Monopoly Deal | $7.99 | This fun gift is a fast-paced version of the classic game.
Three pounds of really good salt | $47.50 | This one is sure to get some strange looks, but its silliness and sheer practicality might make it the most memorable gift at the party.
Local pick: Himalayan salt shot glasses | $32 | These shot glasses are made of salt, making them perfect for tequila.
Olive oil mister | $9.99 | A handy gift they can use to turn oil into a fine mist or a steady drizzle.
Towel warmer | $150.99 | The only thing better than a warm shower is emerging from said shower with a hot towel.
Gifts for book lovers
Local pick: Nowhere Bookshop gift card | $10+ | Let them pick out their next read. Pro tip: Pair the gift card with a Nowhere totebag to carry their haul.
Literary quote clock | $209 | Why tell time the normal way when you could use 13,000 curated literary quotes?
The Monarch — the $185 million, 17-story luxury hotel opening downtown next year — is gearing up to start welcoming hotel guests in the spring. Until then, take a peek at the first look of the hotel’s lobby bar, stained glass sculpture, and panoramic views. (My SA)
Civic
Speaking of hotels… This week, the San Antonio Housing Trust approved a plan to convert downtown hotel The Whitney into a 220-unit residential building. Nearly half of the units will be reserved for residents earning 80% or less of the annual median income.
Community
Welcome to Alamo City, Shana, B’wenzi and Juba. The three male gorillas joined the San Antonio Zoo this week to join three females that arrived last week. The cohort will become part of Congo Falls, a two-acre gorilla habitat and the zoo’s first in 30+ years, opening Sunday, Dec. 13. (San Antonio Current)
Number
$4.5 million. That’s how much Texas State University spent to purchase 128 acres of undeveloped land northeast of Spring Lake, between San Antonio and Austin. The university said the acquisition will help protect water flowing into the San Marcos Springs and River and allow opportunities for field research.
Open
Volta, a new hi-fi listening room and bar from the team behind Hi-Tones and Faust Tavern, held a soft opening last week at 1522 Grayson St. Opening hours and menus have not yet been announced — keep an eye on Instagram for updates. (CultureMap San Antonio)
Join Hayes Carll + The Gulf Coast Orchestra for their Grateful for Christmas Tour at Stable Hall on Saturday, Dec. 6. Cherish a night of music, stories and holiday cheer with special guest Lisa Morales. Purchase tickets.*
Sports
Coming off that Thanksgiving day win against the Kansas City Chiefs, what can we expect from Cowboys in their game against the Lions tonight? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it boosts arousal and supports natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 35% + an extra 15% with code H4PPY15.*
Finance
This just in: 6% is the new 2%. This card is every reward-seeker’s dream, offering up to 6% cash back in categories you’ll actually use. Bonus: You can get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers into 2027. Learn more and apply.*
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? Wait until you see number six.*
Health
Meet Horizon IX, an innovative hearing aid that a leading audiologist calls “nothing short of a miracle.” With dual processors for sharper speech and less noise, it offers a nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try it at no risk for 45 days and experience effortless hearing for the holidays.*
Finance
San Antonio drivers: Stop overpaying for car insurance and use FinanceBuzz’s free tool to see if you can save $600+ a year in minutes.*
Editor’s Pick
Wemby scores another win
As you can see, we’re pretty big Wemby fans in SATX. | Photo by @raaaaul.perez
Add another accolade to Victor Wembanyama’s growing trophy case: he’s officially on the Sports Forbes 30 Under 30, an annual list recognizing the most influential young people across industries.
Wemby, who joined the Spurs in the 2023 NBA draft, was named Rookie of the Year in his first season + has since earned an All-Star selection and a spot on the French Olympic basketball team.
Want front-row evidence of “The Alien” phenomenon? The Spurs play defending champs Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Tuesday, Dec. 23 — tickets are still available.
Discover clever, useful tech that solves everyday problems in this guide to 2025’s coolest gadgets. We’re talking a small but mighty home security upgrade, a power bank the size of a credit card, and more.
Guess what? Wemby wasn’t the only San Antonian to earn a nod on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list this year. Bobby Magee, cofounder of Escalera Capital, also earned a nod in the Finance section. Magee is a former Trinity University student, and since founding in 2020, Escalera Capital has accrued $500 million in assets.
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