Consider our 2025 gift guide your newest cozy holiday read. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy holidays, Boston. 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:Romance package at the Elliot Hotel | $624+ | It’s time for a staycation. This “Love is in the Air” booking includes champagne and chocolate covered strawberries on arrival, breakfast for two at UNI + late check-out on the day of departure.
Shiatsu foot massager | $79.99 | Nothing says “I love you” like a foot massage — give your hands a break and gift one complete with heat, vibration, and rolling compression.
Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie.
Gifts for parents
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 clear tablet holders.
Local pick:Tavistock Restaurants gift card | $50+ | Let them customize their next date night from a portfolio of five local restaurants (and growing) — including Abe & Louie’s, Joe’s Waterfront + the Coach Room in Wayland.
Gifts for retirees
Local pick: Classic candy fruit slices | $20 | A nostalgic stocking stuffer from Vermont Country Store. Assorted flavors include: orange, lemon, lime, pink grapefruit, cherry, and watermelon.
Smart birdfeeder with camera | $129.99 | Birders can watch special visitors up close with this durable and weatherproof birdfeeder.
8-pack puzzle set | $20.91 | These scenic jigsaw puzzles scale up from 300 pieces to 1,000 pieces, all in one great gift.
Looking for elections results? See the latest updates from WBUR.
Environment
Scientists have uncovered dozens of new aquatic species in the Southern Ocean, including a carnivorous “death ball” sponge that uses tiny hooks to capture its prey. You don’t need to travel that far to see local wildlife for yourself — The New England Aquarium is full of wonders, including tonight’s lecture on Secrets of the Octopus. (ABC News)
Seasonal
Come home to Holiday Pops. Enjoy all your favorite holiday songs live at Symphony Hall this December — gather your loved ones for Jingle Bells, Sleigh Ride, and a special visit from Santa. Pro tip: The best seats sell out fast, so get in the spirit + snag your tickets.*
Open
SJ’s — a new restaurant from chef Sarah Wade of Stillwater and Sloane’s — is now open in the Leather District. The menu is expected to be inspired by Southern comfort food, augmented by eclectic bistro vibes. (Boston 10 News)
On This Day
On November 10, 1969, the first-ever episode of “Sesame Street” aired. Over the years, many of us have learned and laughed with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert + Ernie, and all the other familiar faces. Continue their legacy with a random act of kindness in Boston.
Civic
Boston patrol officers with the BPD will now be required to wear name tags — part of a contract extension agreement with the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association. The move is intended to support increased transparency and trust between police and local communities. (Boston.com)
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about?*
Gallery
Our favorite month has come and gone. Browse The Boston Globe’s photos of the month before we let October fade away.
The Word
The viral “6-7" trend has made it into the record books — it’s now Dictionary.com‘s Word of the Year for 2025. We don’t understand it, either. What we do understand is our Games section, where not six, not seven, but eight daily options await. (AP News)
Film
Reel talk — have you watched “The Silence of the Lambs” recently? The 1991 film is the most popular horror movie in the Bay State, according to a new study. Now that spooky season has come and gone, we recommend turning on a flick with ties to Boston — or better yet, the next Hallmark movie.
Health
Discover sharper hearing and a sharper mind with the Horizon IX hearing aid. Known as “a time machine for the brain,” it supports mental engagement and enhances your cognitive vitality. See if you qualify for a 45-day no-risk trial.*
Finance
Score a lucrative signup bonus and up to 5% cash back with this credit card that experts can’t stop raving about. With perks you don’t see every day and a $0 annual fee, it will be a serious upgrade to your wallet. Learn more + apply.*
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