Want to show off your Michigan pride? Here’s a grab-bag of products made locally that you can purchase for a friend or family member this holiday season – or all year long!
Check out these made-in-Michigan items and tell us which one you love the most in our comments section.
Michigan Mittens
Michigan Mittens will keep your hands warm in the wintertime and help you show off your state – right on your fingertips. One hand includes the Lower Peninsula and the other is the UP – so if anyone asks where your favorite spots are in the state (or where you’re from), you can show them on your handy gloves. Adult and youth sizes available, starting at $24.95.
Unbreakoball Dog Toys
Got a pooch known for tearing up toys? This family-run business out of Royal Oak has you covered. Its namesake Unbreakoball – available in a standard 6-inch for about $18 or the “Big Daddy” 10-inch for around $30 – is a bright-orange ball crafted of non-toxic, high-density polyethylene plastic that’s “indestructible” (they’ll replace it if your dog still manages to destroy it!). The creators, who are also long-time humane pit-bull owners and advocates, offer various other U.S.-made treats on and toys on their site too.
The Rust Belt Market
Made in Michigan, you say? How about dozens of different “makers” under one roof? That’s exactly what you’ll find at The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale. Think of it as a totally local spin on Etsy. Open every Saturday and Sunday, you’ll find all things hand-crafted, vintage, repurposed and all-around cool – from kid accessories, steel creations and surf boards to jewelry, clothing, henna and candles. Not to mention tons of tasty grub, whether your scene’s sweets or teas (or both).
Little Griddle
Turn your barbecue into a griddle with this ingenious product invented and distributed by family-owned Little Griddle Inc. in Sterling Heights. The stainless steel flat griddles go on top of your regular barbecue grill, making shish kabobs, vegetables and even eggs easy to cook on your standard grates.
Hand Made in Michigan
Rust Belt a bit of a hike for your fam? Check out this Etsy-style roundup of unique, hand-crafted products from some 175 mitten-state-based artists. Kicked off in early 2011, the site hosts a vast array of “homespun” goods, from purses, jewelry and beauty products to specialty foods, toys and art. Categories are tidily arranged and easy to navigate, and sales just require a PayPal account.
Uncle Goose
This Grand Rapids-based makes wooden blocks for kids. Every single set is made right in Michigan “using choice materials from around the Great Lakes,” according to their website. Shop for Cubelings, which are $17, come in safari, farm and sea variations. Or, purchase a wooden pull wagon, big and tall blocks and more.
ALEX Toys
While not all of the ALEX Brand toys are made in Michigan, the company’s Canton warehouse houses all Scientific Explorer, Poof, Backyard Safari, ZOOB, and Buzz Bee Toys. Shop their website for a selection of games for all ages, arts and crafts, stuff for tweens and more.
Fling A Ring
This outdoor game was created right here in Michigan by a Holly-area family. It mixes horseshoes, ladders, washers and Frisbee golf. Purchase it on their website for $29.99.
Palumba
Palumba, which is a division of Ann Arbor-based Camden Rose, features natural toys, natural craft supplies, furniture, books, organic baby clothes and more for children.
Tiki Cards
A Plymouth mom started Tiki Cards – for girls ages 6-12 who love nail art – in early 2016. Packs of three are $4.99; “mega” packs of 15 run $19.99. Purchase online or check out the company’s website for local retailers.
Zollipops
A Michigan tween is the mastermind behind these tooth-cleaning lollipops called Zollipops. After a meal, suck on a Zollipop (up to three a day). Its key ingredients – including Xylitol, a healthier sugar alternative – help neutralize your mouth and prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth.
This post was originally published in 2012 and has been updated for 2016.
