The holidays are on their way! A time of excitement, joy, food, and brown paper packages stuck on shipping barges in the middle of the Pacific. Hmm….that’s not exactly the picture-perfect 2021 holiday scene we’re all hoping for, is it?
2021’s holiday gift plans are under a unique kind of pressure this year; lines of parked cargo ships and overflowing shipping ports flash on our screens and in headlines every day, reminding us that our reliance on overseas production in nearly every element of our lives is not only fragile but at risk of total collapse. Some approach the panic by shopping for the holidays well before trick-or-treaters arrive on doorsteps, while others figure the supply chain issues will work themselves out in time. Both tempt fate, something we here at GreenCup Digital find a bit too risky given the weariness we’re all feeling at the thought of another disrupted holiday season.
What if we told you it doesn’t need to be this way? Your Insta-perfect, Norman Rockwell holiday scenes don’t need to fade away – in fact, we can add a little sparkle to your snow-capped holiday dreams! Last year, we published our favorite local businesses and charities to support over the holidays. This year, we’re taking clues from the news and shifting away from gifting stuff to gifting experiences and services. GreenCup Digital wants to help you bypass the stress by connecting you to local small businesses specializing in unique services and adventures – no shipping required!
A Little Pampering, Perhaps?
MGB Salon and Spa – Over 3700 square feet of relaxation space welcomes guests treated like family and pampered with the most unique, inclusive services in the industry
Honu Healing Massage by Mary Beth – Massage delivered with “Honu,” which symbolizes good luck, endurance, and long life
Ethos Day Spa – Ethical, effective, clean, natural spa services delivered with kindness and aimed at bringing wellness and relaxation to everybody
Grand Rapids Spray Tan – Natural-looking tanning services captured through uniquely customized colors and tones and top of the line equipment
Wanderlux Beauty and Wellness Co. – Beauty & wellness services that strive to inspire and empower others to be their highest and most beautiful selves
Hankering for Good Health?
Zeal Aerial Fitness – Providing the opportunity to renew yourself physically and mentally in a safe, supportive community using aerial fitness techniques taught by professional instructors
Erica Jones Co. – Personal healing through coaching, massage, and sound healing services out of the urban retreat space at the Blackport building
Muir Wellness – Providing an intentional community to empower women to be confident, healthy, and present in their daily lives through nutritional support, physical activity, and positive mindset training
Communitea Wellness – A place to relax, breathe and fill your cup through massage, reiki, yoga, meditation, tea, and community
Kula Yoga Grand Rapids – Providing thoughtful, intentional, and accessible mind-body-and-spirit nourishing yoga in an inclusive, judgment-free zone
Eager for Adventure?
TreeRunner Adventure Park – More than 60 treetop obstacles and ziplines, five difficulty levels, and seven different courses for adventurers of all ages
AdventurePoint – All-ages team building, sustainability, STEM, and leadership taught using an outdoor 35’ Climbing & Rappelling Tower, Zipline, BB, and Archery Range, a Low COPE Challenge Course, 2 miles of woodlands, and five modern camping yurts
Blandford Nature Center– Engaging and empowering community members through enriching nature experiences, including special events, camps, the Heritage Village, farm, and Nature Nook playscape
Double R Ranch – Kayaking, canoeing, tubing, horseback riding, and camping situated on a 3rd generation owned and managed family ranch and resort
Cannonsburg Ski Area – Year-round outdoor activities, including tubing, biking, terrain parks, skiing, snowboarding, and special seasonal events
Coveting a Good Clean?
Clean Bee Home Services – Home cleaning service that specializes in using biodegradable, eco-friendly, sustainable cleaning products that are safe and natural for your home, family, and pets
Moxie Life Organizing – Coaching, consulting, decluttering, estate management, interior design and staging, concierge service, and senior services provided by professional, non-judgemental industry experts
Less Mess with Jess – Home and office cleaning service dedicated to long term, consistent, detailed, and personalized cleaning services
Spark Joy in MI – Home and life organization provided by a KonMari Gold Consultant trained and mentored by Marie Kondo, author of the bestselling book, The Life-Changing Method of Tidying Up
Dutch Maids Cleaning and Organizing Service – Family-owned and operated cleaning service with expertise in organization, home and vacation home cleans, and small commercial space cleans
Urge for the Unique?
Breakroom Therapy – Michigan’s original rage room, featuring a wide selection of items to loosen frustrations, including printers, TVs, dishes, and computer monitors
The 12th House GR – Offering custom henna tattoos and tarot card readings in an LGBTQ+ owned and operated space that celebrates individual identities, empowers youth, and provides a positive, supportive community for LGBTQ folks and local artists
Heritage Hill Association and the Meyer May House – Exemplifying Grand Rapid’s historical, architectural wonders through guided tours, events, and a step inside some of the most unique neighborhoods and homes in the world
Grand Rapids Symphony – Showcasing musical talent year-round with over 400 events per year in venues across West Michigan, including holiday and family-friendly productions
The Pump House Frozen Yogurt Bar – A unique adventure into the world of artisanal yogurt, gelato, sorbet, and custard inside a modern-day soda shop featuring a plethora of flavors to try and vintage-era-inspired toppings to customize
There’s no greater gift than a good time! Skip the empty shelves and shipping anxiety by gifting your loved ones (or yourself!) a service or adventure offered by one of our unique local businesses. Your dollars stay in the community, your gift recipient gets memories that last a lifetime, and you get to sit back and bask in the glory of your creativity – a joyful holiday experience all around!
For those who crave retail therapy and want to make the most of those Small Business Saturday specials:
Retail Honorable Mentions
Rosa’s Closet – An upscale consignment boutique that is passionate about providing and increasing ovarian cancer awareness, support, and community
Reinspired Treasures – Furnishing an eclectic mix of vintage and new farmhouse decor, furniture, antiques, and locally-made creations
Woosah Outfitters – Naturally-inspired, handcrafted art and apparel featuring artwork revolving around woodcuts and the great outdoors
Oh, and before we leave you to your shopping joy, did we mention giving the gift of time is one of GreenCup Digital’s specialties? Our woman-owned, Grand Rapids-based digital marketing services help small businesses creatively and efficiently maximize their time. We capture the hearts of target audiences by developing responsive, captivating websites, creating and managing engaging social media accounts, and providing interactive, search engine optimized content. We love taking tasks off the neverending to-do lists of business owners and elevating small business marketing to tangible, profitable heights. Could you or someone you know benefit from less time spent online and more time spent doing the things you love? Connect with us here to learn more about how GreenCup Digital is the one gift you won’t want to wait to open this year!
