Consider our 2025 gift guide your newest cozy holiday read. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy holidays, Knoxville. We’ve spent hours curating our collection of 2025’s best holiday gifts. Read on for 90+ gift ideas, including local finds.
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick: Antique Glass Earrings | $125 | Handmade in a range of metals, these simple + locally made accessories will add a little sparkle to your loved one’s life.
Shiatsu foot massager | $79.99 | Nothing says “I love you” like a foot massage — give your hands a break and gift this heated one.
Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie.
Gifts for parents
Local pick: A hand-printed letterpress calendar | $7.65+ | Chances are, the parents in your life are pretty busy. Help them keep track of their schedules with a little locally designed color.
Snack organizer | $36.95 | Kids will love this snack spinner’s push button and slidable compartments — and parents will love how it makes snack time portable and stress-free.
Car backseat organizer | $25.99 | Gift parents peaceful car rides thanks to a two-pack of car organizers complete with a clear tablet holder.
Gifts for retirees
Garden kneeler and stool | $30.90 | Gardening’s more fun without the knee and back pain — we love this all-in-one stool that functions as both a bench and seat + organizes garden tools.
Smart birdfeeder with camera | $129.99 | Birders can watch special visitors up close with this durable and weatherproof birdfeeder.
Local pick: BLOWN Decanter | $140 | Your loved ones will be able to indulge in their favorite blend while also supporting local craftspeople; Pretentious Glass Co. creates their designs by hand right in Knoxville.
Tennesseans’ favorite way to splurge? Hitting the water. A new study found yacht charters are the state’s most popular luxury experience. As for us, we’d take our luxury dollars toward a piece of local waterfront real estate. (Time Out)
Community
The United Way of Greater Knoxville is partnering with Neeland Stadium vendors to collect unused food that would otherwise go to waste after each home game. It’s anticipated that this partnership will result in 25,000 pounds of food being delivered to community members in need this football season. (6 News)
Seasonal
Daylight saving time ended yesterday, ushering in brighter mornings and earlier sunsets. Need help adjusting to the change? Enjoying a sun-soaked morning at a local coffee shop should do the trick.
Regional
Sevier County representative announced Friday that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain open through at least Jan. 4, with emergency funds deployed to keep restrooms, campgrounds, visitor centers, and picnic areas — including Cades Cove — operating. (The Knoxville News Sentinel)
Pets
Did you know black cats are less likely to be adopted? Now Halloween is past, we want to make sure Knoxville’s adoptable inky felines get the love they deserve year-round. 8-week-old Switch is currently awaiting adoption at the Tennessee Valley Humane Society. And if you’re more of a dog person, say hi to Tuk, Duke + Pancake.
Learn
Thinking of becoming a Moc? UT Chattanooga is opening its campus for Blue and Gold Preview Day on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour the campus, explore an academic expo, and chat with students, professors, and staff. See the schedule + register. *
Outdoors
Prolific mountaineer Jim Morrison recently became the first person to ski down the Hornbein Couloir — an exceptionally steep section of Mount Everest’s north face. National Geographic is releasing a documentary about Morrison’s death-defying feat, with no release date yet set. A local hike is enough of a challenge for us.
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, our Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
The Buy
A food warming mat — perfect for holiday hosting so your dishes don’t get cold before serving. It features seven temperature settings and is made from premium silicone to provide uniform heating.
In 1991, my mother and I helped bury the time capsule at Fort Kid — which was originally constructed as part of Knoxville’s bicentennial celebration. I was three years old.
In 2023, the city broke ground on Fort Kid II, following a 2020 demolition of the original playground. News Sentinel columnist Victor Ashe wrote this article, offering $100 for information on where that time capsule was located — and I’d love to know: was it ever found? Reply to this email if you know.
