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: Undated agenda | $40 | Help your student stay organized filling pages with assignments, meet-ups, and activities.
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.
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.
Lap desk | $34.99 | This 4.7-star rated lap desk helps students prop up laptops while reclined — it even has a phone holder.
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: Puzz-LED | $30+ | Put on your thinking cap to solve one of 300 puzzles programmed into this illuminated board.
Light-up football | $34.99 | Backyard football is now possible at night, thanks to this LED light-up football.
Gifts for pet lovers
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.
Local pick: Personalized pet bowl mat | $35+ | This mat can be any color with the pet’s name, perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services will not collect trash, recycling, yard waste, or scheduled bulky waste tomorrow, Nov. 27 — rather, collections will be pushed to Friday, and Friday pickups will be moved to Saturday, Nov. 29. See the holiday schedule.
Travel
The busiest travel days at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are approaching. About two million people are expected at the airport this week, with the busiest days expected to be Saturday, Nov. 29, Sunday, Nov. 30, and Monday, Dec. 1. Get acquainted with CLT before taking flight.
Eat
Still need those last-minute side dishes or a place to eat dinner tomorrow? Check out this list of where to dine — you may want elastic pants.
Transit
Charlotte City Council approved three new members to the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) Board. The board will gain control of CATS and oversee road projects and improvements across Mecklenburg County. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Development
Mecklenburg County is working to preserve 38 acres of farmland in Huntersville and turn it into an educational hub. Plans include a market garden, classrooms, meeting space, and offices. Phase one is expected to start early next year, with operations starting by the fall or early 2027. (WCNC)
Environment
Friday, Nov. 28 is the last day to get an evaluation to join the Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg campaign. The program is aimed at making solar energy and battery power more affordable and accessible.
Cause
Celebrate the workers who keep Charlotte’s food industry running during Hands Please, a fundraiser hosted by Customshop happening Sunday, Nov. 30. Five chefs will prepare a signature dish — like flan, a Cuban-inspired smashburger, tacos, and more. All revenue will be donated to the Carolina Migrant Network.
Sports
LaMelo Ball shut down trade rumors — and Locked On’s hosts believe he wants to stay in Charlotte. Go beyond the headlines for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith the team-focused podcasts.
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 the historic Belmont Drive-In to help keep cinema alive. (Variety)
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.
Reverse trivia — The answer is: 2012. What is the question?
Queenie is a beloved element of the annual Thanksgiving Eve parade.
Photo by Alexander South
Did you know? In 2012, the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade was ranked as one of America’s best Thanksgiving parades — 40% of readers guessed correctly.
Tonight, the 79th annual parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. — be sure to get a spot along North Tryon Street for the best view.
The Wrap
The Wrap
Today’s edition by: Maria
The other day, I went to lunch at The Cowfish in SouthPark and tried the gobble gobble-ooshi, a roasted turkey roll with stuffing, sweet potato strings, and gravy. It was absolutely delicious and got me in the mood for Thanksgiving dinner! Today’s the last day to get a bite — run, don’t walk.
Photo by CLTtoday
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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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