Find the Best Detroit Souvenirs at the Detroit Food & City Tours Gift Shop in the Guardian Building
When you visit Detroit, you quickly discover that this is a city unlike any other. From its world-changing automotive legacy to its iconic music, remarkable architecture, delicious food and resilient spirit, Detroit leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. We believe the best Detroit souvenirs do more than remind you of your trip, they tell the story of the Motor City.
Whether you’re shopping for family back home, looking for a meaningful keepsake or searching for the perfect gift for a proud Detroiter, choosing authentic locally inspired products makes all the difference.
If you’re looking for the best Detroit gifts, our Detroit Food & City Tours Gift Shop in the Guardian Building is the perfect place to start. Not only do we have carefully curated gifts from local makers, but you’ll also find the starting point for many of our tours including our Guardian Building Tour.
Shop Detroit Gifts Inside One of Detroit’s Most Beautiful Landmarks
Our gift shop is located inside Detroit’s iconic Guardian Building and offers both tourists and locals a shopping experience that is uniquely Detroit. Instead of browsing through generic souvenirs, you’ll find thoughtfully selected products that celebrate the city’s history, neighborhoods, artists, makers and culture.
The Guardian Building itself is also worth the visit, often called the “Cathedral of Finance” this National Historic Landmark is one of the finest examples of Art Deco Architecture in the world. Its stunning lobby, colorful tilework, handpainted ceilings and incredible craftsmanship make it one of Motor City’s must-see destinations.
Whether you’re joining our Guardian Building Tour, See the D Walking Tour or our Iconic Food Tours, the gift shop is the perfect place to introduce you to Detroit. You are also welcome to stop in the gift shop if you’re not taking a tour, making it the perfect shop to visit anytime you’re in town as we get new products all the time.
Pro Tip: Arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled tour to browse the gift shop, meet your guide and pick up a Detroit souvenir before heading out to explore the city or return to the gift shop after your tour.
Meet Your In-Shop Guide to All Things Detroit Gifts and Souvenirs
Meet Celena, our Gift Shop Manager. She has a passion for creating welcoming spaces, memorable guest experiences and displays that somehow always need “just one more thing,” Celena brings creativity and enthusiasm to everything she does.
She has a background in photography, retail and operations, which gives her a creative eye with an organized approach. She also enjoys connecting with guests from near and far. One of her favorite parts of the job is hearing where visitors are from and helping them find a little piece of Michigan to take home.
For Celena, it’s all about making every customer feel like a welcomed guest. Whether she’s helping someone find the perfect souvenir, refreshing a display or sharing a recommendation, she loves being part of the experience that makes a visit to Detroit memorable.
Shop Showcase: Local Vendors and Fan Favorites
Now here’s more about some of the current vendors we feature in the shop.
Locally Made Food and Treats
Detroit’s food culture is unforgettable and many local favorites can be found in the gift shop. From handcrafted sweets and specialty snacks to locally produced coffee, sauces, seasonings and other Michigan-made favorites, these local food gifts allow visitors to literally take a taste of Detroit home.
Whether you’re looking for Detroit gift ideas for yourself or someone back home, locally made treats are a popular choice. Our best seller is definitely Faygo, particularly the Red Pop & Rock N Rye flavors. But we also love Bettermade Potato Chips, Great Lakes Pickling Company Pickle Seasoning, Doodle’s Maple Syrup, Hell Fire Detroit Hot Sauce, Detroit branded suckers by City Bird and Vernor’s.
Featured Food Vendors in the Shop
Hell Fire Detroit Hot Sauce
- Featured Products: Hot sauce
- The Shop’s Best Seller: The Cherry Bomb
- Why We Love Them: Fire-roasted, micro batch hot sauce made right here in Detroit
Doodle’s Sugarbush Maple Syrup
- Featured Products: Maple syrup and pancake mix
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- The Shop’s Best Seller: Their small maple leaf jar of maple syrup
- Why We Love Them: Family owned, small batch maple syrup made here in central Michigan
Detroit Apparel and Accessories
Many of our products are created by local designers and small business owners making them some of the most unique Detroit gifts you’ll find anywhere. You’ll find classic Detroit designs and neighborhood-inspired artwork to hats, tote bags, mugs and everyday accessories.
Exclusive in the Shop
- Custom-made wooden Guardian Building magnets
- Jewelry
- Postcards
- Dish towels with custom art
- Mugs with custom art
- Greeting cards with custom art
- Coasters
When asked about some of our vendors at the gift shop, Celena explained:
“Recently, I worked with an artist to create an image that includes icons of Detroit as well as the Guardian building. You can find it on a variety of items from mugs to tote bags to greeting cards and is only available in our shop.
My favorite product this summer has been our embroidered Michigan tote. It’s high quality, durable canvas and covered in icons of our Great Lakes State! We have sold out three times since getting them in!”
Featured Apparel Brands
Ink Detroit
- What We Have: T-shirts, hats, patches, stickers, sweatshirts
- Why Customers Love It: Each item celebrates Motor City pride with unmatched comfort
Detroit Shirt Company
- What We Have: T-shirts, hats, stickers and magnets
- Why Customers Love It: Long established Michigan-based brand that celebrates Detroit’s automotive heritage and local pride
Handmade Jewelry and Art
Detroit’s creative community continues to thrive, and we’re proud to showcase artists whose work reflects the city’s culture, architecture, music and history. You’ll find handcrafted jewelry, artwork, home decor, prints, ceramics, candles and locally made goods become meaningful keepsakes that you’ll treasure for years.
Featured Artists
Denny Dicks
- About the Artist: Denny is a local Michigan artist and photographer who makes us custom jewelry using his photographs of the Guardian Building.
- What We Have: Earrings, necklaces and bracelets
- Why We Love This Artist: Stunning earrings, necklaces and bracelets that complete any look
Rebel Nell
- About the Artist: Founded by Amy Peterson, Rebel Nell is a woman owned Detroit company that creates wearable art from authentic city graffiti.
- What We Have: Necklaces and bracelets
- Why We Love This Artist: One-of-a-kind jewelry pieces made from the canvas ceiling that came down during a restoration
Why Celena Think You Should Shop Local
“Shopping locally is about more than finding a great souvenir, it’s about supporting the people and businesses that make Detroit and Michigan special. Almost everything we carry comes from a Michigan business, so every purchase helps support our community. Walking through the shop you will find custom Guardian Building magnets, unique coffee mugs, Michigan games and puzzles, Detroit apparel, books and more, so there is always something to discover. We bring in new products every week so there is always something for our regular customers to discover. Our new penny press has been a fun addition, bringing in collectors and tourists alike, giving visitors a little piece of Detroit to take home.”
Visit the Detroit Food & City Tours Gift Shop in the Guardian Building
500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:30-5pm, Sunday 11-5pm
Whether you’re searching for authentic Detroit souvenirs, thoughtful Detroit gifts or looking to experience Detroit through one of our guided tours, we’d love to welcome you. We would love to have you stop in before your tour, browse after your adventure or simply visit to discover locally made products that celebrate everything Detroit has to offer. Current public tour offerings include:
Iconic Foods of Detroit Walking Tour
Contact us today for more tour availability.