Gift guide

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Who said that finding great holiday gifts has to be a hassle? City Pulse has compiled a list of 25 gifts under $25 that will still make recipients feel like a million bucks. The gifts are either locally made, available at local businesses or related to Lansing-area culture, and there’s quite a range to choose from, so you should be able to find something for anyone left on your holiday gift list. Many of the items are available at local markets, like downtown Lansing’s Kringle Holiday Market, Horrocks Farm Market and the Holt Farmers Market, which may be great places to look for last-minute gifts that didn’t make it into this list.

  1. Horrow throw pillows

Grave Danger

$20

1236 Turner St., Suite A, Lansing

gravexdanger.com

Even when living in an intentionally spooky and gloomy space, no one should have to sacrifice comfort. These throw pillows are perfect for the people in your life who wear all black, binge horror movies whenever they can and never seem to stop celebrating Halloween.

  1. Michigan floral ornaments

UnHinged Artz Gallery
$19
1027 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
facebook.com/unhingedartz/

These Michigan-shaped ceramic ornaments, made by Michigan artist Roswitha Underwood, are offered in a range of designs, each with a different flower covering the front side. The little details like the cutout heart and ladybug show the care the artist put into the pieces.

  1. Satin pillowcase

Curvaceous Lingerie
$19
117 E. César E. Chávez Ave., Lansing
curvaceouslingerie.com

Satin pillowcases are reported to have numerous benefits due to the material’s silkiness and breathability. These include healthier, less irritated skin as well as less hair breakage, tangles and frizz. In addition, the fabric regulates temperature to ensure at least one side of the pillow is always cool.

  1. 2023 Michigan Capitol ornament

$23.58
michigan-capitol-gift-shop.myshopify.com

Each year, the Michigan Capitol releases a commemorative Christmas tree ornament. This year’s ornament, which was just restocked after selling out, features the Interior Dome and the scaffolding erected for the Rotunda Decorative Paint Project, which began in June 2023 to repair and maintain the many delicate pieces of art.

  1. Album art by Dennis Preston,
    Nevin Speerbrecker and Paul Vetne

The Record Lounge
$7 each or four for $20
1027 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
therecordloungereotown.com

Three local artists teamed up to recreate classic album covers, like Bruce Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town”; Joni Mitchell’s “Hejira”; and Crosby, Stills & Nash’s self-titled LP. These unique prints are perfect for music lovers who already seem to have every vinyl or CD under the sun.

  1. Wax and candle warmers

Wicked Wax & Wix Candle Co.
$20
wickedcandlecompany.com

These ceramic warmers, made by St. Johns-based Wicked Wax & Candle Co., can be used with wax melts as well as candles, especially ones that have reached the ends of their wicks but still have some wax remaining. Their muted tones would pair well with almost any décor, and they’d be great to use in small spaces like dorm rooms or apartments, where flames can be a hazard.

  1. Simmer pot kits

Lansing Scent Co.
$8-12
lansingscentco.com

Available in 15 varieties such as Spiced Cider, Holiday Cheer, Fresh & Clean and Sage + Citrus, Lansing Scent Co.’s all-natural scent packs fill a room with vibrant fragrance when simmered in water. The business, founded in 2021 by Lansing Resident Allie Svoboda, ships to all 50 states.

  1. Hard ciders

Phillips Cider Bar & Market
$13-18 (750 ml)
3000 Vine St., Lansing
phillipsciders.com

On top of the baked goods and draft ciders available at Phillips Cider Bar & Market in the Frandor Shopping Center, the St. Johns-based business also sells bottled ciders that range from fruity and botanical to hoppy and woody. Most ciders are centered around 7% ABV, though a couple of the barrel-aged varieties reach 9.5% ABV.

  1. Bloody mary mixes

$7.99 (24 oz)
Horrocks Farm Market
7420 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing
shophorrocks.com

For the person who opts for a bloody mary instead of a mimosa at Sunday brunch, Horrocks Farm Market offers a traditional and a Bold N’ Spicy mix so they can make their own from the comfort of home. You could even grab some olives, celery and a few shooters of vodka to make it a complete kit.

  1. Fresh-roasted coffee

$16
River Tree Coffee Co.
Available 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 16) at the Holt Farmers Market (2150 Cedar St., Holt)
rivertreecoffee.com

America may run on Dunkin’, but your loved ones could be running on much fresher brews from East Lansing-based River Tree Coffee Co. The products are all direct-trade and roasted weekly, and as a bonus, the packaging is compostable. The business also accepts order requests via Facebook and Instagram and offers free delivery throughout Greater Lansing.

  1. Holiday candies

Ray’s Candy & Crafts
$3-8
Available 4-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday (Dec. 15-16) and Dec. 22 at the Kringle Holiday Market (400 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing)
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092293075749

Whether you’re looking for unique stocking stuffers or gift-basket items for someone with a sweet tooth, Ray’s Candy & Crafts has you covered. The Lansing-based business’ selection of freeze-dried candy delights with bright colors and holiday-themed designs at a price point lower than the typical gourmet candy store.

  1. Handmade coasters

$5
Lychens Art Studio
lychensartstudio.com

Michigan-based artist Erin Simonson sells her pop-culture-themed prints on stickers, pins, magnets and keychains, but no one can have too many coasters. Designs range from horror subjects like Pennywise the Clown and the Bride of Frankenstein to Donatello from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” in a Santa hat. The coasters are scratch-, fade- and water-resistant.

  1. Michigan air fresheners

Pic’s & Wic’s
$4-5
Horrocks Farm Market
7420 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing
picsandwics.com

Pic’s & Wic’s is a family-owned soy candle and air freshener business based in Ludington. These Mitten-State-shaped air fresheners are perfect for someone who’s lived here their whole life and never wants to leave, someone who moved away but misses Michigan dearly, or someone whose car has a lurking odor that you’d like to gently remedy.

  1. Smells Like a Spartans Win candle

Wicked Funny Candle Co.
$19.25
etsy.com/shop/WickedFunnyCandles

Whether it’s basketball, football, hockey or any other collegiate sport, die-hard Michigan State University Spartans fans can make lighting this candle a new game day tradition. The candles are made from a 100% natural soy wax blend, 100% cotton wicks and premium essential oils. Scents include Clean Cotton, Sea Salt + Orchid and Apple Harvest.

  1. Dry rubs

Ellison Brewery and Event Space
$8-14 (8 oz)
1314 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
facebook.com/ellisonbrewingreo/

Ellison Brewery and Spirits makes its own line of spicy dry rubs, perfect for the person in your life who can never get enough heat. Varieties include Carolia Reaper, Ghost Pepper and Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper. The rubs can be used on both meat and veggies to spice up any meal.

  1. Dog treat gift baskets or boxes

Fur Real Dog Snacks
$10-25
Available 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday (Dec. 15) at the Grand River Farmers Market (141 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson) and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 16) at the Holt Farmers Market (2150 Cedar St., Holt)
furrealdogsnacks.com

Humans aren’t the only ones who deserve gifts this holiday season. For the furry members of the family, these gift baskets include a stuffed toy and an assortment of Michigan-based Fur Real Dog Snacks’ dehydrated meat snacks. The treats are free from steroids, artificial flavors and added preservatives. There are also smaller boxes with treats only.

  1. Bee propolis body cream

Organic Restorative Suds
$22.50 (4 oz)
Available 4-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday (Dec. 15-16) and Dec. 22 at the Kringle Holiday Market (400 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing)
organicsrestorativesuds.com

This cream, made by Okemos-based skincare company Organic Restorative Suds, aims to aid those with sensitive and allergy-prone skin, but it can also be used to fight dry skin during the winter. It’s made with bee propolis, a resinous substance that protects the beehive and is believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. As a bonus, the product is light on the skin and smells of fresh fruit.

  1. All-natural room and linen sprays

Heaven Scent Body Products
$20 (4 oz)
Available 4-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday (Dec. 15-16) and Dec. 22 at the Kringle Holiday Market (400 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing)
heavenscentbody.com

These all-natural fragrances by Lansing-based Heaven Scent Body Products, made from botanical extracts, essential oils and other plant-based ingredients, provide a fresh scent throughout any room they’re sprayed in. They can also be used on linens for a more concentrated effect. The lavender scent aims to provide calm, while the eucalyptus and mint scent aims to uplift.

  1. Irreverent candles

Bad Annie’s Sweary Goods
$15.99
swearygoods.com

These foul-phrased candles are sure to bring about a hearty laugh at the gift exchange, with many touting the F-word and other expletives in bold lettering and others promising the scent of various hunky actors. Each candle has a different scent and is made from soy wax.

  1. Holiday soap tins

$15
Sapo de Solis
1027 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
sapodesolis.com

Variety is the spice of life, and everyone needs some spice during these dreary winter months. Sapo de Solis, located within the REO Town Marketplace, is offering build-your-own hoilday soap tins with a choice of four small-batch, vegan-friendly soap bars and a decorative container. Scents include Sandalwood, Vanilla Oatmeal, Fresh Peppermint, Lavender, Patchouli, Fresh Rose and more.

  1. Lavender-sceneted eye pillow

Sixteen Sprigs Lavender Farm
$18
Horrocks Farm Market
7420 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing

Sixteen Sprigs is a woman-owned lavender farm with facilities in Lansing and Alma. According to the business, lavender is associated with a reduction in stress, anxiety, insomnia and headaches. This eye pillow could be a great gift for anyone who needs a bit of calm in their life. Simply warm the microwave the pillow for 30 to 40 seconds and it’s ready to go.

  1. Alpaca endurance socks

Williamston Alpaca
$24
williamstonalpaca.com

Socks are a tried-and-true holiday gift, and these 78% alpaca fiber socks, made by a family-owned alpaca farm in Williamston, are sure to keep recipients’ toes warm and cozy throughout the cold winter months. “Once you try these socks, you will never go back to cotton or wool socks,” the business wrote on its website.

  1. Downtown Digital Dollars gift card

Any amount
app.yiftee.com/gift-card/lansing-mi

Downtown Lansing Inc. offers one simple gift card that can be used to support a variety of Lansing businesses, including Bowdie’s Chophouse, the Peanut Shop, Impression 5 Science Center, all of the restaurants in Lansing Shuffle and much more. For a full list of participating businesses, visit app.yiftee.com/gift-card/lansing-mi/locations.

  1. Blind Date with a Book

Polka Dots Boutique
$8.99-9.99
1207 Turner St., Lansing
polkadotsboutique.com

Looking for a gift to satisfy the avid reader in your life but can’t decide on a specific title? Old Town’s Polka Dots Boutique offers a “Blind Date with a Book,” where you can choose from a variety of pre-wrapped books based only on their thickness, size and a few broad descriptors of the contents. The books are slightly used but are in “fantastic condition” with no marks, smells or writing, Polka Dots said on its website.

  1. Playing Picasso gift card

Any amount
300 N. Clippert St., Suite 15A, Lansing
playingpicasso.com

Playing Picasso, a paint-your-own pottery store in the Frandor Shopping Center, offers a range of paintable ceramic items for less than $25, from plates and cups to animal figurines, allowing your giftee to choose a keepsake that’s both personalized and fun to make.

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