Whether buying gifts for what feels like countless family members, taking part in present exchanges with colleagues, attending events, New Year’s Eve parties, or traveling for the holidays, December can be expensive. For all those occasions, and more, we have trawled the internet to find less extravagant options. Within our $25 and Under Gift Guide there are thoughtful, fun and design-forward presents for all types of individuals at prices that are more affordable.
Written by Grady Hendrix, My Best Friend’s Exorcism combines horror, adventure, comedy and ’80s nostalgia for a story that ultimately celebrates friendship. Set in 1988 Charleston, the tale of high school sophomores and best pals Abby and Gretchen quickly gets tricky when Gretchen begins acting differently—moody, rude, manipulative and cruel. After trying to reason it away, Abby understands something is very wrong and embarks on …
Using the joys and pains of the creative process as a vehicle for lessons on grief, Many Shapes of Clay: A Story of Healing is a touching, cathartic children’s book from Kenesha Sneed, an artist and the founder of LA-based ceramics brand Tactile Matter. With an endearing, young protagonist named Eisha, brought to life through Sneed’s bold colors and gestural textures, the book beautifully and …
In Now Go: On Grief and Studio Ghibli, author Karl Thomas Smith combs through the characters and animations of the Studio Ghibli universe to uncover how grief underpins the joyful, comforting films. The 13th issue in independent publisher 404 Ink’s pocket-sized books series, Inklings, the book of essays explores how Studio Ghibli navigates grief (be it small, personal or environmental) and how this depiction reflects …
Comprehensive and clear, the book Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion from drug policy journalist Michelle Janikian is a guide to planning safe, effective trips. From step-by-step instructions to advice on being there for others who are tripping and tips for microdosing, the concise resource elucidates some of the magic behind mushrooms.
Siblings Christina and Anthony Teav founded Mama Teav’s as a love letter to their mother (who fled war and genocide in Cambodia during the 1970s) and her beloved hot garlic sauce. Fiery and crisp, the sauce mixes local, organic California garlic fried in cold-pressed grapeseed oil with sun-dried, flame-roasted Cambodian chilis. The resulting recipe is an all-natural, vegan and gluten-free way to spice up a …
Created by renowned architect, urban planner and designer Gaetano Pesce for his 1998 Fish Design collection, the Table-Mates coasters are awash in endless color combinations and entrancing spherical patterns. Handmade from resin, the sets of two come in bold colorways (like turquoise and purple) and more subtle tones (like black and pale pink). Price is in Euros.
Helmed by Ze Yan, OMAD is a holistic skincare company rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. From the brand comes the Ginseng Nourishing Glow Mask, a calming yet energizing formulation that blends six Chinese medicinal herbs with Nicotinamide (which helps with dark spots) and Ceramide (for improved moisture retention). It also boasts Frankincense oil to support the reduction of wrinkles and renew skin cell growth, ginseng …
Piecework’s 70-piece Scorpio puzzle embodies the astrological sign: it’s dark, alluring and romantic (as it depicts an altar of flowers, candles and fruit). The color palette is more than just an aesthetic choice; it lends the puzzle a higher level of difficulty. Made from recycled paper with randomized ribbon cut pieces, the mini Scorpio is both visually and functionally compelling.
These small, hand-painted ornaments from artist Steph Becker each feature a charming portrait of a pooch on a ceramic pendant. The ornaments come in a variety of breeds and a black and white palette. They make for artful, whimsical decorations for dog lovers.
Book-centric apparel and accessory brand Out of Print transformed the children’s classic Goodnight Moon into a nostalgic tote bag whose proceeds fund literacy programs and book donations for communities in need. Constructed from 100% cotton and made in the US, the tote features the 1947 first edition cover, illustrated by Clement Hurd, and an interior pocket for better organization.
Madvillainy, the latest book in the 33 1/3 series published by Bloomsbury, is a celebration of Madvillain—the legendary hip-hop duo consisting of Madlib and the late MF Doom. Written by Will Hagle, the book centers on the 2004 album Madvillainy (the duo’s only LP) and features interviews with individuals who worked on or were involved in the record—but it’s told from the perspective of three …
Penned by science writer and children’s book author Isabel Thomas and illustrated by Sara Gillingham, Full of Life: Exploring Earth’s Biodiversity merges art, ecology and design to teach young ones about the scientific model known as Earth’s Tree of Life. With a stunning, accessible layout and comprehensive glossary, the book explains all that is fascinating and magical about the planet’s creatures and how each one—from microorganisms …
