9 Philly Gifts That Give Back
Searching for a holiday present that supports a local cause? Put these on your list.
If you’re looking for gifts that give back this holiday season, we’ve got you covered.
They say it’s better to give than to receive. But to give something that also gives back? That’s even better. Here are some of our favorite gifts that support nonprofit organizations and local causes.
A Philly Special Christmas Special
Last year’s Christmas album by Eagles offensive linemen Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson was the hardest gift to come by. Despite the scarcity, the instant classic raised $1.25 million for the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, which helps provide behavioral health services to Philadelphia’s children and their families in cases of abuse and trauma. Plus, it was incredible.
Well, Eagles have a second installment, A Philly Special Christmas Special ($75) and it’s bigger and better than last year! There’s surprise guest artists, like Patti LaBelle and Travis Kelce. And there’s even more merch, like an adorable 500-piece puzzle of the Christmas album’s gatefold art.
And for those of us (myself included) who missed out last year, you even can purchase the $125 deluxe double album that comes packaged with both this year’s and last year’s Christmas specials pressed on gold vinyl.
Sales from this year’s album will once again benefit CCTC, as well as Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Eagles Christmas Special Shirts!
But wait, there’s even more. If your crew is more into the spirit of the Eagles Christmas album but not so much the physical-media-owning part of it (it’s on streaming!), you can still soak up some Charlie Brown-inspired cheer because A Philly Special Christmas partnered with Homage to make t-shirts ($40) and sweatshirts ($70) with the album’s cover art. There are youth tees ($30), too. Plus, a portion of proceeds go to CCTC and CHOP.
Philly Goat Project 2024 Calendar
366 days of goats! / Photograph courtesy of Philly Goat Project
A year of goats! Goats at the Franklin Institute! Goats at Franklin Square! Goats at the Miracle on South 13th Street! Who wouldn’t want that? No one I want to be friends with. The Philly Goat Project’s calendar ($15) features its resident goats living their best lives at Philly landmarks and benefits the nonprofit’s programming which includes therapy, educational outings, sustainability efforts (like goats eating Christmas trees!) and goat nature walks.
Franklin & Whitman Face Care Kits
Daily Face Care Kit / Photograph courtesy of Franklin & Whitman
We’ve loved Franklin & Whitman’s vegan, cruelty-free skin products since they were born in Bok. But we love them even more because they donate a portion of their sales to dog-rescue organizations across the country. And as if they weren’t doing enough to help the pups, they even sell a Seger Park dog balm ($25) to help keep your furry friend’s nose and paws soft and hydrated in the cold winter air. And for your human friends, there are so many self-care products to choose from — or go for a kit like this Daily Face Care Kit ($160) to gift someone an entire skin-care routine.
Jawnaments
Arctic Splash and Fishtown Jawnaments / Photographs courtesy of Jawnaments
We always get a kick out of Jawnaments’ super-specific Philly references — like their PPA violation ornament. But in addition to bringing a smile to your gift recipient’s face, some Jawnaments ($15 each) also benefit local causes. For example, 10 percent of profits from their food-themed ornaments will be donated to MANNA, while 10 percent of profit from the Fishtown ones will donated to their neighbors association.
Project HOME Candles
Photographs courtesy of Project HOME
Did you know Project HOME has a candle-making project? Every five candles (or 10 travel-size candles) sold creates work for one day for residents who are experiencing homelessness. This year’s collection is all about coziness, with scents like Library (fragrance notes include leather!) and Fireside. They’ve also got an intention-setting New Year’s Resolution candle. Travel-size tins are just $10, while full-size candles are $40.
Underdog Apparel x Felt+Fat Ceramics
Photograph courtesy of Underdog Apparel
Inspired by his epic 2018 Super Bowl championship parade speech, Jason Kelce launched the Underdog apparel line, a gender-neutral collection of t-shirts, hats and bags — all designed, printed and packaged in Philadelphia — that nod to that undeniable Philly spirit (and to the Eagles, themselves).
And while we love their clothes, they’ve got a little something extra this year. They’ve partnered with Philly-based ceramics brand Felt+Fat to create adorable green game-day tableware. The Big Game party bowl set ($225) can be stacked to create a chip-and-dip platter. Or, if you’re looking for something a little smaller, there’s also the matching mug ($52). Keep in mind, this is in presale, and will begin shipping in January, so if you’re more of an instant-gratification kind of gift giver, go for one of Underdog’s graphic tees and sweatshirts instead.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from Underdog will go to Kelce’s (Be)Philly foundation, which funds and promotes evidence-based programs that help Philadelphia students achieve and excel — the foundation’s current beneficiaries are Coded By Kids and Heights Philadelphia.
Many Hands Coffee Gift Box
Photograph courtesy of Many Hands Coffee
Many Hands Coffee Company partners with local nonprofit organizations including Native American House Alliance and Breakthrough Greater Philadelphia on profit-sharing programs. They also seek to have the lowest carbon footprint possible, using biodegradable, environmentally friendly packaging for their organic and fair-trade coffees. Their $45 holiday gift box lets the coffee lover in your life try a little bit of everything with five four-ounce bags of blends from around the world.
The FURther Adventures of Miss Kitty Popcorn & Cheese
Illustration by Ven Schmidt/ Picture courtesy of Ian Morrison
This second children’s book ($17) by Ian Morrison (a.k.a. Philly Drag Mafia don Brittany Lynn) picks up where the original left off, at witch school with new friends and new spells. And like the original, the book is all at once empowering, fantastical and adorable. Sales from the book fund free Drag Queen Story Time events that include crafts and uplifting stories with themes like embracing your individuality, standing up to bullies, and more. Along with fun and literacy, these events bring visibility and representation to the reach of children — because seeing ourselves and our loved ones reflected back at us makes us all feel a little more accepted.
Looking for more?
In addition to having one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list, museum shops are perfect places to shop because sales benefit the cultural institutions that make Philly so special. Check out our favorites here.
