When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego 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 specialty retailer, making it a perfect gathering spot for friends who share a passion for creativity and DIY projects. Founded in 1973, Michaels offers a vast selection of arts and crafts supplies ranging from scrapbooking, beading, and knitting to home décor and custom framing. With over 1,274 stores across the United States and Canada, the store provides an accessible space for both casual crafters and serious hobbyists to explore artistic possibilities together. The inviting store environment encourages collaboration and inspiration, whether you're working on seasonal decorations, personalized gifts, or unique home accents. Michaels also features private label brands such as Recollections and Studio Decor, which contribute to around 60% of their sales, ensuring high-quality choices at attractive prices. Additionally, Michaels offers custom framing services, allowing customers to turn their art or photos into beautiful framed pieces, whether in-store or online. Beyond the physical locations, Michaels supports the crafting community through its e-commerce platforms and the Michaels Marketplace, an online extension that expands product variety through third-party sellers. Overall, Michaels is not just a store but a creative hub where friends can meet, share ideas, and bring their artistic visions to life in a welcoming and well-stocked environment.
Here's what people think of Michaels
As of recent, Michaels holds a 4.3-star rating based on 819 reviews.
Customers consistently praise Michaels for its wide variety of arts and crafts supplies and the convenience of its physical locations combined with a robust online presence. Positive reviews often mention the store's extensive selection of products, competitive pricing, and helpful staff who provide guidance on crafts and framing. Many shoppers appreciate the availability of private label brands that offer quality and affordability, making project planning both enjoyable and budget-friendly. The custom framing services also receive commendations for their professionalism and craftsmanship, allowing customers to preserve and showcase their art beautifully. On the downside, some negative reviews highlight occasional issues such as long checkout lines, inventory shortages of specific popular items, and inconsistent staff assistance across different locations. A few customers have also noted that some stores can feel cluttered, impacting the shopping experience. Despite these few concerns, the overall impression remains strongly positive, with the majority of patrons valuing Michaels as a reliable and inspiring destination for arts and crafts needs. The store's continued efforts to expand its product range and improve customer service reflect well on its commitment to the crafting community, making Michaels a favored place to shop and connect with fellow creative enthusiasts.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Fariba Poostchi
I love this store. Some of materials are expensive I know. But, you can wait for their sales also they have coupons. And, if you sign your cell number as reward member they will send you rewards for your purchases too. Awesome!!!👍👍👍
A.A
This is a very large store, very organized & and clean, peaceful to shop & look around with patience I enjoyed it a lot. They truly have all things craft, including for kids & garden. A lot of discounts around the store are mostly 50% off signs. I thought it was a bit expensive for some items that I've seen as lesser prices at other places like Walmart,99, and Dollar Tree. I was in there for copperwire & I found for $6 buck ....I thought that was expensive. But other than that, I'll def love to come just to browse for fun & shop very entertaining.also, they had boxes full of random items for $10. Next time, I'm feeling adventurous ill grab one.
Marinés Romo Obregón
I recently visited this Michaels location to exchange a spray paint I purchased at another Michaels.The can was labeled “Gold” but sprayed in a color that appears more like copper. I brought it back thinking there may have been a labeling or supplier issue. Unfortunately, one of the employees, a woman around her mid-50s with short, greasy hair, was very rude and dismissive. She made a comment along the lines of, “You’re not going to come here and threaten about not buying here,” even though I was simply trying to explain the issue calmly. I felt disrespected and unheard as a customer. I am disappointed by the defensive and unprofessional attitude from staff when all I wanted was help resolving a product issue. Attached is a photo of the spray paint and the painted result for reference.
Hans Foto
Always has all the craft supplies that you need when you need it. This Michael's is an extra nice store. Lots of parking and easy to get to. It's also a growth place to shop for holiday decorations.
Adventures & More “T”
I had not shopped here in a minute and I forgot all the great items they have! The clearance aisle is amazing. C to C cords $2! T-Shirts $2. Super cool pens $1
How to reach Michaels
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Website: None
Why Michaels may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Michaels with your friends? Michaels is more than just a craft store — it's a vibrant gathering spot where creativity meets community. Whether you're looking to unwind through artistic expression or searching for a unique way to bond with loved ones, Michaels offers a welcoming environment that inspires collaboration and fun. Hosting a meetup here means sharing the joy of discovering new hobbies, experimenting with different art supplies, and learning new skills together. With a broad range of materials across crafts, art, and DIY decor, every meeting becomes a memorable experience fueled by imagination. It's also a place where everyone, regardless of age or skill level, can feel comfortable creating something personal or communal. The promise of affordable prices combined with frequent sales means you can try out different projects without worrying about breaking the bank. Additionally, Michaels often provides in-store guidance, so your group can benefit from helpful staff or take advantage of available workshops to enhance your experience. Gather at Michaels, and you’re not just shopping — you’re connecting, creating, and making memories with your friends or family in an inspiring atmosphere.
What creative activities can groups do at Michaels? Michaels is a treasure trove for hands-on activities perfect for group gatherings. The extensive inventory includes everything from painting supplies and knitting yarns to scrapbooking kits and custom framing services. Your group can dive into a painting session, experimenting with watercolors or acrylics on canvases suited for beginners or seasoned artists. Another popular option is the crafting of personalized home decor items — think decorating picture frames, designing wreaths, or assembling seasonal ornaments, which not only stimulate creativity but also make great keepsakes from your meetup. For those interested in textiles, Michaels provides materials for knitting and crocheting projects that let small groups collaborate on scarves, hats, or blankets, fostering teamwork and shared accomplishment. Additionally, Michaels hosts occasional in-store classes that your group can join, offering guidance on various craft techniques and project ideas. This range of activities makes Michaels an ideal venue for groups that want both flexibility in their creative pursuits and opportunities to learn new skills in a supportive setting.
Why is Michaels perfect for a group meetup? Michaels provides a spacious and well-organized setting designed to accommodate groups comfortably as they explore their artistic interests. The store layout encourages browsing together, with clearly marked aisles and dedicated sections for different types of crafts, making it easy for groups to split up or stay as one unit without confusion. The friendly, knowledgeable staff are often praised for their ability to help customers choose supplies or provide project advice, enhancing the overall social and educational experience of a group visit. Frequent promotions and coupons make purchases more affordable, which is important when buying enough materials for multiple people. Furthermore, Michaels offers the convenience of both in-store shopping and online ordering, allowing groups to plan ahead and pick up supplies together or have orders ready for their group projects. This combination of physical space, helpful service, and cost-effective shopping creates an inviting environment where friends and families can enjoy quality time together while pursuing creative passions.
How do the customer experiences enhance meetup potential at Michaels? Many customers have shared positive experiences highlighting the staff's helpfulness and expertise, which contributes to a friendly atmosphere that benefits group activities. For example, a dedicated manager spending hours assisting with framing and mat selections illustrates the type of personalized service your group might receive, ensuring projects meet everyone’s expectations and simplifying decision-making during meetups. While some reviews note inconsistency in service across locations, the overarching theme is that many employees genuinely enjoy helping customers, which elevates the social dynamics when friends gather at Michaels. The varied customer experiences also reflect the diversity of the Michaels chain, suggesting that choosing a well-reviewed local store can maximize your group's enjoyment. Beyond service, the store environment's organization and cleanliness make it easier for groups to focus on their crafts without distraction. These factors combined — thoughtful staff, a comfortable environment, and practical support — enable groups to fully engage in their creative meetups with minimal hassle or frustration.
What makes Michaels a cost-effective meetup choice? Michaels frequently offers discounts, loyalty programs, and seasonal sales that reduce the financial barrier to arts and crafts projects for groups. With dozens of coupons released weekly, your meetup can benefit from substantial savings on supplies ranging from paints and brushes to specialty papers and embellishments. This accessibility allows groups to experiment with different projects without worrying about high expenses. Moreover, Michaels’ rewards program accumulates points on purchases, which can be redeemed for future discounts, providing ongoing value for frequent meetup organizers. Since art and craft supplies can sometimes be costly or require specialized items, Michaels’ affordability ensures that even larger groups can equip themselves without overspending. The store’s combination of sales, promotions, and quality merchandise offers a budget-friendly way to host engaging, hands-on activities that can accommodate families, friends, or hobby clubs, making it an economically sound venue for creative gatherings.
Are there additional benefits of hosting meetups at Michaels? Yes, beyond crafts, Michaels provides useful services that enhance your group experience. For instance, their custom framing shop allows groups working on art or photography projects to create professional-looking presentations of their work together. This service often comes with expert advice to help select mats, frames, and finishes that complement artwork perfectly. Another advantage is the availability of seasonal project kits, which simplify planning by providing all necessary materials and instructions tailored for holidays or events. This convenience makes organizing meetup activities much easier, especially for groups with varying experience levels. Finally, Michaels offers gift cards, which can be a great way for group members to contribute collectively towards supplies or reward achievements within the meetup. These complementary services and options add versatility and depth to group visits, enabling more thoughtful, organized, and satisfying creative sessions.
How can meeting at Michaels inspire long-term group engagement? Returning to Michaels for meetups encourages continuous creativity and skill development within your friend or family group, building a shared history of artistic exploration. The store’s wide range of evolving products, workshops, and seasonal themes keeps each visit fresh and exciting, offering new challenges and project ideas to pursue together. This dynamic environment helps prevent the common meetup pitfall of repetitive or uninspired activities. Moreover, the social interaction around choosing materials, sharing techniques, and displaying completed projects fosters a sense of community and achievement among participants. As some groups may wish to expand into selling or gifting crafts, Michaels’ framing, supply variety, and expert assistance support these advanced creative goals. Consequently, Michaels acts not just as a one-time meetup space, but as a hub for ongoing artistic growth and camaraderie.
In summary, Michaels stands out as an excellent venue for group meetups due to its inspiring atmosphere, diverse craft activities, supportive staff, cost-effective pricing, and additional creative services. Whether your gathering focuses on painting, knitting, DIY decor, or learning new art techniques, Michaels offers the resources and environment that make creativity enjoyable, collaborative, and accessible for everyone involved. This combination of factors ensures that meetups at Michaels are both fun and productive, leaving participants eager to return and continue sharing their passion for the arts.