Editors’ Picks

• Connor | Jesse Carl Vinyl | Music lovers are sure to appreciate a new record for their collection this season. Search the stacks for a new release or — my go-to — an old favorite album that just sounds better on vinyl.
• Rilee | Austin’s Backyard Garden | For all my fellow green thumbs — don’t forget to buy your plants from a local vendor. If you’re looking for a unique gift that can grow with its recipient, this is the way to go.
• You all love shopping small. Check out where else you said you’ll be shopping on Nov. 25.

Local Favorites

• Cori Rose — Nikki Turner | Local Nikki Turner makes these beautiful one-of-a-kind earrings (yes, including a pair of swan earrings for Lakeland lovers who wanna share their local pride).
• East of These | Spice up your scrunchy game with these patterned hair accessories.
• Broth Bomb | The popular, fizzy tub spheres… but for food. Drop your choice of broth bomb into water, along with the suggested ingredients, for a delicious one-pot meal. Bonus: Most of the Broth Bombs are vegan and gluten-free.

Popular Gifts

• For her: Simple beaded pearl ring | Drea Studio
• For friends: Hygge gift box | Arinna Gifts
• For sisters: Personalized “To my sister” blanket | Relatable Basic by Irene and Annie
• For holiday lovers: Winter lambs ear wreath | Sprig and Vine Wreaths
• For crafters: Paint your own pins kit | Jill Makes
• For anyone: Stoneware coffee mug | Spinware

• Thanksgiving at Rec Room | Thursday, Nov. 23 | 7 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Let your Thanksgiving dinner settle, then head to Rec Room to unwind with your favorite drink.

• Black Friday Guided Hike | Friday, Nov. 24 | 8-9:30 a.m. | Se7en Wetlands, Loyce E. Harpe Park, 300 W. Carter Rd., Mulberry | Free | Register for this guided hike through Se7en Wetlands to enjoy some fresh air after your Thanksgiving feast — spaces are limited, register in advance.
• Complimentary Gift Wrapping | Friday, Nov. 24-Saturday, Nov. 25 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Price of donation | Have your gifts wrapped in the breezeway near BD’s Mongolian Grill — optional donations will support clubs at George Jenkins High School.

• Small Business Saturday | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pressed, 213 E. Bay St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Stop by this bookstore and coffee shop to try seasonal drinks, browse Christmas books, and get gifts wrapped.
• Holiday Open House | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Nectary and Little Bus Books Storefront, 1047 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Shop from five small businesses at once: The Nectary, Little Bus Books, Mucho Boba, Botany Cats, and Swan City Chandlery.
• Gratitude: All Levels Yoga and Sound Bath | Saturday, Nov. 25 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $30-$35 | Relax with guided motion + meditation focused on gratitude.

• Polk County Commissioners have declined to include a half-cent sales tax for transportation funding on next year’s ballot. If implemented by the county commission, the tax would have generated $2.1 billion over the next 20 years — including $220 million for Lakeland — to be used for road improvements. (The Ledger)

• Low and Slow Smokehouse is opening this December at 1853 E. Memorial Blvd., Ste. 105. A quick look at the menu has us excited for smoked classics like the brisket sandwich and new breakfast items like the smokehouse omelet. In the meantime, check out these barbecue spots.

• Community members rallied around a Lakeland food pantry that was destroyed by fire last week. Hundreds of turkeys, non-perishable items + Thanksgiving sides were donated for families in need to pick up yesterday. New Testament Ministries owner Dais Abraham plans to continue serving the community from 2938 S. Combee Rd. (WFLA)

• Happy Thanksgiving. However you celebrate, we hope you enjoy a day of rest, reflection, and community. We here at LALtoday are thankful for our city, and the fact that there’s always plenty to talk about.

• Feasts of Persia is celebrating one year in the food truck business on Wednesday, Dec. 6. A special pre-order-only menu will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., then the full menu will be available until 8 p.m. Place your order online by Saturday, Dec. 2.

• Looking for an activity to do with the family while the turkey cooks this morning? Print off these letters to Santa, fill them out, and then drop them off at Santa’s mailbox in Lakeside Village, located near the central Christmas tree. Pro tip: Include a return address so Santa can write back.

• Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail announced the theme for this year’s Haunted Christmas trails. Tickets are available online for the haunting holiday event featuring Slay Bells: Chapter 2 and Creatures of Christmas. This is a five-night-only event taking place on select evenings from Dec. 8 through Dec. 17.

• Bizfest: Where Dreams Take Flight is just around the corner on Dec. 16, 12-5 p.m. Showcase your goods and services at the small business expo just in time for the holiday season. The event will also feature Santa, photo ops, food trucks, and other local vendors looking to build connections.

• There’s no easier way to give back this holiday season than to nominate a local nonprofit to win free LALtoday advertising via our second Publix Giveback Giveaway. The organizations with the most nominations win — so cast your vote before Friday, Dec. 1 (and help us spread the word).*

• ICYMI, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is decking their halls with some pretty impressive trees. See the 40-foot tree in Hyatt atrium and the 50-foot tree in Terminal C.*