Treat your loved ones to fun, cozy, and personalized picks this holiday gifting season. | Graphic by 6AM City
Looking for holiday shopping inspiration? Our gift guide featuring 90+ picks is here to save the season.
Gifts for students
Local pick:Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack | $185 | This will become their best friend whether they’re packing to come home, study abroad, or a weekend getaway with friends – it will stand the test of time.
Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | A great stocking stuffer, this chromatic, magnetic pen can be stacked into various shapes when it’s not in use as a writing tool or stylus.
Bullet journal pens + 2026 planner | $13.99 + $24.99 | Pair an 18-pack of rainbow pens with a 2026 Happy Planner for creative, aesthetic organization.
Electric sauté pan | $36.99 | A TikTok trending item, this electric mini hot pot is perfect for whipping up noodles, oatmeal, eggs, and stir fries, dorm room-style.
Gifts for young people
LED dry erase board | $26.99 | Bring coloring time to a whole new level with this magic board that makes any drawing look like a neon sign.
Karaoke microphone | $29.99 | With over 800 five-star reviews, this karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.
Local pick:Deluxe 2 Player Pickleball Game Set | $24.99 | Enthusiasts will love showing off their skills with this paddle that combines functionality and design.
Light-up football | $34.99 | Backyard football is now possible at night, thanks to this LED light-up football.
Gifts for pet lovers
Personalized 2026 pet calendar | $23.99 | For that special someone who likes their pet more than people. We don’t judge.
Backseat cover | $32.99 | A safe and easy-to-clean backseat cover for the person who takes their dog with them everywhere.
Local pick:Woofston-Salem Pup Club | $35+ | Mystery treats every month? Sounds like a perfect club for pups who love their play time.
Inviting guests to town? The possibilities are endless when it comes to soaking up the magic in the Twin City. Visit Winston-Salem, gives us a sneak peek of what your holiday could look like, from Moravians’ traditions to scoring vintage finds. First, check out these amazing Airbnb and Vrbo rentals for a memorable stay.
Try This
Put on your French apron and learn the art of making macarons at Bobby Boy Bakeshop @ Salem Bottleworks. Email the bakery to reserve your spot and sign up for the class on Saturday, Dec. 6 — the registration cost is $75. Bon appétit.
Travel
All aboard. Don’t miss out on The Polar Express Train Ride in the small town of Spencer. NC (about 40 minutes from Winston-Salem), which brings the beloved movie to life. Enjoy carolers serenading you, hop off at Candy Cane Lane, and perhaps sleigh your own bell — if you believe. Well, are you coming?
Sports
Winston-Salem’s JDL Fast Track wrapped up a $1.4 million upgrade, unveiling a new 200-meter banked Mondo track—the only one of its kind in North Carolina. These upgrades will help attract top-tier track competitions to the Twin City.
Arts
Share your art with the public by entering your work in the 2026 “Arts Alive in Lewisville” art exhibit. The last day to submit your art is Friday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. This show is open to anyone, and each artist may submit up to two pieces.
Outdoors
More than 7,500 ft above sea level, an Italian museum is taking art to new heights. The Frattini Bivouac is only accessible by hiking for 6+ hours, and it has no artwork — only a small window overlooking the Alps. We might not have mountaintop museums, but there are still plenty of wonderful hikes around town.
Health
At Novant Health, innovation isn’t just about technology — it’s about patient care. Learn how their robotic-assisted joint replacement system gives surgeons pinpoint accuracy while protecting surrounding tissue, reducing discomfort, and helping patients get back to what they love faster than ever.*
Seasonal
We know it’s still November, but we’re starting our countdown to 2026 early with a special deal available only on ourbusiness promo portal. For a limited time, get 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads with code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout.
Fact or Fiction
You can upgrade your bath or shower in as little as one day with Jacuzzi. Fact. Transform your outdated bathroom into a modern sanctuary — now with zero installation cost and no payments + interest for up to one year. Learn more.‡*
Date night just got better. Turn up the romance — or reignite the spark — with an evening at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar. Their cozy patio comes stacked with snuggly blankets, and delicious bites + cocktails. Make your reservation.
Knock knock. Who’s there? Surprise … It’s Black Friday savings here a few days early. Don’t wait to shop at the end of the week — check out these three deals now:
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.
Are you part of a turkey trot family, or a mimosas-for-breakfast family? It’s a debate that we’ve seen taking over the internet this Thanksgiving, and we want to help settle it. Let us know how your family spends the morning of the holiday.
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‡ With purchase and installation of any complete bath/shower system from participating third-party Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer in your area (“Dealer”). Offer and options will vary by Dealer/location. Not combinable with other offers. Add’l terms apply. Subject to change. Expires 12/28/25. †Financing offer available through third-party lenders under terms of applicable loan program. No interest for 12 months if paid in full within 12 months. Interest will be charged to you from purchase date if purchase balance is not paid in full within 12 months. Subject to credit approval—not all buyers will qualify. Add’l terms apply. See or call Dealer for details.