Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Source for Handmade Michigan Gifts & Crafts
Up North Gift was founded in 1999 by Jerry and Kathy Groff, with a vision to create unique handmade products rooted in Michigan's natural beauty. In 2018, Pat and Janet Lipzinski took over stewardship of the business, continuing its legacy of crafting high-quality candles, rustic home goods, and locally made apparel. Our Bitely, Michigan location serves as both a retail space and creative hub for regional artisans, featuring handcrafted items from talented makers like Lois, Sharon, and Marian. We prioritize responsible production practices and are committed to expanding our inventory of Michigan-made products. Our team combines decades of crafting experience with a passion for preserving traditional techniques while embracing modern design.We offer a curated selection of handmade candles, custom lake signs, and home decor that reflect the spirit of Northern Michigan. Community engagement remains central to our mission, as evidenced by our support for local initiatives like Lois' quilting projects for the homeless. Our operating hours accommodate both local residents and seasonal visitors, with extended Sunday hours during peak times. We maintain strict quality control over all products, ensuring each item meets our standards for durability and craftsmanship. Our store's location in downtown Bitely provides easy access for customers seeking authentic, locally made gifts and home goods.
Services
Handmade Candles
Rustic Home Goods
Michigan Apparel
Custom Lake Signs
Handmade Creams
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in handmade product creation
- Our team includes multi-generational Michigan artisans
- We maintain strict quality control over all handmade items
- We support local community initiatives through product donations
- Our inventory features exclusive custom lake sign designs
Services
Handmade Candles
Our in-house candle production features soy-based materials and natural fragrances. Each candle is poured by hand in small batches to ensure quality consistency. Available in multiple container styles including traditional jars and rustic zinc tins.
Custom Lake Signs
We create custom wooden signs featuring lake coordinates and nautical themes. Each piece uses reclaimed wood and weather-resistant finishes. Customers can request specific designs or coordinate combinations for personalized gifts.
Rustic Home Goods
Our home decor collection includes handcrafted wooden signs and quilts. Artisans use traditional techniques like chalk painting and quilting to create functional art pieces. All materials are sourced locally when possible.
Michigan Apparel
We offer a curated selection of Michigan-themed clothing items including university logo apparel. All garments are made in the USA with durable, comfortable materials. Designs feature regional motifs and university branding.
Handmade Creams
Our natural skincare line includes goat milk lotion and herbal healing creams. Products use organic ingredients and essential oils for moisturizing benefits. Formulations are developed specifically for Northern Michigan's climate conditions.
People
Jerry Groff
Founder
Founded Up North Gift in 1999, establishing its original product line and artisan partnerships. His vision created the foundation for the business's commitment to handmade quality.
Kathy Groff
Co-Founder
Co-founded the business with Jerry Groff, contributing to initial product development and store operations. Helped establish the company's focus on Michigan-made goods.
Pat Lipzinski
Current Owner
Assumed ownership in 2018, continuing the tradition of quality handmade products. Focuses on expanding the business's artisan network while maintaining original standards.
Janet Lipzinski
Current Owner
Co-owner since 2018, managing day-to-day operations and customer relations. Ensures consistent product quality across all handmade items in the store.
Sharon
Artisan
Creates custom wooden signs using reclaimed materials. Developed the popular lake coordinate sign series. Operates under the Dandylion Vines brand from her Bitely workshop.
Questions
Do you offer custom sign design options?
Yes, we create custom wooden signs with personalized coordinates and lake names. Please allow 2-3 weeks for production.
Are your candles made with natural materials?
All candles use soy wax and cotton wicks with essential oil-based fragrances for clean burning.
Do you accept out-of-state orders?
Yes, we ship to all US states via standard ground shipping with tracking included.
What are your holiday hours?
Holiday hours vary - please check our Facebook page for current schedule updates.
Can I visit the workshop?
The production area isn't open to visitors, but our retail store in Bitely showcases all products.
Reviews (4)
Sherie Middleton
Nov 03, 2021
Report
Always a great place to stop. Variety of things to choose from. Owner is always friendly and great. Plus fresh baked good are delicious.
Katherine Harwood
Jun 04, 2021
Report
What a great little place! Really enjoyed the owner. She has a great eye for gifts and trinkets. A definite must go to
Autumn Meachum
Sep 19, 2020
Report
Always stop here when I go north. You will find local items. Weekends you even get bake goodies here. The owners are so nice! Dont forget to sign the guest book when u are there. I always find it interesting to look and see where everyone is from.
Debbie Perkins
Aug 16, 2020
Report
Yesterday, I stopped in to buy cherry salsa and was so excited to also get two cinnamon rolls. I have read the reviews on them and they didnt disappoint. The icing was so creamy and delicious. I will definitely be back for more.