Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide that’s got something for everyone, including local finds. | Graphic by 6AM City
Season’s greetings, Lakeland. Holiday shopping time is upon us — look no further than these 90+ gift ideas, including unique local treasures and the season’s hottest items.
Gifts for parents
Local pick:COhatch membership | $75+/month | If a parent needs a better place to work — that’s not the couch — gift them a Starter membership to this downtown coworking space.
Ceneda large cooler bag | $24.99 | This insulated, leak-proof tote is perfect for family road trips, beach trips, and everything in between.
Car backseat organizers | $34.99 | Speaking of road trips, these backseat car organizers are every parent’s best friend + come complete with a tablet holder.
Gifts for homebodies
Local pick:Lakeland landmarks artwork | $15+ | Bring their favorite spots even closer to home with artwork drawn by Mockingbird Artist.
Cotton waffle bathrobe | $131.40 | A luxury hotel + spa-quality waffle robe crafted from 100% cotton and silk.
Teabloom flowering tea set | $69.95 | A beautiful glass teapot and a set of flowering teas that bloom right in the pot.
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick:Barefoot Dreams throw | $158 | This extra-soft blanket from Gaines Jewelers was named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things — and we bet it’ll be your partner’s, too.
Sherpa-lined flannel shirt jacket | $76.95+ | Choose your favorite plaid pattern + snag them a warm jacket great for hiking, trekking, and camping all season long.
“From the library of” book embosser | $18.99+ | For the partner who loves to read, this personalized gift will add flair and meaning to their home library.
Gifts for pet owners
Local pick:Botany Cats annual membership | $80+ | Treat the cat person in your life to a year of weekly cat lounge visits, merchandise discounts, and exclusive cat content.
Furbo Mini Pet Camera | $79 | The ultimate home security camera for watching pets while you’re away.
Line Dance Lesson + Bar Night | 5-11:45 p.m. | Union Hall | $8 | Cut loose with a line dancing lesson and drink of your choice, then stick around for open floor dancing + drink deals.
Zumba with Liv | 7-8 p.m. | Ultimate Dance Center | $5+ | This medium-intensity class is part dance party, part fitness, and all fun.
Thursday, Nov. 14
On Childhood Migration from Central America | 4 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Register for the Lakeland Public Library’s virtual talk with Javier Zamora, author of “Solito: A Memoir.”
“Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical” | Friday, Nov. 15-Sunday, Nov. 17 | Times vary | Lake Mirror | $26+ | Local actors will perform this musical based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Saturday, Nov. 16
5K Color Run/Walk | 7-11 a.m. | Holloway Park | $20+ | Support ROAR Florida in this colorful race — registration includes color powder to throw while you run.
Florida’s Crab and Seafood Festival | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Saddle Creek Park | $30 | Explore 40+ food trucks serving dishes with fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, and more as musical acts — including The Beat Down Band — perform.
🛍️ 5 events to enjoy while shopping for the holidays
Presented By Lakeside Village
What’s your favorite cozy holiday beverage to sip while shopping? Ours is peppermint hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. | Photos provided by Lakeside Village. Gif created by LALtoday.
You’ve made your list (and checked it twice), now it’s time to have some fun as you shop for loved ones this holiday season.
Head to Lakeside Village to experience the magic of the holidays through their event lineup, including:
Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff + Tree Lighting
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus (or send Santa a letter)
‘Tis the Season Holiday Concert
Snowy Nights at Lakeside Village
Second Sunday Holiday Market (find unique gifts for loved ones)
Follow along on Instagram for event details, sales + promotions.
Lakeland is getting ready to unleash its newest dog park — On Dog Time. The 1.18-acre downtown space will host its opening ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. Afterwards, the North Lake Avenue park will be open for public use daily during daylight hours.
Development
Polk County officials, including Sheriff Grady Judd, celebrated the completion of the new Burnham-McCall Training Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 23,000-sqft space in Bartow will be used to train sheriff’s deputies in its classrooms, simulations, and physical training spaces.
Environment
OPAL Fuels Inc. has begun operations at the Polk County municipal landfill in Jones Corner for renewable natural gas projects. The New York-based company aims to replace diesel fuel with a cheaper option that emits less greenhouse gas and could replace the equivalent of 8.5 million gasoline gallons annually. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Arts
If you, or an artist you know, want to display your works at Mayfaire by-the-Lake, it’s time to apply. The AGB Museum of Art’s festival is accepting artist applications through Saturday, March 1 to fill its 150+ booths. The event will happen Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11.
Plan Ahead
Do you have documents you need to safely dispose? The City of Lakeland’s Solid Waste Office is hosting ShredFest this Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The free shredding event allows locals to securely shred and recycle documents — up to five file boxes per vehicle.
Number
47,000+ pounds. That’s how much dog and cat food was distributed by SPCA Florida on Sunday, Nov. 10 to support Polk County pet owners in need. The effort was part of the nonprofit’s food assistance program, which helps provide food to over 14,000 animals. (WTSP)
Ranked
Next stop, Thanksgiving fun. WalletHub released its list of the best cities for Thanksgiving, and while Lakeland didn’t make the cut, we’re only one stop away from a top city. Atlanta (No. 2) + Charlotte (No. 18) are both new destinations via Avelo Airlines’ recent expansion with Lakeland International Airport.
Read
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Shop
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Category
Eat
🥧 Thanksgiving desserts? Piece of pie
Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop has pies, pastries, and other sweet treats. | Photo via @gourmetgoodieswinterhaven
Here’s something you can be thankful for: Our list of local spots to buy your Thanksgiving pie, plus a few other treats.
Born and Bread Bakehouse | $36-$42 Order ahead to impress your Thanksgiving guests with a classic pumpkin, brown butter apple, pecan, or gluten-free + vegan tart cherry pie. All pies are 10 inches. Not in the mood for pie? Try a whole burnt basque cheesecake.
Honeycomb Bread Bakers | $32 Try a spin on the classics with Honeycomb’s cinnamon pecan pie and tamarind pumpkin pie. Pre-orders are open through Thursday, Nov. 21, with pickups available in Lakeland and Winter Haven.
Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop, Winter Haven | $30-$35 This bakery has plenty of desserts to feed your sweet tooth, including seven varieties of pies. Don’t be afraid to venture into other sugary delights, like cakes, dessert bars, and cheesecakes.
Is it too early to listen to Christmas music? I wholeheartedly vote no, though I haven’t heard Florida’s favorite song, “Feliz Navidad,” this year. My favorite tune is “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love — but Mariah Carey has a great version, too.
