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.

Best selection great vibes and honestly the best smelling store in the state! Prices are very…read morereasonable and the staff can't be beat. I love this place!

Great staff, amazing selection of festival wear, and such a cool vibe in the store. Everything I…read morebought is unique and high quality. I finally feel set for the summer music season.

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.

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

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.

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!

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!!

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!