When asking yourself about something to do near me in Cambridge with a group of friends or family, consider
Michaels
Why Michaels is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Michaels stands out as North America's largest arts and crafts retail chain, offering an expansive range of products that make it a fantastic place to meet up with friends who share creative interests. Founded as part of The Michaels Companies in 2014 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels boasts over 1,200 stores across the United States and Canada. The stores are well-known for their extensive selection covering everything from art supplies, yarns, beads, and jewelry-making materials to custom framing and home décor. Many visitors enjoy exploring Michaels to find inspiration and gather supplies for DIY projects, crafting parties, or art sessions with friends. The store's private brands like Recollections and Creatology provide unique, quality merchandise tailored for makers and home decorators. Additionally, Michaels offers services such as custom framing and personalized photo prints, enhancing the creative experience. Its welcoming environment encourages social interaction around shared hobbies like painting, scrapbooking, or home décor crafts. Whether you are looking to start a new craft, refine your skills, or simply spend quality time with fellow art enthusiasts, Michaels provides the perfect backdrop with a wealth of resources and a friendly community atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Michaels
As of recent, Michaels holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1023 reviews.
Customer reviews of Michaels reflect a generally positive experience, highlighted by a solid 4.4-star rating based on over 1,000 reviews. Positive feedback often praises the wide variety of products available, ranging from affordable crafting materials to specialty art supplies. Many customers appreciate the stores’ frequent sales and the helpfulness of staff who assist in locating items or providing crafting advice. The custom framing service receives particular commendation for quality and value, often noted as a convenient option for preserving and enhancing artwork or photos. Users also enjoy the organized layout and the latest crafting tools and machines offered at many locations. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional issues such as stock inconsistencies between locations, long checkout lines during peak hours, and occasional difficulty in finding specific items. A few reviewers mention that some stores feel cluttered or disorganized, which can make shopping less enjoyable. Despite these critiques, most customers feel that Michaels provides a comprehensive and inspiring shopping experience that supports their creative endeavors. Overall, the positive reviews emphasize product variety and helpful staff, while the negatives suggest areas for operational improvements. This balance indicates that Michaels remains a favored destination for arts and crafts enthusiasts looking to meet friends and explore their creativity together.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Marcia Walsh
When I tried self checkout, One of the items was missing a barcode. The first person who tried to help me said I could have it for 1199 even though it was marked &4.99 on the rack so I started to cancel the sale and started all over again, and I tried to use a voucher which it said was invalid, which nobody could help me with. They said it was that I had done something wrong, put in the wrong account or something like that which of course I hadn’t. People were rude unhelpful unpleasant and I guess I won’t go back. Ever
Cheryl Valentina
I love this store. Because every girl loves stationary. Went to buy some yarn here! They have amazing collections and different types! Worth going
Rachel Merchant
The front escalator has been broken for at least a year, it’s awkward to get in and out on one tiny staircase when anyone else is on it. It’s always difficult to find an employee for assistance, though they are so nice and helpful when you find them. I usually shop in store but I ordered an online pickup and it was unclear where to go, who to talk to, or what to do once I had my items. I got in the checkout lane and they redirected me to the wall of Online Pickups, which were listed by last name but weren’t in any order, then my printout ticket had “locker” handwritten on it. I found the locker by myself and then had to find another employee to see if there were any additional steps or if I could just leave. I had to turn my slip into them before leaving. Generally confusing and unpleasant, but they do have things I need so I will keep going.
Kate B
This Michael’s has switched from having at least 3 human cashiers to a line of self-checkout kiosks and one cashier. Unfortunately, when I visited, almost all of the self-checkout kiosks were malfunctioning and the poor cashier had to run around trying to fix them and check people out at the same time. It seems like a bad system and one cashier is not enough as these self-checkouts do fail. This was never an issue when they had a fully human staffed checkout.
Gabe Murchison
We had a great experience framing a print here. James was really helpful with the process, and he helped us choose a frame and mat combo that complement the piece perfectly. The quality of the work is great, and it was far less expensive than the other framer we tried. We’ll definitely be back next time we need framing!
How to reach Michaels
None
Website: None
Why Michaels may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Michaels is an ideal destination to rally with your friends because it combines creativity, variety, and inspiration under one roof, making it a vibrant setting for group meetups. Whether you and your friends are experienced crafters or just looking to explore creative activities together, Michaels offers a welcoming space stocked with a vast array of art and craft supplies that can spark imagination and collaborative projects. This business encourages social interaction through shared hobbies like painting, scrapbooking, or DIY home decor projects, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable. Its wide-ranging inventory caters to diverse interests, ensuring everyone in your group finds something appealing to try, discuss, or purchase. The casual and colorful atmosphere invites relaxed mingling and creativity, different from a typical social outing like dining or watching a movie. Hosting your gathering here means you and your friends can learn new skills, share ideas, and create lasting artwork or crafts while bonding over a shared activity. This combination of engagement, inspiration, and social interaction makes Michaels a fantastic place to convene with friends.
What activities can you enjoy at Michaels?
Michaels provides a rich palette of activities designed to cater to groups who enjoy hands-on creative experiences. One standout activity is crafting workshops where groups can sign up to learn techniques such as painting on canvas, floral arrangement, seasonal decorating, or even personalized gift making. These workshops are often led by skilled instructors who make the experience accessible for all skill levels, fostering an inviting environment for learning and exploration. Additionally, Michaels offers DIY craft stations equipped with materials for spontaneous creative projects, allowing groups to dive into making friendship bracelets, customized cards, or home decor items. Another popular group activity is seasonal event participation, where customers can join themed events like holiday ornament decorating or back-to-school projects, encouraging group collaboration and festive fun. Beyond direct crafting, shopping together for supplies such as specialty paints, beads, or scrapbooking materials becomes a collective adventure, as friends exchange ideas and inspiration while browsing through an extensive and carefully curated inventory.
Why is Michaels perfect for group meetups?
Michaels’s spacious store layout and organized sections create a comfortable environment for groups to explore freely without feeling cramped. The well-lit aisles and clear categorization of products reduce the stress of navigating, allowing friends to focus on enjoying each other's company and the creative potential around them. Another reason Michaels is great for groups is its support for various interests — from textiles and baking supplies to art supplies and framing — making it a one-stop shop that appeals to diverse tastes and project needs. Moreover, the store often features exclusive discounts and bulk buying options which can be advantageous for groups planning bigger craft projects together, keeping costs manageable and the experience budget-friendly. The availability of staff knowledgeable in crafts can enhance the meetup as well, offering advice, sharing tips, or helping troubleshoot any project challenges, which adds a supportive layer to the social experience. These factors collectively make Michaels not just a craft supply store but a conducive space for creative camaraderie.
How does Michaels support creativity and learning for groups?
Michaels encourages continuous creativity and skill-building through its structured classes and open crafting sessions, which foster learning in a social context. These classes cover a wide range of techniques and crafts such as watercolor techniques, beginner knitting, paper flower making, and calligraphy, providing both beginners and seasoned crafters opportunities to learn together. The group format of these sessions enhances the learning experience, as participants share progress, advice, and encouragement, which can strengthen friendships and build a community spirit. Besides classes, Michaels supplies comprehensive project kits that groups can take home and work on collectively, allowing the fun to extend beyond the store visit. The availability of how-to guides, sample projects, and inspiration boards within the store further supports independent and group creativity. By offering educational and social platforms, Michaels ensures groups not only enjoy their time together but also gain lasting creative skills and ideas.
What makes Michaels a value-driven choice for hosting meetups?
While some reviews highlight occasional customer service challenges, Michaels’s overall rating of 4.4 from over a thousand reviews points to a generally positive customer experience focused on product quality and variety. Michaels offers regular promotions, coupons, and clearance deals that help groups maximize value, particularly when purchasing kits or bulk materials for projects. This makes it an economical option for those seeking enriching social activities without overspending. The store’s frequent updates to its inventory, including trendy and seasonal items, ensure fresh inspiration for repeat visits by groups eager to try new craft ideas. Furthermore, Michaels’s user-friendly website and local store services, including personalized framing and craft consultation, add convenience and depth to the customer experience. These advantages combine to position Michaels as a cost-effective and comprehensive creative hub where groups can meet, learn, and create together without breaking the bank.
In summary, Michaels offers a multifaceted, creative, and inspiring environment ideal for group meetups. Its extensive range of activities, supportive learning opportunities, and thoughtful amenities create an engaging backdrop for friends and families to bond, learn, and craft. Despite some reported service inconsistencies, the store’s rich product selection, affordable pricing, and welcoming ambiance largely outweigh these concerns, making Michaels a go-to venue when planning a memorable and fun gathering centered on creativity.