WRITTEN BY CAITLIN M. DEWICKI

Your Holiday Gift Guide to Shopping Local at Woodward Corner Market

There’s something special about holiday shopping when it feels thoughtful instead of stressful. At Woodward Corner Market, gift-giving becomes less about rushing from store to store and more about slowing down, wandering aisles, and discovering meaningful finds created by local makers. From sweet treats and cozy candles to small luxuries and stocking stuffers, every purchase supports a story, a family, and a community.

This season, we’re celebrating 12 Days of Local Gifting, a curated holiday gift guide featuring some of our local vendors. Each one brings something unique to the table, making it easier than ever to shop local, give with intention, and share a little extra joy.

Cupcakes and Kisses

Some businesses make incredible desserts. Others make an impact far beyond the kitchen. Cupcakes and Kisses does both.

Founded in 2015 by Toni and Kevin Barnett alongside their four children—Kora, Kendra, Koby, and Kam—this family-run bakery is built on heart, purpose, and community. With a workforce made up of single moms, individuals in recovery, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals with disabilities, Cupcakes and Kisses stays true to its mission of making the world “just a bit sweeter.”

Their treats are made without artificial flavors, ingredients, or preservatives, and they’re baked with care. At Woodward Corner Market, you’ll find favorites like No-Bake Cookies, Krispie Rice Treats, Peppermint Angel Cookies, Vanilla Peppermint Cake, Frosted Sugar Cookies, Salted Caramel Cinnamon Rolls, and more. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or a well-earned treat for yourself.

Mugs and Other Jugs

If your holiday vibes include cozy nights, warm drinks, and candles flickering in the background, Mugs and Other Jugs belongs on your shopping list.

This women-owned business was started by Kerriann Koss, who discovered her love for candle making in 2018. Her collection feels nostalgic and comforting, with scents like Apple Crisp, Fallen Leaves, Campfire Marshmallow, and Peppermint Mocha. Each one instantly sets the mood for the season.

For sports lovers, her “Smells Like a Detroit Win” candles are a fan favorite, celebrating hometown pride in baseball, hockey, and, of course, football. And for a truly standout gift, her Michigan-shaped candle makes a stunning centerpiece with equal parts thoughtfulness and beauty.

Kind Crumbs

Holiday desserts should be for everyone, and Kind Crumbs makes sure that no one feels left out.

Founded by Rebecca Duiven after her celiac diagnosis in 2009, Kind Crumbs was born out of a simple but powerful goal: to create gluten-free baked goods that truly compete with traditional desserts. Everything is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and made in a dedicated gluten-free and kosher bakery.

From Chocolate Whoopie Pies and Pumpkin Whoopie Pies to Cinnamon Rolls, Vanilla Cupcakes, Cranberry Citrus Muffins, and more, these treats are perfect for holiday breakfasts, dessert spreads, or gifting to loved ones with dietary restrictions, or anyone who simply loves a little treat.

Rock Bottom Candle Co.

Inspired by nature and rooted in the beauty of the Great Lakes, Rock Bottom Candle Co. brings a little bit of the outdoors inside.

Founded by Brooke and Philip, this brand grew from their shared love of foraging, rock hounding, and exploring natural spaces. Their candles use a blend of gel and mineral wax that burns up to three times longer than traditional candles, creating a soft, glowing light that illuminates real rocks and sand sourced from the Great Lakes.

Scents like Suttons Bay Sunrise, Dunegrass, Eucalyptus Mint, and Lavender Lemon evoke summer days, lake breezes, and peaceful moments, making these candles a perfect gift for anyone dreaming of warmer days ahead.

Cinnamom

Few things say “holiday morning” quite like the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls.

Founder Rebecca Nagy learned her way around the kitchen at a young age, helping her mom prepare recipes that became staples at family gatherings. Today, Cinnamom carries that tradition forward with over 50 varieties of cinnamon rolls.

From Classic Buttercream and Signature Cinnamon Cream to Strawberry Cheesecake, Caramel Macchiato, Peanut Butter Cup, Dubai Chocolate, and Caramel Pean, these rolls are made for sharing. Best enjoyed warm, with a cup of coffee, and the people you love.

Everybody Inc.

Everybody Inc., by Dutton Farm, is proof that great products can also create meaningful change.

Founded by Jenny Brown alongside her sister Becca, who has Down Syndrome, this natural bath and body company employs an inclusive workforce of individuals with disabilities. Each product proudly displays the name of the person who made it, creating a direct and powerful connection between the maker and customer.

Their lineup includes candles, body oils, bar soaps, lotion, and chapstick, with seasonal scents like Holly Berry, Gingerbread, Cinnamon Apple, Evergreen, and Eucalyptus. Every purchase supports quality, inclusion, and a workforce that deserves to be celebrated.

Town-To-Town

Handmade desserts have a way of carrying tradition from one generation to the next.

Town-To-Town is owned and operated by Joseph Oginsky, better known as Chef Joe, who discovered his love for baking by watching his mother and aunts in the kitchen. He taught himself the art of Polish pastry making, specializing in Kremówki, also known as cream horns.

These flaky puff-pastry desserts, filled with decadent cream, are perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings. Each bite feels nostalgic, handmade, and full of care.

Leelanau Cellars

When you’re looking for a host gift that feels festive and effortless, Leelanau Cellars delivers.

Their Winter White Semi-Sweet White Table Wine and Winter White Bubbly come dressed in winter-blue bottles with crisp white accents, like a winter wonderland in wine form. Light, celebratory, and pleasant, these bottles are ideal for dinner parties, holiday toasts, or gifting to the wine lover in your life.

Skin Linen Tallow

The holiday can be busy, sometimes overwhelmingly so. Skin Linen Tallow offers a reminder to slow down and be present.

This woman-owned brand, founded by Adrienne Ferreira, focuses on natural, non-toxic skincare made with whipped grass-fed tallow. Scents like Vanille en Rose, Coco & Marshmallow, Sunset on Route 66, and Unscented + Honey feel comforting and grounding.

These products are more than skincare; they’re an invitation to pause, nourish your body, and practice self-care during the busiest season of the year.

ShakerBrud

Art has a way of making everyday moments feel a little brighter.

ShakerBrud is the work of Grand Rapids-based artist Broderick Bebout, who pulls inspiration from the simple things in life. His colorful designs appear on ornaments, coffee cups, coasters, greeting cards, and magnets—each piece full of personality and joy.

These items make thoughtful stocking stuffers that feel personal, playful, and uplifting.

Bell’s Christmas Ale

A holiday classic deserves a spot at the table.

Bell’s Christmas Ale is a traditional Scottish Ale that is rich and malty, with notes of caramel and a warm finish. Described as full-bodied, slightly sweet, and biscuity, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, or gifting in a six-pack to the craft beer lover in your life.

Woodward Corner Market Gift Cards & Simply Give

For the people who are hardest to shop for, or those who prefer to choose their own favorites, Woodward Corner Market gift cards make holiday gifting easy. Available in $10, $25, and $50 increments, they’re a simple way to support local while giving flexibility.

You can also give back this holiday through Simply Give $10 cards at checkout, which help provide meals to families in the community through Open Hands Food Pantry. Sometimes, the most meaningful gift is the one that helps someone else.

This holiday season, shopping local means more than just checking names off a list; it means supporting stories, makers, and neighbors who make our community special every day. At Woodward Corner Market, every gift tells a story. Let yours be one of generosity, warmth, and local love.