Oh Hello is one of my favorite places to go to! It's right downtown in the middle of so many nice…read morethings. If you have any time to kill before a concert, it's a third Thursday, or you're just wanting to browse, this is definitely the place for you. The store specializes in cute fun gifts and trinkets. They have everything from cookbooks to baby toys to stickers. There are gifts for almost every age and demographic. There are often goods from local artists and creatives which is really nice. One of my favorite features is the monthly art locker. For a one-time cost, you get a physical key with access to a locker with monthly goodies! The staff may be some of the kindest I've met. You can always talk about your day or learn about what's been going on downtown. There is a shop cat named Yuki who is soooooo cute and is my personal "where's waldo" whenever I'm in the store. Their marketing and promotions are really fun and the videos often make me laugh. They offer some free and paid events, making it a nice place to meet new people and engage in creativity. One of these days I need to make their cloud workshop!

I absolutely adore this store and it's right downtown, so very very walkable! I'm seriously just a…read moresucker for all things cute, and Oh Hello really does the best with providing local artist and curated items that every time I go, I cannot help but buy something! Even if it's just a little sticker, a pin or something more. It's the perfect shop for a small gift for a loved one and if you are interested, you should join the locker club! It's a monthly club and I finally got a sneak peek inside.. absolutely ADORABLE!! What a great way to support a local business and artists.

Commune is one of the cutest shops in Grand Rapids! The shop is filled with an assortment of home…read moregoods, trinkets, gifts, and more. The vibes of the shop are playful, chic, and cozy. One thing that sets this store apart is the owner. She is genuinely so kind and goes above and beyond to help with the little things without you having to ask. She seems to be supportive of other local businesses and actively works with other community members. I was lucky enough to buy a small collection of presents for friends and she diligently handwrapped each one without me even having to ask. The items in the store will be slightly higher price but I've found the quality is often reflected in the price. It's centered in a really great location that makes for a fun day out and about. NOTE: There are stairs that lead into the main entrance, there may be an alternate route for those who may need it!

One of my favorite places to shop during the holidays. Their window display is always so modern and…read morefestive. Then have the best gifts for the hostess in your life. I've picked up cookbooks, martini glasses, wine openers. They are some of my favorite gifts to give. Pro tip: go check out their jewelry and perfume all the way toward the back. So underrated, and you can find some great deals!

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!

this is one of the shops that you can revisit and wander around just for fun to look at all the…read morelocal companies. it was great to learn that it is a non profit too and supports these local artists. I've been back multiple times now. My most recent purchase was an art print from Rachel Hull Art, some super cute earrings, & a book. I was really surprised by the reasonable prices for local gifts.

What an interesting, intimate place to be to get all your must have for teas candles, Incense and…read moreastrological trinkets. We parked on the street by a meter for $1.50 an hour. Meter was very easy to use and operate. It's located next to a few restaurants In a strip type of building setup. The store itself is not very big but it's packed from top to bottom with lots of lovely stones, jewelry, cards and artists items to take home. The space is used very well and items are displayed for you to look over, maybe Smell or even touch. There was not someone present to do a reading when we arrived but they do have a website where you can reserve a time or they do have a up-and-coming Black Friday deal for the holiday that provides reading a discount. They were very friendly and accept credit cards. I'm definitely planning on coming back for a reading.

The 12th House GR is a great spot for holiday shopping or if you're looking for something to treat…read moreyourself. The space is incredible and the first thing I noticed walking in is the beautiful mural featuring the different signs of the zodiac (or the 12 houses). This inclusive store aims to be a space where people of all backgrounds can come and see themselves represented, with lots of LGBTQ+ themed items. Many items are locally made and the owner, Sarah, is wonderful. I browsed books, stickers, keychains, crystals, jewelry, bath items, decor, wood pieces, snacks, cards, and more! I really think you could find something for everyone here. In addition to all the wonderful products, you can also have a tarot reading done or get a henna tattoo at the shop! I'm looking forward to having a reading done in the future and would love to gift this experience to a friend. It's so nice to have another local shop to add to my favorites whenever I'm in need of a thoughtful gift! If you like Rebel or Spirit Dreams, definitely make a point to check out The 12th House.

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.

I love independent bookstores! Cellar Bird Books is now open on Bridge Street in the former Mitten…read moreState shop. I think it's a really great addition to the area, and a nice place to pop in if you're waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant or walking in this area. The vibe inside is a bit moody and dark but I like the big window in front. It was decorated with origami cranes when I was there. The selection of books I saw was varied and I think they stock something for everyone. The owner Lea was very kind and chatted with me a bit about her background. I always love learning about business owners so that was really nice. I particularly liked the non-book items like puzzles, tote bags, locally made pins, cards, handmade mugs, and more. I'll definitely be visiting again in the future for gifts for myself and others!

We were passing through on our road trip and stopped in between our brewery visits, so in awe of…read morethis cute, local, independent bookstore! Staff was friendly to share about the store and area!

One of the cutest shops GR has to offer!…read more I swear every time I'm here they re decorate and there is always something new and fun to look at. Full of good gifts for friends or even yourself! From cute trinkets and plants to stickers and cards and socks and way more! The people who work here and also SO awesome! Take a trip here soon for some good retail therapy!

Rebel is my absolute favorite boutique in GR! Not only is their selection fun and aesthetically…read moreappealing, but the best part is the atmosphere and the feeling of welcomeness from the staff, who instantly treat you like family. They have something unique for everyone, whether you are buying a gift or treating yourself! I love their candles, their variety of trinkets, including their beautiful charm necklace collection, as well as their unique hand-blown cocktail glasses.

I recently found out about this venue from the Uptown Shop Hop map. I had never noticed it but was…read moreintrigued. I was instantly greeted by the shop dogs who were extremely polite and did give you space. The family was all behind the counter and it was really wholesome to see a family business in action. As I've been trying to shop locally for the holidays, I knew Gemini would be great. They have a great range of products for anyone in your life. They have a section to make your own belt, wallets, bottle holders, coasters, jewelry, and more. The prices are all really fair and it's cool to see parts of the studio where things are made. I'd definitely recommend coming here especially for one of their craft events!

The perfect spot to shop for the guy you don't know what to get! There are so many handmade leather…read moregoods here that are durable and will last a long time. The staff are so helpful, and if you're lucky you'll get some love from their sweet pup!

Originally saw a tiktok of this place and knew that I had to check it out!…read more It's a bit down the way on Plainfield but worth the trip. The inside is dark and witchy with really interesting pieces of art and trinkets. It's a good spot for anyone looking for a unique find or gift! Lots of funny items and also useful Some items were marked pretty fairly while others were a bit out of my price range and that's okay. Take a visit here if you're looking for some wonderfully weird things! The lady working behind the counter was also very kind and awesome! Really liked her!

This is one of my favorite spots in GR. A metaphysical shop with all things witchy and wonderful,…read morethey sell everything from tarot cards, to gems, to candles, to perfume, to artwork, etc etc. it smells amazing in here and the staff is knowledgeable and super friendly. Love this place 10/10

Angela I have a big problem with your review. You stated "you called on very short notice ", but J…read morehelped you out! Correct? You said you asked for a "small handheld bouquet" how many flowers do you think are in a bouquet? More than 3 or 4! If you had asked J for 3 or 4 flowers with a ribbon, J would have bent over backwards to help you out! That is the way J runs her store. She is there for her costumers. You should have asked J for what you wanted. To bash her for something you did not ask for is wrong. She explained to you that she was very busy with Mother's Day & Prom and she was working alone. If you appreciate her honesty and sympathize why would you write a bad review? In case you don't know, J is the owner, the florist, does all the ordering,the secretary,the janitor, the billing department. She is a 1 women operation! Obviously, you were in her store did you notice the awards on her shelve? Those awards were not given to her, they were awarded to her for the successful business she has built.She has earned every one of them! I have had the privilege of working with J for several years. She has created beautiful flowers for graduations, several corsages for my daughters, bouquets for my daughters dance recitals. She has always been great to work with. I have been in her store and witnessed a line of happy customers lined up waiting to get their flowers from J's. I am honored to call her a friend and I will continue to purchase flowers from J's Fresh Flower Market! Thank you J! Continued success!

Decided to get a bouquet for my wife's first anniversary of being cancer free. Also decided to shop…read moresmall business instead of going to a big store. Especially during Covid. Less people to deal with, parking right up front, helping out a smaller business owner, and getting personal service. All out a win win situation. The lady that helped me was very nice and made a beautiful bouquet. The selection she used was very well put together. I've been here a couple times for my kids dances. And those came out great as well. You want a nice arrangement that isn't just like all the others in a bunch, shop small.