Our Cheap & Union-Made Gift Guide of 2025

Let’s be honest — giving and receiving gifts is great. But there is little point on either side of the equation if the gift is not at least somewhat thoughtful. That’s why I’ve put together this list, which is based on the thrill of finding the perfect something for a special someone. Enjoy!

For your leftist friend…

Check out Bolerium — you may have to be buzzed up by an intercom and climb some stairs to shop there — but it’s worth it! Bolerium is the place for rare books, posters, buttons and general ephemera of the left and labor/social movements. Pick up a first edition of someone’s favorite book, some vintage queer erotica, or a cool button related to your friend’s political interests. 

For those who don’t live in California…

I have a friend who fills up her suitcase with Berkeley Bowl produce before going to see her East Coast family. Getting some produce from Berkeley Bowl is the ultimate act of love. Show off the fact that you live somewhere with the best grocery store and produce in the country. Make a little basket and fill it with in-season fruit, quality snacks, honey, olive oil or those little earth globe candies.  Pro-tip: Monterey Market, also in Berkeley, is also a great option. 

For someone whose love language is acts of service…

Everyone has a sweater they love, but needs a little mending. Do it for them! Go to Lee’s Co. in Oakland’s Chinatown for the best turnaround and prices. Alternatively, take their kitchen knives to get sharpened at Stone’s Touch Sharpening in Castro Valley or SF’s Bernal Cutlery. Don’t forget dad’s pocket knife, or tools.

For the art lover…

There’s a woman named Karen Janes who sells art at a stand on Saturday’s near the Grand Lake Farmers market. There’s one piece I love in particular, which depicts a basketball game. You can find her work online, too. There are other options for your little art lover, by the way. Try finding a print from Creative Growth, look out for art sales from a local community college, or buy art from an incarcerated artist at San Quentin through the Artreach program. 

For your crafty family member…

Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics on Shattuck is the perfect place to get your seamstress friend some quality union fabric. This is the one time it’s acceptable to go for the gift card option so they can pick out the kind of fabric they want. For someone looking to start a new hobby or learn a new crafting skill, you can get them a blacksmithing or ceramics (+ many more) class at The Crucible.

For someone who lives in Oakland…

Mam History by Oakland-based educator Javier Armas is an invaluable book about the history and culture of the Mayan-Mam community, a fast growing community in Oakland. Alexis Madrigal’s  The Pacific Circuit is a great social history of Oakland for someone who wants to better understand the city they live in. 

For that person who prefers an experience…

East Bay Yesterday’s history boat tours by Liam O'Donoghue will make you feel lucky to live here.

Also be sure to check out Yoshi’s Jazz Show: A classic for a reason, and a great gift for your parents. You can find really affordable tickets, too.

For your bougie friend…

Heath ceramics are not cheap, but they are union! To be honest, this is a huge splurge, but worth it for the right person. Do they host a lot of dinner parties? If so, anything from Health will impress them. Pro tip: you can always find Heath secondhand on Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist or the “seconds” shed with discounts at the Sausalito location.

For the kids in your life…

Check out art classes with iconic longtime Berkeley lefty printmaker Doug Minkler. You can buy a series of classes for Saturdays and/or Sundays.

For families with younger kids, try for a membership to Oakland’s Fairyland. Also, kids still love comic books and graphic novels. Almost every city in the Bay has a comic book store or two. 

Pro-tip: Do research about which books are good for the exact age you’re buying for. 

For someone who values quality time…

Book a FREE activity with the East Bay Regional Park District to do together. You can browse their upcoming activities and book a Super Full Moon Hike, Bird Walk by the Bay, or Real Life Pokemon for the kids.

For a boozier option, take them to the Takara Sake Tasting Room in Berkeley — it’s beautiful inside and you get 5 sake tastings for $20. Pro-tip: Always touch grass.

For someone with a sweet tooth…

Let’s be honest, merch is rarely ever good. But the shirts at Colonial Donuts are actually cool and come in a lot of colors. You can buy them from the Lakeshore location. If a shirt isn’t what your sweet tooth is looking for, then get them a pie or cheesecake from Gregory's Gourmet Desserts. I suggest the sweet potato pecan pie, if it's available. 

Pro-tip: Get someone a donut, or a scratcher, while you’re at Colonial.

For someone who is afraid of microplastics…

Just because your friend is plastic-skeptical doesn’t make them an RFK'er. Replace something plastic — like a water bottle or coffee travel mug — for a non-plastic and eco-version. There’s plenty to choose from at the Ecology Center in Berkeley. 

For the person reading this who just wants to order something online…

Monks at Saint Andrew’s Abbey in Southern California sell handmade unique and adorable angel ceramics to hang on the wall. This gift can work as a sincere gesture for the religious or as an ironic gift for the non-religious in your life. They are just that cute and versatile. My favorite angels include: T.V. Angel, Camcorder Angel, Guitar Angel, Recycling Bin Angel, Computer Angel, Carpenter Angel, Flea Market Angel, and so on (trust me there is something for everyone).

For someone who hates tech…

We often dislike something and have to figure out exactly why later on. That’s why The Mechanic and the Luddite: A Ruthless Criticism of Technology and Capitalism by Jathan Sadowski is such a great gift. If you’re not convinced, read our interview with the author. For the phone-haters, check out How to Do Nothing by Oakland writer Jenny Odell. Or, for the music streaming disliker, there is Liz Pelly’s book, Mood Machine, on how Spotify is ruining music.

For the host..

The holidays are the time of year we find ourselves at a lot of parties. If you’re not rude, that means bringing an offering to the host. Grocery Outlet (affectionately called “Gross Out” by Bay Area residents) is the best choice for this genre of gift. Their liquor section always has the kind of whiskey sold in a box and is often  marked down 50%. A little research goes a long way when picking out the right bottle of wine.

For the thrifty....

Buying secondhand is the best way to find inexpensive, eco-friendly treasures. Thrift stores are full of wool and cashmere sweaters, and plenty of the now-trendy men’s quarter-zips. Look behind the glass for jewelry, brooches, designer shoes, and vintage cameras. If all else fails, the homegoods section is full of affordable, high-quality items like studio pottery, teak, milk glass, and crystal, plus easy gift ideas like matching stemware, a vintage decanter set, or ceramic mugs paired with local coffee. Pro tip: Go to the suburbs for the best thrift finds. Also, don’t forget children's gifts — there are so many unopened toys at every store!

For everybody on your list

A subscription to Bay Area Current — with exclusive merch to boot ☺︎