For the book lover

Curious Book Shop is a book lover’s paradise. Shelves are crammed with vintage and rare volumes, and you’re sure to find something absolutely special for your loved one. The store is sorted by genre, containing sections on poetry, history, science, language, fiction, etc., so you’ll be able to source the perfect book for the niche of your reader. Books can be wonderfully personal gifts, and your book lover will definitely be touched to receive a unique vintage or secondhand copy!

For the STEM major

Quark! — the intersection of art and science — is the ideal destination for a science-themed gift. This charming store has something for everyone — botany expert to psychologist, children and adults. Quark! carries the most darling tote bags with the cutest prints such as architectural scenes and poisonous plant pictures. For a friend with their head in the clouds, Quark! has mini-observation diaries to record cloud shapes, or constellations. For the most niche of interests, the owner Renee Leone can print a scene onto a lightswitch plate. Quark! carries all sorts of other fun, fascinating and exciting gifts, guaranteed to spark the curiosity of your loved one.

For the creative

Odd Nodd Art supply is the perfect spot to stock up on stocking stuffers. For the art lover on your gift list, Odd Nodd has the most delightful selection of art supplies, pens and kids' crafts. Giving the gift of a satisfyingly smooth pen will make you an instant favorite, and you can complete the gift with a pocket journal or sketchpad. One of Odd Nodd’s staff picks is a Quarantine Creative Art supplies kit, where you can choose from several different categories of art supplies, including a Manga Cartooning kit, an intro to watercolor and even a “Super Really Trust Us Kit” where you let the staff select their favorite products for you. Odd Nodd is the perfect destination for a creative gift for your artsy friend.

For the coffee addict

There’s almost surely someone on your gift list who cannot function without a cup of coffee every morning, and there’s no simple luxury more exciting than having someone make you the perfect cup. Foster’s Coffee is an East Lansing favorite. It’s a great study spot, and with seasonal drinks like a Cardamom Ginger Latte or a Peppermint Mocha, a gift card is sure to delight any coffee lover. If a gift card feels too impersonal, Foster’s has a collection of apparel — cozy sweat sets and T-shirts for your loved one to rep their favorite coffee shop.

For the music lover

Flat, Black and Circular, or FBC, is a record shop filled with hundreds of varieties of records across a wide spectrum of music genres. With so many unique options to choose from, you’ll definitely find a lovely, personal gift for the music lover on your list. FBC has records from all over the world, for those who enjoy international music, and current records for pop lovers. Giving the gift of music is one of the most thoughtful and personal ideas.

For the fashion icon

Metro Retro is the most fun and funky vintage shop in Lansing. It’s a cute little store absolutely stuffed with vintage finds that will blow your fashion lover’s mind. Dior neckties for thirty dollars would be a wonderful gift for a boyfriend, brother or “Gossip Girl” fanatic, and rows upon rows of vintage dresses would delight a “New Girl” fan. Posters, knick-knacks and vintage costume jewelry are great stocking stuffer options, as well.