Shopping local is the lifeblood of the business community.
“We are lucky here in Bowling Green that people understand that to keep a vibrant downtown, people need
to support their local business,” said Amy Craft Ahrens, own of For Keeps in Bowling Green. “We as
independent business owners support causes as varied as the scout troops, the cancer support programs,
local dance groups and more. But we can’t do this without customer support.”
During this holiday season, local businesses can not only provide unique and appropriate gifts, but
provide excellent service after the sale. Online service is often available, too.
“We have literally hundreds of gift ideas under $25,” Craft Ahrens said. “We are sending out a catalog to
30,000 households … that will include ideas and coupons.”
In Grand Rapids, A Drop of Honey owner Paulette Householder, said buying local provides health benefits
as well.
“Our honey is locally produced by my husband, and I have customers who swear by its ability to fight
allergies,” she said. “We offer local honey with three jars in a crate. Customers can make up their own
three part crate, so they get a sweet little taste of each variety, almost all for under $25.”
See what is offered at Adropofhoney.net.
Happy Historian Bookstore in Grand Rapids, a used book store, may be able to please the history buffs on
your list. Many of their books are under $3 and a large portion of the collection deals with history.
Internet sales are available via ABEbooks.
“If costumers come into the store we can help them find a book to fit the needs of that person on their
list of hard-to-buy-for people,” said Daniel Hergert, store manager.
Gene Klotz of Klotz Floral Design & Garden in Bowling Green said many of their fresh flower
arrangements are under $25. They are a family owned business that has been serving the Bowling Green
area for over 100 years. Their website is https://www.klotzflorist.com/.
Hometown Sears owner Tim Wilkins said his independently owned store has many Craftsman tools for $25 and
under, with a lifetime guarantee. He added that customers can do online shopping at the store’s website
Searshometownstores.com but with a catch.
“We only get a share of the sale if online shoppers come into our store to pick up,” Wilkins said.
The plus side of this is shoppers can zero in on exactly the right gift for one person, but can also
satisfy their shopping desires since the store carries everything from appliances to apparel, he said.

Five years ago, Sears Hometown separated from Sears Holdings Corporation and became its own independent
publicly traded company.
“My Sears store has been here for 19 years in the same location and with the same owner,” Wilkins added.

According to Carol Tolles, store manager of Main Street Ace Hardware in Bowling Green, there are several
items that would make great gifts for under $25.
“We have several tools, tool sets, etc. for the do-it-yourself people and kitchen gadgets for the people
that like to cook,” she said.
Lia Ricci, owner of Asherah’s Garden, said a handmade necklace infused with rosemary would be a perfect
gift under $25 gift for students facing tests between the holidays.
“Rosemary is good for memory and recall,” she said.
Popular toy items at Ben’s in Bowling Green include the My Audio Pet blue tooth speaker for $24.99 and a
Giant Color Stress Ball for $19.99. Toy manager Tami Ramey said they have released their 2019 Holiday
Toy catalog of baby toys and action toys as well as science activity and art project kits. Customers can
go to their website https://www.bensbg.com/ and click on the catalog cover. Ben’s also has hundreds of
décor items, a framing shop and art supplies.
Those who want authentic Bowling Green State University and Bowling Green Bobcat High School items should
stop in Elite Collegiate Apparel, a locally owned and operated apparel and spirit imprint store. Store
co-owner Kent Kokomoor said that most of their T-shirts, sweatshirts, as well as mugs and glassware are
under $25. The website is https://elite-ca.com/.
Pottery fans can find original art by nationally recognized local artist Jan Pugh at Packer Creek
Pottery, with locations in Perrysburg and Genoa. Their $25-and-under gifts include pins, jewelry,
magnets and Christmas ornaments ideal for those on your list who value local art.
Their dedication to quality and the whimsical and colorful designs have earned Packer Creek Pottery
national recognition. In 1993, Pugh was commissioned by the White House to create an angel for a
Christmas tree in the Blue Room. The original now resides in the National Archives. Their web site is
Packercreekpottery.com.
A gift card for Country House Restaurant in Wayne will allow a visitor to enjoy not only great food but
many seasonal décor items. Their Christmas Open House will offer deals under $25.
RiverFront Candle Co. is based Perrysburg and offers a hands-on candle pouring experience. Once the
customer purchases a jar for $18 to $25, let a sense of smell inspire. Each person can pour a candle by
mixing any of the 100+ fragrance oils together to create a one-of-a-kind scent. Ready-made candles are
also available, as are rooms sprays and oils. Find them at https://www.riverfrontcandleco.com/.
Art-a-site studio in Bowling Green has $25 per child pizza and paint parties. Also for $24.99 are
unmatted lithographs of Bowling Green scenes. They also specialize in “wine and canvas” painting parties
for adults, “pizza and painting” parties, home school programming, private and small group instruction,
workshops in a variety of media and birthday celebrations.