Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide that’s got something for everyone, including local finds. | Graphic by 6AM City
Season’s greetings, Lexington. Holiday shopping time is upon us — look no further than these 90+ gift ideas, including unique local treasures and the season’s hottest items.
Ceneda large cooler bag | $24.99 | This insulated, leak-proof tote is perfect for family road trips, beach trips, and everything in between.
Smart calendar + chore chart | $317.99 | The future of chore charts is here — treat parents to the ultimate family organization tool, complete with Google calendar syncing, color coding, and meal planning.
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick:Cheese of the Month Club | $75-$300 | You’ll forever be “the big cheese” of the house after gifting this subscription, which includes two different wedges each month, from Boone Creek Creamery.
“From the library of” book embosser | $18.99+ | For the partner who loves to read, this personalized gift will add flair and meaning to their home library.
Gifts for holiday parties + gift exchanges
Local pick:Kentucky Rocks! ice cube tray | $15 | You can’t help but smile when you see little Kentucky-shaped ice floating around in your glass.
Gourmet flake salt gift set | $11.99 | A set of truffle, garlic, herbs de provence, and steak + rib salt perfect for home cooks.
Local pick:Free Your Mind | $26 | It’s hard to pick just one bottle to bring home from Darling Wine Bar — a destination for natural and low-intervention wines — but this light-bodied, dry, and chillable red blend by Wonderwerk is a holiday must-try.*
Networking Happy Hour | 6-8 p.m. | The Annex by Mirror Twin | Free | Bring your business cards and connect with fellow community members, then stick around to watch the Wildcats men’s basketball team face Duke. Bourbon Tasting | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | The Manchester | $40 | Learn different taste profiles, understand process and quality, and discover what you like by sampling four half-ounce pours — snacks also provided.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Town Branch Commons Cleanup | 1-3 p.m. | Town Branch Commons | Free | Help keep our parks clean by joining a group and picking up trash together — registration required.
Thursday, Nov. 14
Holiday Craft Fair | 5-7 p.m. | Preston Greens Senior Living | Free | Discover one-of-a-kind creations from local artisans at this sip-and-shop experience.
Friday, Nov. 15
Fireside Tales on the Lawn | 6-8 p.m. | Robert H. Williams Cultural Center | Free | Bring your blankets + cozy up on the lawn for story time, sweet treats, and a movie under the stars. Back to the 90’s Silent Disco | 9-11:59 p.m. | Burl Brew | $10+ | Throw on your best 1990s gear + dance to three channels of musical fun from the decade.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Christmas Market | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $8+ | Get in the holly jolly spirit by browsing regional artists’ creations including greenery, glass + metal works, ceramics, baskets, and more.
The one gift we’re adding to the top of our wish list
Presented by Golden Aesthetic Atelier
The “golden” girls celebrate individuality + authenticity while unlocking radiant, confident beauty in each client. | Photo by Against The Grain Photography
Alexa, play “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Now that you’re feeling festive, it’s time to start making your list and checking it twice.
Have someone on your list who loves wellness or could use a reset after the holidays? Pick up a Golden Aesthetic Atelier gift card and give them access to a golden lineup of personalized treatments (think: everything from rejuvenating facials to tasteful injections).
Bonus:Follow them on Instagram to see monthly deals, including Open House specials available this month.
Now through Tuesday, Dec. 3, grab a bulb and help brighten someone’s holiday season through the Be a Santa to a Senior program. You can find a bulb, which features the name + wishlist of a local senior, at the Home Instead office, Wheeler Pharmacy, and the Lexington Salt Cave. (LEX18)
Environment
Don’t forget, it’s Waste Reduction Week, and the city is celebrating with a variety of entertaining + educational events. Ever wonder what happens to your plastic bottles after you toss them in your blue cart? This week you can see firsthand thanks to two tours available at the Lexington Recycle Center.
Cause
Thanks to a new three-year partnership, you can support cancer research + treatment while sipping an ice-cold beverage at UK men’s basketball home games. Purchase one of the new 32-ounce souvenir cups and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the UK Markey Cancer Center. (UKNOW)
Outdoors
As the master plan for the city’s first riverfront park begins to take shape, organizers want to know what is important to you. Take the Kelley’s Landing Character Design Survey to share your thoughts on how it will look + what you want to experience.
Try This
Get ready for your holiday hosting at Poppy’s Flower Bar with its Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop next Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 and you’ll receive one drink + all the blooms you need as you learn the art of floral arrangement.
Kids
K-12 students are invited to flex their creative muscles in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s 2025 poster + essay contest. This year’s theme is “Kentucky Agriculture Makes Me Proud.” Entries can be submitted through Friday, March 7, 2025 — there will be one winner per category in each grade, plus one digital winner.
Active
Transform your fitness journey at LiveWELL Training Club, where personalized training meets exceptional results. Their certified trainers tailor workouts to your unique goals, ensuring every session is impactful + motivating. Ready, sweat, get started.*
Finance
The holidays are right around the corner. Is your small business ready for the holiday rush? From tailored financial solutions to expert advice, Field & Main Bank has you covered. Learn how to boost your sales, attract more customers, and make this holiday season your best yet.*†
Pets
Furniture gets scratched, shoes get chewed, toys go missing. These are regular occurrences in life with pets. But a $10,000 emergency surgery? That’s a whole other ball game. Fetch Pet Insurance could help you offset some of these nightmare scenarios by providing comprehensive coverage and up to 90% reimbursement.*
†Member FDIC
Category
Biz
Branching out to the Warehouse Block
The Willow is planting roots in the building that was previously home to The Blushery. | Photo courtesy of The Willow
A new, women-owned business collective is set to open in the Warehouse Block early next year. Say hello to The Willow: A Blooming Collective, coming to us from Avena Kiely, owner of The Grove + Dani Dunmire of First Dance Lexington.
Setting down roots in the former Blushery spot on National Avenue, the multi-purpose space hopes to house a variety of businesses including a wine bar, a coffee + smoothie shop, and a reservable space for fitness and dance classes, workshops, and gatherings.
Now, this is where you come in. The collective is hoping to add more female entrepreneurs to its community. Think: artists, creatives, aspiring baristas + juice makers, florists, and more. If you (or someone you know) have a business and are looking for a smaller additional satellite location, or you’re just getting started and want to connect with a collaborative community — The Willow wants to hear from you.
The Buy
The Buy
A one-year Costco membership — because for a limited time, you can get a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card when you sign up. Snag the deal and get ready to load up your cart with Kirkland’s finest.
