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: Indy Coffee Box | $18+ | Keep the study fuel flowing with this subscription box featuring curated items from local coffee roasters.
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.
Amazon announced plans to spend $15 billion on new data center campuses in northern Indiana. Specific locations have not been shared, but the centers are expected to create 1,100+ high skilled jobs, and the company said it will cover the costs of electricity generation and transmission. (WTHR)
Watch
Here’s your early holiday gift: The next 11 Pacers games are airing for free on WTHR and WALV, starting with tonight’s matchup against the Raptors. Check the schedule. (WTHR)
Tech
Throwback alert. Nine years after going dark, Vine has made a comeback. The short-form video platform just relaunched as diVine, bringing 100,000 archived videos from before the app’s shutdown with it. Prefer punchlines in person? Check out these upcoming comedy shows.
You know that one friend who’s always saying, “I want to make a difference this holiday season?” Send them to volunteer at a Salvation Army Red Kettle. In two hours, they can help feed a family, keep the lights on, or ensure someone has a warm home. Here’s our experience.*
Celebrate the season at St. Nick’s Lodge at Harry & Izzy’s Northside. This cozy, adults-only escape offers festive cocktails and nostalgic cheer, November 28-December 21, Thursday to Sunday. Sip on bright, sparkling drinks or warm up with spiced creations to add some winter magic to your evening.*
Arts
The 2026 Met Gala theme has been revealed: “Costume Art” draws connections between garments and historic art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While we wait to see what the stars wear on the first Monday in May, try sourcing art-inspired pieces of your own at Indy’s secondhand shops. (Associated Press)
Travel
Did you catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis earlier this month? The stunning display lit up cities across the US due to an increase in solar activity. If you can’t wait for your next chance in Indy, start your northbound adventure to see the phenomena at IND. (Reuters)
Pets
Why are there so many dog breeds? New research suggests the phenomenastarted 11,000 years ago. Whether you’re toting around a miniature poodle in a handbag, or you’re eye-level with your Irish wolfhound, all shapes and sizes are welcome at Indy’s dog-friendly spots. (Reuters)
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.
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.
Duke’s hosted its final hoedown last weekend, but you still have a chance to keep a piece of the honkytonk with you forever. Flipside Estates will auction off its furniture, production gear, kitchenware, and more on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6 — keep an eye on the consignment concierge’s page for more info.
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