In her annual gift-giving blog post, Betsy Cooper (aka “Big Bets”), our Graphic Designer, highlights her favorite unique holiday gift options found at the Downtown Detroit Markets (also known as the Winter Markets). Read on to see which gifts made the list, and support Detroit’s small business ecosystem by doing your winter shopping at the Downtown Detroit Markets. Learn more about this initiative and how we’re supporting the participating vendors here.

Check out Big Bets’ holiday gift picks (not in any particular order!) – through charming illustration and commentary.

Baobab Pili Authentic East African Hot Sauce from FOLK

I am personally not a great cook, but I find a little fancy hot sauce can really elevate my cooking. I found Baobab’s Pili Authentic East African Hot Sauce at  Folk and I am hooked! If you’re looking for some variety (it is the spice of life, pun intended) FOLK also sells the Pili Hot Sauce as part of their “Detroit Trio” gift box, along with Detroit Hives 6oz Honey and Sepia Project Whole Bean Coffee. I would recommend any of their gift boxes, honestly, but the hot sauce is my fave.

 

Organic Beard Kit from Preva Hair and Body

Attention beard enthusiasts! Preva’s Organic Beard Kit is a must have for the man with a (face) mane in your life. The kit includes their locally made beard oil and wash, sure to leave every beard soft, silky and scented. Each beard kit is beautifully packaged and ready to be gifted. The store’s packaging is so perfect, that they had to put a sign out that says “We look expensive but we’re not” to get folks to come in! No beard? No problem – Preva has incredible soaps, body washes, bath and butter products for the whole family.

 

Banana Pudding Cheesecake from For the Love of Cheesecake

I have to be honest – I am not usually a fan of cheesecake. So when the owner of  For the Love of Cheesecake mentioned they had a buy-fifteen-cheesecakes-get-one-free deal for downtown employees, I said “Uh huh, sure” like I would ever eat fifteen cheesecakes in winter season. I am now on my third cheesecake in as many days! They may have converted me to a cheesecake lover after all. Sign up for the rewards program and run to For The Love of Cheesecake before I personally eat them all! My current favorite is the Banana Pudding, but I have yet to meet a flavor I don’t enjoy.

 

Tinker Totter Monsters from Asher & Arnold

Asher & Arnold is full of adorable kids gifts that even this grown up would enjoy! For example, the Tinker Totter Monsters playset is a 28-piece wooden playset that lets you mix and match monster parts to make original characters. Made from eco-friendly rubberwood and finished with water-based stains, the playset is a fun imaginative toy that’s both safe and sustainable. And if your littles (or your big kids) love this one, the parts can be mixed and matched with other Tinker Totter playsets like Robots, Rockets, Heroes, and Treats.

 

“It’s Christmas Everywhere” Decorative Book from  27th Letter Books

 

Gift a book, and you’re giving more than entertainment—you’re offering a passport to imagination and learning! That’s especially true with “It’s Christmas Everywhere,” written by Hannah Barnaby and illustrated by João Fazenda. This cleverly-shaped book highlights Christmas celebrations in countries and cultures across the world, and opens up into a free-standing Christmas tree. You can find this “readable holiday decoration” at 27th Letter Books. They have a variety of other curated books to choose from for all ages, and the owners give great recommendations! Plus, if you visit their winter market pop-up shop, you’ll get a coupon to their brick-and-mortar store in Corktown (I highly recommend visiting; it’s really special).

 

Crossbody Butterfly Purse from Bags to Butterflies


Fashion meets purpose with Bags to Butterflies’ stunning wooden handbags—these meticulously crafted accessories aren’t just beautiful statement pieces; they’re powerful symbols of transformation and second chances. These uniquely designed wooden bags are crafted by women rebuilding their lives after incarceration, a beautiful and tangible reminder how “baggage” can become a pathway to personal growth and empowerment. Each artfully designed bag is one-of-a kind. All the bags are lovely, but I recommend a crossbody bag for ultimate comfort and convenience!

 

Car Air Freshener from Scentana Co.


Calling all motorists! Here’s a great stocking stuffer: Scentana Candle Co.‘s car air fresheners are about to revolutionize your commute experience. These stylish diffusers dangle elegantly from your rearview mirror, transforming your car from a mere transportation vessel into a mobile sanctuary of delightful aromas. With a stunning variety of scents that can be easily refilled, these aren’t your grandpa’s generic pine tree fresheners—these are sophisticated, long-lasting fragrance companions that make every journey a sensory adventure. Whether you’re driving to work or road-tripping across state lines, Scentana ensures your car smells like heaven, even if you travel with a 100 lb wolf dog who loves a puddle, like I do. Buckle up and breathe in pure bliss!

This list is just the tip of the snow globe, there are so many great gifts to be found in the market. Why not head to Cadillac Square Park to explore for yourself? It’s the perfect time of year to support artists, makers, and shopkeepers who make Detroit special. Don’t forget to get your free mug (designed by Michael Eugene!) when you spend $30 or more, and FREE gift wrapping by Post on all gifts! You can finish up the day with some hot chocolate and other treats in the cozy Cadillac Lodge. You earned it. Happy Shopping! –Big Bets