Treat your loved ones to fun, cozy, and personalized picks this holiday gifting season. | Graphic by 6AM City
What do a literary quote clock, three pounds of salt, and a duck lamp have in common? They’re all in our holiday gift guide. Happy shopping.
Gifts for holiday parties and gift exchanges
Local pick: Macaron wax melts | $9 | Tienda Studio’s cookie-shaped wax melts look so sweet, your host may pop one on a warmer right there at the party.
Monopoly Deal | $7.99 | This fun + family-friendly gift is a fast-paced version of the classic game.
Three pounds of really good salt | $49.95 | This one is sure to get some strange looks, but its silliness and sheer practicality might make it the most memorable gift at the party.
Towel warmer | $150.99 | The only thing better than a warm shower is emerging from said shower with a fresh, hot towel.
Gifts for book lovers
Literary quote clock | $209 | Why tell time the normal way when you could use 13,000 curated literary quotes?
Local pick: Cast iron rabbit bookends | $48.95 | Give their bookcase a whimsical twist courtesy of this colorful pair.
“To be read” storage basket | $19.98 | Perfect for that friend with an amazing aesthetic bookcase, this TBR book storage basket is both functional and adorable.
Walk-in shower with a bathtub inside. Did we get your attention? If not, there’s more to this 4,436-sqft South Lakeland home that just might capture it, like a loft seating area + pool with a hammock island. Take a peek inside.
The Word
Agritourism. That’s the combination of agriculture, entertainment, and hospitality that generated $1.26 billion in nationwide revenue in 2022. Local businesses like Fancy Farms are getting in on the action by offering fresh market goods in addition to their farming operations. See what’s on the menu. (Bay News 9)
Travel
Step aside Black Friday and Cyber Monday, because Travel Tuesday falls on Dec. 2 this year. Travel Tuesday is a day to get big discounts on flights, hotels, cruises, and more. You’ll need our guide to MCO after you book your tickets. (Condé Nast)
Asked
We’re on the hunt for Herby. According to a recent study, five out of six Americans named Herby (2014-2024) were born in Florida. Is that you? Herbys write in. (WBBJ)
Read
The winners are in for the 2025 National Book Awards. This year’s top fiction, nonfiction, poetry, young adult literature, and translated works were all awarded for their excellence. Whichever pages you’re turning at the moment, there are plenty of spots around Lakeland to enjoy a good read. (NPR)
$24,045. That’s the annual cost of raising a child in Florida in 2025, according to new data from Visual Capitalist. But when it comes to family fun, the best things in life are still free — including these 14 no-cost activities across Lakeland.
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
The Four Bowl at Fresh Kitchen is just the right portion for lunch. | Photo by LALtoday
Between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, our wallets are empty. If you’re feeling the same way, consider opting for these local spots where lunch costs $12 or less.
Salads and bowls
Fresh Kitchen
A bowl with three of your favorite ingredients comes in at $9.25. Not sure where to start? Try Editor Connor’s go-to order: cauliflower potato mash, basil mushrooms, grilled citrus chicken, and Holy Kale sauce.
Pizza
J. Burns’ Pizza
Snag this spot’s lunch special featuring a one-topping pizza paired with a salad or garlic knots for $11.95.
Sushi and hibachi
Fancy Q Sushi & Thai
Order a lunch special with hibachi chicken, shrimp, steak, or vegetables, or try the chicken, shrimp, and vegetable tempura to keep your order under $12.
Of course, if you’re opting to keep the wallet completely closed, there is another option: Make another Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. Anyone else never get sick of ‘em?
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