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Abandon Amazon and the supply chain dilemma to support these excellent local stores. From personalized art to mid-century modern guitars, to olive oil and wine subscriptions, we can meet your needs. In addition, local celebrities will also share their preferred gifts.
Take off your tired old shoes and put on these smooth snakeskin-style short boots. The embossed leather style is also suitable for holding holiday parties or strolling in the city. $250 on Busstopboutique.com. / Photo by Nell Hoving Dixon
Anyone can quickly complete their holiday shopping by logging into Amazon-but it is very likely that everyone you buy has already done the same thing. This season is the perfect time to think outside of the ubiquitous brown corrugated boxes and buy thoughtful gifts from local businesses—not involving shipping delays, supply chain chaos, or cheap counterfeit goods.
When basically can't do
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon
Statement Bags-These clutches are stylish as they are, or you can spell your BFF name, nickname or internal joke on a custom handbag, perfect for spending a night in town. $99 and above at Raeoflightcustom.com.
Wear-Anywhere Bracelets-Each of these hand-made bracelets is made of 100% recycled 14-carat gold or sterling silver and is unique-just like your friends. $660 on Bario-neal.com.
Shiny shoes-These vegan Stella McCartney Lurex boots evoke the charm of the 1970s, with a stylish sculptural platform heel. $1,095 on Joanshepp.com.
Multi-purpose makeup-your busy friend can apply Manasi 7 on lips, cheeks and eyes for simple and sustainable makeup preparation. For anyone, this is an organic one-stop solution. $57 on Freedomathecary.com.
Exquisite gifts for precocious children will also make parents happy
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon
Sleek Rider – Baghera This durable riding bike introduces elegant design early. A bonus for parents: Its rubber tires are designed to be as noiseless as possible. $240 at Boydsphila.com.
Words to Build On-A picture book by local author Mollie Elkman and illustrator Georgia Castellano not only teaches children what it takes to build a house; it challenges gender stereotypes. $17.95 on Shebuiltbook.com.
Teachable Dollhouse – Use Moon Picnic's "Make My Day" toys to make children's daily life fun, including a cute wooden bear and his pet dog. $62 on Omoionline.com.
Sweet Sweater-the Irish chain Primark is known for its high-street design and low prices, and now has a branch in the Philadelphia Fashion District. A last-minute gift like this baby girl's cable knit sweater is indispensable. $9 on primark.com.
Books that local writers like to give away
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon
Carmen Maria Machado-author of her body and other parties, waiting in the dream house
"I have some books that I often give as gifts: "Confessions of the Fox" by Jordy Rosenberg, a sexy queer historical novel; Italo Calvino (Italo Calvino)'s "The Baron in the Trees" (The Baron in the Trees), a gentle and surprising novel; Shirley Jackson's Haunting of Hill House, horror, gorgeous, and perfect; strange things happened to Kelly Link, Indescribable genre curving short stories; we will never meet in real life, written by Samantha Elby-very funny article."
Alex London-the most recent author, Battle Dragon: City of Thieves
"I like to give anthologies as gifts. This is a literary mixtape. Remember the mixtape? For teenagers, the battle of the band edited by Lauren Gibaldi and Philadelphia's own Eric Smith was very shocking. It brought together 15 people. An author and a true rock star tell the epic battle story of a high school band. I like the energy, wisdom and insight that these authors bring. This is our rainbow: her, him, them and ours The 16 stories, edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby, are the first LGBTQA anthology for middle-grade students. It is designed to comfort, entertain, inspire and start a wonderful family conversation."
Kiley Reid-the author of such an interesting era
"When sending books, the shorter the better. They are cute, they are not scary. They are also great in stockings. I recommend Han Kang's The Vegetarian, Susan Minot's Monkeys, Sayaka Murata's Convenience Store Woman and Jacqueline Woodson's Red at the Bone."
Lisa Scottoline-the eternal author, everywhere Mary has been, etc.
"I'm going to tell Francesca Serritella's debut "Ghosts of Harvard" (Ghosts of Harvard) about a young girl who went to Harvard after her brother committed suicide. This is a psychological thriller that makes people love it. , Even if it was written by someone else’s daughter, I would like it. I also gave David Baldacci’s "Benevolence" because his thrillers always feature strong, funny female protagonists , Such as FBI agent Atlee Pine. Jodi Picoult's "Wish You Were Here" (Wish You Were Here) is an exquisite novel about a young girl who is hit by a global pandemic. A story that has everything before evaluating my life. Need I say more?"
After the past two years, who is not? – Laura Brzyski
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon
Nourishing Noms-Reap Wellness, a gift card for healthy meal delivery services, hints at the vision of a vegetarian salad, cocoa oatmeal with tahini sauce, and turmeric quinoa. Most importantly, there are no dishes! $50-200 on reapwellness.com.
At-home exercise equipment-Paris Fit's "Gym in a Box" gift set-including sliders, resistance bands, Swiss balls, etc.-will turn any gym novice into a functional fitness expert. $100 on getparisfit.com.
Rejuvenating Eye Mask – Lai Shan Rose Quartz Eye Mask, sold at the Fishtown boutique Vestige, promises to enjoy the benefits of spa facials at home-reducing eye puffiness and soothing the skin. $86 on shop-vestige.com.
Perfect Scents – Designed by sommeliers trained in "sensory evaluation", Old City Canning Company candles exude an ideal delicate fragrance, but not too strong. $25 on Philadelphiaindependents.com.
Sharp advice from designer Mike Grady, who won the HBO Max Fashion Award together with Jenna Lyons
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon
Fair trade kicks-These Nova high-top shoes have classic roots, but they are by no means traditional. Pick a pair at Boyds, the last real department store in the United States. $120 at boydsphila.com.
Business-friendly bathrobes-WFH culture will continue to exist: it's time to upgrade that worn bathrobe. Whether he is participating in a (video off) conference call or has just finished taking a shower, wearing this bold striped robe will make your eyes shine. $132 on Shopyowie.com.
Modern masculine fragrance-intoxicating bergamot, black currant, birch, ambergris and more mean Creed Aventus are the perfect scent to keep him warm this winter. $435 at Boydsphila.com.
Bold Top Hat-Let your man stand out in this bright orange Knickerbocker hat, from one of the best men's clothing stores in Philadelphia. $40 at Franklinandpoe.com.
It looks as good as it sounds-with its geometric contours and clean lines, Sturner's 1129 flagship guitar bridges the gap between classic American design and mid-century modern aesthetics. Don't like this model? No problem—customized prices start at $1,800. Sturnerguitars.com.
Give your party pitcher a great gift that won’t end up being thrown into the trash drawer.
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon
A toast-worthy subscription-deliver seasonal bottles to their doorsteps every month to expand the tastes of drinkers. Cornerstone Wayne’s wine club membership starts at $80 per month for two bottles (cornerstonewayne.com). City Winery starts at US$25 a bottle and offers discounts such as private winery tours (citywinery.com).
Whimsical stone tools-these charming and colorful dinner plates from French designer Nathalie Lete feature woodland creatures, seasonal flowers and Paris attractions. $28 each on Anthropologie.com.
Crafty Container-Kazi's Hibiscus Sozi vase, carefully woven by female craftsmen in Rwanda, is sustainably made from sweet grass and agave plant sisal. $37.90 on Fasondeviv.com.
Olive oil membership – Cardenas' membership in the Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Club will bring the taste of the Italian market. $39.95 per month for three months on cardenastaproom.com.
Dialogue opening remarks-in fact, curious playing cards can reduce small talk and go directly to deeper topics, where even the most introverted guests can participate. $25 on Ritualshoppe.com.
A Cut Above the Rest-this hand-made herringbone cutting board-made of laminated hardwood, showing a variety of colors and textures-can be used for food preparation and display. $69 on Aliswagon.com.
Turn your beloved objects into works of art.
Photograph by Nell Hoving Dixon
Suitable for framing – send concert tickets, heirlooms and other souvenirs to Philadelphia photographer Stuart Goldenberg. He will make exquisite prints for your most precious possessions. $350 and above at Storiedprints.com.
Celebrities share their gifts
What's on your holiday wish list this year? Like most young people, I can really use cash. If you want to give me a gift this year, please make sure it is expensive; I will return it in cash. Also, please be sure to send me the receipt. If I had to resolve the store credit, I would be unhappy. What will you give to the one you love this year? I give them the same things every year: my love, admiration, and cheap things are available at any store that is open until late on Christmas Eve. For those who are difficult to buy, what is your preferred gift? This year may be the year when I pull the trigger and let everyone on my list raise a kitten. Have you ever met someone who doesn't like kittens? It is best to give a pet against someone’s wishes, because it is indeed a gift that can be given for... 10 or 15 years.
Jack Elliott-Philadelphia Eagles kicker
What is your favorite place to buy gifts in Philadelphia? I like to visit all the small boutiques. At Open House on 13th Street, you can get a lot of small gifts and some things for your wife. What is the best gift you have ever received? When I was eight or nine years old, a new Babolat tennis racket. I remember walking down the stairs and seeing it by the fireplace. For those who are difficult to buy, what is your preferred gift? When I don’t know what to buy, I usually just go to Best Buy to buy the latest gadgets. What will you give to the one you love this year? As the world is expected to reopen, the next is a small holiday!
Jose Garces – Chef and Restaurant Owner
What's on your holiday wish list this year? Able to spend time with family. The past year has taught me the importance of family time and time again. What is your favorite place to buy gifts in Philadelphia? In Manayunk, Little Apple, this gift shop sells cool little things. Tarte in the old town has great pastries. If I didn't mention Tinto's wine shop, I would be dereliction of duty. We took the pandemic as an opportunity to fine-tune our retail wine program. Now that we can dine indoors, we brought back pinxtos, but kept the wine shop. What is the best gift you have ever received? A set of noise-canceling Bose headphones. For those who are difficult to buy, what is your preferred gift? Roy's cake. You can ship them almost anywhere, but you must order them as early as possible.
A version of this guide was published as a "making checklist" in Philadelphia Magazine in December 2021.
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