With Christmas being six days away, the mad rush to get in last minute holiday shopping has begun. This weekend, malls and chain stores such as H & M and Urban Outfitters will be packed. We scoured gift guides with the best stores and ideas and added a few picks of our own. So check them out this upcoming weekend in neighborhoods such as East Passyunk, Rittenhouse Square, Old City and Midtown Village. By shopping at Philadelphia owned and operated companies, you avoid the crowds and give much needed support to these local businesses.
The Live Love Philly Last Minute Local Gift Guide
Hello Home Herb Pots: The Hello Home Herb pots come in three sizes, all of which are perfect for bringing the feel of an outdoor garden to small apartments in the city. Shop local and grow local. Win-win. Hello Home, 1004 Pine Street, 214.545.7060 (UWISHUNU)
Budinos from Barbuzzo: Stocked and ready to go, everybody’s favorite salted caramel dessert will be available at Verde (next door to Barbuzzo) for pick up this upcoming weekend. Voted Best Dessert by Philadelphia Magazine, this is a great gift treat for a Philadelphian foodie or the perfect ending to a scrumptious holiday dinner. Verde, 108 S. 18th Street. 215.546.8700
Cooking classes at COOK: Gift your food-loving friend or family member with a sign-up for a class at COOK. Pick from sushi making to apple pie making and everything in between. (UWISHUNU) COOK, 253 South 20th Street, 215.735.COOK
Metropolitan Bakery Victory Baltic Thunder Porter Popcorn: Treat loved ones to a tub of Metropolitan Bakery Victory Baltic Thunder Porter Popcorn. This yummy treat, handmade popcorn infused with the flavors of Victory Brewing Company, is back by popular demand this holiday season. Metropolitan Bakery, Various locations (UWISHUNU)
Duross & Langel Flavor Gift Sets: Duross and Langel are well known for their bath and body products. All your favorite products come in your favorite scent combination dressed in a beautiful bright red, green kraft or silver satin gift box with matching ribbon. Choose from scents like ocean, violet, butter cream, and green tea. Another spectacular give idea is the Duross & Langel Limited Edition Philadelphia Holiday Candle. The vision of Duross & Langel creator Steve Duross is interpreted by local artist Chris Visco in this limited edition candle. A delight to give or get, the aroma of chocolate mint is intoxicating. Each candle is 11 ounces of clean burning, pure soy wax with a burn time of approximately 60 hours. Duross & Langel, 117 South 13th Street, 215.592.7627
Vintage Grandmother-Button Rings: Two-tiered vintage rings, each one uniquely handcrafted out of brass, antique metal, marcasite, vintage plastic, pearl, or art deco glass and wood buttons dating back to as early as 1880 and as late as 1950. Art, design and fashion meet and mesh on Pine Street at J. Lamancuso’s semi-new store, Industry. 1020 Pine St. 215.733.0208. (PW)
Stylish Menswear: Metro Men’s has established itself as one of the best retailer of men’s apparel in Philadelphia. From now until December 31, they are offering a holiday sale with 20% of all store items and 30% of winter coats. Metro Men’s, 1615 East Passyunk Avenue, 267.324.5172
Books from Quirk Books: Quirk Books, located in Old City, has the perfect book for everyone on your Christmas list. For men, look no further than Broetry, a poetry book for bros. For the ladies, you can’t go wrong with Women Know Everything; we think the title says it all. And for the little ones, Disneystrology is sure to please. Quirk Books, 215 Church Street, 215.627. 3581 (UWISHUNU)
Scrabble-esque Drink Coasters: Local designer Bryan Sculthorpe, a.k.a. YardsalePress on Etsy, is responsible for one limited-edition gift that’s currently in the process of selling out at South Philly boutique Nice Things Handmade: wooden coasters in the form of oversized Scrabble-style tiles. Buy the letters of your friends’ initials as unusual monographed gifts! If other holiday shoppers beat you to the punch, Nice Things Handmade has lots more budget-minded artistry to offer as well, like Volta Organics’ all-new line of candles and Paul Carpenter’s Phanatic tote bags and T-shirts.
Nice Things Handmade, 1731 East Passyunk Avenue, 267.455.0256. (PW)
Local Holiday Preserves: Give local with a box of holiday preserves from Green Aisle Grocery. Strawberry Persimmon, Peach Raspberry, Cherry and Sugar Plum. Only $25 for a set of four. Green Aisle Grocery, 1618 East Passyunk Avenue, 215.4651411
Boho Accessories and Décor: Hand-crafted, bohemian-style necklaces complete with dangling stones and antler tips that won’t hinder your mortgage payments. Have you sworn off giving jewelry as gifts? Get the mossy terrariums a la Jurassic Park in a vase that are often drooled over on Pinterest. Moon and Arrow,
754 South Fourth Street, 215.469.1448. (PW)
Black N Brew Gift Card: Passyunk Avenue favorite Black N Brew is offering an awesome holiday special. Now until Christmas Eve, gift givers can put $25 on a gift card and get $5 free. Black N Brew, 1523 East Passyunk Avenue, 267.639.6070
Last Call: St. Nick is getting ready to pack it up and head back North. December 19th (6-8pm) and December 22 (1-3pm) are the last two days for Photos with Santa at Alphabet Academy Child Care at 1631 East Passyunk Avenue. Bring your camera and take pics for free or purchase a photo package ranging from $10-25 which will be printed on the spot.
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