From locally made dishware to a luxurious facial appointment, here are the Swoon List-worthy Northern Michigan gifts our editors are asking Santa for.
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All Cara Wants for Christmas:
Custom Shaggy's Skis
Last winter I borrowed a pair of slalom race skis for the first time, and it was love at first carve. Short, snappy and responsive, they whisked me out of turns with a joyful little fling and I laughed out loud all the way down the mountain.
I’d ask Santa for more on-mountain grins in the form of custom Shaggy’s skis. Michigan-made by Michigan skiers, they’re built from local hardwood to be nimble on our slush/ice/hard pack and short, steep terrain. I love that Shaggy’s Brockway 90s will take me through crud, corn and back again, with flex that’s stable at speed and perfect for hard pack and groomers, my ski-mom reality. A custom Northern lights skin design would make me smile, too.
Photo by Shaggy's Skis
All Allison Wants for Christmas:
Little Beauty Kitchen Facial
It’s that time of year again—when the energetic momentum feels like it’s building rather than waning. With visions of deadlines and gift-wrapping dancing in my head, I’d ask Santa for some self-care this season—specifically, a luxuriously-mellow facial appointment at Little Beauty Kitchen. Esthetician and herbalist Kelly Kehl recently moved her business from Suttons Bay to downtown Traverse City, and she’s created a space that looks absolutely magical (just following her Insta will get you into a Zen state of mind). Kelly specializes in facial massage, lymphatic drainage, self-love and ancient beauty rituals.
Photo by Little Beauty Kitchen
All Lissa Wants for Christmas
Ben Maier Handmade Stoneware
When your dishware dates to your 1982 wedding registry, well, sometimes ya’ get to thinkin’ you deserve a change. I’ve long considered what, exactly, I’d ask for if Santa promised to bring it to me. And it’s a no-brainer decision. I’d ask the Big Guy for a set of Ben Maier’s handmade stoneware, crafted in his Leelanau County studio. Please pass the $100 Everyday Service Utility Bowl, thank you.
Photo by Dave Weidner
All Carly Wants for Christmas:
An Alpaca Cardigan
The first story I ever wrote for MyNorth.com almost nine years ago was about Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm. Since then, I’ve been dreaming about having my own alpaca hobby farm. I won’t ask Santa for a herd—yet (but you should check out the alpacas for sale at Cotton Creek Farms; Francis is so fluffy!). This year, I’m asking for a charcoal-colored alpaca cardigan—specifically a duet sweater that can be worn two ways. Turn it one way and it’s short. Flip it upside down and it’s long. I don’t understand how it works, but I love it. Now, please enjoy this video of alpaca kisses:
All Rachel Wants for Christmas
Child Bike Trailer & A Date Night
For Baby: In the Soulliere household we’re already thinking about summer with our sweet boy. He’ll officially be old enough for a good adventure and living off the TART Trail means our first priority will be getting him on it! With that being said we’ve got our eye on the Thule Cadence child trailer at Brick Wheels.
For Me: Speaking of that baby boy, my husband and I have a first date night post-baby on our wishlist. My husband’s first attempt at going out to eat solo for work ended with him getting his meal to go since baby was feeling under the weather. While we did end up enjoying Artisan’s 28-day dry-aged wagyu NY strip steak from the comfort of our own bed after baby was asleep, there’s nothing we’d love more than to be able to eat it hot out of the kitchen.
Read Next: No Detail is Too Small at Artisan Restaurant in Traverse City + Enjoy an Adult Snow Day at Delamar Traverse City.
Photo by Dave Weidner