Consider our 2025 gift guide your newest cozy holiday read. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy holidays, Raleigh. 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: Umstead Classic Swedish Massage | $210 | Anyone could use a relaxing day at the Umstead. Treat your beau to an hour of deep relaxation and muscle relief.
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.
Local pick: Downtown Raleigh Onesie | $25 | Have your favorite baby rep Raleigh right out of the womb with this celebration of the downtown skyline.
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.
Pickleball set | $49.99 | The perfect intro gift for those looking to learn the game.
Moonlight in the Garden | Friday, Nov. 7-Saturday, Nov. 22 | 5:30-8 p.m. | JC Raulston Arboretum | $5+
21Marbles: PLAY ON! | 6:30 p.m. | Marbles Kids Museum | $15+ | Play like a kid again at downtown Raleigh’s favorite 21+ event, featuring games, arts + crafts, a DJ dance party, and plenty of sips and snacks.*
Skate the Square | Friday, Nov. 7-Sunday, Feb. 8 | All day | Fenton Square | $15+
This all-brick home near Lake Wheeler is a stunner. We’re obsessed with the two-story foyer, the serene primary suite, and a third floor that’s ready to become whatever you set your heart to. Did we mention it’s over 9,000 sqft + 4.5 acres?
Watch
Catch Allie on CBS 17’s My Carolina today talking about all the best November events from our Plan Ahead — take a look for yourself and start planning your month.
Try This
Don’t forget to set your clocks back — Daylight Saving Time ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, ushering in brighter mornings and earlier sunsets. Need help adjusting to the change? Enjoying a sun-soaked morning at a local coffee shop should do the trick.
Eat
Are you looking forward to collard greens? That’s North Carolina’s most unique Thanksgiving recipe, according to The Food Network. You know those slow-cooked greens from grandma’s kitchen or from Sam Jones BBQ.
Outdoors
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. Soon enough, we’ll be hunting for the perfect tree of our own in WNC. (NBC)
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.
All this for under $12? Eat your heart out. | Photo by The Pit BBQ
Today is National Sandwich Day, and we’re helping you celebrate on a budget. These local picks all come in at $12 or less and are the best thing since sliced bread.
(ish) delicatessen | This deli has an old-school meets new-school vibe and serves classic sammies with a twist.
Mitch’s Tavern | Order a sandwich with a side for less than $10 at this historic restaurant. Think: The London broil sandwich with chips and a dill pickle.
Raleigh Cheesy | We’re eyeing the Bradley made with ham, Gruyere, and red currant jelly found on this charcuterie shop’s boards.
Side Street Restaurant | Offering hearty salads, light bites, and much more, this spot’s menu is almost completely under budget and offers a wide variety of veggie options.
Shish Kabob | Order a gyro-style sandwich like the chicken gyro pita or a falafel pita for $8.50.
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.
Hey Raleigh — happy Monday. I took advantage of the extra hour of sleep yesterday with a walk to Boulted Bread alongside marathon runners. I can’t resist a good morning bun.
An everything croissant + latte from Boulted Bread is true bliss.
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