When you think about Detroit, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For some of you, the answer is probably the smooth Motown hits of yesteryear. For others, you might be thinking about classic cars and a major industrial movement.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you might even think about the Tigers or Lions, depending on your season of choice.
Do you know someone who absolutely loves something (or everything) about the Motor City? Whatever they’re into, there is a perfect gift out there just waiting for them. Whether it’s clothing, a simple coffee mug, or something unique that they would have never thought to get for themselves, Detroit gifts are just as time-tested as the city itself.
With that in mind, let’s check out some of the best Detroit gifts you can buy for the Mitten-lovers in your inner circle.
For the Traveler
If you know someone that has been bitten by the travel bug, but they’re either a Detroit resident or have a soft spot for the city, there are plenty of ways to play into their passion with some gifts they will actually use!
One of the most practical things to get a traveling Detroit-lover is a guidebook, or a history book on the city itself. Most people who really love to travel also like to soak up as much knowledge as possible about the places they’re visiting. Even obscure historical things are often interesting to them, like how certain restaurants got started, or why the city holds specific festivals or events.
Another great gift idea for the traveler in your life is a Detroit-themed to-go coffee thermos that they can take with them wherever they go. If they’re often flying out of the Metro, City Bird Detroit has the perfect gift; rocks glasses with a departing airplane and DTW printed on the side. They are great for the weary traveler who wants to come home and enjoy a drink while reminiscing about their favorite city.
For the Homebody
Does someone in your life absolutely love to be home? Does a good book, a comfortable blanket and a cup of hot chocolate sound like a night of heaven to that person? If so, there are endless gift options you can choose for them.
From a simple Detroit coffee mug to cookbooks that showcase the flavors and special dishes of the city, whatever screams ‘home’ to you will be absolutely perfect for someone who loves a cozy night in. We definitely recommend the Sister Pie cookbook for anyone with a sweet tooth who loves to bake!
There are many clothing companies that represent Detroit, too, including Ink Detroit, and of course, Detroit Life (for all of your city gear!). At Detroit Life, we’ve got a variety of comfortable gear that’s perfect for lounging at home, binge-watching favorite TV shows, and just relaxing. From sweatshirts to joggers, we’ve got all homebodies covered.
For the Newbie
Know someone who is new to the area, or just moved here from another state? One of the best things you can do is to hook them up with as much Michigan-fueled gear as possible. From gift cards to your favorite local restaurants to subscription boxes like those from The Mitten Crate, make sure you educate them on how great the Great Lakes State really is!
Before you know it, they’ll be talking like a true Michigander, sipping on Faygo, and understanding the true beauty of what a Coney Dog really is.
For the Fashionista
Speaking of clothing, there is no better way to publicly show off love and dedication to a city than with a simple t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hat. At Detroit Life, we’ve got all three and so much more to represent the 313.
Far too often, souvenirs and clothes that are made to represent a city are done cheaply, with lackluster designs, colors, and options. We believe in our city, and we want to represent it well, which is why we take pride in all of our products! Clothes that show off someone’s love for a city shouldn’t be cheesy or cheaply-made. They should be a true representation of that city.
Because Detroit is known for being resilient, tough, and innovative, our designs reflect that for anyone who wants to live that Detroit life!
For the Music Lover
We touched on it briefly, but one of Detroit’s biggest claims to fame is Motown. Though most of the biggest stars to come out of Motown had hits in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, they stand the test of time for a reason.
If you know someone who absolutely loves the classic Motown hits, you have a variety of great gift options to choose from. Perhaps the most unforgettable would be an actual tour of the Motown museum, where they can see the famous recording studio where so many artists laid down tracks. They’ll also see artifacts from some of the biggest stars to ever come out of that studio, including Michael Jackson.
Of course, if you don’t want to go that far or you need to get a Detroit-themed gift for someone in another state, there is always the option of collector’s sets of CDs or vinyl records. With everything going digital these days, it can be nice to get something tangible. Vinyl might be rare, but it can really help the listener to take a step back in time when listening to those classic hits.
As you can see, there is no shortage of great ideas when it comes to Detroit gifts. If you know someone who absolutely loves the Motor City, or you want to introduce someone to everything incredible that Detroit has to offer, consider some of these options. There are gift ideas for anyone, no matter what their personal preferences or sense of style might be!
