Everything’s more expensive these days, and now here comes the holiday shopping season. Fortunately, it is possible to shop on a budget and find fun, fresh gifts for everyone on your list. Here’s a list of 25 gift ideas for $25 or under, including local shops and makers to support, as well as other Motor City-themed items for the Detroiters in your life.

Bon Bon Bon 441 W. Canfield St., Detroit | 1435 Farmer St., Detroit | 5 Nickels Arcade, Ann Arbor | bonbonbon.com Chocolate may not be the most imaginative gift that you can give someone, but if you’re gonna do it, the least you can do is support a local brand that’s bomb. For that, there’s Bon Bon Bon. These handmade chocolates sell out quickly around the holidays, so don’t wait until the last minute. We didn’t understand the hype until we tried the strawberry balsamic flavor with an olive oil ganache which felt decadent without being overly sweet. Variety packs of six will only set you back $21, and you can choose from milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, caramel, gluten-free, vegan, or a mix of everything. —Randiah Camille Green Credit: Instagram, @bonbonbonchocolate
Michigan Air Fresheners 460 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-831-9146; citybirddetroit.com City Bird stocks many cute Detroit-themed gifts, but we’re digging these Michigan-themed air fresheners, available for $5 each, and include scents like fresh water, red pop, ginger ale, and pine. Nothing triggers memories like smell, so these are great for the expat in your life who misses home. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of City Bird
The Lip Bar 1444 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-952-5198; thelipbar.com The Lip Bar’s lipsticks are for all the fly girls, gworls, and boys in your life who want to slay this season. The Detroit brand’s matte lipstick stays on like glue, and it recently released a new black color straight from our sultry goth dreams, “Back to Black.” The lipsticks are only $14 a piece and there’s also a Mini Matte Pout Pack with three small ones for $15. —Randiah Camille Green Credit: Instagram, @thelipbar
Bell’s Hopslam bellsbeer.com Last year, Michigan brewery Bell’s moved the date of its popular (and very dank) seasonal Hopslam Double IPA from winter to late fall. Why? “In short, we have been listening to our fans and dry January is a hard time of the year to drink Hopslam,” the brewery said. “This change will allow our fan base to enjoy the beer with a little less guilt and a little more celebration.” Hallelujah. You can pick up a six-pack for around $17. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of Bell’s Brewery
Pagan Potions paganpotionsshop.etsy.com Get the witch in your life that’s always talking about manifestation and energy a Pagan Potions candle. Each candle is made from soy wax and essential oils, blessed with lunar energy, and magically infused with crystals or herbs depending on its purpose. Whether your friend or loved one needs to “Banish Dem Hoes,” “Kick Some Ass,” or be reminded “You’re a F*cking Goddess,” this brand can help them out. At the very least they’ll be entertained by the names. We’re eyeing the “F*ck You 2023” candle, ourselves. Online, they clock in around $24 per candle, but you can grab them from Eastern Market on Saturdays for a few bucks cheaper. —Randiah Camille Green Credit: Courtesy of Pagan Potions
Carhartt beanie 5800 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-1274; carhartt.com A Detroit fashion staple worn by everyone from construction workers to DJs, that will keep you warm and also looks cool. Carhartt’s classic knit cuffed beanie is available in some 25 colors, for $19.99 each. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of Carhartt
Detroit City Distillery Honey Old Fashioned 2462 Riopelle St., Detroit; 313-338-3760; detroitcitydistillery.com Since 2019, Detroit City Distillery has released an annual line of bourbon made from Michigan honey, which typically quickly sells out. This year, DCD added a ready-to-serve Honey Old-Fashioned cocktail to its lineup. Based on the distillery’s popular cocktails, these cost $25, yield about five cocktails, and are only available to pick up at its Eastern Market tasting room. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of Detroit City Distillery
Cuss and Color Books allthingsmarketplace.com Adults like coloring too, damnit. Matter of fact, we should probably be coloring more than kids as a mental health break and to help us ground when the world around us is going to shit. These adult coloring books from Cuss and Color Books help take the edge off. They have coloring books called “Bitch Calm Down and Color,” word search books titled “Find the Fucking Words,” and canvas prints with slogans like “You Hoes be Trippin” and “Zero Fucks Given.” —Randiah Camille Green Credit: Courtesy of Cuss and Color Books
Glow My Body glowmybodyspas.com We’re heavy on self-care, and Glow My Body’s skincare line makes us feel like we just left the spa. These CBD-infused products, including a gentle exfoliating cleanser, hydrating toner, and moisturizer will give whoever you gift them a soft glow just like the name implies. Other products include CBD lip balm and bath bombs that are also under $25. The brand also offers “Wake and Bake” facials, booty facials, and other services at Ferndale’s Breathe Bodywork and Beautification spa (1149 Hilton Rd., Ferndale). —Randiah Camille Green Credit: Instagram, @glowmybodyspa
Next Chapter Books 16555 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; 313-500-4206; nextchapterbkstore.com Holidays can be a bit stressful, but a good book offers a peaceful escape to another world. Opening just a few months ago on Detroit’s Eastside, this cozy bookstore is filled with good energy and tons of novels, including some from local authors, with most priced at $25 or less. Or, opt for a handful of gently used ones at the same affordable price. — Layla McMurtrie Credit: Instagram, @nextchapterbooksdetroit
The Plant House 22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; theplant.house The Plant House in Ferndale’s Rust Belt Market has a variety of exotic plants for the plant daddy or mama in your life. While the big ones will cost a bit more, many of their smaller-sized plants cost around $22. —Randiah Camille Green Credit: Instagram, @theplant.house
Made in the Mitten mugs 706 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; madeinthemittenstore.com Voted Best Gift Shop in the 2023 Metro Times Best of Detroit reader’s poll, Made in the Mitten offers tons of handmade goods and gift options from local artisans. If you enjoy gifts with Michigan spirit, get your family members a Michigan mug to sip their morning coffee or tea out of. — Layla McMurtrie Credit: Facebook, Made In The Mitten
Detroit City FC merch 1216 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-656-2480 | 3401 E. Lafayette St., Detroit | detcityfcstore.com Detroit’s homegrown soccer team is the stuff of legends, starting as a fourth-tier amateur football club in 2012 playing to some 1,000 fans at Cass Tech High School and swiftly ascending to the USL Championship, drawing thousands to its newer home at Hamtramck’s Keyworth Stadium. “Le Rouge” has a variety of merch available for fans to show their team pride, with a number of shirts available for $20 or less. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of Detroit City FC
Peoples Records 1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; peoplesdetroit.com At Peoples Records, it’s all about the people. And, we all know at least one person who loves the charm of classic records. Well, this is the spot to get those people gifts, with tons of old stuff for as low as just 94 cents. For that price, you can get a friend an entire crate’s worth of new musical discoveries, or pick just a couple of more pristine records that they’d adore. —Layla McMurtrie Credit: Layla McMurtrie
“Detroit Industry” magnet set 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org Painted by the communist Mexican muralist Diego Rivera in the early 1930s, “Detroit Industry” is a powerful tribute to both the Motor City and workers of the world. Of course, residents of the tri-county area can see them in person for free, but this set of four magnets allows you to bring that magic into your kitchen. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of the Detroit Institute of Arts
SMPLFD T-shirts 2905 Beaufait St., Detroit; buy.smplfd.com This spot was named Best Local T-shirt Company in the Metro Times 2023 Best of Detroit reader’s poll, and it has plenty of fun and edgy designs to back it up. (We love the one featuring the likeness of a certain billboard-famous local personal injury lawyer emblazoned with “Who hurt you?”) While some of its merch is on the pricier end, there are tons of awesome Detroit-themed shirt options on sale for under $25. You could also just go for a hat or tote bag. —Layla McMurtrie Credit: Facebook, SMPLFD
Hellfire Detroit sauce hellfiredetroit.com This local hot sauce brand was made famous by being featured on multiple seasons of Hot Ones, the popular interview show where guests answer tough questions while eating spicy chicken wings. Season 9’s Habanero sauce is available to order online for $15 (packing 100,000-300,000 Scoville units), while Season 13’s Bourbon Habanero Ghost is available for $18 (at some 200,000-400,000 Scoville units). Remember to keep a pitcher of milk handy. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of Hellfire Detroit
Handmade notebooks by Barry Hoyabembe 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-6622; mocadetroit.org Michigan artist Barry Hoyabembe uses 100% recycled materials in his works, scouring materials from abandoned buildings or the trash, including for these one-of-a-kind handcrafted notebooks. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of MOCAD
Eastside Roasterz coffee eastsideroasterz.com Once you’re an adult, the most appreciated gifts are often the necessities, and what’s more essential than a good cup of coffee? Well, this local Black and queer-owned coffee company has got you covered, with 12-ounce coffee bean bags for $18. They’ve got blends from all over the world. — Layla McMurtrie Credit: Instagram, @eastside.roasterz
Kitty Deluxe 22202 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; kittydeluxe.com This cute little pink house is a hidden gem full of handmade gifts by Michigan artisans. The shop is stocked with one-of-a- kind affordable jewelry, with something for everyone. — Layla McMurtrie Credit: Facebook, Kitty Deluxe
Vintage CREEM T-Shirts creem.com Founded in the Cass Corridor in 1969, CREEM magazine became synonymous with rock ’n’ roll thanks to its irreverent writers like Lester Bangs and its no holds barred approach to music criticism. It was also famous for its merch, especially the classic T-shirt featuring its Robert Crumb-designed mascot, Boy Howdy. After a long hiatus, the magazine was resurrected last year as a quarterly, as well as a revamped merch store. You can fetch T-shirts emblazoned with vintage covers of CREEM for under $20. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of CREEM
Black History Matters tote 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; 313-494-5800; thewright.org The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History won Best Museum Shop in the Metro Times 2023 Best of Detroit readers poll. We liked these tote bags featuring the message “Black History Matters,” available for $25. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
46th Annual Potters Market 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield; thepottersmarket.com This annual market returns to the Southfield Pavillion from Dec. 1-3, featuring thousands of handmade items from some 140 artisans, including vases, tiles, mugs, jewelry, and more. More than 35,000 items are expected to be available, with prices ranging from $5 and up. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because of the crowds, no strollers are permitted. Admission is free. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy photo
49th Annual Noel Night Midtown, Detroit; noelnight.org The Midtown district’s seasonal tradition returns with shopping, musical performances, business open-house visits, bonfires, horse-drawn carriages, and more holiday cheer from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy photo
Detroit Urban Craft Fair 500 Temple St., Detroit; detroiturbancraftfair.com Now in its 18th year, this local craft fair returns for two days of holiday shopping at the Masonic Temple. More than 100 curated vendors will sell handcrafted items for all budgets, including jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, and others. Food and coffee are available onsite to enjoy as you peruse, with DJ Dave Lawson spinning throughout the weekend. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 ($5 admission) and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 ($3). —Lee DeVito Credit: Courtesy photo

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