What We Love: XIII on 13 Gifts

We just had to have that Golden Girls T-shirt. Had to. And the best part? The shirt was made by Rainbow Alternative, a company headed up by Center City-based artist Nicole Krecicki who stencils and spray paints each of the original tees by hand. Others in the wearable art collection pay homage to Philly’s own Hall & Oats, Betty Friggin’ White, Ellen, Rachel Maddow, Michael Jackson and many more LGBT-friendly icons.

We picked up our new favorite top at XIII on 13 Gifts. The centralized Gayborhood shop, which transformed a dreary cigarette-and-soda bodega into a go-to spot for gifts, offers some genuinely interesting goods, including business card cases (which can be customized), lighting, flasks, kitchen and other household goods and plenty of silly novelty items.

The cards and stationary items at XIII pick up where the former Afterwords (one-time card and magazine shop that closed years ago on 12th Street) left off. It has a gay appeal and a young vibe. And while you won’t find magazines, you will find a slew of other goodies.

The indie shop strives to carry local goods as much as possible – including some pop culture-inspired jewelry (necklaces, bracelets and earrings branded with favorite divas like Marilyn and Madonna) – while mixing it up with other fun stuff – like host and hostess gifts, dishes and seasonal treats. Even Phillies fans will find some gear to keep them happy.

But whatever you do, don’t forget to say hello to Izzy, the resident – and very cute – pooch on premise.

XIII on 13 Gifts, 211 S. 13th St., 215-546-1313.