This is a cute, densely packed novelty shop in downtown Ypsi. It reminds me of a family friendly Spencer's. Lots of fun stuff if you need a gift for someone, like toys, candies, stickers, greeting cards, clothing, and more. If you are looking for Michigan or Ypsilanti-specific gifts, this is definitely a good spot to check out. read more

The Rocket - the inside of a candy shop - Candy Stores Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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This place is really really cool! It made me, a 38 year old woman, feel like a kid again. So many unique gift ideas. They have so many different themed merch like tv shows, Harry Potter, Hello Kitty, Care Bares, Mulang, Mario, and a billion things that I don't know about. I went here before Valentine's Day and ended up finding a Super Mario Fire stuffy for my hubby. He loves it! They also had very unique and funny cards! They have tons of candy of every variety. I found ring pop gummies here & my husband ate them in a day. Tons of toys & stuffed animals. One thing I will say is their prices were a bit high. But I imagine with cost of operation these days it makes sense and I am in a spot where I can support this small business (reasonably). It is a super fun store. Use caution bringing a small child into this store, as there will be several things within their reach and they will probably want to get their hands on everything. I honestly wouldn't bring a kid younger than 8 or 9 in this store. If you need gift inspiration, come to this cute store! read more

Always LOVE going in this shop when we are in Ypsilanti . One of my favorites for all kinds of unique gifts and novelties . Super nice girl that works there , when we visited this time , Courtney was super kind and i enjoyed talking with her . Every time we go in this shop the workers are always super helpful and friendly ^_^ read more

We were already a fan of the Ferndale location which we shop in often. I was not aware there was another location. I have never been to this little adorable block before to shop. Apparently, this is the original location and the Ferndale location is the second shop. They have all of the magical pop culture and candy supplies we have come to love in metro-Detroit. So many fun things to look at. The individual here was very friendly and helpful and filled us in on all of the details. The set up of the two stores are very similar as well. We felt right at home. read more

The selection of candy is awesome. The store takes me back to candy stores from my child hood. Such a great variety. I've been taking my children since they were little. Grown up now we go every time they are in town. read more

This is a really cute novelty gift shop. It also sells candy from my childhood that I had to buy! If your looking for something cute for yourself or a unique gift, this is the place! read more

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Always a fun experience and so much to see. I love going to the rocket especially when I have gifts to pick out for other people. However, I have to admit that when I'm there I always find at least a few for me as well! read more

The Rocket has a great selection of gag gifts, real gifts and greeting cards. They also have a unique variety of nostalgic toys, games, and even bulk candy! One of the best additions to downtown Ypsi! read more

Love getting gifts for my nephews here! Very unique, fun variety of toys and puzzles and surprising things!

I loved The Rocket. Heck I even found handy coupons on their website. In my book that is awesome. I have a project going where I am doing a few candy exchanges with friends in the UK for the holidays, I needed candy they cannot get over there so I thought the Rocket could help. It was great and there was plenty to pick from candy wise for each of their various tastes. I also really liked the ability to get individual pieces or smaller amounts as there is only so much I am willing to pay for shipping and I wanted to give everyone a lot of variety. I loved the setup, the friendliness and the selection. They have lots of things to give you a chuckle or two. Heck any store that carries Faygo is beautiful in my book. I can't wait to go back and take my nieces and nephew! read more

If you're ever feeling old get thee to The Rocket and you'll instantly feel like a wee one again. Chock full of goodies from nostalgic candies to wind up toys, this Ypsi fun factory will get you livin' the kid life. They've got sections of the shop dedicated to robots (figurines, water bottles, games, etc), nostalgia (someone get me the A&W Root Beer lunch box STAT), kitschy memorabilia, local goodies (lots of Michigan themed pins, bags, and t-shirts), etc, etc! They've also got tons of little trinkets like erasers and kitchen decor to liven up your gift giving experience this Christmas. This place is THE BEST for stocking stuffers! Basically there is something here for everyone. From girly girls (cupcake lipgloss), to nostalgia fans (tin pez signs), to kids (candy and toys!), and those with a wicked sense of humor (AVENGING NARWHAL!). It's likely you'll find something for everyone on your list this holiday season. Speaking of Christmas--the stuff is starting to roll out. Some fab cupcake ornaments are now on my "to-buy" list for the holidays. Excellent. Today I picked up a super sweet t-shirt with an owl on it, a little pouch with Japanese cartoon characters on it for my computer accouterments, maple flavored toothpicks in a sweet little beaver tin, and a cutsey little owl that helps you wind up your headphones. But I could have bought so much more! I really had to reign it in to limit it to those items. Next time I'll be sure to get some of that fabulous bulk candy as well! read more

Even though I am quite jaded about romance and the whole lovey dovey crapola, I have decided to take the plunge this year and invite my inner cupid to visit my freaky cohort. So on my search for extremely cheap and creative ways to celebrate this lover's holiday I first went on a field trip to Ypsilanti's "The Rocket". The shop is located right in the heart of downtown Ypsilanti on Michigan Ave. The front window this month is decked out in shiny red hues and filled with alternative budget conscious novelties geared to Valentine's Day. Ya... this is so my kind of local independent shop. Any place that can sport sculls and cross bones and love and romance in one delicious window display has my attention! As soon as my baby girl and I walked in to The Rocket it felt like we just won the golden ticket into Willy Wonkas factory. We were welcomed by an assortment of wrapped and unwrapped bulk candy that covered the entire wall on the right. My baby was in heaven as she inspected all the bins... every kind of gummy bear's imaginable, chocolates, jaw breakers, all sorts of pez dispensers, wax candy soda pops, and to top it off, a beautiful rainbow of every variety of jelly bellies's blanketed the wall. I was hypnotized by all the cool religious,tinker bell, zombie and pirate action figures, and especially the Betty Boop, Marylin Monro, and Elvis Novelties. The retro kitchen and bathroom accessories totally made me envious of anyone who happens to have a place of their own to decorate! In addition to candy, I found some seriously great novelties under $5.00 for my love. Such as: Adorable rubber heart love rats- And for the serious breakfast in bed surprise you can create some love eggs with a super cheap heart egg shaper and Stamp some lovin on toast with the "I Love You Toast Stamper"- Prepare yourself to spend a half hour or so investigating the four rooms filled with retro, vintage, hard to find, unique Ypsi attire, toys, games, bar and tiki paraphernalia, cool ass jewelry, bags, purses- all that scream Rebel- Cool ass chick- Character- and style for the chickie who likes to stand out period! Also... they have online promo coupons you can print and redeem this month to further support your budget and love big time! You can take advantage of 20% off any one purchase- 10% off your entire purchase- 30% off your entire bulk candy purchase. If you don't live near Ypsilanti, that is ok too... they have an online ordering section over at their site: http://www.therocketypsi.com They are located at: 103 W. Michigan Ave at the corner of Michigan Ave and Huron Street. read more

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Quaint little "knick knack" shop in downtown Ypsi. I came here after having breakfast at Beezys. To me, The Rocket is the essential toy store I would hope to find in a downtown area. Not commercialized by any means, they offer a variety of toys and gifts to a variety of ages. From bouncy balls and the like for little kids, to comic bookish type stuff for the older kids and adults, it's definitely a place you can kill a good 30 minutes or so, just looking at all the different stuff that they have. The big find for me was their selection of beverages. They sell Brownie root beer which is my FAVORITE root beer. This happens to be the only place I have been able to find it for that matter (I looked online, and they only sell wholesale, it's nuts!). The guy working when my wife and I came by was nice enough. Didn't really engage me until i was about to make a purchase, which was fine with me, but was very helpful as I tried to determine which root beer I should buy. Thanked us for our business and we were on our way. OVERALL- definitely worth a look see. And since they sell Brownie root beer, I will keep coming back. CELEBRITY RATING- Johnny Galecki read more

Came here 6/10/21 12:30pm and was so happy that the worker there was incredibly friendly and attentive she even found us in the store and brought over another basket because we had so much stuff. She had an arm in a cast rendering it useless but still managed to check out all of our stuff with care and with a smiling face, something we really appreciate. We have been taking our daughter there for 5 years now and she still loves the rocket store so much, we are grateful for the friendly environment and amazing unique gifts. THANK YOU ROCKET STORE! Forever customers :) (love your pusheen) read more

The Rocket - rockin Rocket receipt - Candy Stores Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

The candy will get your attention, but it's one of the biggest novelty stores I've seen. Check out the two rooms in the back. X-ray vision goggles, a Spiderman lunch box, and other must-have items are hidden away back there. Good place to find a gift or just amuse yourself for a while. read more

The Rocket - Candy Stores Near Me - Ypsilanti, Michigan

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If you're a woman, don't shop in this store. I've never been disrespected in such a sexist way by a man. It was a horrible experience. Never. Again. read more

Pricy, but so worth it since you really can't find these gifts anywhere else! The staff is friendly and the location is great. 10/10 would recommend checking out The Rocket for all your gifting needs! read more

Had to give this place an update. I realized the last time I reviewed was before they moved to their bigger space across the street. I love the fact they have vintage candy and Ypsi stuff- SOMEONE needs to offer these things! Would I get a card for someone, or a birthday gift from here? Absolutely. They let you shop (normally) and leave you alone. The larger space seems to have benefitted them greatly, not to mention their often-changing window display. I only take a point off because of their reaction to COVID- they posted a sign in the window discouraging casual browsing. I'm not sure what that's all about, but perhaps it would benefit them to do online sales only, if that's the case? read more

The Rocket is a one of a kind! They have bulk candy, which includes my all time favorite: gummy Coke bottles! They also have a selection of patron saints of random things and Jesus action figures! You can never go wrong with a place that sells bacon band-aids or "wwzd" (what would zombies do) merchandise! If you need a kitschy gift for any occasion, definitely check out The Rocket. I think they even have a bank for change that says "saving up for more valium." I love this place! I can stay in there for an hour, and it's a very small store! read more

And up, up, and away in the sky to five stars you go! Pew pew pew! I can't walk out of here anymore without getting something. Pure evil. Examples? - Robot tea infuser (it has arms that come up and hang onto your glass whilst your tea brews) - Dinosaur poop excavation kit (yup, you heard me) - tons of stickers (big in Japan!) and temporary tattoos (I'm sticking a dragon on my nephew's arm tomorrow) - necklaces with mustache charms (if you're into that sort of thing) - classics like whoopie cushions and pseudo-etcha-sketches - dirty vulgar things - nostalgic sweet things - movie- and cult- themed things (cult as in pop culture, not cult as in scary drink-the-koolaid people) - shark- or denture- shaped candy - ice cube trays that produce all sorts of shapes (octopuses [octopi! I want that word. Where can I sign a petition?], robots, lips, etc.) - bacon bandaids I highly recommend asking the staff if you're looking for something particular or at least have a theme in mind. They not only (generally) know their stuff, but they also have a nifty computer they can search through. Sign up for their e.mail list because there are often 20%-off coupons enclosed! Even though they have some staples, they're always turning over merch so come here and come here often. It's not going to be a long, long time 'til I touch down here again. Happy to be a rocket man. read more

There are a ton of things to like about the Rocket. It was my "go-to" place for stocking stuffers this Christmas. It caters to a wide variety of geeks and enthusiasts, from Trekkies to Hello Kitty fans to science geeks. For instance, I got zombie finger puppets (90 cents each) for a horror fan friend of mine and an exploding Tardis jigsaw puzzle for a Dr. Who enthusiast on my Christmas list. The staff is really friendly and willing to help. Every time I've been in there, a clerk has asked if I need help or if I found what I was looking for. The only thing that makes this a 4-star rather than a 5-star place for me is that I wish they sold more "made in the U.S." and made-in-Michigan stuff rather than toys from China. Chinese toys have had issues with lead contamination in past years and I'm a little wary of giving them to my nieces and nephews. read more

It's about time I got around to writing a review for The Rocket! This place is AWESOME! And I mean REALLY AWESOME! Not only is The Rocket fun and whimsical, but it is an amazing anchor store in downtown Ypsi; I am SO happy to see it thriving! They are totally helping the area come to life and they even have plenty of Ypsi and Michigan related gear to stock up on. The staff is always super friendly and helpful which makes visiting even that much more enjoyable. If you need any inspiration for a gift, or are just looking for something kooky to brighten your mood, The Rocket is the place to go! read more

Waaaaay too much fun! I could have spent hours AND a ton of money in this happy place! The staff was very friendly (how could you NOT be happy in this store?) and the hours are great--we happened upon downtown Ypsi on a Friday evening at 6:00. We're from the Cincinnati area, and things close up at 6 in cool little towns like this, so we were very surprised when the owner said they'd be open until 8:00, as are most of the other businesses, and some were even staying open later because of the outdoor music festival. Anyway, I happily got all of the "sour" candies I could fit into bags, and eyed a few things to take back home to our 3 year old from our trip. She was absolutely thrilled with her Diego lunch box, "jewelled' tiara, Dover books about fairies and giant Smarties candy. We were absolutely thrilled with The Rocket and can't wait to come back! read more

I'm often disappointed by shops that specialize in fun retro items, etc. The Rocket is EVERYTHING that I want in one of these shops. They have an abundance of items... every corner is stocked to the brim! I ALWAYS find something new when I stop by. The retro candy selection is spectacular too. Enjoyable for actual kids and those of us who can't get enough of "kid-like" stuff - retro toys, pirates, ninjas, monsters, robots, cute japanese stuff. Great selection of local items too made by local artisans as well. Free two-hour parking behind the shop + a super-friendly owner = win! read more

I love this place, such a great store to walk into and see cool and cooky toys and gadgets from various cult tv shows, or movies that you enjoyed growing up. I've been here on a number of occasions and can honestly say I walked out having bought something during each visit. My last visit consisted of indulging in Dr.Who paraphernalia for both my lady and her friends son who love the Dr. We were told that more Dr. Who merchandise would be coming soon, so we will surely be back again. Must give this place a try if you are driving by. read more

Last week, I got about half of my stocking-stuffer shopping done in less than an hour. Sweet! This little gem of a store may, as Michael mentions, seem a little "zany" to the senior regulars at Haab's, but it fits nicely into this part of downtown when you consider that it has neighbors like Bombadill's, the new(ish) VGKids storefront, and now Beezy's (Bee's daughter was dropping off menus when I was in). I'm not into Hallmark-y gift shops, with their schmaltzy inspirational plaques and potpourri smells. But, bright colorful (and inexpensive) strange little toys and chochkees? A place that sells GIANT scissors (haven't you ever wanted to stage your own ribbon-cutting ceremony?), AND bulk candy? That's a store I can get behind. The Rocket opened up just after two of my tiki-lovin' friends moved from a place across the street to the west side Ann Arbor. It's too bad, 'cause I'm pretty sure they would've bought up a good potion of the tiki section! I know that Michael L. likened this place to a Cracker Barrel, but I'd say that comparison does the Rocket a disservice. The fellow who's working whenever I stop in (owner?) is far sweeter than any Cracker Barrel hostess I've ever met, and the items here are a little more original than just old-timey wooden toys. If you're looking for little party gifts, stocking stuffers, or just something small to include in a letter or package to a friend, The Rocket is your place. read more

Honestly, this is my hands-down favorite place to go to in Ypsi. It's a one-of-a-kind shop that sells all sorts of odd little games and toys, signs and lunch-boxes, stickers and pins, and so much more. It's a great store where you can buy cutesy-things and well as off-the-wall gifts for friends and family of all personalities. The possibilities seem endless and I can't recall how many times I've visited, but each time I've walked into there, there's always something new to discover. It's a great place for people of all ages, seriously. Toys for kids, nostalgia for adults. read more

Super cool store you have to check it out. Bacon flavored toothpaste to Kiss lunch boxes. Fun place to take you back to the 70's 80's & 90's toys, gifts,and Gags read more

I could spend hours in this store! There are so many quirky items from food, to clothing, to activities and everything in between. Definitely come check it out, I guarantee you will find something fun to buy. Also, the girl working there was very helpful and friendly. She informed us that they also have a larger location in Ferndale, so check that one out too! read more

How in the world have I written 300 reviews and not reviewed The Rocket? Vintage Candy, generalized awesomeness and helpful staff--always. My favorite store in Michigan. If I'm in a horrible mood, The Rocket will lift my spirits and I overspend. If I'm in a great mood, I overspend. Come to think of it, I always overspend. There are just so many trinkets you never thought you'd need. I bought hand sanitizers for my brother's stockings (check them out and guess which one), robots, mugs, wind up toys, ypsi wear, boxes of Sanders caramels, and just about anything else I can find when I want a unique gift. Prices are reasonable and you can find something for everyone (including yourself). Just go. read more

The Rocket Candy & Novelties (Ypsi, MI) racially profiled my friend today 1/14 at about 1:30pm. There was a white man (I'm assuming the owner) at the front who informed us that we needed to leave our personal bags at the front upon arrival. After surveying the store, we noticed that all of the white people in the store had their bags. The man was extremely rude as well. It seems this is both an issue of race and sexism. After reading other reviews, this also seems consistent behavior with women and POC. I'm so disappointed in this business, especially because Ypsi is known for being an accepting and loving community. This same man also followed us outside after I made a comment upon leaving "Don't racially profile people", because i felt it was necessary the other individuals in there new what he was doing. I genuinely thought he was going to attack one of us after following us outside, yelling things at us like "it's not about that" and "i do this to all people under the age of 35". There was a white girl the same age as us in there with her pretty little Kate Spade tote on her shoulder. Also, it is incredibly unprofessional and SCARY to follow 3 young women out of your store in argument. Please do not go to this place and share for others knowledge. There are plenty of other lovely candy shoppes in the area that won't racially profile you. read more

I came here on a Ypsi First Friday after immediately checking out Unicorn. I thought Unicorn was cute and quirky, so I thought The Rocket was fun and dorky. It seems like they sell toys of any fandom as well as candy. They even sell novelty items from gag gifts to Michigan souvenirs​. read more

Oh The Rocket how I miss thee!!! I used to live kiddy corner to this place and would often walk over there to get a classic glass bottle of Faygo soda pop and a handful of candy. The bulk candy was something I always went over and browsed, even though I knew most of the selections by heart. Then there was the funny and 'gross' candies - like candied beetles or bug lollipops underneath the register. The array of sweets is enough to make any sugar lovers eyes dance! The items in this store make me writhe in agony at the fact that I can't gather them all and take them back with me. I always remember promising myself that someday when I had more money and a place of my own, I'd come back and get all the items I ever wanted from here and decorate the place. Well, with the prospect of my own place and perhaps a little spending money, I definitely will be visiting. On top of the consistent tiki, classic retro, and ninja vs zombie items, holidays are when The Rocket really gets creative. All sorts of fun gifts are available for the young and the young at heart. Even for those with more of a serious disposition there is something for them. In fact, we gifted my mother with a Jesus figurine with a flashlight by his feet. Literally have Jesus Light Your Way. Oh she loved it and we got it at this shop. There are so many things available at the Rocket it would be impossible to list them all, especially with how the owners Paul and Eli make sure the stock is up to date and changed for their clientele. Give big love to their bulk candy, since they get things that you can't find at other bulk candy stores... which to my knowledge the only one I've seen is at the Meijers, which have the boring same old candy available. Chocolate covered teddy gummi's? Yes please! read more

Parents of small children: BEWARE! Your kid will be addicted in about 3 seconds. My five year old can't go within a block of the place without screaming, "Can we go to the Rocket???" And then you're just done. You have no choice. You have to go. The Rocket is reason enough to visit Ypsilanti, whether you're 5, 25, or 75. You'll find something to make you laugh, make you nostalgic or to send you into a sugar coma. Just go! read more

This is a cute candy store with a twist. There are so many choices: all the types of candies you could think of plus bulk candy. I always get the chocolate covered pretzels, yum! There are also kitschy postcards, kites, t-shirts, random hipster stuff that you'd find in any A2 shop. The staff is super friendly and the selection is amazing! I would peek in here just to check it out and maybe get some chocolate or sour candy, depends on your likes. read more

The rocket as moved across the street on Michigan Ave and the new local is bigger and better than ever! At first we thought the shop had closed when we looked down the street and didn't see their sign up, but upon closer inspection we saw the sign saying they had moved. Still the same great selection of candy and quirky gifts. I was excited they were still around because Ypsi without The Rocket just wouldn't quite the same. read more

The Rocket is the kind of place everyone can shop at and in turn the kind of place you can find a gift for anyone at. It is very similar to the homes section at Urban Outfitters but with candy. I love the local post cards and always pick one up when I am in town and send it to my boyfriend. We have quite a collection. They also have the old ice cube chocolates....mmmm. I miss the old location, I know the new one is bigger but the old one felt like there was more stuff. And it had more character. meh. read more

The Rocket has fantastic items that are sure to get many smiles. The owners are great and are always open to product suggestions. By stocking many items made by local artists and advertising other local business and community events, The Rocket does a lot for the Ypsilanti community. I love it! read more

Wow just had a horrible experience here. We normally love going to this place, and the other great places there in downtown Ypsi like Unicorn Feed, Salt City Antiques, etc. We have been here several times in the past, buying candy, tchotchkes, toys, plushies, etc. Our daughter loves the selection of Pusheens. Then a few days ago my wife and daughter bought me a few things there for Father's Day...decals, a Hagrid doll, and a really nice book. But at the time neither the clerk nor my wife noticed a rip along the bottom binding of the book. So today we went back for a refund or exchange. The clerk said store policy was store credit only, but brought the manager up. In retrospect, considering how often we go there, we should've just taken the credit, because the manager went ape-crazy. He reluctantly gave my wife an exchange, being very rude and mocking the whole time, claiming that she probably tore it herself after she left (like, yeah...that's what we do. Buy books, rip the bindings, and then return them a couple days later). I stepped up when he yelled at my wife (in front of our daughter and other customers) to take the book and get out and never come back. I was slack-jawed because it was just so, so unnecessary. He was obviously having a bad day, but it's very short-term thinking (and bad business) to throw customers out and tell them to never come back over a simple, standard product exchange. Needless to say, even if we were *allowed* to come back, we wouldn't as the whole incident was very embarrassing and, frankly, a bit scary. We were all quite shaken-up about it. read more

I love to go to the Rocket. They have the neatest items. always something new and different. This is the place to go when I am in need of a gift. I find that there is something for everyone there. Fun and entertaing things. Huge old time candy selection too!! Do be aware that it isn't cheap ... read more