The Ultimate Philly Small Business Holiday Gift Guide

“Philly Special” ornaments via KatieCrafts Etsy shop.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the gifts you need still need to buy and wrap for the all of the special people in your life, BizPhilly is here to help. Since it’s always the right time to shop small and shop local, we compiled the best gifts from a variety of Philadelphia businesses for 15 different people on your list. That includes the bookworm, the foodie, the self-care champion and gag gift collector. Happy shopping!

For the Art Enthusiast

Photo via Barnes Foundation

Van Gogh Candle and Match Set
Where to Purchase: Barnes Foundation
$32.95

With their candle collection, the Barnes Foundation asks you to imagine what a painting would smell like. This addition, based on Van Gogh’s “Wildflower Bouquet” brings out scents of violent, citrus, and lavender. It’s the perfect gift for any art lovers that truly want to immerse themselves in a painting.

Tchotchkes Grab Bag
Where to Purchase: The Common Room
$: Varies

Featuring art from local women and non-binary artists, The Common Room is an excellent place to purchase a gift for the art lover in your life. Their tchotchkes include bold necklaces, a variety of statement-making pins, and fun embroidery — all by local artists. While perusing their site, be sure to also check out their selection of prints and fine art. Or make a trip to the Fishtown store to see the products in person.

For the Wellness Minded

Photo courtesy Vitality Meditation

Ten Class Pass at Vitality Meditation
Where to Purchase: Vitality Meditation
$99
Give someone in your life the gift of relaxation this holiday season with a ten-class pass to Vitality Meditation. And there’s a wide variety of class to choose from: essential oils meditation, mindfulness, healing meditation, and more.

Five Class Package at Chestnut Hill Cycle Fitness
Where to Purchase: Chestnut Hill Cycle Fitness
$90
Your fitness buff may have gotten themselves hooked on Cycle Fitness through their first class is free program, so why not keep their workouts funded during the holiday season? The spinning studio features 45 minute and hour secessions and their five-class package option makes a great gift for anyone trying to beat back the extra Christmas cookie calories.

For the Bookworm

Crown Publishing Group via AP Photos

A Hundred Thousand Worlds
Where to Purchase: Amalgam Coffee and Comics
$26
Featured as one of Amalgam Coffee and Comics’ book club picks, A Hundred Thousand Worlds tells the story of a mother and son duo that embarks on a road trip touring comic book conventions in an effort to reunite with the boy’s estranged father. An NPPR review described the book as “a charming, sprawling novel.”

Michelle Obama’s Becoming
Where to Purchase: Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books
$32.50
Pick up one of the most in-demand autobiographical memoirs of the season for the book lover in your life. Obama’s book covers everything from how she found her voice as a child in Chicago to her eight years in the White House. And the former First Lady does not skimp on the intimate details of some of the most difficult moments of her journey. It is sure to be a great read.

For the Foodie 

Photo via Pizzeria Beddia

Pizza Camp Cookbook: Recipes from Beddia
Where to Purchase: Philadelphia Museum of Art
$29.95
Authored by Chef Joe Beddia, this gift will help the foodie in your life make delicious pies from their very own kitchen. It shares Beddia’s popular recipes from his work in Pizzeria Beddia as well as new recipes, including Breakfast Pizza with cream, spinach, bacon, and eggs and roasted corn with heirloom cherry tomato and basil.

Pretzel Shortbread Cookies
Where to Purchase: Lost Bread Co.
$: Varies
These cookies are the result of Lost Bread Co.’s mission to waste as little as possible. When the shop noticed they had extra pretzels, they got creative then the pretzel shortbread cookie was born. The cookies have been a big hit, according to Food & Wine, and with numerous different ways to consume — the shop suggests over ice cream and with cheese — they’re a unique gift for the foodie in your life. Purchase the cookies at the shop’s Kensington location, any Di Bruno Bros, South Square Market, and several other locations.

For the Gag Gift Collector

Photo courtesy Emojibator.

Chickie and Shark Emojibators
Where to Purchase: Emojibator
$89
Emojibator, the Philly-based vibrator startup known for the viral Eggplant Emoji vibrator, just brought two new emojis to its collection — Chickie and the Shark. The Chickie vibrator — which is waterproof — is the company’s first suction toy and the shark brings dual stimulation to the collection.

Mega Colon Plush
Where to Purchase: Mütter Museum
$19.95
Really any gift from the Mütter Museum would make an excellent addition to this category. This year the museum’s gift store is carrying a conjoined twins gingerbread cookie cutter and socks printed with items from Chevalier Jackson’s collection of swallowed objects. The classic, Mega Colon Plush, however, is the gift for your friend who likes to keep things random. A museum exclusive, this plush is a fuzzier version of the actual Mega Colon the exhibit.   

For the Craft Beer Lover

iStock

Philadelphia Craft Beer Lover Package
Where to Purchase: Dock Street Beer
$75-$150
Featuring a brewery tour, gift card, and six-pack, this gift will keep the craft beer drinker in your life sated, for a little while at least. Each tour also comes with a 750-ml. specialty bottle and a Dock Street Brewery t-shirt.

Philadelphia City Brew Tour
Where to Purchase: City Brew Tours Philadelphia
$70-$100
With three different tours and public and private options, City Brew Tours is the perfect gift for someone who’s looking to get a taste of Philly this holiday season. Each tour provides round-trip transportation for three to five hours and the opportunity to sample up to 18 different craft brews while enjoying perfectly paired meals. Their motto? “You drink. We drive.” We like the sound of that.

For the Gritty Obsessed

Image via Katie Crafts Etsy shop.

Gritty Bobble Head
Where to Purchase: National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum
$30
The new Philadelphia Flyers mascot is undoubtedly Philadelphia’s person of the year. Some would argue that he’s the person of the year. And he’s been very busy since stealing our hearts this fall, from enjoying his first snowstorm to crashing a wedding. Though Gritty’s been living his #BestLife, the Gritty die-hard in your life can make sure that their favorite mascot is never far with one of these bobbleheads.

Philly Special Ornament Set
Where to Purchase: KatieCrafts Etsy Shop
$30
We all know Gritty is pumped for the holiday season: The hairy mascot released a video of himself wrapping presents to get his fans excited. But if Gritty’s holiday video isn’t enough for the Gritty lover in your life, put the beloved mascot on that person’s Christmas tree. Who wouldn’t want to see a smiling Gritty head every morning?

For the Philly Romantic

Photo courtesy Philly Love Notes

Custom Woodcut Map of a Philly Neighborhood
Where to Purchase: Philly Love Notes
$150
Philly Love Notes artist Emma Fried-Cassorla’s gorgeous woodcut maps of Philadelphia neighborhoods are still a hit. Her ready-to-go designs feature Center City, South Philly, Fishtown, Mt. Airy, and West Philly. She also offers custom options that allow shoppers to mark featured locations and icons. The handmade item sells out fast, so act now.

Rosen & Co. Candles
Where to Purchase: Rosen & Co.
$30
These candles will make any Philly-lover nostalgic for the City of Brotherly Love. With locally made candles feature glass designs complete with the city’s skyline and landmarks. They also have a holiday collection that captures the magic of wintertime in Philly.

For the Experience Seeker

Photo courtesy Philly POPS.

Boku Private Events
Where to Purchase: Stay Boku
$20 per course, per person
If someone in your life is all about experiences, look no further than Boku’s private events. As a collaborative platform for local artists, Boku curates private events with art, food, and a little mystery.  Each private art exhibition takes place in a secret location and food is prepared in front of you by a Philly line cook or sous chef from one of the city’s top restaurants. Book two seats — one for you and that friend.

A Philly POPS Christmas Spectacular
Where to Purchase: The Kimmel Center
$43-$150
For the person looking for a holiday-themed experience, check out the Philly POPS Christmas Spectacular. Featuring Hamilton’s Mandy Gonzalez, the award-winning African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and, of course, the POPS Festival Chorus, this musical event will have nearly 300 performers and will be conducted by Broadway legend Todd Ellison.  The show runs until Saturday, December 22nd.

For the All-Around Philly Sports Fanatic

Photo via Philly Team Store

Eagles Holiday Sweater
Where to Purchase: Philly Team Store
$60-$80
Eagles fans can sport holiday gear while still showing pride for their team. With options for all genders, light-up versions, and designs with the names of your favorite players, this sweater is the ideal gift for anyone with plans to attend multiple holiday parties.

Flyers Winter Hats
Where to Purchase: Shibe Vintage Sports
$25
Show your Flyer’s pride and keep warm this winter with a Flyer’s stocking hat. With vintage and contemporary options, these hats are the perfect gift for the hockey fan in your life. While you’re there, you can also check out the shop’s Gritty gear.

For the Self-Care Champion

Photo via Rescue Spa

Charcoal Detox Pedicure
Where to Purchase: Lacquer Lounge
$75
A socially conscious nail salon, the Lacquer Lounge is one of Philly’s best places to relax and get your nails done. They’re dedicated to ethical employment and providing you with the best health standards for foot care. The Charcoal Detox pedicure begins with an activated black charcoal foot soak and includes a massage, hot steam towels, and a polish. Follow the salon on Instagram for a peek at some of their most beautiful nail designs.

Rescue Spa Signature Facials and Gift Certificates
Where to Purchase: Rescue Spa
$: Varies
According to Rescue Spa’s website, their mission is to change the facial game. They’ve built their business on a personalized approach to skin care that includes both an analysis of your skin and lifestyle. With a gift certificate, your self-care champion can take advantage of the luxury spa’s other offerings, which include hot stone massages, manicures and pedicures, and brow and lash treatments.

For the Tech Savvy

Photo courtesy of Tern Water

Biodegradable Watch
Where to Purchase: Analog Watch Co.
$: Varies
These watches and watch straps from the Analog Watch Co. are 90 percent biodegradable. With many different band and watch options, this gift is perfect for the tech savvy person in your life who’s looking to update the band on their smart watch and anyone who wants to up their environmental responsibility.

Tern Water Smart Faucet
Where to Purchase: Tern Water
$35
This startup run by Drexel alums seeks to help people ensure the drinking water in their homes is clean. Their Smart Faucet can be attached to any regular faucet using an adapter and the faucet then connects to an app, which updates the user on their water quality.

For the Hard to Please

Photo via The Homegirl Box

Gift Boxes from The Homegirl Box
Where to Purchase: The Sable Collective
$60
What could be a better gift for the person in your life who’s hard to please than a little bit of everything? These curated boxes from the Homegirl Box are themed after iconic women, including Audre Lorde, Frida Kahlo, and Cardi B, and are packed with clothing, jewelry, and wellness products. This gift will save you a lot of time. Order online through the Sable Collective’s online shop.

Home Goods from Jinxed
Where to Purchase: Jinxed locations
$: Varies
Find unique and affordable vintage gifts at any of Jinxed’s four locations across the city. The person in your life who’s difficult to please can’t go wrong with a rug, planter, or any of the other vintage fashion and furniture items waiting to be discovered at Jinxed. Check their Instagram for a daily look at what’s up for grabs.

For the Little Ones

Photo via Aaron’s Putty World

Bamboo Marble Run
Where to Purchase: MoMo’s Treehouse
$49.99
This shop specializes in toys for curious kids and their bamboo marble run kit can help kids strengthen their creative problem solving skills. The set’s 78 pieces can be used to create a variety of different marble racing structures. This eco-friendly gift is sure to delight all kids ages four and up.

Mini Holiday Tri0 of Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty
Where to Purchase: Aaron’s Putty World
$10
This locally made silly putty is a great stocking stuffer. The set includes a winter cabin scented putty, a candy cane putty that shifts from red to white in your hands, and shimmering silver snow angel sparkle putty. Pick one up at Aaron’s Putty World’s newly opened shop and play space or order the set online.

For the Fashion Forward

Photo via Lapstone & Hammer

Divine Lorraine Hotel X Chuck Taylor Converse
Where to Purchase: Lapstone & Hammer
$80
Designed by local designer Najeeb Sheikh, this pair of Converse is inspired by the Divine Lorraine Hotel, Philadelphia’s favorite formerly abandoned building. Seikh’s full Divine Lorraine collection includes sweatshirts, beanies, strapback hats, ashtrays and Chucks for kids.

Parsa Wool Cardigan
Where to Purchase: NINObrand
$490
This cardigan from one of Philly’s coolest fashion minds is sure to please the fashion lover in your life. Created by Philly-based designer Bela Shehu’s brand NINObrand, this cardigan contains long ties for versatility and multiple looks.