Want to give someone joy? Start with yourself. In these 17-plus beautifully curated indie shops, gifting is not only fun. It’s a source of endless inspiration.

Here, find memorable presents for everyone—from little ones to hard-to-buy-for adults—plus treasures for the home, closet, and kitchen you can’t score anywhere else.

Our list begins in New Buffalo and follows a loop along the lakeshore, a 15-minute drive end to end. An interactive map is your guide. Knowledgeable, welcoming shopkeepers are here for you along the way. Happy shopping!

Farmette

Michigan’s farm-sourced abundance, all year 

Fill your basket with made-in-Michigan maple syrup, cheeses, snacks, and wines. Or pick up artisanal candles, soaps, and teas. It’s everything you need for an awe-inspiring gift box. Build your own, or ask owner Katie Burdett and her friendly team to curate one for you. Local tip: Want to be a houseguest who gets repeat invites? Bring a hefty loaf of Farmette’s chocolate sourdough.

Thurs–Mon 8–4 (closed Nov 27–Dec 3)
18439 US Hwy 12
New Buffalo, Michigan
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Lakeside Goods

A one-stop shop for hosts with the most

Stock up on a curated selection of timeless European serveware, cheese knives, and linens for the table. Or snag that covetable thing someone rarely buys themselves but loves to get, like artist-designed décor and coffee table books. Local tip: For a gift that surprises and delights: Lakeside consistently stocks candles made to look like cake, scoops of ice cream, and other (non-edible) food.

Sun–Sat 10–6 (closed Dec 24)
100 N Whittaker Street
New Buffalo, Michigan
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Lake Feste

Curated clothing for snow bunnies and snowbirds

Sweaters and pajamas get a glow-up at Lake Feste. Through winter, this beach-inspired boutique is brimming with fluffy cashmere, playful fleece half-zips, and vintage-inspired thermal sets from lines like The Great. Keep an eye out for knit accessories with a twist, like fuzzy mohair handbags. Local tip: Buying for someone who’s escaping to warmer weather? Lake Feste keeps sun hats and fluttery dresses around all winter.

Sun–Sat 10–6 (closed Dec 24)
104 N Whittaker Street
New Buffalo, Michigan
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108

Trinkets in a playful mix you’ll only find here

At 108, discover a cache of stocking-sized little treats. What started as a pop-up for delicate designer jewelry has grown over the years—and now includes tiny leather-bound notebooks, sunglasses, beaded clutches, and much more. Local tip: Like its sister store Lake Feste, 108 never loses sight of the sun—or beachy gifts like cheeky straw totes, on racks now.

Thurs–Mon 10–6 (closed Dec 24)
108 N Whittaker Street
New Buffalo, Michigan
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Eastern Standard Time

Hoodies and sweats with Great Lakes good vibes

Southwest Michigan’s source for smile-inducing, spirit-raising graphic apparel—in sizes for infants through kids at heart. Made from heavy cotton, these comfies come in a rainbow of colors with playful, exclusive designs. Don’t miss their selection of stocking-ready tchotchkes. Local tip: If you’re shopping for teenagers, EST has you covered.

Sun-Sat 10–6 (closed Dec 24)
110 N Whittaker Street
New Buffalo, Michigan
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Whistle Stop Grocery

Locally made provisions for Santa’s little helpers

At Whistle Stop, grab coffee, sandwiches, and pastries to power through holiday shopping or a snowy walk in the woods. While you’re there, pick up holiday cards and the latest cookbooks from popular chefs. Local tip: Heading to a dinner party and don’t have time to bake? Whistle Stop can hook you up with a delicious seasonal pie. 

Sun–Sat 7–4 (closed Dec 24)
15700 Red Arrow Highway
Union Pier, MI 49129
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AP Shop

World-class design by the lakeshore

Ariane Prewitt’s eye was honed at Barney’s. Now her down-to-earth AP Shop is a destination for impeccably made, timeless clothes in luxe materials. Design lovers make pilgrimages to AP. Surprise one with a gorgeous bag, pair of velvet slippers, or clothing sourced from Europe, Japan, and wherever beauty and expert craftsmanship meet. Local tip: AP spans a storefront and its neighboring cottage shop, AP S/S. Pop over to the little house for home and art objects, like one-of-a-kind candles made in Argentina from palo santo trees.

Sat–Sun 12–6 (closed Dec 20–21, 27–28)
14931 & 14941 Lakeside Road
Lakeside, Michigan
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Stockholm Objects

Scandinavia’s secrets to a cozy, stylish winter

No one does design—or winter—better than Scandinavians. Stockholm Objects brings the Nordic countries’ cozy essentials to you. Find elevated must-haves for the home and closet: merino mittens in Nordic patterns, elegant lounge sets, portable modern touch lamps, and understated gold jewelry that sparkles, even in the scarce winter light. Local tip: Buying for a Santa collector? Surprise them with a hand-blown glass figurine of “tomte,” Scandinavia’s version of the elf.

Thurs & Sun 12–5,  Fri–Sat 12–6
Dec 22, 23, 29, 30 12–5
Dec 24 12–3
Dec 31 12–4
13630 Red Arrow Highway
Harbert, Michigan
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Sojourn

Where interior design dreams come true

If you need inspiration, plan a trip to Sojourn. Owner/designer Stacia Garriott Kass has earned accolades (including from Dwell) for her singular mix of housewares, ceramics, art books, and apothecary items. Everything at Sojourn is both beautiful and useful. Is there a better checklist for filling a home—or choosing the perfect gift? Local tip: There’s a lesser known, yet highly giftable, Sojourn specialty: pencils, pens, notebooks, and other tools for creative types.

Fri–Sun 12–5
Nov 26 12–5
12908 Red Arrow Highway
Sawyer, Michigan
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Out There

Winter treats for wine and music heads

Out There goes beyond a thoughtfully curated wine bar and intimate space for concerts. The team also flexes its superb taste and talent in their bottle and retail shop. Great wine, snacks, candles, books, puzzles, and records. What else do you need to get through winter? Local tip: This fall, Out There debuted a Wine and Record Club. With local pickup once a quarter, it’s also an excuse to make regular trips out to Southwest Michigan.

Thurs–Fri 5–9, Sat–Sun 3–9, Mon 5–9 
Nov 26 3–9
Dec 30 3–9
Dec 31 1–6
(closed Dec 22)
12312 Red Arrow Highway
Sawyer, Michigan
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Granor Farm Store

Farm-fresh produce and chef-approved presents

The growing season never ends at Granor. Pick up organic produce for holiday cooking, plus specialty pantry staples, cheeses, and breads. Outside the grocery aisle, scoop up artisan goods like pretty winter wreaths and natural beauty products. Need some holiday cheer? Check out the farm distillery’s excellent new portfolio of homegrown spirits and liqueurs. Local tip: The farm’s ever-changing Taste of Granor dinners happen year round, and winter is the ideal time to snag tickets. As a gift, or for yourself.

Fri–Sat 10–4
Nov 25 12–7
(closed Nov 28–29, Dec 26–27)  
3840 Warren Woods Road
Three Oaks, Michigan
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Alapash New Home & Alapash Mercantile

Artist-curated pops of color 

Get into a festive mood—and cross a few presents off your list—at Alapash Home, where artist/owner Marco Chavarry keeps spirits bright. Find candy-colored stemware, giftable wool throws, jewel-toned vases, and more. Across the street, at Alapash Mercantile, make a plant lover’s day with botanical-themed silk scarves, table linens, and prints. Local tip: Searching for a crowd-pleaser? People can’t get enough of Alapash Home’s ’60s-inspired glass fir trees. Marco says requests roll in well before the season starts.

Wed–Sun 11–5, Mon 11–5
Alapash New Home
14 N Elm Street
Three Oaks, Michigan
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Alapash Mercantile
111 N Elm Street
Three Oaks, Michigan
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Froehlich’s

The gifts of Michigan summer in a jar

At Froehlich’s, peruse a wall of giftable jams, jellies, and preserves jarred in-house by owner Colleen Froehlich and her son Clay. They use family recipes and all the fresh Michigan produce they can get their hands on during the growing season. Twist off a lid, and it’s summer again. Local tip: Build your holiday bloody-mary bar with Froehlich’s fixings, starting with Mary’s Morning Remedy Juice as your base.

Thurs 12-5, Fri 12–8, Saturday 10–8
Sun 10–5 , Mon 10–3
Dec 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 8–3
(closed Dec 26)
19 N Elm Street
Three Oaks, Michigan
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Journeyman Distillery

Holiday cheer, made in Three Oaks

Speaking of bloody marys, you may need vodka—or other spirits for holiday gifts and cocktails. Fill up at Journeyman, where you’ll discover award-winning organic and kosher craft spirits and liqueurs. Local tipple: Each year, Journeyman releases an advent calendar filled with tiny bottles of their spirits. What can we say? It’s fun!

Mon–Thurs 11–10, Fri 11–11
Sat 10–11, Sun 10–10
Dec 24 11–5
109 Generations Drive
Three Oaks, Michigan
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Handmade Studio

Arty gifts and classes, courtesy of local creatives

Partners in life and business, creatives Carin Weston and Ben Sass scour artists’ studios and Instagram for letterpress cards, prints, and handmade goods. Our favorites for the holidays? Colorful banners by Oxford Pennant that spread peace, good tidings, and joy. The studio also offers fun, creative classes. Check the schedule here. Local tip: Handmade Studio shares a space with Alan Ray’s, a local-favorite coffee shop. Drop by for house roasts and pastries.

Wed–Sun 9–4
105 N Elm Street
Three Oaks, Michigan
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P&E Bottle Shop

Bubbles and more to go big for the holidays 

Nothing says “party” like sparkling wine. And no one along the lakeshore has a better selection than Ellie Mullins at P&E. There’s a whole table of options—including super-sized, super-fun magnums from France. Not into bubbles? No problem. The shop is full of special reds, whites, and beers, plus fantastic non-alcoholic sips. Local tip: P&E has a well-curated—and wallet friendly—‘$16 and under’ table packed with wines worth stocking up on.

Thurs–Sun 11–6, Mon 12–5
2 Maple Street
Three Oaks, Michigan
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Goods & Heroes

Presents with beauty, purpose, and a point of view

At Goods & Heroes, every gift has a story. Creative director Suzanna Bierwirth fills her expansive shop with eclectic, design-forward clothing and accessories for women, men, and kids. Everything is chosen for its quality and craftsmanship. These goods are made to last—and look amazing for decades.

In 2025, Bierwirth also debuted Yarn Haus, a shop-in-a-shop that stocks natural-fiber yarns from around the world, including the Lake Michigan shore. Find soft alpaca skeins and knit stocking caps from Buchanan’s Exbury Farm. Local tip: Craving a cozy way to build community? Yarn Haus hosts classes, plus open ‘knit togethers’ most Wednesday nights. Find details here.

Mon–Wed 12–8:30, Thurs 12–5
Fri 12–6, Sat 11–6, Sun 12–5
7 Maple Street
Three Oaks, Michigan
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words  Lena Singer
images  Alexander Kramer, Jodi Bodtke (Goods & Heroes)
updated  November 2025