For shoppers looking to avoid big-box stores this holiday season, several local businesses in Modesto and nearby areas are offering a range of gifts under $25. These shops provide options from books and tea to home goods and stationery.
Bookish offers a selection of books priced below $25, including works by local authors. The store also features book lamps for $9.99, a custom coffee blend made with local roaster Volente for $18, and branded tote bags starting at $10. Bookish is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dragonfly Tea Room, located near Bookish, specializes in tea service and blends its own teas. Options include the Happy Belly blend and Masala Chai. House-blended teas are available starting at $8 for a 2-ounce bag and $15 for a 4-ounce bag. Accessories for brewing tea are also available for less than $25. The shop operates Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mobaak Aroma Co. provides hand-poured candles starting at $12 for a 6-ounce size that burns up to 60 hours, with winter scents like White Pine & Sugar Plum suggested as seasonal picks. The store also sells handmade soaps for $11 and Everything Mist spray for $12, made with therapeutic-grade essential oils and nontoxic fragrances. Mobaak is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ambition Vintage offers clothing and accessories inspired by the ’90s and early 2000s, including Italian charm bracelets with individual charms priced at just $1 each—making it possible to create an entire bracelet as an affordable gift option under $20. The shop is located at 1057 W. Orangeburg Ave., open Monday, Thursday, Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Paper Moon Stationery and Art Supply in Turlock was founded by Victoria Mires due to the lack of quality stationery stores in the area. The shop carries brands such as Hobonichi, Blackwing, Traveler’s, and Penco; most pens start at just $2, with many items under $25 including planners recommended as gifts under $20. Paper Moon is located at 120 W. Main St., open Sunday-Monday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Suite 52 Living in McHenry Village stocks glassware starting at $13 per mug or cup and offers products like Glitterville cups ($21) and Nora Fleming dishes (starting around $20). Small bowls can be found for less than $10 along with other accessories suitable as stocking stuffers or host gifts during the holiday season. Suite 52 will participate in McHenry Village’s Christmas Sip and Shop event on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5–8 p.m.; regular hours are Monday-Friday (10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.).
The Modesto Bee invites readers who know of other locally owned shops offering gifts under $25 to share suggestions via email at mfigueroa@modbee.com.
