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: Lakeland desk supplies | $8+ | Studying has never been cuter, thanks to this pink design by Lakelander Emily Mort on a mousepad, notebook, and bookmark.
Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | A great stocking stuffer, this chromatic, 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, oatmeal, eggs, and stir fries, dorm room-style.
Gifts for young people
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 | With over 800 five-star reviews, this karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.
Local pick: “Begin” | $30 | Lakelanders Ida Mundell + Bump Galletta created this children’s book together to inspire young readers to have the courage to try new things.
Light-up football | $34.99 | Backyard football is now possible at night, thanks to this LED light-up football.
Gifts for pet lovers
Local pick: Toile Custom Dog Pillow | $42.95 | Embroider their pooch’s name on a pillow that’s sure to keep their decor classy.
Personalized 2026 pet calendar | $23.99 | For that special someone who likes their pet more than people. We don’t judge.
Backseat cover | $32.99 | A safe and easy-to-clean backseat cover for the person that takes their dog with them everywhere.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, so expect city and county office closures, in addition to closures at libraries, gated parks, and rec centers. Non-gated parks will be open, and Thursday + Friday residential waste collection services will be delayed by a day.
Shop
Black Friday is coming early to Cowhide + Whiskey Boutique, which is now open downtown on North Kentucky Avenue. It’s teaming up with fellow boutique Tennessee Jane for a big Thanksgiving night sale on clothing and accessories from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Seasonal
Before the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds become berry central in the spring, they’re transformed into Christmas Lane. This seasonal attraction opens this Friday, Nov. 28 and runs through Christmas Eve with rides, fair food, and holiday fun.
Number
$834. That’s the average holiday budget for Lakelanders, according to a WalletHub report. Swan City ranked 512th out of cities nationwide. Make your budget stretch even further this season with these free activities.
Environment
Did you know that cooking oil poured down residential drains finds its way into Lakeland’s wastewater? Keep pipes safe from Thanksgiving grease by collecting it and bringing it to the city’s Cooking Oil Recycling Effort dropoff centers.
Watch
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been broadcast from New York City since 1924, but we’re turning this 101-year-old tradition on its head. Before you tune in tomorrow at 8:30 a.m., let’s re-imagine it to be entirely Lakeland-themed.
Fact or Fiction
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.‡*
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.
Asked
Asked
What was the name of the turkey that called Lake Morton home in 2020?
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.
Munn Park is the place to be on Thanksgiving night. Be there at 6 p.m. to see the first lighting of its new Christmas tree, which stands more than 37 ft tall and has more than 25,000 lights.
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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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