[What follows is one of the many merry articles in the Mercury's Winter Guide 2025. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you're feeling generous this holiday season, support us here.—eds.]

Seasoned gift-givers know that the best presents are spotted spontaneously, months before the holidays kick in and chain retail stores become outlets for psychological warfare. But allow us to suggest an alternative method: this gift guide, which will neither link to Amazon nor recommend you buy your dad a meat thermometer. In fact, you’ll find nearly everything listed right here in town—maybe even on your side of the river. Let’s shop!

The NeeDoh Nice Cube is like if a stress ball was cube-shaped and felt like the best thing you’ve ever felt in your life. I got mi

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