Treat your loved ones to fun, cozy, and personalized picks this holiday gifting season. | Graphic by 6AM City
What do a literary quote clock, three pounds of salt, and a duck lamp have in common? They’re all in our holiday gift guide. Happy shopping.
Gifts for holiday parties and gift exchanges
Local pick: Crescent simple syrup | $15 | Shake up some cocktail + mocktail mixes with Virginia-made syrup flavors like Strawberry Basil, Lime Jalepeño, and Blueberry Lavender.
Monopoly Deal | $7.99 | This fun + family-friendly gift is a fast-paced version of the classic Monopoly board game.
Three pounds of really good salt | $49.95 | This one is sure to get some strange looks, but its silliness and sheer practicality might make it the most memorable gift at the party.
Local pick:Art Workshop with Studio Two Three | $20+ | Offer an experience to explore a new skill or dive back into a beloved art outlet with local nonprofit Studio Two Three.
Olive oil mister | $9.99 | A handy gift they can use to turn oil into a fine mist or a steady drizzle.
Towel warmer | $150.99 | The only thing better than a warm shower is emerging from said shower with a fresh, hot towel.
Gifts for book lovers
Literary quote clock | $209 | Why tell time the normal way when you could use 13,000 curated literary quotes?
Local pick: Agony Books curated read | $20+ | This local shop fine-picks photobooks, poetry collections, and critical theory reads that are sure to impress the artsy bookworm in your life.
From 18th Century Chocolate Making demonstrations every Saturday to LEGO Build workshops, a free open house at Virginia House, and the Holiday Makers Market, there’s something for everyone.
Visitors can also explore engaging exhibitions that showcase the region’s rich history. Don’t miss the chance for a holiday outing that’s educational and fun for all ages.
766. That’s how many food items Richmonders signed up to donate to RVA Community Fridges over the Thanksgiving weekend. The nonprofit considered this year’s efforts “the best to date.” The Thanksgiving drive might be over, but you can donate to a local fridge any day, at any time.
Mansion Monday
Did Thomas Jefferson play a role in designing this countryside home, now on sale in Albemarle, VA? Built in the 1790s, the Edgemont estate features eight beds, eight baths, and 572 acres of farmland. Take a look through the antiquated halls and rural grounds, and see what clues trace back to a Jeffersonian history.
The Word
Step aside Black Friday and Cyber Monday, because Travel Tuesday falls on Dec. 2 this year. Travel Tuesday is a day to get big discounts on flights, hotels, cruises, and more. You’ll need our guide to RIC after you book your tickets. (Condé Nast)
Read
The winners are in for the 2025 National Book Awards. This year’s top fiction, nonfiction, poetry, young adult literature, and translated works were all awarded for their excellence. Closer to home, we’re putting the spotlight on books written by Richmonders. (NPR)
Number
$28,330. That’s the annual cost of raising a child in Virginia in 2025, according to new data from Visual Capitalist. But when it comes to family fun, the best things in life are still free, and there’s plenty of no-cost activities around Richmond.
Gallery
“A picture is worth a thousand words,” as the old adage goes. That means Time Magazine’s best 100 photos of the year could fill an encyclopedia. If you’ve taken a photo of Richmond that you love this year, reply to this email and send it in — we’d love to share your best snaps.
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
‘Tis the season — it’s officially December. We’ve already been decking out the newsletters with holiday shoutouts (for the folks who like to plan ahead), but what other content would you like to see as we wrap up 2025? Let us know.
Here are a few topics we’re considering: Amtrak travel guide, New Year’s Eve parties, and 26 questions for 2026.
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