Find the perfect gift to express gratitude and love for the role models in your life. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shopping for a loved one? With Mother’s Day falling on Sunday, May 11, it’s a great time to give to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends. Browse the gifts we think will do the trick:
Local pick:Ivy cord hat | $38 | Richmond Ivy fans can rock this fashionable green and orange hat — the trendiest of the season.
Custom initial jewelry dish | $16.99 | A sweet, delicate ceramic jewelry tray you can customize with their initial.
Weighted silk lavender eye pillow | $19.99 | A silk sleep mask and a cooling gel eye mask are included in this spa set named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2023.
Golf practice net | $99.99 | Golfers can perfect their swing before stepping out on the course with this golf net great for backyards, basements, or even the living room.
Local pick: Custom flower bouquet | $40 | Flowers are a timeless gesture of appreciation, and this local shop creates gorgeous, sculptural arrangements that double as art decor.
Barefoot Dreams lounge top | $99 | There may be no better gift than something luxuriously soft, cuddly, and cozy — this lounge top fits the bill.
Mom’s story book and Dad’s story book | $24.95 | Prompt them to write down memories, advice, and stories in these guided journals.
Neck + shoulders heating pad | $39.99 | This electric heat wrap helps with back pain, muscle aches, and de-stressing.
Local pick:“Lily’s Flowers” art print | $40 | Gift this intricate, locally made print to someone who loves to decorate their walls with simple beauties.
Chesterfield Towne Center Carnival | Thursday, May 1-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Chesterfield Towne Center | Free admission Thurs, $5 Fri-Sun | It’s the last weekend to catch the colorful carnival lights and ride the 110-ft ferris wheel at this family-friendly festival.
Richmond Kickers vs. Greenville Triumph SC | 7 p.m. | City Stadium | $20+ | Join a Cinco de Mayo celebration with happy hour drink specials, food trucks, and a night of rooting for the Roos under the stadium lights.*
Saturday, May 3
Sunday Bagel Pop-Up | 10 a.m. | Cee Blues | Price of purchase | Grab a bagel from this elusive, buzz-worthy pop-up and shop local vintage vendors while you’re there.
54th Annual Arts in the Park | Saturday, May 3 + Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | The Carillon at Byrd Park | Free | Recognized as one of the top art shows in the country, you won’t want to miss this outdoor showcase featuring 350+ artisan vendors — that’s a lot of vendors.
Richmond Makers Market | 12-6 p.m. | Basic City Beer Co | Free | Browse local artisans selling handmade goods, jewelry, ceramics, home decor, clothing, and more.
Early voting for the upcoming dual primary election (state and local offices) begins tomorrow, May 2, at the Office of Elections and City Hall. The official election date is Tuesday, June 17. Take note: The voter registration deadline for Election Day is Tuesday, May 27.
Open
Richmond’s bagel scene is on the rise. Julio’s Bagel Shop, owned by Pizza Bones’ Ashley Patino, just opened its doors in Brookland Park. Browse a create-your-own menu or put your trust in one of the classic creations. Bonus: Julio’s cozies across from Richmond’s latest love-letter bookstore, ILYSM Books.
Closed
Sugar & Salt Bakery closed its doors in Jackson Ward last weekend. The business will hold a final pop-up event on Saturday, May 10, starting at 10 a.m. + running until they sell out. Be sure to stop by to show your support and grab one more sweet treat from this local biz. (WRIC)
Transit
According to a traffic advisory release, Staples Mill Road from Monument Avenue to West Grace Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily starting today, May 1, through Thursday, May 8. Keep this in mind as you plan your routes to work or grab groceries.
Holiday
May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) and Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM). Want to dive into some history? Visit Richmond Public Library’s JAHM special collections and archives. Know a young reader looking for book recs? Check out the library’s young adult picks inspired by AAPIHM.
Sports
After back-to-back championship wins, the Richmond Spiders football team is starting a new chapter in the Patriot League. Get ready for five exciting home games this fall, with matchups against VMI, Howard, and brand-new rivals. Stay tuned for full game details.*
Stat
$5,000. That’s how much you may have to drop if your dog or cat tears their ACL — a surprisingly common knee injury in pets. To the rescue: pet insurance. With this plan, 90% of that cost could be reimbursed.*
Number
540,000+. That’s how many customers choose this hearing aid when it comes time to make that decision for their loved ones. See why.*
Biz
Last chance to invest in the “Uber of mobile phones.”Mode Mobile grew 32,481% from 2019-2022, and just secured their Nasdaq ticker with plans for a potential IPO. The opportunity to invest at $0.26/share closes today.†*
Finance
Did you miss the chance to feature your business’s product or service in today’s feature of the 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide? Don’t worry — you can still secure your spot in time for Father’s Day. Bonus: Use code PGG2025 for 20% at checkout.
Category
Pets
Calling all cuties
Our email inbox has been paw-sitively perfect. | Photos provided by RICtoday readers
Over the past few weeks, we’ve asked you to send in your favorite photos of your pets, and we’ve loved your responses so far. You’ve probably already seen a few fur-friend spotlights in recent newsletters, but we’re still gathering submissions for a cuteness-overload feature next month — and your pet has a chance to be included.
How to submit:
1. Head to this link or follow the Asked section below.
2. Share one or two photos of your pet. (Horizontally formatted photos are preferred.)
3. Tell us your pet’s name.
4. Add one fun fact or tidbit that captures your pal’s personality.
Bonus points if your photos or fun facts are Richmond-themed in some way.
So far, we’ve received plenty of cat + pup photos, but we know there are plenty more pets out there that deserve the spotlight — and we can’t wait to see.
Swim trunks with pockets. These quick-drying swimsuit trunks have a hidden pocket built into an anti-chafe compression liner — perfect for keeping phones, keys, and cash safe on beach days.
Beginning Monday, we’ll be highlighting exceptional local spots as part of National Small Business Week — but I’m getting a head start. Let’s revisit a few local businesses that have opened recently: Julio’s Bagel Shop (as seen in today’s newsletter), Lost Office Collaborative for coworking needs, Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe, and The Rinse Retreat for hair renewal services. Tune in next week for plenty more small biz shout-outs.
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