Holiday Gift Giving Trail in West Michigan

Struggling to find gifts for your food-centric friends? Follow along on our Holiday Gift Giving Trail in West Michigan as we travel to twelve of our favorite local shops that offer Michigan Made speciality food gift options. Many hidden gems that could be your answer to gift giving this holiday season.  Eat Local West Michigan encourages patrons to shop locally and support small West Michigan businesses.  Strap on your shopping bags, lace up your walking shoes and go finish up your shopping in the most tasteful fashion.

Twelve Stops Along West Michigan’s Gift Giving Trail

The Blueberry Store - Owned by Dennis & Shelly Hartmann  Started with 25 acres of blueberries in 1993 - now one of the largest blueberry farms in West Michigan, True Blue Farms. You will find everything blueberry;  dried, frozen blueberries, syrups, honey, jams & spreads, chocolates and baked goods. So many delicious gift options ready to be shipped or wrapped!  525 Phoenix Road, Grand Haven, MI  www.blueberrystore.com

The Butler Pantry - Owners Mike Usher and John Jerome started their gourmet food store in 1977 in the Old Hardware Building in quaint Saugatuck.  Well known by all the locals.  The Butler Pantry is a destination for people looking to explore and fine-tune their passions for food, wines, cooking and entertaining. Many local Michigan products can be found.  Cooking classes and demonstrations.  Always free hot chocolate and coffee provided in the back of the store!  Easy to fill up your shopping basket and find those hard to shop for gifts centered around food.  439 Butler Street, Saugatuck, MI   www.thebutlerpantry.com

American Spoon -In 1981, Chef Larry Forgione and Justin Rashid shared a new dream: to produce the finest fruit preserves in the world from Michigan fruit. Larry developed an original recipe that would capture the essences of the fruit, Justin selected superb varieties of Northern fruits worthy of the effort, a kitchen was furnished with large copper kettles and wooden paddles, and American Spoon was born. American Spoon selects Michigan fruits and produce by hand and cook them in small copper kettle batches.  Nationally recognized for preserves, jams, spreads compotes, salsa, bloody mary blend.  A tasty stop with all their wonderful samples.  All time favorite for gifts.  Convenient gift packs shipped globally.  308 Butler Street, Saugatuck, MI   www.spoon.com

Pereddies Bakery & Deli - Locally owned for over 20 years and a true Mom and Pop business which is located in same building as Pereddies Italian Restaurant you will find a quaint hidden gem Italian deli, bakery and market carrying great meats, cheeses, olive oils, baked goods and many Made in Michigan food products.   447 Washington Avenue, Holland, MI  www.pereddiesrestaurant.com

Michigan Pantry - As you step inside this store that screams nothing but “MICHIGAN” you will find a unique selection of Michigan made gourmet food products, including craft beer, wine and one of a kind gifts from local artists. Looking for stocking stuffers and gifts for the cook who loves to add those extra touches to their recipes - you are sure to find something in the pantry! 210 S River Street, Holland, MI  www.michiganpantry.com

The Crushed Grape - Whether you are looking to satisfy your culinary cravings or fill Xmas stockings, The Crushed Grape will rise to the occasion. Because buying local is important to them, many of their food products are from Michigan companies. A great selection of cheeses, dips, mustards, artisan pastas, snacks, chocolates and desserts to enjoy for any occasion as well as gift giving. The crux of their beer selection lies in Michigan beers and small-batch, handcrafted beers. Check out their “Build Your Own 6-Pack” station, where you can choose from a varied selection of craft brews.   2869 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids  www.crushedgrapegr

Koeze Company - Founded in 1910 by Sibbele Koeze, as a wholesale grocer selling produce, butter, and eggs to small stores around Grand Rapids, Michigan.  His son, Albertus Koeze, took over the business about 1918.  In 1925 Albertus purchased a local peanut butter company, and from then until today peanut butter and roasted nuts have been part of Koeze’s (some of the best peanut butters we have ever tasted!). In the 1980’s, confectionaries were brought into the family business and today Jeff Koeze and his family keep the Koeze traditions alive with fresh jars of peanut butter, roasted nuts, caramel turtles and their famous Cream-Nut Peanut Butter Clusters.  Delcious gift packs for those chocolate and nut lovers!  1971 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI  www.koeze.com

Under the Vines - A Cherry Hill business district’s hidden gem.  Owner Sandra Otte uncorks Michigan organic wines (over 150 varietals), hard ciders and craft beers.  Michigan made food products ranging from salsas, jams, syrups, dried fruits and chocolates and great gift ideas for any food centric person.  959 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI (no webpage)

Grand Rapids Popcorn Company - Dating back to 1944, a true “mom and pop” 3rd generational business in Grand Rapids.  Pop fresh everyday, wonderful and fun gift giving ideas from savory to sweet. Check out their Michigan Made Gift Pack which includes their famous cheesy caramel corn and butter toffee caramel corn along with Michigan maple syrup, local honey, fudge and taffy in a nifty wooden crate.  4675 West River Drive, Comstock Park, MI  www.grpopcorn.com

The Cheese Lady -Owner Heather Zinn opened her doors in 2012, featuring a variety of specialty cheeses from around the world and many local creameries. Customers can sample from a list of cheddar, asiago, havarti, swiss, provolone, gouda, brie, mozzarella, manchego, goat cheese and many more. Also providing gourmet specialty local foods and handmade goods. Some wonderful gift packs for those who love to say “cheese and crackers”.  315 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids, MI  www.thecheeselady.com    

Herman’s Boy, Inc.   A hidden gem filled with many gift giving opportunities!  Family owned and operated business since 1979.  They are the oldest specialty coffee roaster in the Midwest, with a roasting history that dates back to 1901. It started as The Coffee Ranch in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. After purchasing the coffee company in 1982 the business was moved to Rockford. Herman’s Boy, Inc is a combination of five shops in one great and unique location. Herman’s Boy combines a coffee roastery, a bakery and deli, a candy and fudge shop, a kitchen gadget shop, and an outdoor cooking and smokehouse shop.  220 Old Northland Dr., Rockford  www.hermansboy.com

Chocolates by Grimaldi  - Your local chocolate factory where decadent confections are made on site and in sight using chocolate with no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or waxes. The Laham family focus on using local and Michigan-made ingredients in their gourmet confections to ensure the highest quality products. Their top seller is a gourmet chocolate candy called Chips ‘N Chocolate. This combination of Michigan-made potato chips covered in creamy milk chocolate is a sensational marriage of sweet and salty, with a kick of crunch. Grimaldi’s makes a variety of handmade chocolates, including soft, buttery caramels, hand-rolled truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, and handmade turtles. Free samples are always offered. 219 N 7th Street, Grand Haven, MI   chocolatesbygrimaldi.com