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Monday, 8 December 2025

Shop at these local toy stores in metro Detroit this holiday season

By  December 08, 2025   No comments

Is the child in your life celebrating a brag-worthy birthday, stellar work in school — or, mom and dad, are you just searching for that perfect holiday gift? Try independent local toy stores here in metro Detroit to find unique presents for kids of any age.

We’ve listed some independent toy stores around metro Detroit that offer dolls, trains, puzzles, customizable gifts and oodles more.

Updated Dec. 4, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Metro Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.

Best Toy Stores in Metro Detroit

Macomb County 

Bricks & Minifigs

Visit this toy store that specializes in new and used Lego items. It also buys and trades all Lego products.

FunkyTown Toys and Comics 

Find action figures (vintage or new), comics, collectibles, statues and more.

Great Lakes Hobby & Toy

In business for more than 30 years, this Macomb County shop carries children’s play trains, slot cars, crafts, model kits and other toys.

Sarge & Red’s Toys and Collectibles  

Find vintage, retro and new toys, plus plenty of nostalgia at this local shop. Available items include Barbie, GI Joe, Marvel, Star Wars, Monster High, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more. Sarge & Red’s also buys and resells used toys.

The Friendship Factory

Have a crafty kid at home? Check out all the friendship bracelet kits, painting sets and other creative sets sold at The Friendship Factory. Call ahead for drop-in activities and ear piercing. (This storefront will be moving. When are where are still TBA.) 

Toy Box of Michigan 

A family-owned toy shop that chooses toys specifically for safety, quality and originality. Find tons of board games, musical instruments, educational items and more.

Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy

A tradition since 1969, this store is filled with creative toys like Madame Alexander dolls, Breyer model horses, Brio train sets, Melissa & Doug toys, model kits, Lego, Playmobil, Lionel trains, large puzzle selection and much more.

Oakland

Funky Monkey Toys 

With its large collection of games, toys, magic tricks and more, this pick among Oakland County’s independent toy stores has something for every age and interest. Check out the board games, electronic robots, Lego and plush toys. Or start a family tradition and pick up an Elf on the Shelf.

hihi + LIFT

  • Address: 228 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak

If you’re looking for a super cute store full of all things kawaii, which means “cute” in Japanese, then stop into hihi. The store carries a large selection of plush toys, collectibles and paper goods, including a large selection of Hello Kitty products. The other store at this location is LIFT, which offers designer toys, blind boxes and artistic bags.

HobbyTown 

This store, dedicated to helping you find that perfect hobby, is packed with RC cars, drones, planes, trains, puzzles, models and games for everyone. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming “model build day” events.

Michigan Toy Soldier Company

This store founded in 1996 offers everything for toy soldier collectors and enthusiasts. Discover collectible figures, figure kits and much more here.

Rail & Anchor  

Find plenty of unique gifts and items for the whole family. For the kiddos, there are books, games, plushies, wooden toys and much more.

The Friendship Factory 

Have a crafty kid at home? Check out all the friendship bracelet kits, painting sets and other creative sets sold at The Friendship Factory. Call ahead for drop-in activities and ear piercing.

The Rocket Candy and Novelties

In addition to loads of novelty, nostalgic and bulk candies for sale, this spot stocks traditional toys like kites and books, plus vintage T-shirts, magnets and other accessories.

Toyology

This store has something for kids of all ages — from items for imaginative play to puzzles, board games, infant toys, plushies and more. Toyology is dedicated to selling products that are fun, sustainable and educational. Stop in and see a “toyologist” for help picking the perfect gift.

Village Toy Shoppe  

Relive your childhood as you take a walk through this veteran on our independent toy stores list. There’s a variety of products for babies, science and technology, clothing, dolls, puzzles, games and more.

Washtenaw

Mudpuddles Toy Store

The fun shop features games, creative toys, activity books and puppets. Find gifts to pique your child’s imagination at one of the staple Washtenaw County independent toy stores.

My Urban Toddler 

With its ample selections of kids apparel, puzzles, dolls, books and other essentials, this store strives to offer something for all the stages of your child’s development. Find imagination-powered toys, as well as supplies and gifts for expecting parents.

Rock Paper Scissors 

Rock Paper Scissors is a shop that sells a variety of themed gift boxes. If someone you know is expecting, you can order them a box of baby supplies such as toys, books and other items, or a box of holiday and self care items.

The Rocket Candy and Novelties

In addition to loads of novelty, nostalgic and bulk candies for sale, this spot stocks traditional toys like kites and books, plus vintage T-shirts, magnets and other accessories.

Wayne

Genuine Toy Co.

If you’re looking for engaging toys, this is the place. It has award-winning family games, science and craft kits, challenging puzzles and more. You’ll find pretend play items for tots. It features toys you grew up with and haven’t seen in ages!

hihi

Check out their newest location in Midtown. If you’re looking for a super cute store full of all things kawaii, which means “cute” in Japanese, then stop into hihi. The store carries a large selection of plush toys, collectibles and paper goods, including a large selection of Hello Kitty products.  

Time Blaster Toys 

  • Address: 38741 Ann Arbor Road, Livonia

Your one-stop shop for all ’80s, ’90s and recent toys. They sell vintage and modern action figures, collectibles, trading cards and more. 

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Free pre-k for 4-year-olds expands for Macomb County families

By  December 08, 2025   No comments

Free preK for 4-year-olds is expanding for Macomb County families in the 2025-26 school year, giving more children access to Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) which helps build the social and early academic skills needed for kindergarten.

GSRP is the state’s free prekindergarten program for eligible 4-year-olds. The state describes it as a place where children practice social skills like sharing and taking turns while building early math, reading and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities. The program is designed to help children be ready for kindergarten and beyond, according to the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential.

For the 2025-26 school year, the state says all families have access to free preK through GSRP, with priority given to those who need it most. Right now, enrollment priority goes to families at or below 400% of the federal poverty limit, which is about $128,000 in annual income for a family of four.

Michigan officials note that GSRP is ranked No. 1 nationally among prekindergarten programs and that most 4-year-olds in the state qualify for free preK. Programs generally follow the school year calendar and may offer full-day, part-day, four-day or five-day options, according to Great Start to Quality.

For Macomb County families, that statewide expansion is supported locally by the Macomb Intermediate School District, which coordinates GSRP classrooms across local districts and community providers.

How Macomb families can find a local classroom

At the county level, the Macomb Intermediate School District runs a consortium of GSRP programs across local school districts and community providers. MISD describes the county’s GSRP classrooms as developmentally appropriate, play-based programs that are rich in language and literacy and prepare students for the “rigors of kindergarten” when they finish, according to the Macomb Intermediate School District.

MISD also notes that its GSRP classrooms follow quality standards set by the state and must meet licensing requirements from the Department of Human Services.

A 2025 MISD preschool flyer highlights both Head Start and GSRP options and lists locations in communities across the county, including Armada, Center Line, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Macomb Township, Mount Clemens, New Baltimore, New Haven, Richmond, Romeo, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights and Warren. The flyer also stresses that children in these programs work on skills like listening to stories, early literacy, math, science, physical movement and building relationships through cooperative play, according to the MISD Preschool Flyer.

Parents who want to search by neighborhood can use the state’s Great Start to Quality Free PreK search tool. The site lets families enter a ZIP code, then shows free GSRP and Head Start options connected to that area.

Families with questions about local GSRP programs can also contact MISD’s early childhood office directly. The PreK for All page lists a central phone number, 586-228-3468, along with several coordinators and a Great Start Collaborative coordinator who support family outreach and enrollment.

Lakeview bond proposal focuses on comfort and learning spaces

As Macomb County expands access to early childhood programs, one district is also updating facilities to support younger learners.

Lakeview Public Schools’ bond proposal was approved by voters on Nov. 4, clearing the way for building upgrades across all seven school campuses. Unofficial results from the district show 2,865 residents voted yes and 2,225 voted no, according to the St. Clair Shores Sentinel (C&G Newspapers).

With the proposal passing, the district can now begin replacing classroom heating and cooling systems that are more than 20 years old. Superintendent Karl Paulson has said these updates should help keep classrooms comfortable and consistent throughout the school year. Work will also be done in media centers, gyms and other shared areas that support day-to-day learning, according to the district’s bond information.

At Wheat Early Childhood Center, part of the administrative wing will be converted into additional early childhood classrooms, creating more dedicated space for younger learners.

Lakeview’s bond information page notes that the school debt tax rate will remain the same as the district moves forward with these projects. Families can review the full building project lists, FAQs and documents on the district’s bond election webpage to see what changes are planned at their child’s school through Lakeview Public Schools.



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Friday, 5 December 2025

Donate to children in need at any of these holiday toy drives in metro Detroit

By  December 05, 2025   No comments

Toy drives are charity events that are crucial for providing holiday cheer to kids in our communities. They’re also a good way for parents to lead by example and show their kids how important it is to give to others in need. 

Many families don’t have the funds to put towards a holiday celebration, which means your toy or children’s gift donation can fill the gap and bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Check out this list of toy drives in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties to get you started. 

Local toy drive events

Grand Change Makers Christmas Toy Drive

  • Date: Ongoing through December 2025 (pick-up/distribution late December)
  • Location: Various locations around metro Detroit (drop-off or shipping)
  • Organizer: The Grand Change Makers Organization runs a toy drive to support families in need in Detroit.

How you can help:

  • Drop off or ship new, unwrapped toys directly to Grand Change Makers. 
  • You can also make a financial contribution through their website, which will help them expand their reach.
  •  If you’re interested in volunteering, fill out their form to assist with toy distribution after the donation period.

All Total Health Systems

  • Date: Now through Dec. 12, 2025
  • Location: All Total Health Systems locations in Metro Detroit (various clinics check website for the closest one near you!)
  • Organizer:  Total Health Systems is partnering with Toys for Tots to collect toy donations for children in need.

How you can help:

  • Bring new, unopened toys to any Total Health Systems location before Dec. 12.
  • Consider asking a neighbor, your job, or a neighborhood organization to set up a toy donation station at their location.

18th Annual Variety Holiday Adopt-a-Child & Santa’s Workshop

  • Date: Dec. 6, 2025
    Location: Metro Detroit / Southeastern Michigan (various, coordinated by Variety Children’s Charity)
    Organizer: Variety Children’s Charity of Detroit organizes this to provide gifts, clothing, and toys to children.

How you can help:

  • Sponsor a kid by selecting items from their desire list; you’ll get all the necessary information, including age as well as gift suggestions.
  • Bring new, unopened toys (still in their original packaging) to Santa’s Workshop. Variety will supply the wrapping supplies, labels and a cheerful morning filled with music and food.

Detroit Give Back Fest

  • Date: 3-6 p.m. Dec. 13, 2025
  • Location: 8635 Mack Ave., Detroit
  • Organizer: Play Mates Detroit is hosting this day of community giving music, food trucks, family games, and a toy and coat donation drive.

How you can help:

  • Bring unopened toys and warm clothes to the event. 
  • Consider volunteering your time, or simply share the details with your friends and family to boost donations.

17th Annual Charity Benefit Dinner & Toy Drive, Amazing Kinkz

  • Date: 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 2025
  • Location: 18090 Wyoming Ave., Detroit
  • Organizer: Amazing Kinkz LLC hosts this annual holiday benefit a night of live music, spoken word and community, all with a giving spirit.

How you can help:

  • Buy a ticket, and remember, each one needs to be paired with a brand-new toy. 
  • When you come, bring a new, unwrapped toy. No wrapping.

Ongoing local toy drive events

Chevy Dealers Annual Toy Drive

This sixth annual toy drive supports the Bottomless Toy Chest, a nonprofit that delivers toys year-round. Its mission is to deliver a toy to every child in the hospital. A wish list of new and unused toys can be seen here.

Gifts in Kind

Donate new toys to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Wish lists are on their website along with their toy and gift safety guidelines. To schedule a time to deliver, call 734-764-1260. 

Macomb Charitable Foundation

This organization helps homeless and at-risk children. Donate new toys and gift cards at one of the many drop-off locations in Macomb, Ray Township and Shelby Township.

Operation Christmas Child

Families can pack a shoe box for a child in need. This program is run by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organization that donates to kids all over the world. Fill the box with toys and necessities and track your box’s journey. 

Rainbow Connection Holiday Toy Drive

Donate new and unwrapped toys to this organization. Check the Rainbow Connection website for holiday troy drive drop-off hours. Call 248-601-9474 for a special drop off. 

Salvation Army Angel Tree

This toy and clothing drive is brought to you by the Salvation Army and Walmart. The trees have tags on them of a child’s wish list. Donors choose a tag and shop for the little boy or girl (doesn’t have to be at Walmart). Items can be dropped off at any Salvation Army. 

Toys for Tots

Run by the U.S. Marines. Donate new and unused toys for a child in need. Various drop off locations can be seen here.

Do you know of any other toy drives in southeast Michigan? Share them with us in the comments so we can add them to our list!  

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Treat your family to a winter getaway at Treetops Resort this season

By  December 05, 2025   No comments

There is a special kind of anticipation that builds as your ski lift crosses the top of the hill at Treetops Resort. Snow blankets the branches as far as the eye can see, drifting down to smooth ski runs and lodge rooftops.

Every winter, Treetops transforms the resort into a hub of winter sports, après-ski entertainment and holiday fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Pairing winter sports with heated pools and a specialty spa sets Michigan families up with all the best amenities for a winter weekend getaway this season.

Top-notch snow and winter sports

Treetops Resort’s “Top of the Hill” holds plenty of winter sports to explore with your family, from classics like skiing and snowboarding to adrenaline-rushing adaptations like snowtubing.

“We call it our winter playland,” says Barry Owens, the resort’s general manager.

For a family of skiers, the resort has over 20 lighted slopes to explore, ranging from beginner to black diamond. Plus, the resort is bringing back “Rollaway,” a previously discontinued slope that returners love for its steep descent.

For new skiers or those needing a refresh, Treetops Resort also offers a short but jam-packed Terrain-Based Learning program guests can attend to learn specific skills and gain confidence before hitting the slopes.

For adrenaline junkies of all skill levels, Treetops Resort hosts two extreme tubing courses that reach speeds up to 50 mph. Still, safety and ease are a top priority at Treetops Extreme Tubing. 

Additional winter sports to explore include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even ice skating.

Seasonal activities and signature events all winter long

Kids pose with skis and snowboards at Treetops Resort during a family winter getaway with skiing, snowboarding and seasonal activities.
Photo credit: Treetops Resort

The boundless snowcover at Treetops brings out seasonal festivities for a family-focused holiday season.

Horse-drawn carriage rides operate throughout the winter, along with a scavenger hunt search for colored wristbands across the resort with presents at the end. 2025 will also be capped off with a New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with fireworks.

Outside of the season’s holiday celebrations, the resort’s restaurants and lodges host special events and weekly themed nights for skiers.

One of the popular event spots at the top of the hill is the bonfire: “We do an après-ski party out there where there’ll be a DJ with music,” Owens says. “And there’ll be an outdoor ice bar set up.”

What to know when planning your stay at Treetops Resort

Families gather around a winter bonfire at Treetops Resort with a horse-drawn carriage nearby during a seasonal Michigan getaway.
Photo credit: Treetops Resort

Treetops Resort offers several lodging areas so the fun can continue for the whole stay. 

The Lodge at Treetops and Treetops Inn are complete with heated pools, hot tubs and comfortable suites. If your family is looking for a longer stay, there are ski-in, ski-out chalets and vacation homes.

No matter the stay you choose, all guests have access to the resort spa. 

“When you’ve spent a bunch of time outside — either doing some downhill or snowshoeing or whatever it may be — and you need a massage,” Owens says, “(the spa) even serves your favorite beverage before you relax.”

Before laying out plans to visit Treetops Resort, keep in mind that booking in advance is crucial.

SnowCloud, the resort’s new booking technology that keeps all reservations in the same place, lets your family skip the holiday stress and dive straight into the season’s festivities at your next visit to Treetops Resort.

Instead of hunkering down at home this holiday season, venture out to the deep snow, cozy comfort and endless activities at Treetops Resort for a true taste of winter in Michigan. 

This content is sponsored by Treetops Resort. Discover more and book your stay at the Treetops Resort website.



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Thursday, 4 December 2025

Where to find the most Instagram worthy holiday treats in the Detroit metro and beyond

By  December 04, 2025   No comments

Indulging in sweet treats is one of the best ways to spend the holidays, and the Detroit Metro and other areas near it are home to several amazing bakeries, candy shops and cafes that serve beautiful holiday-themed treats. Whether you’re stopping by for a bite, picking up an order or shopping online, these places will help you find the perfect confections for making the holidays extra special. 

For the Love of Sugar

Courtesy photo/For the Love of Sugar

For the Love of Sugar makes multiple types of pretty and delicious seasonal treats from its holiday menu, such as cookies, pies and cinnamon rolls. It also makes beautiful custom cakes that can be decorated to suit any occassion. If you’re hoping to order some decorative on-theme cookies or something unique for your special holiday dessert, For the Love of Sugar will make sure that you get what you need.

  • Location: 100 Erskine St., Detroit
  • Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Gâteaux Patisserie

This cozy French bakery provides fresh gourmet treats and a warm, charming environment. When you visit Gateaux Patisserie, you can enjoy seasonally-flavored pastries and warm beverages, such as pumpkin spice tiramisu lattes for Thanksgiving and adorable gingerbread treats that look like miniature Christmas trees for the winter. And don’t forget to order a beautiful and creative custom cake for any occasion.

  • Location: 1006 S Military St., Dearborn
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Sunday

Holiday Market

 

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The Holiday Market provides everything folks need for the perfect holiday meal, with sweet and savory delights that celebrate the beloved flavors, aesthetics and occasions of fall and winter. The Market’s bakery sells adorably decorated, specific holiday-themed desserts for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah. If you want something different, though, custom cakes are also an option.

  • Location: 1203 S Main St., Royal Oak, and 1740 W Maple Road, Birmingham
  • Hours: Market hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Bakery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Shatila

 

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Shatila is another bakery that makes fun and artistic custom cakes for any special occasion, whether it be a holiday, milestone, or something else entirely. The bakery also makes stunningly beautiful pastries, ice cream treats and drinks, some of which also have seasonal or holiday twists. Their website and social media pages feature whole galleries of artistic creations that are almost too pretty to eat. 

  • Location: 14300 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn, and 5741 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield
  • Hours: Hours vary by location

Sorella’s Cake Studio

In addition to fun and creative custom cakes for every occasion, Sorella’s Cake studio also makes pies, cupcakes and danishes, with special holiday menus where the desserts are on theme. Additionally, Sorella’s makes Detroit Lions-themed cupcakes and cookies, so fans can celebrate football season with special treats showing their fierce loyalty to their beloved team. 

  • Location: 31236 Five Mile Road, Livonia
  • Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

The Home Bakery

The Home Bakery has a large and creative assortment of fun-looking holiday confections, such as turkey-shaped cakes and pumpkin pie cupcakes for Thanksgiving and gingerbread houses and Christmas-tree shaped cookie stacks for Christmas. Detroit Lions fans can purchase from a small selection of Lions-themed goodies as well, such as football-shaped cookies and white-frosted pretzel sticks with blue sprinkles.

  • Location: 300 South Main St., Rochester
  • Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Warda Patisserie

This multicultural patisserie is a proud James Beard Award winner. It is a great place to enjoy warm drinks and pretty pastries, as well as breakfast and lunch. For Thanksgiving, Warda Patisserie serves beautiful French desserts that appeal to the flavors of fall, such as cakes made with baked and candied fruits and lots of autumnal spices. Warda’s products also include gluten-free, dairy-free and halal options.

  • Location: 70 West Alexandrine St., Detroit
  • Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday

Zeman’s Bakery

If you are looking for some delicious and beautiful Hanakkuh treats, look no further than Zeman’s. This Jewish bakery has been around since 1927 and serves several types of bread, cake, cookies and other pastries. You can purchase challah in different shapes, (and more later). 

  • Location: 25258 Greenfield Road, Oak Park
  • Hours: Hours vary, call the bakery for more information 

Love & Buttercream

 

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Love & Buttercream is a made-to-order, all-from-scratch bakery in Birmingham — beloved for its artisanal custom cakes, whimsical pastries and nostalgic twists on classic treats. Since opening in 2012, the bakery gained a devoted following for its quality-first approach: locally sourced ingredients, organic and natural whenever possible, and care-infused baking from its skilled pastry team. Whether it’s a celebration cake, a box of handmade cookies or a wedding confection, Love & Buttercream aims to deliver warmth, comfort and a bit of magic with every bite.

  • Location: 746 E. Maple, Birmingham
  • Hours: Curbside order and pickup is available


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Why kids get more nosebleeds in winter — and how to prevent them

By  December 04, 2025   No comments

If your child suddenly has more nosebleeds once Michigan’s cold weather hits, you’re definitely not alone. Winter’s dry outdoor air combined with cranked-up indoor heat creates the perfect conditions for irritation inside the nose. The wince-inducing result: crusting, cracking and bleeding.

Pediatrician Dr. Jordan E. Kridler of Henry Ford Health explains why it happens and what parents can realistically do at home to prevent winter nosebleeds and ease the dryness.

Why dry winter air triggers nosebleeds

As temperatures drop, so does moisture in the air.

“This time of year, the air outside becomes a lot drier, and all of the moisture is sucked out of it,” Kridler says. “That moisture in the air is used to give lubrication to the inside of the nostrils.”

Without that natural lubrication, she adds, “the mucosa in the nose gets irritated and cracks, and that’s what can cause the little vessels in the nostrils to rupture.”

Indoor heating makes dryness even worse. “It’s similar to dry skin or cracking on your hands,” she says.

Easy ways to prevent dry-weather nosebleeds

Parents don’t need specialty treatments. The basics go a long way. Kridler recommends:

  • Use a humidifier. A cool-mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom can restore moisture overnight.
  • Try saline spray. She calls saline safe for all ages, including babies. “It moisturizes and loosens the mucus in their noses without medication. The salt water solution helps soften dried mucus making it easier to remove with bulb suction,” she says. Many pediatric offices use it routinely for newborn congestion.
  • Reduce nose-picking and forceful blowing. Toddlers often pick their nose, which creates more irritation. Gentle reminders help.
  • Use a cool compress during a bleed. “Applying cool compresses to the nose can help,” she says.
  • Consider nasal decongestants (depending on the child’s age). These can constrict blood vessels, but should only be used when age-appropriate.

When it’s just dryness — and when it could be something more

Graphic showing five easy ways to ease dry air discomfort for kids with winter nosebleeds including humidifiers saline and cool compresses

Parents often wonder if a runny or stuffy nose is dryness, allergies or a cold. Kridler says to look at the whole picture.

If your child’s “energy level is good, they’re eating and drinking well, there’s no fever,” and no known sick contacts, she says it’s likely seasonal dryness or congestion.

However, there are moments to check in with your pediatrician:

Call your doctor if:

  • Bleeding lasts more than 15-20 minutes
  • The bleed is heavy
  • Your child feels weak or dizzy
  • Nosebleeds happen very frequently
  • They come from the same nostril every time

For repeated same-side bleeding, Kridler notes that an ENT may check for “a specific vessel that needs to be cauterized.”

When your child is uncomfortable, you’re not alone

Winter dryness happens to many Michigan families, but a few simple steps can prevent most nosebleeds and help kids stay comfortable all season long.

Reporting by Tara Jones

​​This content is sponsored by Henry Ford Health. For related content, visit Top Kids Health Questions Answered!



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Smart ways to load up your Ford (or any) SUV for shopping, toy drives and more

By  December 04, 2025   No comments

It’s officially the holiday season in metro Detroit, which means the family prep list is starting to resemble Santa’s own checklist. Between gift shopping, attending community gatherings and contributing to toy drives, the holiday season can get hectic fast.

Whether you’re zipping back and forth hauling gifts, grandparents or donations for a local drive, having the perfect vehicle can make all the difference — and the thoughtful features in Ford SUVs will be just the miracle you need this holiday season. 

Regardless of what you drive, the upcoming weeks are going to be a winter whirlwind of events. To make your holiday easier, here is how to hit all the best markets, festivals and donation hot spots in Metro Detroit.

Family gift shopping in one trip

Making time to find gifts for the family is hard, especially when you’re competing with after-school pickups and other errands. When you do make time, having enough room for gifts is essential. The large cargo space in Ford models allows plenty of room for presents for your partner, kids, parents — even the in-laws.

Can’t figure out what to stuff the trunk with? Metro Detroit makes shopping for everyone even easier with its abundance of holiday markets and seasonal shopping areas. And, don’t worry about your hands filling up with bags of goodies — activate the hands-free liftgates beneath the rear bumper of your Ford SUV, and you can drop your bags in no time. 

Load up your car with stocking stuffers, family gifts and more at one of the following markets this holiday season:

Keeping the whole family warm on winter roads

Crowd gathered around a large decorated Christmas tree at the Warren tree lighting event during a festive metro Detroit holiday celebration
Photo credit: City of Warren + Kerrytown District Association

Grabbing the gifts is one thing, but delivering them to the rest of the family is a different story. Michigan winters mean slush-covered roads and slick snowfall that can be tough to navigate.

Thankfully, staying safe and cozy on the way to grandma’s is no problem in the warmth of a Ford SUV — heated front and back seats, along with Co-Pilot 360 driving technology make for a comfortable drive to your destination for everyone in the car.

After the extended family gatherings, there are plenty more seasonal festivities to attend. Christmas parades, tree lightings and more are scattered all over metro Detroit this season. Hop in the car and head to some of these holiday happenings around town:

Giving back, one trunkload at a time

The season’s festivities aren’t complete without giving back to your community, and toy drives are a great way to do so. Whether it’s in your heart or in the trunk of your SUV, there’s always room for charity during the holidays. The fold-flat seating in Ford SUVs provides that extra space you need to fill with gifts for the less fortunate across Metro Detroit.

Round up the family and find your way to these gift donation hotspots throughout Metro Detroit:

This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. To learn more about Ford’s SUV features, visit buyfordnow.com.



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