Consider our 2025 gift guide your newest cozy holiday read. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy holidays, Northern Virginia. 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
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.
Local pick: Soy Candle: Virginia Fir | $24 | For the partner that needs rest and relaxation, this candle from Gift + Gather in Occoquan, VA, will make for a great gift.
Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie.
Gifts for parents
Local pick: Sheepy Fleece Robe | $98 | These robes from Red Barn Mercantile are perfect to throw on while you help the kids get ready for school in the morning.
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 and multiple compartments.
Gifts for retirees
Garden kneeler and stool | $30.90 | 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: Coffee Workshop at Rare Bird Roasters | $20+ | Whether you’re aiming to be a top-notch barista or just want to brew better coffee at home, these classes can help anyone make a great cup of joe.
If you ever dreamed in living in Kevin McCallister’s “Home Alone” estate, this brick-front mansion in McLean is the next best thing. Plus, as the leaves transform from green to orange, this home truly encapsulates fall thanks to the foliage surrounding the property.
Try This
Now that it’s November, it’s time to think about holiday cooking. While we know this may add some stress to your life, why not focus on one of the best parts first — finding the perfect pies to order this holiday season? (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Northern Virginian
Made with love. Rosie Grant, an Alexandria native, has released her debut cookbook, offering a collection of recipes preserved on gravestones. The book features over 40 recipes that she has accumulated over four years from 23 states. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Mailbag
We were touched to get this feedback: “I just loved your newsletter and wait for it every morning to see what is going on,” reader Bryan A. said. Want to share your thoughts? Fill out our readers’ feedback survey here. We always appreciate your feedback.
Pets
Did you know that black cats are less likely to be adopted? Now that Halloween is gone, we want to make sure that NOVA’s adoptable inky felines get the love they deserve all year round. T’Challa, Juggernaut, Andy Lee, Terry, and more are awaiting adoption at the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. (PubMed Central)
Number
Drivers in the Washington, DC area lost a collective ~232 million hours to traffic in 2024. Per person, that amounts to 90 hours, and data shows the most congestion happens between 2 and 6 p.m. Let us know how you spend your time in traffic, so we can help the folks stuck on I-495.
Eat
Are you looking forward to a dry-brined turkey with herb butter? That’s Virginia’s most unique Thanksgiving recipe, according to The Food Network. The dish combines a classic bird infused with flavor. Keep it locally grown by buying the ingredients at one of NOVA’s best farmers markets.
Seasonal
The most famous Christmas tree in the US has been chosen. A 75-year-old Norway Spruce will light up New York City’s Rockefeller Center this upcoming holiday season, donated by a family from upstate NY. Soon enough, we’ll be hunting for the perfect tree of our own at Evergreen Acres in Nokesville. (NBC)
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.
In my opinion, vintage cars are the coolest cars. The Spy Museum in DC is hosting its 19th Annual Parade of Trabants — the only one in the United States. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside of the International Spy Museum on L’Enfant Plaza.
This event is free, and no registration is required. You’ll also be able to chat with the owners of the vehicles as you walk around and explore these vintage beauties.
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.
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.
🍫 What is the most popular Halloween candy in Virginia?
I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. If you or your kids indulged in a lot of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this wouldn’t surprise me seeing it’s the most popular candy in Virginia.
Might we even recommend some Reese’s Peanut Butter ice cream?
Happy November, NOVA. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I’d love to feature favorite recipes from our readers that others can enjoy. Share one of your beloved dishes here — you might see it featured in our upcoming newsletter. A photo is always appreciated, too.
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