25 Unexpected Gifts to Buy in Philadelphia This Year
From gold-infused beauty oil to a fresh flower subscription service, here’s where to shop small for everyone on your list.
The Simitri gold Donut clutch is one of many great Philadelphia gift ideas to add to your list this year. Photograph by Andre Rucker
Like the rest of 2020, the holidays might look a little different this year — and that’s even more reason to make every gift count. From cheeky stocking stuffers to indulgences to get you through another quarantine, here are 25 presents — sold in local shops or made by local talent — that are guaranteed to delight the giver as much as the givee.
1. A Pandemic Pick-Me-Up
For that first big night out: a totable jumble of sparkle that’s worthy of building an entire outfit around. Simitri gold Donut clutch, $275 at simitri.shop.
2. Firepit for One
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Made from cement and fueled by rubbing alcohol, this pint-size flame will make a Philly home office feel like a Poconos cabin. FLIKR Fire2, $95 at Bespoke Home + Life (Collingswood).
3. A Forever Shorti
Photograph by Andre Rucker
For the die-hard Wawa fan, a meticulous mini work of art (we’re talking about the ornament, not the sandwich) ready to hang from the tree. By Philly artist Kim Scafuro; $25 at kimscafuro.com.
4. The Last Winter Cap They’ll Need
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Two knit layers for warmth, a comfy, stretchy fit — this hat is made from recycled polyester in go-with- everything colors. Birdseye pom beanie, $38 at United By Blue (Old City).
5. Fancy Laundry Detergent
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Because if you have to breathe through a mask all day, it might as well smell fantastic. Le Labo Santal detergent, $45 at Boyds (Rittenhouse).
6. Flowers Everywhere
Photograph by Andre Rucker
With a vase, shears, instructions, and six bundles of blooms over the course of three months, this kit will provide a bounty of beauty (and an activity!) during the most barren weeks of the year. Floral subscription, $285 at Walter Pine (Queen Village).
7. Travel Tokens
Photograph by Andre Rucker
These limited-edition sterling and enamel 1950s souvenir pendants are the next best thing to boarding a plane — which, sorry, may not be happening for a bit. $100 at M Concept (Grad Hospital).
8. The Do-It-All Layer
Photograph by Andre Rucker
A bold African print on a modern cardigan designed by a company owned by a Nigerian-born Philadelphian. If that’s not awesome enough, know the sweater looks great with slacks and sweats. Men’s D’Iyanu Aren Eagle cardigan, $70 at diyanu.com.
9. Mood Memorializer
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Catchalls that accurately sum up this year — and probably most of next — by West Philly-based Stanley Chester & Albert ceramics. $20 each at Philadelphia Independents Boutique (Old City).
10. Glitter to Feel Good About
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Delicate enough to be daily go-to’s, these earrings are made from stones and metals that are recycled, sustainable or conflict-free. Burst cluster morganite with diamond studs, starting at $846 at Bario-Neal (Society Hill).
11. Special-Occasion Shoes
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Despite the fact they’re crystal- embellished in a snakeskin pattern, these Cavallis have an air of refinement. Roberto Cavalli evening slippers, $625 at Blue Sole Shoes (Rittenhouse).
12. Bar-cart Booster
Photograph by Andre Rucker
This colorized set makes cocktail hour instantly cooler and ensures you’ll never forget which glass of wine is yours again. Estelle wineglasses (set of six), $175 for stemware, $160 for stemless at Kin Boutique (Washington Square West).
13. Home-Office Helper
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Thanks to a Bluetooth connection and a built-in microphone, this unobtrusive wireless speaker works for music as well as conference calls. Mino by Lexon large speaker, $50 at Kirna Zabête (Bryn Mawr).
14. Swanky Sleepwear
Photograph by Andre Rucker
The quality cotton and vibrant print — the fabric is hand-blocked in India — make for a dignified way to break up days spent in nothing but athleisure. Printfresh Bagheera long sleep set in forest, $132 at printfresh.com.
15. Pantry Upgrade
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Oil pressed from a cornucopia of California olives: good enough to eat by the spoonful, pretty enough to leave on the counter. Wonder Valley olive oil, $34 at Moon + Arrow (Queen Village).
16. Blocks With Character
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Kids can build endless combinations of cute critters — then spend hours (hopefully) bringing them to life. Natural Steck figurines, $98 at pucciManuli (Ardmore).
17. All-Season Slippers
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Leave dirty shoes at the door and slip into these padded, breathable linen slides, perfect to wear with socks or not. Moku linen room shoes, $76 at Rikumo (Center City).
18. Rule-Breaking Socks
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Subtly celebrate that not all pairs have to look alike with a set of silly socks from this Philly-based company. Pals socks, $10 at palssocks.com.
19. A Happy Pot
Photograph by Andre Rucker
We dare you not to smile. Jarmél by Jarmel handcrafted clay planter, $49 (plant not included) at City Planter (Northern Liberties).
20. Back-to-Basics Books
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Give that Zoom-backdrop bookcase some gravitas with throwback tomes that celebrate the simpler times, including beloved The Fox’s Kitchen, a cookbook with recipes from the Radnor Hunt. Coffee-table books, $25 to $48 at Trove General Store (Wayne).
21. A New Playtime Pal
Photograph by Andre Rucker
A sweet little keepsake to go camping with — inside or out. Maileg Hiking Mouse, $36, and Maileg Happy Camper Tent, $40, at Little Moon (inside Moon + Arrow, Queen Village).
22. Gloves Too Cool to Lose
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Lambskin leather, a soft lining, and suede fringe that says “Winter can be fun, too.” Carolina Amato gloves, $220 at Joan Shepp (Rittenhouse).
23. Touchless Tool
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Designed for these COVID times, this brass device helps you open doors, carry bags and key in codes without having to touch a thing. Civivi contactless multi-tool, $25 at Totem Brand (Society Hill).
24. Bath Products for Party People
Photograph by Andre Rucker
These luxurious body oils, scrubs and soaps are handcrafted from sustainable ingredients and inspired by our naughtiest cravings. Soap Distillery products, $9 to $18 at Marsh + Mane (Society Hill).
25. 24-Karat Self-Care
Photograph by Andre Rucker
Get through winter with grace with this luxe face oil that’s packed with anti-aging, healing and glowing ingredients — hello, real gold! — and a rose quartz roller to smooth it all in. Rose & Gold set, $110 at Sabbatical Beauty (South Philly).
Additional reporting by Isabella DiAmore
Published as “Wrap It Up!” in the December 2020 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
