DEARBORN — Holiday gift giving has changed dramatically over the years. What used to be a time to pick out something special and unique for loved ones has devolved into a mad dash to grab the latest frivolous technology item from store shelves before it’s long gone.

LuLu by Design owner Majed Younes poses in front of the many “treasures” for sale for the holidays. Younes imports many of them from countries such as Lebanon, Egypt and France.  PHOTOS: Nick Meyer/TAAN

While gift-giving has lost much of its charm over the years, thanks to the large chain stores that dominate metro-Detroit, the magic remains strong at west Dearborn’s newest and perhaps most elegant boutique, LuLu by Design.
With the motto “Inspired by Life, Designed for You,” the shop on Monroe and Michigan Avenue in Dearborn has been abreath of fresh air for the local gift shop scene since opening Oct. 25.

“People usually don’t want something that’s mass-produced,” said owner Majed Younes. “Or if they do, we can add something to it to make it yours.”

Whether that extra something is a gift basket or personalization of an item, Younes will go out of his way to make sure his customers find or create a gift with lasting appeal.

Hand-carved elephant sculptures are among LuLu’s artistic gift ideas.

And with new items coming in each week, you never know just what treasures you’ll find at LuLu by Design.
Popular gift items include fine jewelry like pearls (a LuLu specialty) and diamonds as well as fashion jewelry like the popular stainless steel bracelets, hand-crafted purses from the store’s own designer line, gift baskets with goodies like honey, tea, and fine Godiva chocolates, or works of art like animal sculptures and, in the near future, paintings and other artwork for home décor.

Many of the goods come from countries around the world like Lebanon, France, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, and Germany among others, as Younes stays in contact with close friends who can deliver the most unique and alluring gifts for his customers.

“We want people to come in and check out every centimeter and every inch of the boutique,” said Younes. “There’s always something new to look at. Even if you don’t end up buying something, we still want people to come in and walk through. The experience is the most important part of being in here.”

Holiday-themed gifts are now 50 percent off at Lulu by Design in Dearborn.

The items tend to fall under the category of handmade goods and the edible items are mostly organic. It’s all part of Younes’ commitment to only selecting the best items for his clientele while still keeping them affordable.
“We feature many exquisite items picked on the dot to satisfy all tastes,” said Younes. “At the same time, they’re priced to sell because I don’t have the same overhead costs that other businesses have.

“I had some ladies come in here to buy some gifts and I told them the price and they were like ‘Is that it?'”

LuLu by Design is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon-5 p.m. Sundays during the holiday season. Other specialties include planning and favors for parties like weddings and baby showers (personal appointments available for Sundays), watch battery changing, and ear piercing. Jewelry can be custom-designed in-store.

Holiday prices on “treasures” have been cut by 50 percent and many other items are on sale throughout the store for the gift-giving season.

Mention this story and receive 20 percent off one of any one of LuLu by Design’s signature gift items.

For information or to set up an appointment for party planning, call 313.274.5858.