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: Quilted pouch | $20 | Lilartistbri crafts cute and creative items like this strawberry coin bag that hooks easily onto any bag.
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: Palmetto Tree Rope Hat | $40 | Gamecock great Connor Shaw and his friend Dustin Riddle started GC Supply, making Gamecock-related apparel that will have people asking, “Where did you get that hat?” when they’re tossing the ball outside Williams-Brice Stadium.
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.*
Holiday magic meets Disney magic in this limited-time costume exhibition. | Photo provided by South Carolina State Museum
This holiday season, gather at the South Carolina State Museum to immerse yourself in the blockbuster exhibition Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, created by the Walt Disney Archives, before it closes on Jan. 4.
Featuring 70 authentic costumes from beloved characters like Cinderella and Maleficent, this exhibit invites visitors to explore incredible craftsmanship and storytelling through each outfit.
PostalAnnex is now open on Harden Street in Five Points, offering shipping, printing, and mailboxes just in time for the holiday season. The shop offers discounts for USC students, military, and first responders.
Seasonal
Holiday Lights on the River returns to Saluda Shoals Park today through Wednesday, Dec. 31 featuring a three-mile route of animated displays, hayrides, tube slides, and more. New this year is a 3D animated Santa dunking booth made by local students. (Cola Daily)
Try This
Village Idiot Pizza’s Five Points location is decking the halls with a month-long holiday pop-up starting Tuesday, Dec. 2. Expect festive decor, themed cocktails, and events like holiday music bingo and Christmas trivia. Don’t miss December’s Pizza of the Month, “Mozzin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Eat
Whitney Grizzle and Jonathan Lopez are the new partners at The War Mouth. Grizzle is now managing daily operations, while Lopez, owner of Hampton Street Vineyard, will support behind the scenes and is refreshing the wine list. (Free Times)
Theater
“Wicked” returns to the Koger Center for a limited run from Wednesday, March 25 through Sunday, April 5. Presale access is open now using the password “GLINDA25.” Snag your ticket before the offer ends on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 11:59 p.m.
Community
Citadel Park in Forest Acres will close for renovations from Dec. 1 through March 31. Upgrades include a new pavilion, bench swings, an improved playground layout, and replanting trees lost in Hurricane Helene. (WLTX)
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.
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.‡*
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.
The Nickelodeon Theatre and Finlay Park are teaming up for a Screen on the Green event on Friday, Dec. 5 featuring “The Polar Express.” I suggest making a night of it and stopping by the grand opening of Gather COLA before you settle into your seat on the Oval.
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