Local artisans, retailers, restaurants, breweries and other beer-related businesses have been particularly hard-hit by Covid-19, with their futures depending to a great degree on a safe and successful holiday season. If you want to support local businesses and are looking for some great gifts for the beer lovers in your life, here are some of my favorites to consider:
If your junk drawer or silverware drawer is anything like mine, you always have to dig around for a bottle opener. This wooden “Drink Local” bottle opener from Pontiac-based Tangico will solve that problem, since it has a magnet to keep it fixed to your fridge, where the beer sits. It’s available at downtown Kalamazoo’s Nature Connection, but not for long. After 17 years, owner Laurie Russell will be closing her store at the end of the year. Keep an eye out for steep discounts throughout December, including on these openers. There are also Michigan cork coasters, koozies for cans, Michigan Beer Cap Maps and other items for sale there.
Cost: $10.98 each
Where: Nature Connection, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 102
Contact: 567-2873, facebook.com/natureconnectionkzoo1
For nearly every craft beer style, there is an accompanying glass type. IPA, stout, lager or sour? Try a nonic, tulip, snifter or Teku glass. In recognition of the various colors and shapes of glasses for properly served craft beer, Spirit of Kalamazoo has a slew of “Celebrate Diversity” T-shirts showcasing these distinct glasses filled with beer and “Kalamazoo, MI” written just underneath them.
Cost: $19-$23, depending on size
Where: Spirit of Kalamazoo, 154 S. Kalamazoo Mall
Contact: 382-6249, spiritofkalamazoo.com
If you won’t drink just any beer, then you need a vessel as special as your brew from which to consume it. Consider picking up some
unique drinkware from these local artists:
Among the most popular items in Amy Zane’s store on the Kalamazoo Mall are the coasters from Iconic Detroit. The company produces a variety of thick and durable options referencing cities, sports teams and landmarks across Michigan. There is also a series of Kalamazoo-specific coasters to spice up — and protect — your tabletop.
Cost: $10 each (in store); $12 (online)
Where: Amy Zane: Store & Studio, 132 S. Kalamazoo Mall
Contact: 459-1409, amyzane.com
Since starting to make soap from beer in 2013, Damn Handsome Grooming, of Kalamazoo, continues to expand its line of grooming products using repurposed brewing ingredients. Jarrett and Bridget Blackmon often change things up with the seasons. Accentuate your shower experience with the Coconut Porter Shampoo and Conditioner or clean those digits with the Fresh IPA Beer Soap.
Cost: $15-$16
Where: Damn Handsome Grooming Studio & Store, 1501 Fulford St.
Contact: 275-7004, damnhandsomegroomingco.com
Finally, if none of these gift ideas hit the mark, consider purchasing gift certificates or placing frequent takeout orders — for both beer and food — from local vendors if it’s within your means.
Need other great local gift ideas? You might also like:
Longtime Kalamazoo resident John Liberty left the world of journalism at the Kalamazoo Gazette in 2014 to co-found and manage West Michigan Beer Tours, which provides curated beer and beverage events for groups of all sizes across the region. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Western Michigan University.
