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🎁 Check great gifts off your list
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: Zero-waste home goods | $15–$60 | Ideal for your sustainability-minded student who refuses to live that dirty dorm life.
Fidget toy pen | $15.99 | 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 | $12.99 + $24.99 | Pair a 24-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
Karaoke microphone | $29.99 | With over 800 five-star reviews, this karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.
Local pick: Hazel General Store Bouncing Ball DIY Kit | $9 | Adults may have to pick up an extra set just for themselves because creating six custom bouncy balls looks like way too much fun.
Digital camera | $49.99 | Gift them a compact, stylish camera to capture photos on.
Gifts for golfers
Local pick: Glenway Golf Course artwork | ~$30.75 | A beautiful wall art piece of a local Madison golf course — a thoughtful decor gift for a golf lover.
Indoor putting green | $64.99 | Golfers won’t be able to resist trying out this 9.5-ft indoor putting green the day they unwrap it.
Frustrated golfer socks | $9.99 | This No. 1 best-selling pair of men’s novelty socks is sure to get a laugh.
Can you imagine a train rolling in on Wilson Street? That’s where Madison has picked its preferred site for a future Amtrak station. The downtown-adjacent spot along existing tracks would boost walkability and make train access far more convenient. See the spot they picked out. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Number
~$8 million. That’s the amount of state loans Madison is set to receive to replace an aging well on Whitney Way. The project aims to boost local drinking water quality and strengthen neighborhood infrastructure. See what else is underway. (The Cap Times)
Development
The former Red Caboose Child Care Center on Williamson Street has been cleared to make way for a new five-story, 53-unit apartment building. Construction is already underway and an opening is slated for summer 2027. See the colorful mural from the 1970s revealed during the demolition. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Watch
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church installed its new steeple this week — a major milestone in the church’s ongoing restoration effort. Watch the copper topper complete the church. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Holiday
We’re not cooking for Thanksgiving, are you? Here’s a list of 16 spots that will do the work for you. You’re welcome. (The Cap Times)
Community
Heads up — Sundays are leaf pickup days in these parts. And Sunday, Nov. 30 will be the last day to set out your leaves for many neighborhoods. But do you know the rules?
Answered
Last week, we asked which Costco is the best in the area. So far, Sun Prairie is in the lead — some readers say it’s less busy than other locations. Do you prefer Verona? There’s still time to vote.
Outdoors
Read about the secret lives of local salamanders. (Plus, volunteer to help them.)
Are you taking advantage of all the savings opportunities for adults ages 50+? This list of tips can support your continued saving and help build additional wealth.*
Shop
Meet DUER jeans — aka the world’s most comfortable pants. Each pair blends classic denim with 360-degree stretch, moisture-wicking fibers, and antibacterial treatment. DUER jeans are made to move, not constrict, dig in, or pinch. Explore the collection.*
Health
Worried about hearing clearly at upcoming holiday gatherings? Try this best-selling hearing aid with dual processors for outstanding speech clarity. See if you qualify for the 45-day no-risk trial + experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
Asked
Mailbag
Last week, we asked for your Northern Lights photos.
Thanks to Ralph Grunewald (left), who snapped this photo “by just stepping outside and taking a long exposure of the sky.” Turina R. Bakken, Ph.D. (bottom right) took this in Deforest just off the highway.
And a special shout-out to reader Margo C. (top right), who described herself as a “local paparazzi’s mom.” We love it. Shout-out to her photographer son, as well.
The Buy
It’s go time. Amazon’s Black Friday Week kicks off today as one of the best sales of the year. New deals drop daily, and these are today’s top five you don’t want to miss:
🚪 Boost home security with Blink’s popular video doorbell that’s under $30 for a limited time.
🧦 Replenish your sock drawer with 50% off these 4.5-star rated mini crew socks.
🔌 Achieve better home connectivity with Amazon’s top-rated smart plug for just $12.99.
👖 Upgrade your closet with a pair of Levi’s wide leg jeans for under $45.
🥩 Get dinner on the table faster with 40% off Cuisinart’s rapid defrosting tray.
