🎁👀 A very special B-Side gift guide

We’re back again, Boston.

🤗 And we brought you a special gift — well, gift guide — in partnership with a few standout local sponsors. Think of it as our way of saying “Happy Thanksgiving! We’re grateful for you.”

👀 What’s on tap tonight:

• A few non-basic gift ideas to kick off your holiday shopping (feat. things you can only find around Boston)

Up First…

TOGETHER WITH BOCH CENTER

🎄 For the theater kid at heart … 

Gift them a night of pure holiday magic with tickets to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Boch Center Wang Theatre, from Dec. 10-23. This whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale brings the Grinch’s journey to life, complete with the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” It’s a heartwarming way to celebrate the season and an experience The New York Times calls "100 times better than any bedtime story!" Tickets start at just $35, but they’re selling fast!

TOGETHER WITH BREVE SPA

💆‍♀️  For anyone who could use a little “me” time …

Give the gift of R&R from the #1 ranked Boston spa on Tripadvisor: Breve Spa. Tucked inside the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, this hidden gem is the ultimate sanctuary for anyone who loves a little self-care (looking at you, Earth signs). With luxurious treatments from Dr. Dennis Gross and BABOR, plus a sauna and relaxation room that’s basically a hug for your soul, it’s perfect for melting away holiday stress. Grab a gift card and let them bask in some five-star “do not disturb” vibes.

TOGETHER WITH THE COMMONWEALTH SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

🕯️ For the Scrooge sympathizer …

Got someone on your list with big “bah humbug” energy? Take them to see “Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’” at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater from Dec. 8-22. This holiday classic, brought to life by Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, is brimming with ghouls, goose dinners, and enough holiday spirit to thaw even the most cynical heart. Whether they’re rooting for Tiny Tim or secretly vibing with Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Will Lyman), this show is a must-see. Grab tickets now — before they ghost you like Jacob Marley.

TOGETHER WITH THE ISABELLA STEWART GARDENER MUSEUM

🖼️ For the art lover who claims they’ve seen it all …

Surprise them with a gift they haven’t: tickets to Manet: A Model Family at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. On view through Jan. 20, 2025, this one-of-a-kind exhibition boasts treasures from lenders like the Met and Musée d’Orsay — including 16 oil paintings by Édouard Manet (one making its U.S. debut!), a collection of family portraits, rare war letters airlifted out of Paris, and even a painting by Manet’s nephew. It’s the perfect way to say, “You’re impossible to shop for, but I nailed it anyway.” 

🌟  None of these gift ideas hitting the mark? Stay tuned — we’ve got another B-Side surprise coming your way soon.

— Written by Tori Waltz, Studio/B, Boston Globe Media’s branded content studio (The editorial team was not involved in the creation of this B-Side Extra Edition.)

🎁 Thanks for reading! The stuff on this list is cool and all, but honestly, you’re the only gift we could ever ask for. 😘

💜 Special shoutout to today’s sponsors — Boch Center, Breve Spa, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — for sponsoring this special B-Side send and keeping Boston’s best gifts close to home.