Know of someone whose whole world lights up at that first glimpse of the Mackinac Bridge?
Or do you have a friend who never comes home from a trip Up North empty-handed? Then there’s the aunt who wouldn’t dream of leaving the Straits without piling enough smoked fish in the trunk to feed half the family!
Whatever their particular Michigan obsession this holiday season, you can find something in St. Ignace that will have you thinking, “Oh, they would LOVE this!”
Keep reading for some of our favorite St. Ignace holiday discoveries …because every holiday story needs a great shopping scene.
Of course, these are just a few places to get you started. Give yourself time to wander beyond the list, poke around a few more shops, and enjoy a few of our favorite local eats along the way.
Why not make a getaway of it? Stay in St. Ignace for a night or turn your shopping trip into a whole weekend. We think a St. Ignace stay makes a pretty great destination gift (even if you decide to keep it for yourself!). After all, where else can you cross into the Upper Peninsula, catch a quick ferry to Mackinac Island, and experience Michigan’s second-oldest city, all in one trip?
The Art of Gifting Something Special
St. Ignace is home to independent shops filled with work by Michigan artists, vintage treasures, distinctive home accents, and handcrafted pieces that will make you want to stop and take a closer look.
First stop: the Michigan Made Store, where you’ll find products made right here in Michigan. Your purchase also supports the Michilimackinac Historical Society’s efforts to establish the new Straits Cultural Center in downtown St. Ignace, helping to preserve and share the history of the entire region.
At Upper Peninsula Mercantile, you can browse super-cool vintage pieces, regional goods, handmade items, and changing collections that can include anything from buffalo-plaid hunting jackets to antique cameras, to unique clothing, and more!
The Historic Totem Village, located along US-2, is a to-go spot for Indigenous art and authentic handcrafted work. We like to take the time to look closely at the offerings here and learn what inspired a particular piece; it makes gift-giving feel all the more meaningful.
Molly’s Cobblestone Cottage is a particularly special stop for handcrafted pine baskets by local maker Ron Paquin. These distinctive, locally-made pieces have the kind of craftsmanship and character that really make a gift memorable. The shop also features vintage finds and studio pottery. Inventory and availability vary, so it’s a good idea to check ahead before making the trip.
The Michigan Look
A favorite T-shirt, a warm pair of mittens, or a piece of jewelry inspired by the Great Lakes can bring a little Michigan into someone’s everyday routine.
For a gift with true Michigan character, Gold Mine Jewelry has options! Here you may find a real treasure that reminds someone of their favorite place Up North, or a beautiful piece to wear every day, or even something special to add to their home. Check out their Mackinac Bridge-inspired jewelry, as well as pieces that feature Michigan stones, fine jewelry, art glass, and a simply fantastic selection of Polish pottery.
Adventure U.P. North is your place for practical presents with plenty of personality. Think Stormy Kromer caps, distinctive mittens, and outdoor apparel that will certainly come in handy during a Michigan winter.
For more wearables, stop in at Northern Sails or Tropic North. Open each year through mid-November, both carry a great selection of T-shirts, sweatshirts, and vacation-inspired styles that make fun gifts for the Michigan enthusiast in your life, or a little something to remember your own time around the Straits.
Photography Gifts for the Great Lakes Enthusiast
There are people who never miss a chance to capture the beauty of the Great Lakes, from dramatic lake weather to wildlife sightings and those fleeting moments when the light is just right. And then there are those who love bringing that beauty home in a frame!
If someone on your list falls into either category, Mackinac Straits Photography deserves a spot on your shopping itinerary: prints can make a thoughtful gift for someone who wants to bring a little piece of Michigan home.
The shop features the work of photographer David M. Black. His images capture the beauty and character of the Great Lakes region, from lighthouses and wildlife to dramatic lake weather.
A Taste of Michigan
Some of the best gifts are meant to be opened, passed around the table, and enjoyed together. From Great Lakes favorites to Upper Peninsula traditions and fresh bakery treats, St. Ignace has delicious ways to share a little Michigan.
Great Lakes Favorites
For the food lover, Mackinac Straits Fish Company offers fresh, smoked, and frozen fish, including Great Lakes whitefish, along with fish dip, seasonings, jams, sauces, and specialty products. Manley’s Fish Market is another stop for smoked fish and regional favorites. Pick up a longtime favorite or ask for a recommendation, then add Michigan-made jam, maple syrup, or specialty sauces to create a thoughtful gift basket. (Make sure to inquire about packaging and refrigeration for the trip home.)
An Upper Peninsula Tradition
A good pasty is about as Upper Peninsula as it gets! Lehto’s Pasties, a family-owned favorite since 1947, offers hot and frozen pasties in St. Ignace, with frozen pasties available for online ordering and delivery to Michigan and a few neighboring states. Sposito’s Pasties also sells frozen pasties and offers shipping.
For year-round pasty stops, look to Taste of the Upper Peninsula.
Bringing home a few pasties is a delicious way to support a beloved Upper Peninsula food tradition, too.
Something Sweet for the Holidays
For the chocolate lover in your life, Original Murdick’s Fudge offers plenty of tempting treats that are available online as well. Sweet Buns Bakery has made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, custom cakes, and pies available for preorder. For a year-round bakery stop, visit The Wild Blueberry Breakfast & Bakery for fresh cake donuts, blueberry muffins, cinnamon rolls, and rotating daily treats. You can also use their convenient online ordering option to plan ahead.
Send a Little Michigan to Someone Far Away
A gift can be a powerful reminder of a place someone loves, especially for relatives who have moved away, friends who remember family vacations, or anyone who wishes they could make it back to the Straits more often.
The Mackinac General Store sells Michigan-themed gifts and souvenirs online, while Historic Totem Village also maintains an online store with a varied selection. You can also contact Mackinac Straits Fish Company about shipping Great Lakes fish and their other products.
👉 Pro tip: No matter the shop, always check current inventory, shipping options, and holiday delivery dates before ordering, particularly for perishable items. A little planning can help make sure that Michigan surprise arrives in time for the celebration.
Find Your Next St. Ignace Getaway
The best part of shopping in St. Ignace? There’s always another shop to explore, another local favorite to experience, and another reason to linger a little bit longer. You may arrive with a holiday shopping list and leave with plans to come back when the seasons change.
Begin with our St. Ignace shopping directory, then check out our yearly events and things to do around the Straits. You may just find that your holiday shopping trip is the beginning of yet another memorable St. Ignace tradition!