Search Results for: gift guide

December 2, 2013

Philly Girl Gift Guide 2013

The ‘Philly girl’ is so much fun to shop for. She likes sports, she likes make-up. She likes gifts that can be used on any & all “experiences” around our city. I loved creating my Philly Girl Gift Guide last year & couldn’t wait to create this year’s version. I’ve scoured the internet for Philly’s coolest gifts of 2013. Check them out:

1. I truly love this Philly laser cut necklace*. Someone please get it for me for Christmas. Please.

2. Allen Iverson: every Philly girl’s go-to favorite Sixers player ever. This AI Practice tee* is one of my favorites.

3. Let’s see, nailpolish made in Philadelphia* & named after It’s Always Sunny? Sign me up.

4. Unique Philly art pieces make me smile. This cutout city scape can be customized & is adorable for your BFF’s Center City apartment.

5. South Moon Under always has has really cool gift options, but these American flag mittens are just so fab.

6. For your friends that love BYOB’s, make sure you pick up this Philly Streets wine tote*.

7. A gift that your girlfriend wouldn’t get for herself is the best. Hook her up with a gift card for a cute blowout*.

8. If you follow me on Instagram you know I love #CityLiving. These City Living Notecards* are handmade & so freakin cute.

* = based in Philadelphia.

Got enough lady ideas? Check out my Philly Guy Gift Guide & get some ideas for your man. But first, let’s just share this post with everyone shopping for you this holiday season. They’ll thank you. xx

November 26, 2013

Philly Guy Gift Guide 2013

It’s that time of year again! I love shopping for my family & friends, always on a constant quest to find the perfect gift. While I don’t have a lot of men to buy for this year, I do find it’s hard to shop for the opposite sex on a whim. Whether it’s a nice new leather belt or a Mens Henleys or a crewneck, something that would make such a nice gift to give them, you get the classic, ‘buy themselves exactly what they told you they wanted’. They never give you a good idea of what to get them, usually they respond with a joke and that’s the end of it. Sometimes, a personal gift like similar to one of the custom photo wallets that you can buy are a real help, but you can’t do that for all of them, as you probably don’t have a good enough relationship too! That said, if you and your boyfriend are friends first, and lovers later (like every healthy relationship should be), you could opt for some quirky gifts for him. Like a figura personalizada or (custom figure bobblehead!) or customized socks! Overall, with any gift purchasing spree, you need research, planning & a good memory. Nonetheless, whatever you gift your significant other should be from the heart, otherwise it is not special anymore! Last year, I put together a Philadelphia gift guide for your man and a lot of people seemed to enjoy it. I wanted to bring it back this year with some awesome updated gifts your boyfriend, best friend, brother, or even really hip dad are sure to love this holiday.

1. The ol’ snapback trick. I like this Eagles snapback* because it looks good on a guy’s’ noggin, and you don’t have to know his fitted hat size.

2. Hook him up with gym bag or out-of-town business trip essentials from duross & langel*.

3. If your guy participates in Movember or sports facial hair year round (yes please), he’ll love these Phillies Facial Hair prints*.

4. I’m obsessed with guys in sweaters like this. This United by Blue sweater* is comfortable & helps a good cause.

5. Unique pillows make a big difference in a living room. Be warned, this famous Philly food inspired pillow* may make you hungry.

6. All Philly men love the Roots, right? This Questlove shirt is about as ‘City of Brotherly Love’ as it gets, folks.

7. These bicycle cuff links* are fun, quirky and perfect for a guy who likes to dress up.

8. The key to getting your man to go shopping with you? Take him to DiBruno Brothers* with a gift card in hand.

* = based in Philadelphia.

I hope these gifts gave you some ideas to get your holiday shopping rolling. Coming up next: my lady gift guide (we all know that’s the real fun one)! Happy shopping! xx

December 14, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Your BFF

As we are nearing December 25th, picking up a last minute gift for your best gal pal does not have to be as stressful as it sounds. There is still plenty of time to run down the street (or even across town) to pick up one of these gifts from a Philly retailer. No time? Don’t you worry, I’ve got online options too! Let’s see…

1. A Taste of Childhood: What better way to spend some time with your BFFs than a little pottery painting at this fabulous all-inclusive BYOB studio? The Expressive Hand gift card, available at The Expressive Hand (622 South 9th St.)

2. A Cute Calendar: My apartment is covered with Kurt Halsey prints. Your friend will love his adorable and heartwarming doodles. Kurt Halsey “2013 Wall Calendar,” $24, available at Art Star Gallery & Boutique (623 North 2nd St.)

3. Trendy Sports Gear: For the girl who rocks her Phillies ensembles outside of South Philly. Gray Eco Fleece Pocket Sweatshirt, $39.99, available at Broad Street Broad (737 North 4th St.)

4. Reppin Your Hood: These t’s are amazingly cute. They come in essentially every Philly neighborhood too! Women’s Rittenhouse Square Easy-Fit, $24, available at RittenhouseTees

5. A Cute Case: Society6 is an AMAZING site that puts art prints on tons of different items. This case is simple but unique for all of the iPhone users out there. Philadelphia City Skyline iPhone Case, $35, available at Architette Studios, via Society6

6. Simple Studs: These LOVE Park inspired post earrings will match anything and aren’t too gaudy for even your most laidback of buds. LOVE post earrings, $45, available at BathtubJungle, via Etsy

7. A Glitzy Hairpiece: I have been wearing the same Anthro headband for 5+ years, and every time I wear it, I get compliments. It’s worth the price tag. Amaranthine Headband, $32, available at Anthropologie (1801 Walnut St.)

What was the best gift you’ve given or received from your BFF?

December 1, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: The Boyfriend

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and if you’re anything like me, finding the perfect gift for your friend or family member is essential to holiday happiness. Since I have the hardest time shopping for my boyfriend – conflicted by the love/hate of fueling his Philadelphia sports obsession and desire to be creative & the best girlfriend ever – I chose “the boyfriend/husband/best guy friend” as my first recipient.

1. A Record: The grown-up’s version of a mix-tape. Dr. Dre – The Chronic LP, $22, available at Philly based Urban Outfitters (1627 Walnut St.)

2. Shaving Kit: For the man who likes to, or needs an excuse to, lather up in style. Mid-Size Kit, $60, available at The Art of Shaving (1528 Walnut Street)

3. Sports Tee: It seems every man in Philadelphia is a sports lover. This is their mecca. B. Dawk Men’s Tee, $28, available at Cheesesteaktees (506 South Street)

4. Cute Customizable Tchotchke: The perfect conversation piece to complete any apartment/desk/car, and just too awesome not to want (you can customize it with your go-to toppings – hello?!). Felt Food Philadelphia Cheesesteak, $14, available at CraftFlag via Etsy

5. Comfy Hoodie: An essential for a quick run to the corner store or out to breakfast. D&W Tophat Pullover, $65, available at Duke & Winston (633 N. 2nd Street)

6. Handmade One-Of-A-Kind Stunner: It is a traditional toy that is bound to impress the person to whom you’re gifting it to. They’re not just popular in Russia, but they can be just as sought-after in every country around the world, so who wouldn’t want to have some to add to their collection? Plus – handmade in Russia, can you top that? Philadelphia Flyers Nesting Matryoshka Doll Set, $49, available at artmatryoshka via Etsy

7. Restaurant Gift Certificate: A favorite pick for the gift that keeps on giving after the holidays are over. My personal pick for the best, super filling meals at all hours of the day. Penrose Diner Gift Card, available at Penrose Diner (2016 Penrose Ave.)

There are also some other great presents: cooking dinner, helping him clean his apartment, baking cookies, or getting him a saucy gift like a pink ball gag or something along those lines. You know the drill – just be creative!

What will you be getting your man this year? Let’s hear some ideas in the comments below! Until next time…

November 26, 2014

Your Guide to Philly’s Black Friday Weekend Deals

Black Friday shopping can be amazing, if you plan correctly. As most of my life revolves around shopping, I have no problem getting up early on Friday morning to hit all the sales, but I must go with a purpose. I have admittedly never done the post-Thanksgiving shopping binge in Philadelphia, but since I’ll be back in town this weekend, I will certainly be hitting up some of the Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sales. I’ve gathered a few of my favorite deals to help you plan and achieve shopping bliss.

February 5, 2014

Philly Girl Guide to Getting Around

Before I moved to Philly as an “adult,” I lived in the burbs. I had literally never taken a train or bus or subway or taxi, besides on vacation, ever. What I knew about city transportation came from television & movies – specifically Sex & the City. Channeling my inner Carrie, I thought when I moved to Center City, my life would be filled with hailing cabs and never stepping foot on public transportation. But I’d say after about the, hm, 3rd cab ride, a few changes were in order.

After a few years of testing, these methods have become my tried & true for getting around in this city of ours, especially if you don’t own your own car!

November 27, 2018

Things Making Me Feel Good Right Now

Long time, no chat, my friends! I’ve been having a tough time getting my thoughts down into the blog lately, but tonight I had a surge of #feelings, so I knew it was time to check back in. I wanted to share all the things that have me feeling happy and fortunate and overall just plain good lately. And trust me, there are a LOT of updates, so you’re gonna want to keep reading. 😉 Enjoy! xx

May 6, 2018

My Top Mother’s Day Picks (+ A Giveaway!)

Momma’s Day is one week away! Picking out a gift for Mother’s Day is always a fun one for me, because, in my opinion, you have the freedom to get mom something a little more creative than birthdays and Christmas. Of course, personalized gifts like custom name necklaces (collares personalizados) are always a thoughtful gift to give, and can be really beautiful statement pieces. Personally, I always find that an experience is the best thing to get because what could be better than spending more time with your mum doing something that you both enjoy? Even if it’s just going out for a meal, or maybe going to a spa? If you both have a wild side, why not go for a helicopter ride with a company like Jettly?

Making memories together is the best thing you can do, and you’ll cherish the time you spent together even more. Years later you will recollect these memories and that could bring a bunch of smiles and maybe a bit of happy tears on your cheeks. Moreover, if you have pictures of such memories taken you can as well make them into something like memory t-shirt quilts and that could make a heart-warming gift. As another option, if your mother has a pet that she loves from the core of her heart, you can take a picture of the pet and customize it into an item that you can give her. For instance, if you have a picture of your mother with her pet, you can think about getting her Personalized pet Photo gifts that she might adore.

If you’re a little pushed for time this year, however, don’t worry, you still have options. I’ve discovered that things I can pick up around the city or at craft fairs give my Mother’s Day gifts a really personal touch. Anything that you know your mum would love is perfect, so I was super excited when Philly boutique Occasionette invited me in to stop in and pick out my top Mother’s Day picks from their shop to share with you.

December 19, 2015

Philly Girl Fall Life {2015}

Bring. On. The. Cold. I know some of you rejoiced with the 70 degree weather the past few weeks, but not me. I actually prefer not to be sweating as I’m schlepping up and down the stairs of Anthro to finish my holiday shopping, thank you very much. However, I gotta tell you guys: this holiday spirit thing? I’m in it. December has been good to me, and I have a few little things I wanted to share as my fall update, sneaking it right in before winter officially comes on Monday.

March 23, 2015

How to Treat Yourself on Valentine’s Day

Like I said in my Philly Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, I’ve never really gotten worked up over the big V-Day. What I do get worked up about is taking the time to appreciate yourself – your body, your mind, your friends, and your blessings. So this past Valentine’s Day (excuse the 30+ days it took me to get this post up), I celebrated by treating myself. The result was pretty much a Philly dream day for me, and I hope by sharing, I can encourage all of you to take the time to treat yourselves, too.