Draw to Action
Draw to Action features original drawings from 30 Philly-based artists, with 100 percent of sales donated to local charities. So when you decide to avoid some grown-up responsibilities to go grab your box of Crayolas, you’re practically a philanthropist. instagram.com/drawtoaction.
Emily Burtner Clocks
Artist Emily Burtner is a jack of all trades — a musician, a designer, an artist, a creator — so a visit to Thousand Island, her online shop, will provide you with enough inspiration to adorn every part of your home and body. Her multicolor clocks make any time of day exciting — even the morning. thousandisland.shop.
PucciManuli
This shop feels like the set of The Nutcracker, where items like heirloom rocking horses, model boats and life-size stuffed animals (some of which cost thousands of dollars) share space with sweet wooden puzzles, floppy teddies, and goods made by old-school crafters. 35 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, puccimanuli.com.
Philadelphia Independents
The goodies here fall into the Brotherly Love vein (hand-drawn neighborhood maps, prints featuring neighborhood-centric designs) without veering into cheesiness. Everything is made in the Philadelphia area, so you're supporting local business when you buy that "Home Sweet Jawn" watercolor print. 35 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, philadelphiaindependents.com.
Style Camp
This beloved boutique known for its effortless-chic aesthetic is doubling down on the effortless bit: Now you can book a personal shopping session to revamp your look, have customized boxes of clothes delivered to your house, or go all-in on an in-home whole-closet consult with stylish owners Bitsy and Natalie Rhoda. 9 West Highland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, style-camp.com.
Century 21
There are plenty of things that aren't worth a second look (e.g., the lackluster shoe section), but do some digging and you'll find coveted brands (from the likes of Missoni and Armani to Vince, Theory and DVF) at prices worth the hunt. Bonus points for the luxury vintage shop-in-shop and the stellar athletic-wear department. 821 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, c21stores.com/Philly_.
The People's Store Antiques Center
Take 50 of the best area antique dealers, spread them out over four floors, and sprinkle in some quirky curiosities (a giant plastic dolphin from a 1950s carnival ride, for example), and you've got this sprawling Jersey stalwart. 28 North Union Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530, peoplesstore.net.
Scout & Annie + Details
This two-in-one shop has original mid-century-modern home accessories placed like found works of art on shelves, as well as throws, funky pillows and colorful serving trays. In short: Everything here is worthy of your wrapping paper. 125 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, scoutandannie.com.
P90X Remix at Gravity Center
It's everything you love about the DVDs—core-crushing ab work, killer cardio, mobility-focused conditioning—in a motivating (read: competitive) group setting at this personal training studio inside the Horsham Athletic Club. Bring your game face, guys. 400 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA 19044, thegravitycenter.com/fitness/p90x-workouts.
Premier Baby Concierge
Whether you want to whip up homemade baby food or find the perfect nanny, child-proof your home or idiot-proof your, uh, self, Shannon Choe at Premier Baby Concierge is your girl for no-judgment, comprehensive pre- and post-birth panic-proofing. 00000, premierbabyconcierge.com.
The Piazza at Schmidts
Grab some Stupid Hot wings from Homeslice and a couple of Fleur de Lehigh ales from Gunners Run, and find yourself a seat among the outdoor tables. The same weather and camaraderie as the throngs enjoy at sold-out Citizens Bank, but you don't pay a penny for admission. North 2nd Street at Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123, atthepiazza.com.
Desert Rose
Sometimes you turn up at a restaurant and immediately wish you had brought some friends so you could try more food. Such is the case with this cute husband-and-wife-run BYO, where the chicken shwarma, eggplant sandwich and hummus with poached egg platter will have you planning another Delco run ASAP. 305 West State Street, Media, PA 19063, desertrosemediapa.com.
We Love Junk
During a home reno, this junk removal company will take everything you want gone — from drywall and unusable bricks to leftover concrete and shingles — and then recycle and donate anything salvageable. It’s all stuff the regular city dump won’t touch, and these guys whisk it away quickly and cleanly for a very reasonable fee. welovejunkphilly.com.
Callowhill Archery
Make like Cupid and take aim with Callowhill Archery’s “Love and War” date-night package. This 90-minute tryst includes intro-to-archery lessons and some games to inspire a little friendly competition. Bull’s-eye! 446 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, phillyarchery.com.
Green Pest Solutions
What’s grosser: cockroaches laying siege to your house, or the chemicals used to kill them? If your answer is “All of the above,” you’ll be beyond thankful for these West Chester-based pros who rid your home of pesky vermin in the most environmentally friendly ways possible. (And they’ve got a guarantee.) greenpestsolutions.com.