As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the season of gathering has arrived. The year’s grand finale is all about reconnecting with loved ones, sharing warmth, and creating lasting memories.
This holiday season, step beyond the usual and find gifts that inspire people to gather, entertain, and make their homes feel truly special. Here are some unique gift ideas for the host, the homebody, and everyone in between.
▶ For the Consummate Host
From dinner parties to impromptu get-togethers, the perfect host knows it’s all in the details.
A great serving board: Gift a beautiful wooden serving board and include a handwritten note of gratitude with a beloved family recipe, turning it into a meaningful and functional keepsake for passing down traditions.
Gorgeous hand-poured candles: SHIFT carries luxury jewelry candles made locally by the Fenton Candle Company! Each candle is meticulously hand-poured using 100% soy wax and comes with a piece of jewelry from Medawar’s Jewelers worth between $35 and $99—supporting local with triple the fun! SHIFT also carries Ava’s Illumination candles, whose lovely mitten-shaped Petoskey stones add a unique touch to their soy wax, cotton wick, and essential-oil-scented “clean candles,” hand-poured near Petoskey, Michigan.
Hand-painted watercolor dish towels and matted prints: SHIFT features local Milford artist Abigail Leigh’s impressive Michigan-themed artwork on dish towels, printed mattes, and fleece blankets. These make truly special gifts for superfans, skiers, bikers, chefs, or book club friends—with tons of themed designs to choose from!
▶ For the Cozy Homebody
For those who prefer a quiet evening in, a gift that promotes relaxation and comfort is always welcome.
A plush throw blanket: Help them wrap up in luxury with an ultra-soft fleece and sherpa American flag throw or a faux fur blanket for the couch.
Or choose a waterproof, custom-embroidered blanket—perfect for boating or any outdoor activity. The reversible design offers versatility and comfort for cozy nights spent curled up with a book or watching a movie.
A fun mug: Pair a bag of mulled cider mix, rich cocoa, or gourmet coffee from local mills and roasters with a fun, festive mug for a thoughtful gift.
A great trivia game for curious minds: Spark their fun during family gatherings with trivia games on topics like Broadway playbills, ’80s or ’90s music, birds, colorology, famous women, American history, and more!
▶ For the Design-Savvy Entertainer
For those who appreciate both form and function, these gifts will add a stylish touch to any gathering.
Festive glass candle holders: A beautiful centerpiece can elevate any dining table or mantel. Candle holders in warm, holiday tones make for an elegant and eye-catching display.
Granite cheese board: From casual appetizers to elaborate charcuterie spreads, a granite cheese board is a must-have for entertaining.
Hilarious cocktail napkins and coasters: Give the gift of humor this season with napkins and coasters featuring witty sayings that will make guests literally laugh out loud—from cocktails through dessert!
▶ For the Adventure Traveler
Sometimes our best gatherings happen on vacation—whether with family abroad or friends across the country.
Corkboard American and World Maps: Track your adventures with a beautiful cork map and colorful map tacks to mark all the places you’ve gathered in life.
Choose an American map or a global version for tracking adventures worldwide.
▶ Gather, Give, and Support Local
Most importantly, the holidays—and the month of December—are full of cherished moments spent with family and friends.
The November edition of My City Magazine captured all the reasons to shop local with friends and support small businesses in and around Genesee County—and in your city, My City! Local businesses give back through sponsorships, fundraisers, golf outings, and youth programs, but they can only continue to thrive if we support them in return.
Don’t forget that experiences make some of the best lasting memories! Tickets to local concerts or shows at the Capitol Theatre, Whiting Auditorium, and McCree Theatre make great gifts, as do annual memberships to the cultural institutions—Sloan Longway, the Flint Institute of Arts, and the Flint Institute of Music.
Pair local food, coffee, or wine with a festive mug or a set of artisan glasses for a delightful two-for-one gift. And who doesn’t love a night out? Gift restaurant certificates or treats from local bakeries this season—celebrating the joy of gathering, good food, and shared laughter.
We wish you and yours a very festive, safe, and healthy holiday season — Happy December!
