Last-minute Flint holiday shoppers guide

FLINT, Michigan—Christmas is right around the corner, bringing with it the flurry of decorating, baking, and rush to holiday sales. Here are some Flint-based holiday favorites that are sure to be standout gifts for your loved ones that are only a walk downtown or web click away.
 

Kalm's hoodie tracksuits retail for $155. Visit their online store to view the whole collection.Kalm Clothing

This clothing line by Flint entrepreneur Kiara Tyler made waves since the brand’s debut in October 2016, gaining attention and buy-in from NBA player Draymond Green. Kalm Clothing specializes in streetwear offering bold combinations in sweatsuits, tracksuits, pullovers, hoodies, and puffer jackets. Grab a stylish hometown attraction on the website or visit their pieces in person at the Dryden Building on 601 Saginaw St.


Elle Jae Essentials

Created by Flint native La'Asia Johnson, it’s a hand-made, all-natural skin care line created to protect skin from harsh weather and skin conditions alike. All her products are made from ingredients and fragrances you would find in any prairie, orchard, or pastry shop. Body butters, exfoliating body scrubs, body oils, lip balms, and beard care—she has it all. Her collections have a home at Shift Boutique downtown, or visit her website and Etsy shop to place your order and stop by her local office on 3560 Flushing Road for pickup.

 

Bead Me Please

Know someone with a love for subtle jewelry? Bead Me Please, by local jewelry maker Shakya Pea, obliges by offering premade and custom designed crystal-infused waist beads made with amethyst, rose quartz,Bead Me Please's crystal-infused waist beads cost $18. Visit Facebook and Bead Me Please's website for more prices and custom orders. lapis lazuli, and more. In addition to jewelry design, they offer jewelry repair and fittings. View their waist bead collection on their website, Facebook, or place a custom order to their email at [email protected].

 

Bedrock Apparel

This local brand has a national presence as bold as its name, with celebrity support from the likes of actress Gabrielle Union and former NBA player Jalen Rose. The brand, by Jason Trice, is known for its simple but expressive seven letter word design that encapsulates the resiliency of the city it's from. Spread the message by gifting a staple Bedrock T-shirt, hoodie, or snap back by placing an order through their Instagram or stopping by the Dryden Building.


Related article: Bedrock Apparel gaining national attention while staying firmly rooted in Flint


DeeLightful Arrangements

Complete your Christmas gift basket with a local tasty treat from Deelightful Arrangements by Deonna Jones. Choose from sets of chocolate-covered strawberries, watermelon cradled fruit, yogurt cups, mini cheesecakes, stuffed apples and more. To gift a fix for the holiday sweet tooth, visit their Facebook page.

 
Alex-Dav Clothing

T-shirts with a play on words are local brand creative Antwaun Dav’s specialty. Each shirt makes you want to take a closer look. The brand also extends to beanies, caps, and hoodies. To gift a wearable message straight from Flint visit Alex-Dav Clothing online and place your order on Facebook, or visit the collection in person at the Everything Flint Store on 4526 Beecher Road.


King’s Klutches

King’s Klutches by purse extraordinaire Tonya King, proves that arm candy is the cherry on top for any outfit. For the past five years, this online handbag shop has offered versatile accent pieces from backpack purses, fanny packs, and satchels to fashionable luggage, totes, and statement footwear. To browse their selection or to gift a holiday handbag visit King’s Klutches' website or find them on Facebook.
 

Chloe's Bowtique is offering a $5 holiday special for all Christmas bows.Chloe’s Bowtique

Hair bows are all the rage from Disney celebrity Jojo Siwa to Flint’s very own Chloe, daughter of Flint business-owner Santoya Lewis. Her young daughter inspired the business through her love of adorning her hair with colorful bows. Now the business has grown, offering bows of all shapes and sizes including Bow Boxes. It's a subscription box that provides customers with the month’s most popular selections of bows. Every young gift needs the perfect bow. To order or to subscribe for a monthly Bow Box visit their Facebook page, or email Chloe’s Bowtique at [email protected]

 

Kids Like Mine Book Series

Books are gifts that speak directly to their recipients, and these children's books have spoken volumes all around the world. The Kids Like Mine series by local author LaTashia M. Perry is made up of stories and coloring books that illustrate childhood self-love, acceptance, and imagination. To purchase a book from the Kids Like Mine series visit the website.


Related article: Flint author pens sequel following 'Hair Like Mine' success
 

Belle Rebel Boutique

Flint author Shanise L. Ollie distinguishes her designs with the likes of Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, and Eartha Kitt. These icons are backdropped in all fashionable manner of tote, T-shirt, hoodie, and swimsuit designs, adding flair to the year-round celebration of black women. Visit Belle Rebel Boutique online—there's even a charming Billie Holiday tune that plays while you shop.

 
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Read more articles by Xandr Brown.