Brayden Mowery

A mix of trendy restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and photogenic things to do across Omaha, Council Bluffs, Bellevue, Papillion, and Lincoln, current as of Nov 11, 2026. It leans toward independent spots over chains: Henry Doorly Zoo and The RiverFront, the Old Market and Benson, a Bellevue forest walk and sushi stop, dinner in Papillion, a Council Bluffs brewery and adventure tower, and Lincoln's Haymarket and Sunken Gardens. Hours and menus change, so check the official page before you go.

Ace is running some of the best Christmas light sales of the season, and this is my pick of what's actually worth grabbing, from cheap warm-white minis to app-controlled smart lights. I'm a smart-home guy, so the Wi-Fi sets are my favorites, but there's something for every roofline, tree, bush and mantel. Sale prices were current in mid-November and clearance stock is limited, so check your local Ace.

I skipped the junk doorbusters and pulled the Black Friday deals that are actually worth buying: trending, well-loved products with a real markdown right now. It's sorted by who you're shopping for, from viral skincare and cozy gifts to big kitchen splurges and easy picks for him and the kids. Prices move fast this time of year, so check the current deal before you buy.

Everything you need to host a holiday party without the last-minute scramble. It's organized the way a party actually runs: set the table, set up the food, handle the drinks and survive the cleanup. Great for first-time hosts, Friendsgiving and anyone with a big crowd coming over this year.

New Year's goals are easier to keep when the right gear is already at home. This kit covers the big four January habits: drinking more water, working out without a gym, eating better with simple meal prep, and recovering so you can show up again tomorrow. Start with one section, build the habit, then add the next.

Rentals don't have to look like a rental. These are no-drill, deposit-safe upgrades that make a builder-basic apartment feel finished: peel-and-stick walls and backsplash, plug-in lighting, a cozy rug and storage that doesn't need a landlord's OK. Everything comes down clean on move-out day.

Self-care gifts that feel like a real treat, all under $50. It's organized like a night in: a better shower, an at-home spa session, a wind-down routine and hair care that works while she sleeps. Pick one standout or mix a few small ones into a gift bag she'll actually use up.

Love the Sephora look but not the Sephora receipt? These are the drugstore and Amazon picks beauty fans keep comparing to prestige favorites like Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Rhode and Too Faced, from glowy skin tints to lip oils, mascara and brows. Each note names the splurge it's compared to and the shade to start with, so you can build a full routine for less than one luxury product.

This list skips the gifts that end up in a drawer and sticks to stuff guys actually use every week. It covers grooming, the kitchen and coffee, everyday tech and car and pocket gear for the boyfriend, husband, dad or brother on your list. Prices run from easy stocking stuffers around $12 to a couple of splurges.

For homebodies who want staying in to feel like the plan, not the backup. This list builds the perfect winter night: a warm throw, soft lighting, something good to read, a little wind-down ritual and a game for when friends come over. Great as gifts or as a treat for your own couch.

The toys topping kids' wish lists this year, from KPop Demon Hunters and LEGO Pokémon to Mark Rober's Crunchinator and Bluey. It's sorted into big headliner gifts, screen-free builders and brain games, and stocking-size fun, so you can shop by budget and age. The hottest ones tend to sell out before December, so buy early.

For the mom who always says she doesn't need anything. These are the cozy, calming, slightly luxe things she'd never splurge on for herself: a photo frame the whole family can fill, better sleep, reading in bed and little spa-night treats. Mix a big gift with a couple of small ones and you're done.

Everything you need to gift (or build) the dewy glass-skin routine everyone's chasing. It's laid out step by step: cleanse, tone and treat with the viral serums, mask overnight, protect with SPF, then finish with lip care and a few fun extras. Gift the whole routine or pick one cult favorite.

Stocking stuffers that won't end up in the junk drawer by New Year's. These are the TikTok-famous toys, cult beauty minis, family games and handy gadgets people actually use, all around $35 or less. Sorted by who you're shopping for so you can fill every stocking fast.

For the guy who's always outside, whether that's hiking, hunting, tailgating or walking the dog in January. These are dependable cold-weather basics from brands like The North Face, YETI, Carhartt and Leatherman, plus a few splurges for the guy who has everything. Sorted by what he's doing out there.

My own house runs on Apple Home, so this is the list for the Alexa households on your gift list, and these are the easy wins. Echo speakers, smart displays, plugs, cameras and bulbs that all work with Alexa and mostly set up from a phone, no separate hub needed. Start with an Echo and one or two add-ons and build from there.

Our whole house runs on Apple Home, so I know which gadgets set up easily in the Home app and which ones are a headache. These are gift-worthy picks for iPhone families that work with Apple Home (HomeKit or Matter) and Siri, from stocking-stuffer plugs to locks, cameras and thermostats. For my own day-to-day setup, see my Apple Home Must Haves list.

I'm a gear and gadget guy (my whole house runs on Apple Home), so I'm picky about what goes in my pockets. This is a tight edit of everyday carry: a slim wallet, a tracker, a real multitool, a pocket light, a pen that never quits and a few small things that keep your phone alive. Every pick is small, tough and useful enough to carry daily, not a drawer gadget.

Our whole house runs on Apple Home, and we haven't touched a light switch in years. These are the bulbs, plugs, sensors, hubs and cameras we actually use every day, with honest notes on what each one does well (and which one takes some patience to set up). If you're new to smart home, start with a couple of bulbs and a smart plug, then add sensors for automations.

The North Face has been one of my favorite brands for years, especially their jackets and tees, so that's the backbone of this list. Around it are the athleisure basics that work at the gym and on a Saturday: sweat-wicking tees, joggers, a good hoodie, running shorts and two of the most popular road running shoes. Every piece is easy to mix and match, and sizes and colors are on each listing.