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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.


philadelphia gift ideas

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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

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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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

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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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

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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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

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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

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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

philadelphia gift ideas

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

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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.