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:The Charleston Sweatshirt | $65 | Why are college classrooms so cold? Help your student in your life stay warm and stylish with this simple crewneck.
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, and eggs, dorm room-style.
Gifts for young people
Local pick:Stareworthy Custom Children’s Books | $30+ | Turn your family photos into a book that puts your little one at the center of the narrative.
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 | This karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.
Light-up football | $34.99 | Backyard football is now possible at night, thanks to this LED light-up football.
Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie.
Local pick:Powerhouse Bundle | $168 | Experience advanced age-reversal with twentyfour skincare’s flagship duo designed to enhance mitochondrial function for youthful skin.*
Run, Walk, and Roll for Leftovers | Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | James Island, Palmetto Islands, or Wannamaker County Parks | Free
Charleston home values have risen ~81% since 2019, according to a Realtor.com study. Experts say that homes in Mount Pleasant and James Island in particular have gained equity in the last five years. (ABC4)
Gallery
If you’re looking for reno inspo, this Johns Island getaway has new flooring and plenty of stylish choices that liven up the space.
Trending
Move over, pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town. Padel is rapidly growing in popularity across the US — a game typically played in pairs that mixes elements of tennis and squash. Want to get ahead of the curve? Live to Play Charleston hosts classes for beginners. (The Athletic)
Stat
Would you sit right next to a stranger at a restaurant?90% of Gen Z diners would. According to a new Resy study, communal dining is in. Consider this your cue to meet a new friend at one of Charleston’s buzzy new restaurants. (Business Insider)
Film
October saw the lowest revenue generated by movie ticket sales in almost three decades — excluding 2020 for obvious reasons. With the holiday season on the horizon, and Oscar season in full swing, we recommend catching a flick at Terrace Theater to help keep cinema alive. (Variety)
Seasonal
As the eternal starchy advice of Samwise Gamgee goes, “boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew.” But if you’re looking for more from your potatoes this Thanksgiving, the New York Times has some delicious ideas. However you choose to cook them, Charleston’s farmers markets are the way to go.
Pets
Why are there so many dog breeds? New research suggests the phenomena did not begin as recently as generally believed, and in fact, started 11,000 years ago. Whether you’re rocking a miniature poodle in a handbag, or you’re eye-level with your Irish wolfhound, all shapes and sizes are welcome at local dog-friendly spots. (Reuters)
Outdoors
More than 7,500 ft above sea level, an Italian museum is taking art to new heights. The Frattini Bivouac is only accessible by hiking for 6+ hours, and it has no artwork — only a small window overlooking the Alps. We might not have mountaintop museums, but there are still plenty of wonderful hikes around town. (The Guardian)
Jobs
The wait is almost over: The Cooper opens next spring, and the team is already coming together. Join a three-day hiring event Dec. 7-9 at The Charleston Place ballrooms and explore 300+ roles across every department. Bonus: Interviews and on-the-spot offers included.*
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.‡*
Finance
Imagine a place where your financial needs are met with a genuine smile and a helping hand. Enter: Huntington Bank. Their hub on King Street will expand into a full-service branch this December. Until then, swing by the office if you need to make a transaction and say hi to the local team.*
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.
The Buy
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.
That’s my aunt grinning at my grandfather behind the camera.
Photo via CHStoday
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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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