metro parent feature – may 2013

Catching Fireflies Unique Gift Boutique in Southeast Michigan

This eclectic shop has locations in Ann Arbor, Berkley and Rochester. Visit to find special family presents from a wide array of whimsical creations.

Looking for something out-of-the-ordinary, but not sure what exactly that may be? Buzz into Catching Fireflies  – a neat indie boutique that now has a downtown Ann Arbor location to complement its two Oakland County stores.

Owners April and Steve McCrumb invite you to peruse their plentiful collection of whimsical, often handmade, wonders, for kids (from babies to teens), teachers, grandparents – and you, too!

A welcoming scene

Describing herself as “the creative half” and her husband, Steve, as “the business half,” April and her staff comb gift shows to unearth the creations suited to her particular brand of whimsy.

Bathtub teas, bacon-flavored toothpicks, cupcake go-go purses and floral jewelry pouches are just a few examples.

“I feel really grateful to be doing this for a living,” April says.

Her customers inspire her, as well. She enjoys seeing a face light up when someone finds the perfect gift. There are many to chose from, too, in categories such as trinkets and treasures, wine lovers, Michigan goods, kitchen, office, travel, wedding and jewelry – to name a few.

Spreading their wings

No stranger to the community, April began selling her handmade photo frames at The Sunday Artisan Market in Ann Arbor while she attended Eastern Michigan University.

“I’ve always loved the area,” she says, and had been keeping her eye on the Ann Arbor building – which is nestled near Kerrytown and Zingerman’s Delicatessen – for some time, feeling it would be a good fit for the store.

The third in a growing chain of stores, the latest Catching Fireflies opened in February of 2013, with an official grand opening in March. Its original Berkley location opened in 2000, and it has a Rochester nook, too.

Products are also available online. See something you like? You can have it shipped to the store and pick it up from there.