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:A Tiny Framed Thing | $15+ | Figi here. I’ve given away tons of these precious little art pieces, and I have this one on my shelf. Psst — you can even get a custom thing framed.
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.
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 | 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:Pins Mechanical gift card | $20+ | Score bonus bucks (read: more fun for everyone) on gift cards to Pins Mechanical. Get a $10 bonus when you spend $50 or a $25 bonus for spending $100.*
Gifts for pet lovers
Personalized 2026 pet calendar | $23.99 | For that special someone who likes their pet more than people. We don’t judge.
Local pick: A trip to Purr-fecto Cat Lounge | $15+ | If they don’t have a cat yet, but you know they want one, a slot at this cat cafe is sure to get the pet ownership ball rolling.
Texas A&M will face the Longhorns in Austin for the first time since 2010 this Friday, Nov. 28. The rivals played on Aggie turf last year, during which the Longhorns won 17-7. (KVUE)
Plan Ahead
We hope you’re hungry, because Phil Rosenthal, the star of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil,” is coming to Austin on tour in January. The foodie — and co-creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond” — will stop by for a moderated discussion and storytelling. Get tickets.
Edu
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees voted in favor of a plan to close 10 schools, eight elementary schools and two middle schools, before the 2026-2027 school year. The closures are expected to generate $21.5 million and close the $19.7 million district deficit. (KUT)
Number
$125,000. That’s the potential fine Great Hills Constructors could face per day for missing deadlines on the 183 North Mobility Project. The project — which is on US 183 between MoPac and SH 45 North — has recently seen delays, but crews expect to wrap up work by early 2026. (KVUE)
List
78616 is currently the “Hottest ZIP Code in America,” according to a report from MovingPlace. The ZIP Code is encapsulated in Dale, about 45 minutes outside of Austin, where there were 15.2 moves per capita in October.
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 AUS after you book your tickets. (KVUE)
Holiday
The Head and the Heart, Chaparelle, Tameca Jones, and The Point will perform at the annual Austin’s New Year event. The event will also feature a fireworks display and a drone show to usher in 2026.
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.
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.‡*
Category
Food
Thanksgiving 🤝 Austin restaurants
If cooking isn’t on your agenda this year, Corinne has the cooking covered. | Photo courtesy of Get Noticed Creative
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and if the kitchen isn’t calling your name, there are plenty of Austin restaurants that will take care of it for you.
Psst — don’t forget to make a reservation.
Corinne, Downtown | Stop in for a family-style meal of classic Thanksgiving food during lunch or dinner.
Paul Martin’s Austin Grill | Sit down for a three-course prix-fixe menu for $49, and you can also enjoy a limited version of the typical menu.
Skipjack Oyster | Have a coastal, four-course feast of herb-roasted turkey, porchetta, fall desserts, and optional seafood add-ons for $70 per person.
The Terrace Bar & Grill | For $55 per person, this restaurant at Downright Austin will serve a three-course dinner of butternut squash soup, roasted cornish hen, and pumpkin cheesecake topped with whipped Chantilly.
Yamas | Gather round for a prix-fixe Greek-inspired Thanksgiving dinner of turkey with herb stuffing, garlic parmesan carrots, housemade cornbread, and pumpkin pie.
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.
The Wrap
The Wrap
Just one more day until Thanksgiving, so I’m here to wish you a happy holiday with you and yours. If you’re still looking for a recipe to put together on the big day, check out these recipes sent in by ATXtoday readers
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‡ 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.
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