Find the perfect gift to express gratitude and love for the role models in your life. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shopping for a loved one? With Mother’s Day falling on Sunday, May 11, it’s a great time to give to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends. Browse the gifts we think will do the trick:
Local pick:Peace Fournine Affirmation Mug | $22 | Give the gift of reassuring affirmations with a mug designed with gentle reminders.
Weighted silk lavender eye pillow | $19.99 | A silk sleep mask and a cooling gel eye mask are included in this spa set named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2023.
Local pick:NC Museum of Art Membership | $50 and $75 | This is an experience that keeps on giving, with perks like early access to exhibits, discounts on programs, and 10-15% off at the museum’s store + cafe, and outdoor movies.
Golf practice net | $99.99 | Golfers can perfect their swing before stepping out on the course with this golf net great for backyards, basements, or even the living room.
Barefoot Dreams lounge top | $99 | There may be no better gift than something luxuriously soft, cuddly, and cozy — this lounge top fits the bill.
Local pick: Village District Gift Card | $10+ | Treat them to shopping, brunch, or a facial with one versatile gift card.*
Mom’s story book and Dad’s story book | $24.95 | Prompt them to write down memories, advice, and stories in these guided journals.
Neck + shoulders heating pad | $39.99 | This electric heat wrap helps with back pain, muscle aches, and de-stressing.
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey | $25 | You don’t have to worry about this lipstick flattering them — Black Honey is designed to look incredible (and different) on everyone.
“Bright Star,” A Musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell | Through Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | William Peace University Theatre | $26+ | Support local thespian talent while watching a Tony-nominated musical about love, loss, and redemption.
Curious Minds Adventure at Umstead | Through May 31 | Times vary | William B. Umstead State Park | Free | All month long, scavenger hunts have been placed throughout the park, fit for everyone.
Friday, May 2
Raleigh Newcomers Coffee | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Sertoma Arts Center, Shelley Lake Park | Free | Meet with others new to the 919 with interest groups and activities throughout Raleigh.
Jeremy Piven | Friday, May 2 + Saturday, May 3 | Times vary | Raleigh Improv, Cary | $45+ | You know him from his Emmy-winning performance in “Entourage” — see him live in RAL.
Saturday, May 3
Kentucky Derby | 8 a.m.-10 p.m. | Peck & Plume, Cary | Price of purchase | You’ll feel transported to Churchill Downs with a mint julep in hand — derby hats encouraged.
Ma & Pa Festival | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | City Plaza | Free | Shop local at this Mother’s and Father’s Day festival featuring 100+ local vendors, live music, food trucks, a lounge area, and more.*
Marbles KIDS FOOD FESTIVAL in Partnership With The Creative Kitchen | Saturday, May 3 + Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Marbles Kids Museum | Free | Get the kiddos in on the fun of this hands-on weekend filled with activities like cooking workshops and a balanced plate scavenger hunt.
While an orange cat named Teddy wasn’t elected mayor of Raleigh in 2024, Mayor Janet Cowell teamed up with the feline to declare April 30 Adopt a Shelter Pet Day with a special paw-clamation. See Cowell + Teddy and peek at who’s up for adoption at Wake County Animal Center.
Sundays are made for brunch — that’s why Makers Alley at the North Hills Innovation District is hosting Brunch Fest this Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect bites from our friends at Ghost Pepper Industries, vintage + secondhand shopping with Sir Chance’s, live music, and more shopping from your Makers Alley faves. (Raleigh Magazine)
Ranked
Raleigh was ranked among the top 100 places to live in the US by Livability with a quality of life score of 758 out of 1,000, making us No. 19 in the country. Oak City ranked particularly well for its environment, economy, and transportation.
Concert
Pinhook, an independent venue in Durham, is hosting a concert with a lineup that’s completely under wraps. Pinhook has previously attracted Durham faves like Sylvan Esso and Chatham County Line for secret shows, and this time, it’s a new venue for Music in the Gardens, which has relocated to Duke’s East Campus this summer due to the renovations. (INDY Week)
Jobs
The City of Raleigh is looking for new trolley drivers this summer to teach Raleighites about local history. Applicants must have a CDL and will have a flexible part-time schedule. Apply now.
Health
When your pediatrician’s office is closed, UNC Children’s Urgent Care at Raleigh is there for you — open every night until midnight. Families can trust their team for compassionate, expert care for newborns through young adults. Learn more.*
Biz
Did you miss the chance to feature your business’s product or service in today’s feature of the 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide? Don’t worry — you can still secure your spot in time for Father’s Day. Bonus: Use code PGG2025 for 20% at checkout.
Stat
$5,000. That’s how much you may have to drop if your dog or cat tears their ACL — a surprisingly common knee injury in pets. To the rescue: pet insurance. With this plan, 90% of that cost could be reimbursed.*
Number
540,000+. That’s how many customers choose this hearing aid when it comes time to make that decision for their loved ones. See why.*
Biz
Last chance to invest in the “Uber of mobile phones.”Mode Mobile grew 32,481% from 2019-2022, and just secured their Nasdaq ticker with plans for a potential IPO. The opportunity to invest at $0.26/share closes today.†*
Category
Real Estate
$100 for your dream home
This home could be yours for the price of a $100 raffle ticket going toward St. Jude. | Rendering provided by St. Jude
For $100, this brand-new Wake County home valued at $865,000 could be yours. Fuquay-Varina is home to the 2025 St. Jude Dream Home, meaning your $100 donation is going to a great cause, too.
Raffle ticket purchases go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to provide life-saving treatment at no cost to families.
Tickets will be available until the winner is announced live on CBS 17 on Friday, June 16 — or until the 12,500 tickets sell out. Plus, enter by the end of the day today for the chance at a $10,000 VISA gift card — and by June 5 for a potential Carolina Panthers experience.
If you’re unable to contribute — or you’ve already got your own dream home — you can tour the four-bed, four-bath home Saturday, May 10 through June 8 and register for the free Open House Prize, a $10,000 ASHLEY shopping spree.
The Buy
Swim trunks with pockets. These quick-drying swimsuit trunks have a hidden pocket built into an anti-chafe compression liner — perfect for keeping phones, keys, and cash safe on beach days.
I’m happy the Canes took care of business in Game 5, even if they had a rocky start — here’s hoping for fewer overtime games in the next series so this Caniac can catch up on some sleep.
Answered
Answered
How long is Gipson Play Plaza’s signature swing?
It’s 91 feet. That means enough room for everyone, including the over 70% of readers who didn’t get this one right.
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