11 Philadelphia Souvenirs Even Philadelphians Will Want
Grab this swag to show your Philly pride.
Philadelphia souvenirs you’ll actually want / Photograph by Nell Hoving
We’ve gotten the LOVE tote bags. We’ve gotten the LOVE magnets. We’ve even gotten the LOVE paperweights. (And who even uses paperweights?) While we LOVE our city, we don’t need more cliches. Whether you want to celebrate your Philly pride or just send a little piece of home to friends who relocated (those fools), pick up these jawns instead.
House Tour
Architect David S. Traub’s book Philadelphia: City of Homes celebrates what makes Philly a “city of homes” with a photographic journey through our unique residential architecture. $30 at Head House Books, Society Hill.
The 700 Level
View this post on Instagram
Sure, the Linc and CBP hold some epic memories, but our Philly fandom was born in the gritty concrete of The Vet. Shibe Vintage Sports gets this — and gets us. The Vet hoodie, $65 at at Shibe Vintage Sports, Midtown Village.
Wooder Ice
View this post on Instagram
What better muse for a watercolor still life than our favorite treat? This flour-sack tea towel immortalizes the cherry variety, and even comes with a handy pronunciation guide (not that you need that). $20 at The Little Apple, Manayunk.
Lilly + Philly
This cashmere-silk scarf renders Philadelphia landmarks and icons in pastel toile, thanks to Lilly Pulitzer’s King of Prussia print studio (a.k.a. the “Pink Palace,” for obvious reasons). “Lilly Loves Philly” Murfee Scarf, $118 at Lilly Pulitzer, Suburban Square, Ardmore and online.
Home Sweet Home
View this post on Instagram
Alicia Levantini’s custom stylized home illustrations are perfect for a housewarming — or just to make you appreciate your own dwelling in a new way. $300 and up, DM @artbyalicial.
Wit’ Woof
View this post on Instagram
Your dog has spent countless hours under the table just hoping for a dropped morsel of sliced beef — an errant fried onion, even. Give him a cheesesteak of his own with Ana Thorne Creative’s whimsical squeaky toy. Woofsteak doggy toy, $12 via Ana Thorne Creative.
Name Drop
View this post on Instagram
What looks like pointillism in this print of the skyline is actually the handwritten names of Philly streets, neighborhoods and places squeezed inside artist Dan Duffy’s rendering. Philly skyline print, $50 and up via Art of Words.
Pin Point
View this post on Instagram
For the dive bar hang-abouts in your life, a Citywide special pin duo (a sparkly whiskey shot and a not-PBR beer can) is the perfect accessory. South Fellini makes it easy to show your love for double pretzels, Schuylkill punch, Wawa (jawn) coffee and any number of hyper-specific Philly references with their enamel pins. $12 each at South Fellini, East Passyunk.
(Almost) Ready to Wear
Color Me Philly skirt / Photograph courtesy of Sew Much Cooler
Give a Philly kid some hometown style and a craft project all at once. If your kid isn’t the artsy type, Sew Much Cooler also makes Philly gear that’s already colored in. Color Me Philly skirt, $25 at Art Star, Old City and online at Sew Much Cooler.
Pack it Up
View this post on Instagram
Fanny packs are back, and we can’t argue anymore. This “Really Philly” one from sustainable fashion brand Grant Blvd reps the city and makes the accessory look cool. $26 at Grant Blvd, West Philly and online.
Jingle Jingle
View this post on Instagram
Plan ahead to forego the tired LOVE ornament in favor of a PPA Violation, Stocks pound cake, and Mummer Gritty. $15 each at jawnaments.com.
>> Click here to return to the Ultimate Philadelphia Travel Guide.
Published as “150 Ways to Do Philly Like a Tourist: No Snow Globes Here” in the July 2022 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
