gift guide

November 29, 2020

Philadelphia Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Happy almost December, you guys! We have been absolutely so busy right now with the move, but we are making progress, and that’s been very encouraging! I am really excited to celebrate the holidays in our new home. We rearranged the living room last night and decided where we’ll put our tree – I am ready for some festivity!

But on to the reason you’re all here! My Philly gift guides used to be some of my favorite posts to put together, so I am thrilled to resurrect the series this holiday season. There’s only a ladies guide this year – so hopefully I can work back up to both some time in the future. 🙂

I am really excited to share this list of 22 Philly-themed gift ideas. We all know, shopping local is so important right now, and many of these businesses sell through Etsy or their own online shop, as well as local shops and markets, so you can shop wherever your comfort level is. I am also proud to include many female and Black-owned businesses this year – we have so much talent in our area.

A lot of these businesses are running sales right now, but the prices I listed are all their full price (so you’ll be pleasantly surprised upon click through!). Enjoy your shopping this season, and I obviously won’t tell anyone if you pick up one (or a few) of these for yourself! 😉 And now, on to the gifts!

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 the December holidays. I’ve always found that things I can pick up around the city or at craft fairs give my Mother’s Day gifts a really personal touch, 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.

November 22, 2017

Philly Guy Gift Guide 2017

The holidays are here! It feels like just yesterday we were sweating in 80 degree weather (probably because it wasn’t actually that long ago), but I’ve been embracing the chill and pulling out my cutest layers and dark lip colors this fall.

I love love love putting together these gift guides. We’ve all found ourselves in that situation when we just don’t know what to buy for the men in our lives. Some of them can be just so hard to buy for. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise to hear that many people are now turning toward the idea of giving them personalized unique gifts instead, as this will not only make them happy, but it will be personalized just for them, making it a truly special present. A lot of my friends have done this recently and only have good things to say about it. In fact it could even be something comical, like photo socks? There’s nothing funnier than plastering your face all over a pair of socks for a lad you’re close too. It’ll make them laugh and it shows you’ve put thought into it! So this is always an option to consider if you’re truly stuck. Sometimes, it’s still hard to think something up, but that’s where my gift guide can come in useful. They’re definitely a lot of work – especially the guy version (thanks to all my guy pals out there who looked over my list this year to make sure I didn’t go too cray) – but it amazes me each time to see the cool things our city puts out. Every gift on this list is either made in Philly (with a few from the surrounding area) or speaks directly to Philadelphians’ souls. They’re all available to shop online (okay, the booze might not be that easy, but don’t tell me you’re not going to a liquor store…today even!) and some can even be picked up in local shops around the city. And this year’s guide is packed with *17* gift ideas, thanks to your overwhelming response on my instagram stories to include more gifts!Continue Reading…

December 3, 2015

Philly Lady Gift Guide 2015

You didn’t think I forgot about my ladies, did you? 😉 The second post in my annual gift guide series is always my favorite, because I get to search the internet for the best gifts that Philly ladies (just like me, naturally) would love to receive this holiday season. Similarly to this year’s Philly Guy Gift Guide, most of these gifting ideas ship from or can be bought in the city, or are just plain inspired by Philadelphia.

November 29, 2015

Philly Guy Gift Guide 2015

It’s beginning to look a lot like gift guide season! I love putting together and evolving my Philly Gift Guides each year; researching the best gifts for Philly guys always helps me to discover new places and products to fall in love with. With tools like this gift guide and sites like GiftsforPeopleWho.com, there is so much inspiration out there to help anyone who is struggling to find a gift for their loved one. It is the thought that counts at the end of the day.

The gift you give will depend on the relationship you have to this person. You might be best getting custom bobbleheads for friends and family who have a great sense of humour; they’re great fun and always ensure the best reaction when opened. Or perhaps if you have a business-related relationship with the person you’re buying for then it would be best to look at corporate holiday gift baskets. And then, of course, deciding what to buy for your partner can be particularly tricky! If you are struggling, one gift that always goes down well is a luxurious designer watch. Jewellery is a great gift as it can be treasured forever. Just go directly to Jacobs The Jeweller to check out some of their watch designs for some inspiration. This year, I have a fun mix of gift ideas (inspired by our city, of course) that I hope will spark some holiday shopping for the Philly man in your life!

February 4, 2015

Philadelphia Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

I don’t mind Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a nice opportunity and/or reminder to do something special for the ones you love. There are tons of gift guides for sweet, Pinterest-inspired gifts you can get for your BF (I mean, who wouldn’t want to get this?), so I’ve decided to tackle some gift ideas for the under-appreciated on the big V-Day: your BFF, your puppy, and, the most important one, yourself.
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November 28, 2014

Philly Girl Gift Guide 2014

Gifting for girls in Philadelphia is so fun. For the woman who loves exploring her city, it’s hard to go wrong with a constant overflow of delightful places to go and things to do. But, in case you do need a little inspiration, I’ve got you covered. This year’s gift guide is filled with cute and quirky items for your BFF, sister, co-worker, or me. 🙂 Let’s take a peek . . .

November 24, 2014

Philly Guy Gift Guide 2014

Even though I have resisted putting on my *NSYNC Home For Christmas Pandora station so far this year, there’s no avoiding it – the holidays are pretty much here. My shopping has not been that productive thus far, so I was really excited to put together a little bit of inspiration in the form of my annual Philadelphia gift guides. This year I expanded my recommendations to 10 whole ideas to gift your boyfriend, brother, friend, cool boss, cooler dad, etc. for the holidays this year. Most of the items can be shopped online or picked up around town, so let’s get shopping!

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! Overall, with any gift purchasing spree, you need research, planning & a good memory. 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