Plus, new medians on Augusta Road.
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90+ gifts for everyone on your list

A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "COLAtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide that’s got something for everyone, including local finds. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shopping for a few special people this holiday season? Browse local items and trending gifts sure to delight everyone on your list.

Gifts for holiday parties + gift exchanges


Local pick: Ultra Cotton Long Sleeve Tee | $30 | Who wouldn’t want to rep their city?

YETI Rambler 30-oz stainless steel tumbler | $38 | A durable, fan-favorite tumbler anyone will love.

Porta-Potty Shot Glasses | $19.99 | Liven up the gift grab bag with highly-rated porta-potty shot glasses.

Gifts for neighbors


Local pick: A bag of locally roasted coffee beans | $18.50 | This roast is Oliver Gospel Roastery’s darkest roast and full of flavor.

Pompom fringe blanket | $21.99 | Because who doesn’t love curling up with an ultra soft blanket?

Wine opener gift set | $59.99 | Level up neighborhood wine night with a wine decanter set complete with an electric opener, aerator, and foil cutter.

Gifts for pet owners


Local pick: Go Gamecocks Pet Bandana | $27.99 | Because our pets are fans too.

Thoughts of Dog 2025 calendar | $17.99 | Gift a daily pup-spective of a sweet dog with this adorable calendar.

Cat tunnel bed | $48.99 | A plush and ultra-soft cat pet bed with a fun feature — there’s a tunnel inside for cats to explore.

Furbo Mini Pet Camera | $79 | The ultimate home security camera for watching pets while you’re away.

Pawprint keepsake kit | $16.95 | A DIY kit for pet owners to make their very own personalized clay pet keepsake.

Gifts for foodies


Local pick: Bourbon Bath | $10.99 | Grab this marinade and grilling sauce to spice up any dish.

“Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten | $34 | One of this year’s most anticipated memoirs from Ina Garten.

Stuffed burger press | $19.95 | The perfect gift for grill masters.
More holiday gift ideas

Events

Monday, Dec. 2

Introduction to Pottery | 6-8 p.m. | Columbia Art Center | $115 | This six-week class is designed to equip the student with the basics of pottery.

Tuesday, Dec. 3

Sweet Seasons Christmas Tree Lighting | 5-8 p.m. | Lowes Food Shopping Center, Forest Acres | Free | Enjoy pictures with holiday characters, face painting, balloon animals, free hot chocolate, live music, and more.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Music Bingo | 7 p.m. | Village Idiot pizza | Free | Join Village Idiot pizza at its Olympia location for music bingo + pizza every Wednesday.

Thursday, Dec. 5

Midlands Clay Arts Society 2024 Holiday Sale | Thursday, Dec. 5-Friday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Stormwater Studios | Free | Local ceramic artists will showcase their sculptural, functional, and whimsical wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramic art.

Friday, Dec. 6

The Nutcracker | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center | $10-$30 | A Christmas tradition since 1892, “The Nutcracker” is the story of Clara, a little girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King.
Plan your week
Click here to have your event featured.

Older Adults

This gift offers families peace of mind

Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
A family gathered around a festive holiday table.
Map out your retirement plan now, so your family won’t have to worry about it later. | Photo provided by Still Hopes
Finding the perfect gift can be challenging — but transitioning to retirement shouldn’t be.

This holiday season, give your family peace of mind by gifting them your retirement moving plan while you’re still living independently. Why? So your loved ones won’t have to worry about it later. Plus, they’ll be able to focus more on spending quality time with you, rather than caregiving or figuring out what to do with your property.

Pro tip: It’s never too early to start planning, especially because popular retirement communities often have wait lists. It’s better to get on one sooner, rather than later.

Still Hopes, an independent senior living community here in Columbia, offers multiple types of residences to meet the varying needs of older adults. Residents enjoy:
Start planning your retirement

News Notes

Community

The $1.7 billion Carolina Crossroads project near I-20/I-26 is nearing completion of Phases 1 and 2. Construction continues through 2029, and will reduce traffic delays by 112 hours annually for 237,000 daily drivers. (The Post and Courier)

Sports

South Carolina’s No. 4 women’s basketball team dominated No. 15 Iowa State 76-36 in the Fort Myers Tip-Off, for a bounce back win. Camden native, Joyce Edwards led with 13 points, 11 rebounds.

Traffic

Crews are installing concrete medians along 2.5 miles of U.S. 1 (Augusta Road) from Lexington to West Columbia to improve driver safety. The $10 million project aims to reduce collisions + includes crosswalks, lights, and landscaping, finishing by spring 2025. (The State)

Cause

Mungo Homes Foundation’s Week of Giving kicks off Monday, Dec. 2 through Friday, Dec. 6, spanning 10 markets including $300,000 in donations and volunteer hours. Columbia nonprofits receiving funds include Big Red Barn Retreat, Family Promise, and more.

History

This is the last call for submissions to our historical marker contest [LINK to article]. Submit your nominations by this Tuesday, Dec. 3. for a chance to be featured on our map — and maybe even have your location officially recognized. Make a submission.

Listen

Should the Hornets sell high on LaMelo Ball? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Holiday Pick

Shopping for your favorite foodie? These curated gift boxes are full of locally-sourced North and South Carolina favorites, from ginger spice cookies and garlic cheese grits to praline pecans. Browse Cheer Boxes.*

Shop

Practical, comfortable, and life-changing — period. Knix Leakproof Underwear offers reliable leakproof protection in ultra-soft, seamless designs. Save up to 60% for Black Friday through tomorrow, Dec. 3.*

Seasonal

3 ways to celebrate Christmas in Cayce

Presented by City of Cayce
An image of a Christmas tree in Cayce, SC.
Visit Cayce City Hall grounds to see 35,000+ holiday lights and the city’s 22-ft Christmas tree. | Photo provided by City of Cayce
The holidays are here, and Cayce, SC is full of festive cheer. Celebrate the season with fun-filled events, like:
  • Cayce Tree Lighting Ceremony | Thursday, Dec. 5 | Enjoy a dazzling tree lighting, see performances by Busbee Creative Arts Academy, and support a canned goods drive for local families in need.
  • Carols along the Riverwalk | Friday, Dec. 6 | Stroll along the Riverwalk with hot chocolate + holiday music.
  • Christmas Traditions: Olde & New | Saturday, Dec. 7 | Explore the festively decorated Cayce Historical Museum, featuring live entertainment, a holiday market, and costumed guides.
Plan your holiday visit

The Buy

It’s Cyber Monday. Don’t miss these rare deals that are only available until the end of the day:

⚡The Conair Steam Stylist that’s on deal for less than $50. It’s a 3-in-1 gadget that can steam, press, and iron your garments.
⚡A set of high-quality Rubbermaid food storage containers that are 33% off — perfect for storing holiday leftovers.
⚡An Oral-B electric toothbrush. If you’ve been contemplating upgrading your classic toothbrush, consider this 40% off deal your sign.
More Cyber Monday deals

The Wrap

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Get in touch with an old friend this holiday season and catch a show at The Koger Center. I’ve got my eye on the “Sandlapper Singers — Merry and Bright” to hear some local voices, but you can’t go wrong with a classic performance of “The Nutcracker.”

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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