Holidays

23 Exciting Michigan Gifts to Get Your Bestie in 2025

Last Updated on Oct 7th 2025
michigan gifts

Whether you’re sending a little Michigan love across the miles or treating yourself to a souvenir, Michigan gifts are easy to find. Many souvenirs from Northern Michigan are symbols of the Northwoods or a dreamy lake town, while Southern Michigan might inspire you to grab some maize and blue gear or a piece of automotive history. Check out Pure Michigan for a deeper dive into the regional eccentricities that make this gorgeous state so unique.

We're here to guide you through Michigan-inspired and made in Michigan gifts for all occasions, and as diverse as the state itself. There are plenty of gifts for foodies or cozy homebodies, but there’s no shortage of experience gifts for the adventure-lover, either.

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Experience Michigan Gifts Online or In-Person

1. Regional Cooking Classes

Cooking classes in Michigan
Cooking classes are a fun way to explore Michigan (via Classpop!)

Give a taste of Michigan’s kitchen culture. In Detroit cooking classes, instructors draw on Eastern Market produce for handmade pierogi and pasta, while classes in Grand Rapids pair dishes with local brews. Gift a class that covers pasties the Upper Peninsula way, and they’ll come away with skills that are a true Michigan gift. Cooking classes are even available for workplace events in Ann Arbor as a way to spice up the usual corporate schedule.

2. Photography Classes

Give a guided photo lesson that turns good views into great shots. Detroit offers Art Deco at the Guardian Building, murals in Eastern Market, and sunset skylines from Belle Isle; along the lake, Grand Haven’s pier and Leelanau’s beaches provide long horizons and clear light. With instruction on rule of thirds photography composition and editing, they’ll bring home images that match the moment.

3. Local Pottery Classes

pottery class as Michigan gift
Give them a feel for Michigan soil (via Classpop!)

Give a hands-on studio session where they'll learn to turn clay into objects they'll use and cherish. Detroit and Ann Arbor offer wheel-throwing and glazing pottery workshops, while Grand Rapids pottery studios guide beginners through their first bowl or mug. They’ll finish with a fired ceramic made in Michigan gift that's literally a piece of the state. These immersive experiences are ideal for anyone with a creative urge, as a gift for a Michigander hosting you or even as team building activities in Detroit. 

4. Pictured Rocks Tour

On Lake Superior near the town of Munising, cliffs rise straight from the water and streak with natural colors — rust, mint, and cream from mineral deposits. Whether by boat, kayak or on foot, the untouched nature up there is incredible. They can take a dip in the crystal clear icy waters of the lake or enjoy a long weekend of camping and hiking high above the waters.

For a day trip, a guided boat tour or kayak tour lets them gaze up the towering walls, covered in a myriad of colors from the naturally occurring minerals. There are many ways to take in the magic and beauty of the Pictured Rocks, and gifting someone tickets or vouchers is a Michigan gift they won't soon forget. 

5. Tulip Time Festival

Tulip Time Festival as a michigan gift
Tulip Time Festival (via Canva)

Holland sits on Michigan’s west coast and celebrates its Dutch roots each spring. Streets are lined with bright tulip beds in reds, pinks, and yellows; a working windmill turns beside the river; parades and folk dancing fill the week. Festival passes to Tulip Time are easy to gift and come with more photo spots than they could ever dream of.

6. Go to a Lion’s Game

The Wolverines aren’t the only football team that people live and die for. Tickets to a Lions game are the perfect experience gifts in Michigan. Ford Field stands in the center of Detroit, surrounded by classic hot-dog diners, casual pubs, and music spilling from doorways. Not only are the games full of energy and excitement, but the incredible bars and restaurants all provide a sense of exploration and adventure. With so much to try, it’s a top date idea in Detroit or even a team building activity in Detroit. 

Michigan Gifts for Her 

7. A Cozy Michigan Sweatshirt

A Cozy Michigan Sweatshirt
A Cozy Michigan Sweatshirt (via Michigan Vibes)

Michigan’s lakes can push cool air inland any month of the year. Temps can drop quickly, especially up North. That's why warm and toasty fleeces or sweatshirts make great Michigan gifts for her. Any local gift shop will have cute designs to choose from that feature an outline of the state, the word Michigan, a city name or an iconic area code (like 906 for the Upper Peninsula). If you're set on finding something online, check out a local supplier like Michigan Vibes.

8. Michigan Mittens

Midwest winters can be brutal, especially for women who tend to feel the cold. Warm and comfy knit Michigan Mittens are the coziest Michigan gifts for her. The Mitten State is often shown by stacking your hands on top of each other, representing the upper and lower peninsulas. These fun mitts have maps of these peninsulas as the design, which is also available in oven mitts as a cooking gift for the home baker and even for babies, so she can match with her newborn. 

9. A Maize and Blue Tote Bag

Michigan State Tote
Vera Bradley Michigan State Tote (via Vera Bradley)

Even if she’s not a UMich alum, she can wear the maize and blue colors proudly. A beautiful blue and yellow quilted tote bag makes a great and convenient Michigan gift for her. Vera Bradley makes a beautiful version, a quilted weekender with a bit of structure and interior pockets that moves from city errands to lake-house weekends without fuss. It’s a classy Michigan Wolverines gift for college women or working professionals.

10. Mitten-Shaped Wooden Board

She can have a taste of home every time she entertains with a lovely mitten-shaped bamboo or wooden serving board. Top it with charcuterie or other goodies for your guests, and enjoy peeks of the engravings underneath as the food disappears.  

Michigan Gifts for Him

11. Michigan Counties Scratch-Off Map

Michigan Counties Scratch-Off Map
Michigan Counties Scratch-Off Map (via Amazon)

For the man who loves adventuring, these Michigan gifts for him are fun and interactive. A scratch-off map of the state lets him scratch off a colorful foil to reveal the names of each county. Exploring all 83 might take some time, but they are so diverse that he’ll never get sick of trying. Fishing trips, fall drives to cider mills, and ballpark stops will now create a visual record — and a plan for the next adventure.

12. Top 50 Michigan Breweries Map

50 Michigan breweries map
50 Michigan breweries map (via Esty)

Michigan’s beer scene stretches from the Upper Peninsula down to the southwest corner of the state. If he considers himself a beer connoisseur, then a top 50 Michigan breweries map is the perfect thing for a birthday or other special occasion. He can mark off each craft brewery with a pin to admire his beer-drinking adventures. These are fun Michigan gifts for him that look neat and attractive while also having a somewhat active component.

13. Shinola Goods

Shinola watch
Shinola watch (via Shinola)

If you’re wondering what to get someone from Detroit, the answer is anything Shinola. This luxury brand is based in Detroit, though they have locations scattered across the country. Shinola is known for its durable design. A simple watch with a clear face, a leather notebook cover, or a slim wallet develops character with wear and carries a bit of the city’s craft tradition. Every piece is hand-crafted to last a lifetime and makes for a great Michigan gift for him that's perfectly understated and classy.

Unique Gifts From Michigan 

14. Sayklly’s Sweets

Saykllys
Get some uniquely Michigan treats (via Saykllys Candies)

You can purchase Sayklly’s Candies all over the state, but it’s worth a trip up to Escanaba to visit their warehouse. This is the place to look for the tastiest and most unique gifts from Michigan. A Yooper bar is a classic in the Northern region where they’re based, but any of their chocolatey confections hit the spot. Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal classics like neatly piped fudge-filled Easter eggs to include in a Michigan gift basket!

15. Petoskey Stones

There are tons of beautiful Petoskey stone creations that make unique gifts from Michigan, though a simple polished rock is pretty enough on its own. These stones are fossilized coral found on Lake Michigan beaches, patterned like honeycomb.  Gift shops often offer Petoskey stone bracelets or necklaces as well as things like candle holders, coasters or dishes. 

16. It Happened in Michigan Book

It Happened in Michigan Book
It Happened in Michigan Book (via Amazon)

There’s a rich history behind the state of Michigan, whether you look at the Great Lakes or the automotive industry. It Happened in Michigan is a collection of short stories about real events that helped to shape the state into what it is today. It’s a unique Michigan gift that can be enjoyed over and over again.  

What is Detroit famous for? What products originated in Michigan? This book answers all of your burning Michigan questions — from the creation of Motown in Detroit to the invention of the Ford Model T. 

17. Michigan Drinkware

Michiganders have a lot of pride in their fine state, so Michigan-themed drinkware can be a great choice for your Michigan gift. It’s a cute gift for a new couple seeking to fill up their kitchen cabinets, a born-and-raised Michigander living far from home or simply a family that thinks mugs are the perfect souvenir for any trip. They become part of the morning and the weekend, which is exactly the point.

University of Michigan Gifts

18. A U of M Jersey

U of M Jersey
U of M Jersey (via Barnes & Noble College)

Pretty much everyone who lives in Michigan, and many who don’t, love the Wolverines. Beautiful maize and blue jerseys are the only real option for University of Michigan gifts for alumni and fans. Choose a classic number that doesn’t age out after a season. It will show up in October photos, living-room watch parties and quick runs to grab game day snacks before a noon kickoff. This Michigan Wolverines gift is an easy pick for anyone with a soft spot for Ann Arbor.

19. A Tour of The Big House

Michigan Stadium Tour
Michigan Stadium Tour (via Canva)

Michigan Stadium impresses even in stillness. For a dedicated Michigan football fan, no place is more sacred and special than Michigan Stadium, a.k.a. The Big House. Guided tours are available and make for adventurous and interactive University of Michigan gifts for a true fan. While the tour will take you all around the facilities and let you run out onto the field, there’s nothing quite as electric as a home game. 

20. Tickets to a Game

A full gameday in Ann Arbor writes its own schedule. Game day appetizers near the farmers’ market in Kerrytown, the first notes from the band echoing down the street, the stadium bright with maize, and a slow wander for slices after the final whistle. This exciting University of Michigan gift is perfect for any football fan. Tickets to a game at The Big House are a hot commodity, especially for something special like the Ohio State and Michigan rivalry game, always slated around Thanksgiving activities. Even seats in the nosebleeds allow you to feel the energy from the Wolverines and their fans. 

Foodie Michigan Gifts 

21. Cherry Flavored Goods

Cherry Flavored Goods
Cherry Flavored Goods (Cherry Republic)

Whatever town you’re in, you’ll be able to find a Cherry Republic, or something similar, that showcases the sweetness of Michigan-grown cherries. These dark red beauties are wonderfully suited for a variety of uses, both sweet and savory. Pick up some foodie Michigan gifts to take with you, like cherry BBQ sauce, cherry salsa, dark chocolate-covered cherries or a cherry-infused summer sausage with flecks of dried fruit. 

22. Mackinac Island Fudge

There’s nothing quite like that sweet, creamy Mackinac Island fudge that’s popular all over Michigan and beyond. These sweet Michigan gifts are tasty on their own or as an ice cream flavor. Classic chocolate is reliable, but nut-studded and maple flavors should also find space in the box. These little delights have the power to conjure up the quietest half hour at the table you'll ever experience. A box of assorted fudge is a perfect thank-you gift or housewarming gift, too. 

23. Frozen Pasties

Michigan pasties
Michigan pasties (via Canva)

Pasties came from mining-camp lunches and never left. Everyone should try this Michigan classic at least once. Seasoned meat with rutabaga and potatoes, the northerners eat it with ketchup, while the southerners prefer gravy. Whatever your preference, you can ship frozen pasties to enjoy anytime from local places like Lawry's Pasty Shop, the best foodie Michigan gifts for an out-of-towner. 

From stocking stuffers to care packages sent with love from Michigan, there are tons of incredible gifts that can remind you of the Great Lakes State. Michigan-made gifts can range from homemade goodies to state pride clothing. Each region of the state welcomes you with unique beauty and goodies to remind you of your time there.

For even more fun experiential Michigan gifts, check out other classes happening on Classpop!