Consider our 2025 gift guide your newest cozy holiday read. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy holidays, Winston-Salem. We’ve spent hours curating our collection of 2025’s best holiday gifts. Read on for 90+ gift ideas, including local finds.
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick:“Thought you should know” notepad | $7 | Keep this unique card design for a cutesy reminder of all the reasons you love them or a heads-up memo to jog their memory.
Shiatsu foot massager | $79.99 | Nothing says “I love you” like a foot massage — give your hands a break and gift one complete with heat, vibration, and rolling compression.
Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie.
Gifts for parents
Snack organizer | $36.95 | Kids will love this snack spinner’s push button and slidable compartments — and parents will love how it makes snack time portable and stress-free.
Car backseat organizer | $25.99 | Gift parents peaceful car rides thanks to a two-pack of car organizers complete with clear tablet holders and multiple compartments.
Local pick:Kimpton Hotel Gift Card | $250 | Forget that plane ticket to France. Date night at The Katharine Brasserie + a night stay at the historic building? Sounds like a romantic getaway at home.
Gifts for retirees
Garden kneeler and stool | $30.90 | Gardening’s more fun without the knee and back pain — we love this all-in-one stool that functions as both a bench and seat + organizes garden tools.
Smart birdfeeder with camera | $129.99 | Birders can watch special visitors up close with this durable and weatherproof birdfeeder.
Local pick:Sawtooth membership | Master your creative side with class offerings like knitting, photography, and pottery — plus, make friends with similar interests.
From garden beds to a spa-inspired bath, this Old Town Club mansion is the perfect retreat. Consider this a haven for you, introverts. The 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home sits on nearly an acre of land and includes a home theater, a game area, and a backyard oasis with a heated saltwater pool. See if the price is right.
Environment
The tell-tale signs of fall are probably all over your yard. Lucky for you, leaf collection in the City of Winston-Salem starts today, Nov. 3. No need to bag your leaves; crews will sweep up piles left on the edge of your yard. Find out when trucks will make their rounds in your neighborhood.
Eat
Are you looking forward to Southern collard greens? That’s North Carolina’s most unique Thanksgiving recipe, according to The Food Network. The dish combines salted meat (usually pork), smoked or ground into sausage. Keep it locally grown by buying the ingredients at one of Winston-Salem’s best farmers’ markets.
Pets
Did you know that black cats are less likely to be adopted? Now Halloween is gone, we want to make sure that the River City’s adoptable inky felines get the love they deserve all year round. Salsa, Coffee, Trivet, Buffalo, and Sophia are all awaiting adoption at the Forsyth Humane Society. (PubMed Central)
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, our Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Watch
Prolific mountaineer Jim Morrison recently became the first person to ski down the Hornbein Couloir — an exceptionally steep section of Mount Everest’s north face. National Geographic is releasing a documentary about Morrison’s death-defying feat, with no release date yet set. A local hike is enough of a challenge for us.
Seasonal
The most famous Christmas tree in the US has been chosen. A 75-year-old Norway Spruce will light up New York City’s Rockefeller Center this upcoming holiday season, donated by a family from upstate NY. Fun Fact: For years, North Carolina has kept its tradition of delivering the White House’s Christmas tree. The grass is indeed greener in the Tar Heel state. (NBC)
Arts
This month’s free Second Saturday at the North Carolina Museum of Art: Cars & Coffee, cutting bold + vibrant paper patterns, and a Collectors’ gallery tour. Join the free festivities.*
Plan Ahead
This renowned businessman + former politician has done it all: Governor, senator, and even presidential nominee. Now he’s coming to WS on Nov. 6 (event sneak preview this way). Want to be there in person? Snag tix.*
Correction
Don’t forget to set your clocks back (not forward) — daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, ushering in brighter mornings and earlier sunsets. We clearly did not get enough caffeine last week. Need help adjusting to the change? Enjoying a sun-soaked morning at a local coffee shop should do the trick.
Editor’s Pick
Did you know it takes 337 pennies to provide a warm meal at the soup kitchen? | Photo courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan Ministries’ Penny Campaign is in full swing. The annual campaign supports guest services when it comes to providing food, shelter, and hope to underserved communities. Here’s how you can support the cause:
Drop off your spare change during the drive-through event at Truist Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Pro tip: Use the Broad Street entrance.
Sign up to pick up a collection jar at Samaritan Ministries (414 E. NW Blvd.) Monday through Friday, starting today, Nov. 3
Samaritan Ministries serves more than 100,000 meals and provides shelter for over 450 men every year. The nonprofit organization also operates Project Cornerstone, which focuses on helping men become self-sufficient through education programs and resources.
The Buy
A food warming mat — perfect for holiday hosting so your dishes don’t get cold before serving. It features seven temperature settings and is made from premium silicone to provide uniform heating.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I got to witness the magical “Lord of the Rings” performance by the Piedmont Wind Symphony on Saturday. I was blown away by the talent and powerful composition inspired by the iconic movie. ICYMI, their next performance is set for Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Centenary United Methodist. Get your free ticket to experience the magic of the holiday chorus.
You have to experience Piedmont Wind Symphony for yourself.
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