that it shares space with a quirky vintage shop. Products range from goodies for kids (my friend's Sunshine Chewelry is there, and there's bibs and onesies, too) to the beautiful ceramic growlers and beer steins of Grayling Ceramics, soaps and lotions, clothes and more. The mural along the wall next to the building is also a lovely local beaut. La!!

The Color Forest is literally one of my new favorite places in all of Grand Rapids!! It's a small…read morebusiness run and owned by a Grand Rapids female!! It's a polymer clay earring business... and the earrings are so colorful and so fun!! There is a storefront located on Division... that is so bright and happy!! Things you can do at the store... shop the earrings, participate in earring making classes, or shop all of the other goodies in the store!! I participated in an earring making class, and it was one of the most fun DIY classes I've ever done!! You get to make your own earrings from start to finish... and it's so neat to be able to do this entire process!! I'm for sure going to do another class!! If you're not interested in a class or shopping the storefront... you can order some earrings online!! If you're from Grand Rapids or are traveling to Grand Rapids... PLEASE make some time for The Color Forest!!