18 gifts you can buy online from Detroit artisans and makers

In case you hadn’t noticed… Detour is all about shopping small and supporting our local businesses in Detroit. But if you’re not keen on heading to a store right now, we totally get it. There are plenty of great shops around town selling handmade gifts, beautiful clothing and sweet treats that you can purchase with a click of a button. We focused on bringing you 18 gifts we love for any budget that will surely brighten someone’s day, week, month or year. 

Savvy Chic Trends Prosecco Candle

For the candle-lovers in your life, Savvy Chic Trends has you covered. This Prosecco candle will set the mood for the perfect night in. Housed in Detroit’s Eastern Market, this spot is taking online orders only at this time. Shoppers can peruse Savvy Chic’s eclectic mix of unique clothing and home accessories. $33

Mimi and Ferne Starry Night Round Sky Necklace

Mimi and Ferne is your one-stop shop for vintage-inspired, minimalist handmade jewelry made right here in Royal Oak by Kelly Pettibone. Pettibone says her Starry Night line has been a popular pick lately — and we can see why. She also has a favorite line herself right now: “I’ve personally been into the Egyptian frond earrings lately, and customers have been excited about them,” Pettibone said. Local orders have the option of free pickup from partner retailers (A/R workshop in Ferndale and Peninsulas in Berkley). All orders $50 or more ship free. Items are made to order though in many cases, and can take a few days to ship out, so people should order as early as possible. Use discount code DETOUR10 for 10% off through 12/20/20. $28

Blck Cocoa Bakes German Chocolate Cake

Bre’Anna Johnston of Blck Cocoa Bakes whips up vegan desserts like you’ve never seen! Her plant-based twist on classic childhood favorites will bring you right back to the good ol’ days. Ring in the holidays or send a cake to brighten someone’s day. Johnston also takes COVID-19 precautions very seriously — you can check out her guidelines here. $40

Swaggles “Protect” 2Ply Face Mask

Mask up while supporting pups! Protect yourself and others with these durable and machine washable masks that let people know you care. Swaggles is a Detroit-based company developed by Temeria Heard — 15% of all profits go toward supporting rescues, anti-cruelty and animal abuse causes. $9.99

Detroit Retro Hoodie from Visibly Black

Visibly Black is a leading specialty retailer headquartered in Detroit, featuring high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices. The Detroit Retro Hoodie is guaranteed to keep you cozy all winter long, and is available in sizes S to 2XL. Looking to make your voice heard? Make a statement with this “What We Believe” long sleeve tee. From now through the end of the year, use code VBHOLIDAYSALE at check out for 10% off your order. $59.99  

Bath Savvy Lemongrass Sugar Scrub

During these trying times, Bath Savvy wants to draw attention to the importance of self care, taking care of yourself first, and then sharing that gift with others — a frontline worker, a teacher, or that special someone in the form of a gift item. Owned by Metro Detroiter Shannon Reaves, Bath Savvy is a mom-and-daughter team with 10 years under its belt, with a focus on creating natural, gentle products for your skin. $16 

AlexHerbertWorkshop Propagation Station

With a unique combination of Michigan maple and resin, AlexHerbertWorkshop in Ferndale creates unique pieces to brighten up your indoor spaces. The propagation station is a great way to add a bit of natural greenery to your home during the cold and gray months. Order at the Etsy shop or email AlexEdwardWorkShop@gmail.com for a custom project. $25

Nadonya’s Nectar Chromatic Lip Color

Tauntus Cosmetics by Nadonya was launched in 2017 with the goal of creating “looks as individual as a person’s mood or the event being celebrated,” offering vibrant hues like Nadonya’s Nectar to bring out the lusciousness in your lips. As Audrey Hepburn stated: “On a bad day, there is always lipstick.” $45

More gift ideas:
For one-of-a-kind gifts, shop Detroit’s vintage boutiques
25 places to shop for Detroit food and drink gifts
This holiday season, shop for gifts at Detroit’s Black-owned businesses

Starman Tarot: David Bowie Tribute by Davide De Angelis

For the witchy woman (or man) in your life, this unique tarot deck will guide your path through the stars. This deck “weaves together intricate sacred geometries, alchemy, magic, and the sacred teachings of the world’s mystery traditions.” 6Witch3 is founded by Johnny Blackchurch, a “multiethnic, multinational witch type” born in Buenos Aires and living in Detroit. $36.95

Wooden Chocalho from Creative Movement Brazil

We love this Brazilian handmade musical instrument — what a fun way to shake up a little rhythm into your next samba practice or house party. Chocalho is Portuguese for “shaker.” Creative Movement Brazil empowers Detroiters ages 7 and up by sharing Capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian martial art), music and folkloric dance. $30

Royalty Gardens’ ‘The GOAT’ Bar Soap

Royalty Gardens makes “candy for the skin,” so it’s the perfect place to find head-to-toe treats. With a commitment to using natural, skin soothing ingredients in their handmade products, one of their specialty soaps is a great option this gift-giving season. A favorite during winter: The GOAT, a bar soap packed with vitamins that promote hydration. $8 for one bar, $20 set of three, $36 set of six

Ebony Heritage Collection Kwanzaa Blanket

Ebony Heritage Collection offers tapestries that add beauty to interior design while celebrating Black history and culture. This month, gift their reversible Kwanzaa blanket with a beautifully lit kinara on one side and the seven principles of Kwanzaa on the other. Another option features Detroit’s own Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, beside a quote on what it means to be a queen. $36

‘Mask on, Ass Out’ Poster by Morgan McPeak

For your friends with an irreverent streak, there’s a print from Morgan McPeak. This season’s hot seller is this particular print, but there are plenty more to choose from. Ranging in sizes from 8×10 to 18×18, all prints come with a matte finish and 94% opacity. $21-$27.50

Detroit GT’s ‘I Have People in Detroit’ Mug

If you’re wondering what to send loved ones who are far away, Detroit GT has you covered. The shop features Detroit-centric apparel, patches, stickers, accessories, and drinkware — with slogans that pack a bite. This mug reads, “I have people in Detroit.” ‘Nuff said. $15

Ouizi’s Yellow Blossom Floral Pin

If you don’t know Louise Jones, aka Ouizi, by name, you surely know her gorgeous, floral murals that adorn buildings around Detroit. For Playground Detroit’s Farmer Street artists and makers pop-up (online and open for the holidays downtown), she’s shrunk her larger-than-life illustrations to fit into the palm of your hand. This pin would add some colorful flair to anyone’s tee, tote or coat. $15   

Pewabic Belle Isle Postcard from Detroit Tile

You really can’t go wrong gifting a tile from Pewabic Pottery — they’re classic, with a local legacy going back more than a century. And in the last few years, the studio has launched a number of Detroit designs for your favorite city enthusiast. We recommend the Belle Isle tile, a beloved landmark near Pewabic’s studio that isn’t as regularly depicted in prints and other city artwork. But other “postcards” might be right for a food, art or architecture lover, depicting the downtown street grid, the Guardian Building, the Detroit Institute of Arts and Eastern Market. $95

Well Done Goods Detroit Electronic Music Pencil Set

Is your fave techno head stuck staying at home when they’d rather be dancing all night at the after hours party? Give them something to make ‘em smile and reminisce from their desk. $12.50

Dale and Blue Madewell Lumbar Pillow

We’ve coveted a Dale and Blue pillow for awhile now — and now’s the perfect time to help someone bring an upscale, carefree twist to their home decor. The extra-large lumbar pillow has a hand-dyed indigo cover made from Belgian linen, featuring a gold zipper with leather pull — designed, dyed and sewn in Detroit. It might help your posture while you’re working from the couch, but it will absolutely look good doing it. $105

Selections from Kate Abbey-Lambertz, Nina Misuraca Ignaczak and Courtney Wise Randolph.