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: Beaded Tennessee Wristlet | $26 | Not that we’re biased toward the Vols — okay, maybe a little — but we think this charming key attachment would delight any Tennessee student.
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.
Karaoke microphone | $29.99 | With over 800 five-star reviews, this karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.
Light-up football | $34.99 | Backyard football is now possible at night, thanks to this LED light-up football.
Local pick: Great Smoky Mountains Bear Puzzle | $26 | Kiddos will learn about where they live while piecing together all 500 pieces of this National Park puzzle.
Gifts for pet lovers
Local pick: “Support a Species” | $50 | They may want a real red panda in their living room, but it’d be happier at Zoo Knoxville.
Personalized 2026 pet calendar | $23.99 | For that special someone who likes their pet more than people. We don’t judge.
Backseat cover | $32.99 | A safe and easy-to-clean backseat cover for the person that takes their dog with them everywhere.
Earlier this week, Knoxville Transportation Authority, in collaboration with Visit Knoxville, kicked off a fare-free pilot program for Route 1: the Downtown Connector (which connects core spots around downtown). (WATE)
Seasonal
If seeing spectacular light displays is on your holiday bucket list, bookmark this list of local lights from Knoxville News Sentinel — featuring both shows like Smoky Night Lights at Zoo Knoxville and displays like those in the Gray Eagle Springs subdivision.
Sports
UT’s beloved mascot, bluetick coonhound Smokey XI, is retiring. The university cited Smokey XI’s “reserved temperament” as a factor. Smokey XI will enjoy his retirement with his brother and dad, Smokey X. The search is on for Smokey XII. (WBIR)
Stat
82 million. That’s how many Americans are projected to travel 50+ miles for Thanksgiving — a new AAA record. Hopping on a plane instead? Peruse our McGhee Tyson Airport guide for parking, security, and gate details — so you can focus on the turkey, not the trip.
Shop
Kern’s Bakery is looking for makers, bakers, and creators for this year’s Winter Village Market. Tag your favorite local biz to nudge them to apply, and shop for yourself Saturdays and Sundays starting December 6.
Kids
The Knox County Junior Commission, a civics education and youth leadership program for local high school students, is now accepting applications.
Open
Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance’s (TOA) Parkwest Surgery Center is now open at 9461 Sherrill Blvd. This state-of-the-art facility delivers lower out-of-pocket costs than hospital-based surgery, powered by advanced technologies including robotics and AR-assisted techniques. Discover how TOA Parkwest Surgery Center makes same-day orthopedic surgery simple, convenient, and tailored to your recovery.*
Fact or Fiction
You can upgrade your bath or shower in as little as one day with Jacuzzi. Fact. Transform your outdated bathroom into a modern sanctuary — now with zero installation cost and no payments + interest for up to one year. Learn more.‡*
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.
‡ With purchase and installation of any complete bath/shower system from participating third-party Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer in your area (“Dealer”). Offer and options will vary by Dealer/location. Not combinable with other offers. Add’l terms apply. Subject to change. Expires 12/28/25. †Financing offer available through third-party lenders under terms of applicable loan program. No interest for 12 months if paid in full within 12 months. Interest will be charged to you from purchase date if purchase balance is not paid in full within 12 months. Subject to credit approval—not all buyers will qualify. Add’l terms apply. See or call Dealer for details.
