Shop until you drop 🛍️

The only gift to give the ultimate Lakelander in your life are these prints. | Photo via Etsy

Pop quiz, Lakelanders. What’s better than shopping local? For 100 points: Shopping local from the comfort of your own home, of course. Not only is it one of the best ways to support the local economy, but locally-crafted gifts tend to wow during the holidays (a big win in our book).

To kickstart your holiday shopping, we’ve rounded up 14 products we love from local Etsy shops — some of which hold the coveted Star Seller badge that’s given to sellers who consistently earn 5-star reviews, ship orders on time, and provide great customer service, aka less holiday stress for you.

Psst — Some of these items may sell out quickly due to limited quantities. Click on the link to the Etsy seller’s page to find something similar.

🎁 Under $25

Santa’s coffee scented all natural soy candle ($12.99) | Indulge your senses in coffee, chocolate, and candy cane with a touch of whipped cream. | A Bohemian Bear

Winter Christmas tree mitten ornament ($19.95) | This holiday decoration is hand-spun from wire with hand-stitched fur trimming. | Country Babies USA — Star Seller ⭐

Vintage Florida map tea towel ($15+) | Give the gift of state pride with these 100% cotton white flower sack towels. | Idle Tyme Creations — Star Seller ⭐

Octopus sign from Etsy — Release the Kraken this Christmas.

🎁 $25-$50

Lakeland pack of art prints ($48+) | Get five illustrated, city-themed pieces of artwork for Lakeland lovers. | Mockingbird Artist

Octopus floral metal wall art ($37.95+) | Ocean lovers will enjoy this octopus wall decoration that comes in different colors and sizes. | Quill Wall Art

🎁 $50-$100+

Dresser caddy and desk organizer ($59) | This handmade holder is constructed from handpicked wood and is the perfect catch-all organizer. | Square Edge Woodcraft

Braided band ring ($74.99) | This handmade rope ring is made of solid 950 silver. | Sam & Silver — Star Seller ⭐

7 MORE GIFTS THEY'LL LOVE

POLL

How are you doing your holiday shopping this year?

A. I’m only shopping from local small businesses.
B. You’ll find me hunting for deals online.
C. I’ll be at the big box and department stores.
D. My gifts will all be handmade this year.

WHERE ARE YOU ADDING TO YOUR CART?

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Tuesday, Nov. 29

Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | Free | Junior ACEs ages 2-5 can hear a story and take part in an interactive learning experience.
Fun Run & Music Bingo w/ Smokin’ Chanchos | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 5:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Join in a fun run at 5:30 p.m. before playing music bingo at 6:30 p.m. with grub from Smokin’ Chanchos.
Molly’s Musicians Showcase @ Molly McHugh’s | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland | Free | Learn some new moves from 5-7 p.m., then sing your heart out starting at 8 p.m.
Winter Haven Tastes of the World Food Tour | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 2 p.m. | Downtown Winter Haven | $45-$95 | Follow your tastebuds around downtown Winter Haven as you try delicious dishes and learn their history.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Fall Film Festival | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland | Free | View short films of all genres created by senior SEU film students.
Lakeland Christmas Parade | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 7-10 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Be part of the “Christmas Past, Present, and Future,” parade, starting with a firework show over Lake Mirror — no chairs allowed before parade day.

Friday, Dec. 2

Winter Dance Concert | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Harrison School For the Arts, 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland | Students will perform West African fusion dance, contemporary works, and more with the Harrison Treble Chorus and Harrison Strings.
Swan City Improv First Friday Show | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Just Dance Academy, 124 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along with this comedy team as they make up scenes on the spot — shows start at 7:30 and 9 p.m.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

83º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain

Stat

13.6%. That’s the percentage of Lakeland Police Department officers who identify as Black, compared to 20.5% of Lakeland’s population identifying as Black. Local leaders have asked the LPD to recruit a force that better mirrors Lakeland’s diversity. The latest police academy class is one of LPD’s most diverse. (The Ledger)

Holiday

Don’t find yourself in a post-parade slump following the Lakeland Christmas Parade. Stake out a spot at one of the nine other Polk County parades happening this month, from Bartow to Mulberry. Pro tip: Tag us in your parade pics for a chance to be featured. 🎅 (The Ledger)

Number

1,151. That’s the number of students graduating from Polk State College on Thursday, Dec. 8. Graduates range in age from 16 to 63 years old, and 86% are Polk County residents. Celebrating a grad? Check out our list of 12 egg-cellent graduation season brunch spots. 🎓

Cause

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM) is collecting clothing, hygiene products, and items like blankets and puzzle books for Senior Orphans of Polk County. To donate, wrap your gift and attach a note with the contents, then drop it off at LVIM (600 W. Peachtree St.) by tomorrow, Nov. 30.

Arts

Celebrate local art with the “One Wall” art exhibit, featuring works by 20 Central Florida artists. Pro tip: A ticket to Artful Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 3 includes admission to the “One Wall” exhibit pre-party on Friday, Dec. 2, with music by Anisette Mayer and drinks from Swan Brewing. 🖼

Try This

If you want to learn more about a local farm and taste the beverages made there, wine not try the new “Experience Keel Farms” tour? Take a 45-minute tour around this farm to learn its history and try wine, beer, and cider made there. You can book your tour now.

Eat

This ice is twice as nice. Rita’s Italian Ice is serving up a new frozen custard combination: Cotton candy and orange cream swirl. Stop by 3115 US Hwy. 98 N. today from 2-9 p.m. to try this Instagram-worthy flavor combo for yourself.
Looking for a healthy midday snack? Organic dried mangoes are $3.99 per pound at Publix GreenWise Market through Wednesday, Nov. 30. 🥭 *

Shop

Sip and shop with Union Taproom’s Holiday Night Market. Visit the taproom (245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven) on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6-9 p.m. to shop from local businesses while enjoying self-pour craft beers, pizza, and live music by Adrienne Richards.
Trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone who seems to already have it all? Check out Uncommon Goods — an online marketplace for unique and globally-sourced gifts. A few of our favorites include this personalized bamboo cheese board, pickleball paddle tote bag, and indoor s’mores fire pit. 🎁*

Finance

If getting ahead and being more financially fit is one of your upcoming New Year’s resolutions, there’s no time like the present. Here are eight tactics to build your savings + eliminate the stress of living paycheck-to-paycheck. 💵 *

Family

Already daydreaming about longer days and warmer weather? Get your kids summer-ready by registering for camp at the Aerospace Center for Excellence. Camps (offered June-July 2023) include themes such as Destination Aviation, STEMtastic, Take Flight, Engineering, She Can Fly + more. Pro tip: Sign up today and get an early bird discount. 🛩️*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

CAUSE

The season for giving

Become a member today to start enjoying special benefits. | Graphic by 6AM City

Happy Giving Tuesday, everyone. We’re excited to announce that we’re launching new benefits for our membership program.

To support Lakeland, we will donate 10% of all new LALtoday membership contributions to Feeding America and LALtoday will match 100% of the donated amount.

LALtoday membership is the gift that keeps on giving.

BECOME A MEMBER

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: If you’re looking for one more gift from local Etsy sellers, don’t miss the wooden swan ornaments by Robert Berganza Furniture. If you’re more of an in-person shopper like me, you can also pick one up at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market in December.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See if your favorite stories of fall made our list of top content, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY