The 2012 Holiday Gift Guide 

giftguide.jpg

Gator Jakes
By the time Christmas rolls around we've all gotten pretty sick of eating ham and mashed potatoes. So what better gift to give than that of spicy and exciting cajun-inspired cuisine? With gift certificates now available, a pre-paid evening out is probably the best stocking stuffer around. Plus, they'll have regular hours Christmas Eve and will open at 6 p.m on Christmas Day. You can reach them at 586.983.3700 or gatorjakes.com.

The Pleasure Zone
What better way to celebrate the season than with some hands-on fun. Specializing in massage oils, intimate lubricants, sultry candles and sexy lingerie, Pleasure Zone has everything you'll need to heat up the bedroom even during the dead of winter. Stop by and pick up something as a surprise for that special someone, or grab a gift certificate for a great stocking stuffer. Call them at 586.722.7913 or check them out at thepleasurezonestore.com.

Blue Moose Tavern
Christmas isn't just about unwrapping presents piled up under the tree, it's about spending time with those you love. So how about treating your family and friends to an evening out at one of the newest and best bars around. Book your holiday party here and don't forget to stop by for their customer appreciation bash on 12/17 where patrons will be treated to a complimentary buffet. More info: 248.474.3533 or facebook.com/bluemoosetavern.

Clubhouse BFD
Give the gift of beer and hand-crafted burgers this holiday season. Not only does Clubhouse BFD serve up food and drink in-house, they also put together some pretty amazing beer baskets as well as offering gift certificates. Plus, they're a pretty great little place to host a private family event, your annual holiday office soiree or both! You can reach them at 248.289.6093 or check them out at chbfd.com.

BD's Mongolian BBQ
There's something for everyone at this unique dining establishment. Not only can you be the pickiest of picky eaters without anyone noticing, but you get to watch as their famous grillers stir fry your food in traditional Mongolian style. Suffice it to say, if you hold your holiday party here, everybody will be talking about it for years to come. You can reach them at 248.398.7755 or check them out at gomongo.com.

Party Star
Needing no prep, no refridgeration, no mixing and no waiting for anything to coagulate into wiggly jiggly gelatin, Party Star Jel Shots are probably the best invention known to man. Made with 24 proof pure grain alcohol, you can peel, drink and enjoy nine different flavors including strawberry, cherry, black raspberry, grape, lemon-lime and blueberry. You can reach them at 248.286.6317 or check them out at partystarshots.com.

Limelight
Gift certificates might seem like picking the easy way out when it comes to checking people off your to-buy-for list, but when it's to places like Limelight, you can't go wrong. Especially since the Warren location of this local eating and drinking establishment is giving away free $10 gift cards to anyone who purchases $50 worth. Sounds like a win-win, right? You can reach them at 586.751.7883 or check them out at limelightsportsbar.com.

Dooley's Roseville
Except no substitute! When it comes to Irish fare in the style of American bar cuisine, the folks behind Dooley's have managed to create both a fantastic spread of food as well as a great atmosphere in which to enjoy it. Why wait for Christmas? Stop in to pick up a gift certificate or bring in the whole family to enjoy an impromptu festive gathering of loved ones. You can reach them at 586.296.2739 or check them out at dooleysirish.com.

The Hub Sports Bistro
Under new ownership and with the help of a brand new chef, The Hub Sports Bistro is quickly becoming one of our favorite places to stop in to grab a drink and dinner during the holidays. We highly recommend you swing by during their 12/18 customer appreciation holiday party and pick up some of their high-coveted gift certificates. You won't find a better stocking stuffer anywhere. More info: 586.226.3399 or facebook.com/thehubsportsbistro.

Funky 7
If there's one thing we love around here, it's shopping local. Head to this Royal Oak shopping establishment to pick up vintage-inspired shirts and accessories that bear the emblems of everything the city stands from, from the infamous "D" to our city's team mascots to those of the universities we'll all defend to the death as the best. Call them at 248.398.6700 or check funky7inc.com.

Ferndale Bike
Whether you're an award-winning racer or a casual lover of vintage cruisers, you're sure to find everything you need, from something ready-to-ride to the part to make your old standard work like new, in this Ferndale shop. And since the shop's owner has been selling, fixing and riding bikes for almost as long as he's been alive, you're sure to find a vast resevoir of knowledge as well as a stock of over 250 bikes here. More at: 248.439.1892 or downtownferndalebikeshop.com.

Street Eatzz
Food doesn't need to be complicated. But it does have to be tasty. Chef Tom developed 313 Foodie Sauce to work well with many different meals. Using locally procured peppers and cherries, he's passionately perfected the recipe to create a vegan-friendly gluten-free pepper sauce. Spice up your stocking stuffing by adding a bottle of this. Check them out and shop at streeteatzz.com

Noir Leather
Diamonds aren't a girl's only best friend, so come peruse Noir's stock of Lelo Luxury Pleasure Objects for the ultimate in sexy gift giving. With upscale adult-only toys like the Soraya, Luna Beads Noir and Sasi Pleasure Object, you're sure to find some great additions to your bondage fantasy toy box on the shevles of this Royal Oak fetish store. And might we add that the staff here is always incredibly kind and extremely helpful. More info: 248.541.3979 or noirleather.com.

Bike's Blades & Boards
The folks at Bikes, Blades and Boards are committed to helping their customers achieve their outdoor fitness goals. With 75 years of combined experience using and servicing the products they sell, the staff looks forward to helping you with the products and services necessary to make your next outdoor fitness endeavor a success! In addition to year-round boarding fun they also carry bicycles, hockey gear and inline skates. They've got everything you need to get your world rolling! More info: 313.885.1300 or bikesbladesandboards.com.

Blues Airmen Guitars
Are you a musician? Have one on your shopping list? Go to Blues Airmen, a gem of a music shop with an enormous selection of new and used gear at ridiculously fair prices. Guitars, amps, pedals and awesome vintage gear can all be found here and they also do in-house guitar and amp repair, giving customers deals as great as the work. With a killer selection of records in stock as well, they also offer free lessons with every guitar purchased. More info: 734.525. 9101.

Hudson Cafe
Who doesn't love brunch? No one. And thanks to the incredible and classically trained French Chef Tom Teknos and his partner Stavros Adamopoulos, Detroit has it's very own mecca for those who love the hybrid of breakfast and lunch. With everything from Stuffed French Toast to chicken and waffles, even the sassiest Grinch will enjoy a gift card for some of the most deliciously creative food in the city. More info: 313.237.1000 or hudson-cafe.com.

Hydro Heaven
Calling themselves a divine intervention isn't such a far-fetched notion. With weekly door buster deals as well as a habit of matching competitors deals certainly makes this indoor gardening supply store something of a gift from God. So why not give the gift of the most advanced indoor gardening technology in honor of the birth of baby Jesus? That hopeless brown thumb on your list is sure to appreciate it. More info: 313.861.0333 or hydro-heaven.com.

Killer Crowns
Specializing in hats (from fedoras to fitted caps to cadets to cowboy, beanies and more), t-shirts, belts, buckles, sunglasses, jewelry, wallets, watches and more, everything you'll find on this website is kicka$$. And you won't be breaking the bank if you hit up this online retailer, check out their clearance section for some super steals that'll satisfy everyone on your list. Call 734.254.1344 or check killercrowns.com for more info.

Dave's Sweet Tooth Toffee
At Dave's, they keep it simple. Using real ingredients (butter, sugar, milk, chocolate and hand sliced almonds – YUM!) each batch of their toffee is prepared with homegrown love and a heaping helping of consistency. Refusing to skip the small steps, they make each and every batch to order, meaning you'll never get a stale piece of toffee and each and every recipient of this gift will be perfectly pleased. Visit davessweettooth.com for more info.

Dearborn Music
Miss the days when stores like Dearborn Music used to exist on every block? While they might be a rare breed these days, Dearborn Music is doing a fine job of picking up the slack of all the music stores that closed up shop. Offering every genre you could possibly come up with as well as plenty of vinyl releases as well as t-shirts and accessories, you'll find plenty to satisfy the music lover on your list at this superstore. More info: 313.561.1000 or dearbornmusic.com

Elite Ink
If you are looking for the ultimate stocking stuffer than consider giving the gift that lasts a lifetime! A tattoo gift certificate by the Elite Ink Tattoo Company. Elite Ink offers the experience of a lifetime in the most professional setting. WIth three locations in the Metro Detroit area they have proven that quality and customer satisfaction. Check 247tattoos.com for more info.

Signature Tattoo
Packing a ridiculous amount of experience and a big helping of talent into one shop, Signature is the best place to get inked in the city of Ferndale. Founded by veteran artists Mark Heggie and Dan Rick just a little over two yeas ago, the six master craftsmen that work here have a combined 80 years of experience under their belt. And might we also humbly suggest you check out their sister shop, Big Top as well? More info: 248.439.0021 or signaturetattoo.com or 586.323.3115 or bigtoptattoo.com

The Whitney
An iconic mansion turned restaurant, The Whitney specializes in all the charms of upscale refinement while appealing to contemporary tastes with a welcoming enviornment. Packing a fantastic wine cellar, they're also known for their award-winning cuisine. Whether you're in search of the perfect place to hold a festive family gathering or looking to give the gift of a certificate for an evening out, this is your spot. More info: 313.832.5700 or thewhitney.com.

Found Sound
Curing those of us ailing from the recent exodus of record shops from the area, Found Sound has recently set up shop in the quirky and eclectic area known as downtown funky Ferndale. And we're talking real vinyl records here, by the way. Stop in to pick up something you won't find at the mall. Find something for everyone on your list, and don't forget about yourself. They also host free in-store shows! Call them up at 248.565.8775 for more info.

Made in Detroit
With everything from t-shirts to hats, from stickers to bags, from women's wear to men's and kid's clothing, this brand makes it possible for us to spread our Detroit pride without uttering a single word. Pick up something for everyone with the altruistic notion that proceeds go toward helping local businesses and charities like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Check their website for brick and mortar stores that sell their wares. More info:madeindetroit.com

Pewabic Pottery
Sure you can buy everyone on your list something crappy from the mall that will break or fall apart before it's second use. Or you could give one of the greatest gifts known to man, that of Detroit history. Pewabic Pottery has deep roots in the city's artistic legacy and by presenting those you love with a unique tile each, you'll be entwining them in that very special heritage. Stop by their showroom to learn about the classes they offer for children and adults as well. Call 313.822.0954 or check pewabic.org for more info.

Rosie O'Gradys
With gift certificates available, we not only suggest you to come in and enjoy this phenomenal Irish-American bar during the holidays with your friends, family and co-workers, but you can also give the gift that keeps on giving, a paid-in-full evening of food and drink to all those you love the most. More info: 586.264.9500 or rosieogradysirishpub.com

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this thread:

Add a comment

Latest in Features

  • What's Next?

    Movement 2013's Pre & After-Parties
    • May 22, 2013
  • Party Star-Ter

    Jel Shots Take Over in Detroit
    • May 22, 2013
  • Whiteout!

    Memorial Day Weekend Parties 2013
    • May 22, 2013
  • More »

Most Commented On

© 2013 Real Detroit Weekly, LLC | 615 S. Washington Ave (2nd Floor), Royal Oak, MI 48067 | RSS


Website powered by Foundation