25 Detroit gifts for under $25

By Metro Times editorial staff on Wed, Nov 22, 2023 at 6:00 am

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.

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Courtesy of City Bird

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

Instagram, @bonbonbonchocolate

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

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Instagram, @thelipbar

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

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Courtesy of Bell’s Brewery

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

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Courtesy of Pagan Potions

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

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Courtesy of Carhartt

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

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Courtesy of Detroit City Distillery

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

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Courtesy of Cuss and Color Books

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

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Instagram, @glowmybodyspa

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

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Instagram, @nextchapterbooksdetroit

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

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Instagram, @theplant.house

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

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Facebook, Made In The Mitten

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

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Courtesy of Detroit City FC

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

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Layla McMurtrie

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

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Courtesy of the Detroit Institute of Arts

“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

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Facebook, SMPLFD

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

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Courtesy of Hellfire Detroit

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

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Courtesy of MOCAD

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

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Instagram, @eastside.roasterz

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

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