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Business & Tech

For the Holidays, Shop Local, Support the Small Biz, Buy Michigan

This summer Around Town Laura explored the many made-in-Michigan options available around Rochester. They look pretty good for the holidays too.

While Around Town Laura is recovering from massive turkey consumption, we're re-running this favorite column about buying Michigan — feel free to take notes to take with you when shopping in Rochester tomorrow for Small Business Saturday.

The holiday season is the perfect time to support our local economy by "Buying Michigan."

And downtown Rochester has something Michigan-made for every member of your family, from dad to dog and everyone in between. 

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I shopped around town for Michigan-made items, and here's what I found.

Buy Michigan for Dad

It's chilled and frosty and brewed right here in Rochester. Show Dad and Michigan some love with a six-pack of  Cornerstone India Pale Ale.

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Manager Heidi Wahl told me the IPA is its No. 1 seller and a "big hit with the guys."

Beer at Rochester Mills is available for carryout, including six-packs of IPA tall boys for $12.95.

Buy Michigan for Mom

As usual, has a ton of cute stuff, and a good selection of it is Michigan-made, including notecards for $10.95 and magnets for $10. There's an eclectic collection of art priced from $18-$35, but my favorite item might be the "Love the Mitten" T-shirts for $20.

Buy Michigan for son

Did you know that custom-built skateboards are made right here in Rochester Hills?

I didn't, either.

They're called Nevada Decks, and each one is unique. My son's favorite costs $189. They're available at .

If that is beyond your budget, South Street also has Detroit Lives! T-shirts for $22.

Buy Michigan for daughter

Talk about local:  makes its jewelry right on Main Street. From colorful bracelets to charming necklaces, it has a beautiful collection of locally crafted pieces. My favorite is a necklace called "Friends." It costs $50.

Buy Michigan for children

Bursting with cool toys, you know  has got to have some great Michigan-made merchandise. A few favorites include:

  • Constructive Eating from Ann Arbor. What parent doesn't use the age-old technique of pretending a spoon is a bulldozer to get a picky eater to eat? Now you don't need to pretend. The plate costs $14.95, and the three-piece utensil set costs $19.95.
  • The mini-trebuchet kit from Oakland County. Build it, and it's a fully functional catapult. Owner Geoff Lytle told me it's also a hit with grandpas.
  • Three Rivers Crossing by Rochester's own Robert A. Lytle. This young adult novel, appropriate for ages 9 to 12, tells the story of a boy who travels back in time to 1822 to be a part of the building of Stoney Creek Village. Other Lytle books, including his Mackinaw series and A Pitch in Time, are also available. Prices range from $8.95 to $12.95. 

Buy Michigan for baby

 has wooden blocks made in Grand Rapids from Michigan wood. Manager Christine Nugent said, "All I have to do is tell people they're made in Michigan, and that sells them."

The blocks come in four different collections: classic for $32, bugs for $39.99, numbers for $19.99 and letters for $19.

Buy Michigan for doggy and kitty

Sad to say, Sticky Paws has left town. But that doesn't mean you have to neglect your four-legged friend.

has pet "bling" from local artist Mary Bromback in Troy. The fused glass pieces are $19 each and attach to the collar. They come in cat and dog sizes.

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