What’s in a Michigan Starter Pack? Here’s What You’ll Need

Michigan is a unique state, largely due to the amount of biodiversity throughout the state and the fact that we experience all four seasons, giving us four months of spring, summer, fall, and winter (more on this later). Each season requires you to change up your wardrobe, take things in and out of the garage, and maybe pull out the allergy pills.

Get our free mobile app

That's why it is important to be prepared, and there is few better ways to be prepared than with a starter pack. A recent trend has once again reignited the discussion of "starter packs", and we decided it was time to make a "starter pack" every Michigander can relate to.

Starter Pack Trend

The "starter pack" trend has been one of the few memes/trends that have seen continued use over the years. The general premise of the "Starter pack" hasn't changed much, intending to highlight and playful stereotypes or familiar traits of a specific subject. ChatGPT and AI have put a new spin on this trend by making things appear in vintage action figure packages and featuring ~3 accessories/key items.

Look at this starter pack created by Meijer. If you're going to Meijer, you'll need a penny to ride Sandy the horse, a basket for your groceries, ranch because every Michigander needs a thing to ranch (because what's a meal without ranch?), and a bag to bring your groceries home in.

So with this example in mind, what does every Michigander need for a starter pack?

READ MORE: Michigan, Be On The Lookout For This Nearly Extinct Bird |

A Sturdy Shovel

One of the things Michigan is most known for is the amount of snow we get. So, to survive here, you need to get yourself a nice, sturdy shovel to shovel your driveway. That snow can get heavy, and you'd hate to throw your back out using a bad shovel. In this same vein, get a good ice scraper/brush for your car!

Recreation Passport

Michigan has over 103 State parks, meaning whether you're heading to the beach for the day, going for a hike, or camping for the weekend, you want to have easy (and cheap!) access to the parks. When you're renewing your license plate each year, check YES to get a year pass for $14, otherwise, one can be purchased at the parks for $21.

Vitamin D

This sounds silly, but many Michiganders preach how helpful consuming Vitamin D during the winter months is for their well-being. It can take a strong will to get up when it's 10° and gray every day. A little bit of artificial sun can be good for the south.

What do you think should go in a "Michigan starter pack"? Let us know!