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: Carolina Hurricanes Player Hoodie | $54 | Cozy up for your next Canes watch party or game at the Lenovo Center with this warm hoodie — and 10% of proceeds go to the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation.
Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | This 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 dorm room-style.
Gifts for young people
Local pick: Woobles Easy Peasy Beginner Bundle | $100 | Kids will love learning this new skill with easy-to-crochet yarn and a cute animal creation.
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 | This karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.
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.
Local pick: Custom Pet Portrait Sweatshirt | $40+ | Does your favorite paw-rent want to rep their pet whenever possible? Get them a customized sweater made by a local to keep them cozy all winter.
Backseat cover | $32.99 | A safe and easy-to-clean backseat cover for the person that takes their dog with them everywhere.
Part-holiday concert, part-dazzling spectacle, this very merry seasonal celebration pairs beloved holiday hits performed by your NC Symphony with daredevil feats and breathtaking acrobatics.
On stage: Conductor Sophie Mok leads the orchestra in a festive arrangement of timeless tunes, from Carol of the Bells to The Nutcracker.
Trophy Brewing’s new Five Points taproom is now open near Ajja in the iconic blue warehouse. With 22,000 sqft, expect new specialty pizzas, salads, and the same favorite Trophy beers.
State
Two eastern NC chickens were pardoned by the president this week, and Gobble and Waddle will join 2022’s pardoned turkeys, Chocolate and Chip, at NC State. According to the White House, Gobble loves Bojangles Biscuits + Pinehurst No. 2, and Waddle can’t get enough of Cook Out’s Cheerwine floats and the Wolfpack. (The News & Observer)
Sports
Speaking of the Wolfpack, this Saturday at Carter-Finley could be Pack football’s fifth win over UNC — and we can’t wait for this game. Read more about what the Tar Heels and NC State are bringing to the table. (The News & Observer)
Biz
NC is giving Apple an additional four years to meet hiring and investment goals for its RTP campus. In 2021, North Carolina promised the tech giant $845 million in tax benefits if it could meet certain annual targets, and Apple still hasn’t started its $552 million RTP hub. (The News & Observer)
Eat
Saigon Kitchen, a new Vietnamese restaurant, is now open in the former home of Mofu Shoppe on Blount Street. Check out the menu — we’re already hungry for the pho, banh mi, and other Vietnamese favorites.
Travel
There’s a new eatery at RDU to fuel your holiday travel brought to you by celeb chef Bobby Flay. Bobby’s Burgers is now open in Terminal 2 on the far end of Concourse C across from Dunkin’. We’re already eyeing the Crunchburger topped with potato chips.
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.‡*
Real Estate
This new community checks all our boxes: Spacious floor plans, unique amenities like a rock climbing wall, on-site coffee shop + bar, expansive green spaces, and a private dog park — all just minutes from Raleigh transportation hubs. Explore your options at NOVEL Morrisville.*
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.
City Guide
🤝 Pay it forward
This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for our community. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 40 ways to get involved in the City of Oaks.
If you’re a social butterfly
Activate Good | Get matched with a people-powered project in the community, and on your way to serving the community.
LGBT Center of Raleigh | Participate in outreach for Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ community or volunteer at special events.
The Center for Volunteer Caregiving | This nonprofit supports older adults who live independently — volunteer by offering companionship to your neighbor.
If you want to help your neighbors in need
Green Chair Project | Transform the living spaces of those in need by donating furniture you no longer want or need. Green Chair offers drop-off and pick-up options.
No Woman No Girl Initiative | Give back to women and girls in the Triangle by distributing basic hygiene materials to the community + teaching life skills.
Oak City Cares | Provide food for upcoming holiday dinners or become a weekend host for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
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.
Take a look at this tasty set of Thanksgiving-flavored donuts from Tepuy. The sweet potato casserole filled donut is calling my name, and it’s not too late to order them for your Thanksgiving breakfast or dessert spread.
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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.
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