Consider our 2025 gift guide your newest cozy holiday read. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy holidays, Lakeland. 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: “Swan Love” photo print | $30+ | Did you know that swans mate for life? Celebrate the love of your life with this art piece featuring an infrared photo taken by Hugo Cruz in Lakeland.
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 a clear tablet holder and multiple compartments.
Local pick: Florida 2025 Puzzle | $24.95 | Grown-ups and kids can work together to build this challenging 500-piece puzzle.
Gifts for retirees
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.
Local pick: Crossword Puzzle Book No. 1 | $14.99 | Keep minds sharp with beginner-level crossword puzzles made + printed in Lakeland that double as coffee table decor.
Smart birdfeeder with camera | $129.99 | Birders can watch special visitors up close with this durable and weatherproof birdfeeder.
“Sorry, I can’t, I have a horse riding lesson today.” That could be you in this north Lakeland home that’s specially zoned for horses on its nearly two acres. The interior is nothing to neigh at either — just check out that grand staircase and catwalk above the living room.
Health
Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital now has an official leadership team, including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Mines, who will oversee medical operations. Dr. Mines has been a cardiologist in Lakeland for 20+ years, with experience at both Watson Clinic and Lakeland Regional Health.
Sports
They don’t call it “Champa Bay” for nothing. It was announced last week that Tampa will host the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2029. That means there’s plenty of time to save up for tickets before the game at Raymond James Stadium. (WFLA)
Eat
Are you looking forward to deep-fried turkey? That’s Florida’s most unique Thanksgiving recipe, according to The Food Network. If you can’t wait until then, find Southern-style turkey with gravy at Fred’s Market on Thursdays + Sundays.
Seasonal
Hope you didn’t forget to set your clocks back — daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. yesterday, ushering in brighter mornings and earlier sunsets. Need help adjusting to the change? Enjoying a sun-soaked morning at a local coffee shop with a patio should do the trick.
Pets
Did you know that black cats are less likely to be adopted? Now that Halloween has passed, we want to make sure that Swan City’s adoptable inky felines get the love they deserve all year round. Salem, Sherman, Nibbler, and Phoebe are all awaiting adoption at the SPCA Florida. (PubMed Central)
Edu
Southeastern University’s Homecoming is Friday, Nov. 14-Saturday, Nov. 15. We’re highlighting three alumni making waves in Florida and beyond, from the MLB to nonprofits + fashion lines. Read their stories.*
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.
Category
Civic
🗳️ Cast your ballots tomorrow
Lakelanders, make your voice heard by voting. | Photo by LALtoday
Are you ready to rock the vote? Lakeland’s municipal election takes place tomorrow, Nov. 4, with the mayor’s seat, two city commission seats (District C Southwest + District D Southeast), and three charter amendments on the ballot.
Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Before you head to the polls, check off this list:
Pro tip: Only those who reside within city limits are eligible to vote in this election. Check this map to see if your home falls inside the lines.
Asked
Asked
Do you plan to vote in this election?
A. I live in city limits and plan to vote B. I live in city limits and do not plan to vote C. I already cast my ballot early or by mail D. I live outside city limits
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.
Feel like I’m in your inbox later than usual? I know the end of daylight saving time isn’t everyone’s favorite, but for me, it’s the coziest time of year. If you need a boost to get through the night, you can get coffee and tea pretty late at Foxtail, Black & Brew, Bright Ice, and Tea Largo.
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