The holidays are a time for making memories and finding gifts that bring joy to the kids and families on your list. Ann Arbor and the surrounding area are full of local shops, boutiques, and family-friendly destinations where you can discover unique toys, creative activities and experience-based gifts. From hands-on museums and whimsical boutiques to interactive play spaces and cozy treats, this guide highlights the best spots to make the holiday special.
Launch Ann Arbor
800 W. Eisenhower Pkwy., Ann Arbor. (734) 423-8718.
Launch Ann Arbor is the Premier Family Entertainment Venue in Ann Arbor. With 22K sq. ft. of attractions, we put smiles on the faces of all ages. Our awesome attractions include trampoline-based dodgeball, a battle pit, a challenger course, Launch-N-Dunk, and our signature Launch Pad. In addition to our attractions, our park features 30+ arcade games, and an in-house café, which makes made-to-order pizzas! Launch Entertainment is the place for group events, birthdays, field trips, and family fun.
We are the place to PARTY! With multiple packages to choose from, you will find the perfect birthday party experience for you and your party guests. From our endless list of add ons, you can truly create your birthday party experience YOUR way! With a variety of offerings for varying ages, you can mix and match to make the most exciting birthday party ever. Design it your way and maximize your Launch experience. Book and A-List or Launch Deck Party and the Guest of Honor gets a FREE Annual Membership.
Learn more about our birthday parties here!
Give the gift of Launch this holiday season! A gift card to our park is the perfect experience gift. Take advantage of the holiday deals we have going on right now and get more bang for your buck! A visit to Launch is the perfect way to spend a chilly winter day!
Purchase your gift cards here!
Future Innovators Academy
4130 Varsity Dr, Ann Arbor. (734) 800-4189.
Wrap up creativity that lasts. FIA gift cards unlock hands-on STEM classes, camps, and parties- robotics, coding, 3D printing, and digital making. Perfect for curious kids and hard-to-shop-for tweens.
FIA gift cards also open the door to hands-on STEM for K-8: LEGO® robotics, Arduino, Scratch & Python coding, Minecraft modding, 3D printing, laser-cut projects, and electronics.
They run small, mentor-led classes and camps where kids plan, build, test, and proudly say, “I built this.”
Use your gift card for winter/spring terms, no-school day camps, workshops, or birthday parties. This is a great gift for curious starters and advanced tinkerers alike.
Summer Camp Schedule drops on December 1st–register early for Early Bird Discounts!
The Little Seedling
2465 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
A longtime favorite for families, The Little Seedling offers high-quality toys, games, books, puzzles, baby gear and clothing. Their shelves are filled with thoughtful, durable gifts—from wooden toys and science kits to art supplies and plush favorites.
Mudpuddles
407 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor
Step into a world of imaginative play. Mudpuddles specializes in unique toys, dress-up sets, children’s books, craft kits and playful accessories. It’s the perfect spot to find gifts that encourage creativity.
Catching Fireflies
419 Detroit St., Ann Arbor
Known for its colorful and quirky selection, Catching Fireflies is full of whimsical children’s gifts: fun stationery, fidget toys, art projects, plush animals, and stocking stuffers galore. It’s a great stop for unique, under-$20 gifts or for kids who love anything bright, playful, and a little unexpected.
Vault of Midnight
219 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
For comic, graphic novel, and game-loving kids and teens, Vault of Midnight is a dream come true. They offer everything from kid-friendly comics and manga to board games, card games, toys and collectibles.
A2 Hands-On Museum
220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor
Give the gift of an experience that lasts all year. Memberships to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offer unlimited visits to interactive science exhibits kids love. You can also shop the museum store for STEM kits, science toys and educational gifts that combine fun with learning.
Michigan Theater
603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
For budding movie lovers, a Michigan Theater gift card makes a great gift—especially during the holiday season of classic movie screenings. Families can enjoy animated films, live performances and special kids’ programming throughout the year.
Kitty Face
106 N. Main St., Chelsea
Kitty Face is a playful boutique in downtown Chelsea that’s perfect for kids, tweens, and teens. The shop offers a mix of unique toys, plush animals, stationery, and fun novelty items. It’s the kind of place where every gift feels special and full of personality.
The Rocket
122 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
The Rocket is packed wall-to-wall with kid-friendly gifts: retro candies, toys, puzzles, pop-culture merch, plush and novelty items. Kids can spend forever browsing here. It’s the ideal spot for fun treats, themed gift bags or stocking stuffers.
