2023 Philadelphia Holiday Shopping Guide from the CCSJ Team
Can you believe it? The holidays are already around the corner and shopping season is in full swing! Shopping for friends and coworkers at the big box stores can be pretty tricky. Oftentimes it’s easiest to get a more unique gift, especially for the more difficult folks on your list. Luckily, the Philadelphia area has some amazing small businesses that are great for finding the perfect hidden gem for every person on your list.
We polled the whole CCSJ Team to see which local businesses they love for gift shopping, and the list does not disappoint. So, without further ado, let’s get shopping!
Joel Sumner, Administrative Coordinator
Joel has picks for just about anyone on your list. Whether you’re looking for a kitsch gift, a novel board game, or a little bit of holiday cheer.
Occasionette | @occasionette
This frankly adorable woman owned shop has multiple locations in the area including South Philly, Chestnut Hill, and Collingswood, NJ. They started with custom locally flavored tea towels made in a South Philly basement and have evolved into all sorts of regional themed gifts, stationary, and items. They are always releasing new concepts and art. There's something great to be found on their shelves for any holiday.
Image courtesy of Queen and Rook Game Cafe
Queen and Rook | @queenrookcafe
This board game cafe and shop is an absolute local favorite. Stop in and grab an exciting new board game for the gamer in your life OR pick up a gift card that can be used to play in the game cafe while enjoying an eclectic and diverse menu of snacks, bites, and drinks (not to mention the catalog of over 1,300 games!).
Evil Genius | @evilgeniusbeer
For any of your beer lovers you can't go wrong with Evil Genius Beer. From the pop culture/silly themed brew names to their indoor and outdoor space in Fishtown, Evil Genius has you covered. Pop in for some merch or some to go beer for your holiday gatherings. Even once the holidays are over be sure to come back for their rolling events and gatherings in the neighborhood including street festivals, drag shows, and more!
Liz Kaderabek, REALTORⓇ
Liz has one clear favorite in Philly and it’s clear to see why. This shop is great for gift giving and the environment!
The Resource Exchange | @theresourceexchange
The Resource Exchange is a non-profit shop, gallery, and workshop space. The shop is dedicated to sustainable reusability by selling materials that might normally end up in landfills to artists, builders, and the general public. You can find everything from fabric, housewares, art supplies, furniture, books, and more. Not sure what to get? Don’t worry; they sell gift cards, too!
Karen Joslin, Team Leader | REALTORⓇ
Karen’s picks offer a little bit of everything– and most of it is all in one convenient place!
Image of Two Persons Coffee courtesy of Bok Building
The BOK Building | @buildingbok
Spanning a whole city block, the BOK building is full of artists and makers. The BOK Building has everything from ceramics to bicycles, vintage clothes, and jewelry. While you’re there, be sure to check out Two Person’s Coffee, designed by Karen’s own daughter!
Shane Confectionery | @shaneconfectionery
Looking for something sweet for your loved ones? Look no further than Shane Confectionery, America’s oldest candy store! Located at Front and Market Streets, this little candy shop has chocolate, baked goods, candy, and more so it’s the perfect stop for the sweet tooth on your list.
Mae Larimore Johnson, REALTORⓇ
Mae’s picks include a perfect spot for teacher and school gifts as well as a unique lifestyle shop hidden inside a hotel!
Image courtesy of Aurora Grace Chocolates
Aurora Grace Chocolates | @auroragracechocolates
This adorable little chocolate shop is a go-to for teacher and school administrator holiday gifts. They’re as elegant as they are delicious!
Yowie | @helloyowie
Yowie is black-owned, woman-owned, local perfection. Shannon is a design powerhouse, carrying only the most unique and carefully curated items. As an added bonus, Wim Cafe next-door serves up delicious food and coffee treats; above the shop is Yowie's own luxurious boutique hotel for the most fashionable staycation.
Lydia Chen, REALTORⓇ
Lydia’s recommendation is an art studio, gallery, school, and shop all in one. Grab a gift certificate or a piece of pottery for that special someone on your list!
The Clay Studio | @theclaystudiophl
You can’t step into the Clay Studio without starting to think of people you want to give gifts to! There’s no limit to the amount of fantastic, beautiful pottery for all different personalities. Plus you can purchase clay and tools for the budding artist in your life. You can even shop online.
Maryellen Cammisa, Team Leader | REALTORⓇ
Maryellen’s gift pick is perfect for that miscellaneous person on your list.
Ruby Mountain Goods | @ruby_mtn
Ruby Mountain Goods is an artisan boutique shop filled with lots of different cute and unique gifts that are sure to please just about anyone. They have everything from home goods to books and notecards, socks, jewelry, and even toys. If you’re looking for a one stop shop, this is it.
Cecile Steinriede, Team Leader | REALTORⓇ
Cecile’s picks are a little less materialistic. Perfect for folks who don’t want “things” for the holidays, consider a donation or an experience.
Project Home | @projecthomephl
Looking for a gift for those who have it all? Donate in the name of your friend or family member to give the gift of hope and a home to those who don't have one. The non-profit’s programs offer permanent, subsidized housing for individuals and families who have been homeless.
Image courtesy of Kismet Bagels
Kismet Bagels | @kismetbagels
Give the gift of bagel and bialy making! In this three-hour class, your loved one will make a dozen bagels, half a dozen bialys, and come home with a schmear, a tote bag, and a jar of seasoning.
Wine School of Philadelphia | @phillywine
The wine-lover in your life will thoroughly enjoy one of the many wine tasting classes offered at the Wine School of Philadelphia. The school also offers gift certificates so your friends can choose their own experience.
Philadelphia Rock Gyms | @philarockgym
Give the gift of a new hobby with a gift card to one of Philadelphia Rock Gyms’ five locations. Not only is it a fun experience for your friends, but it’s also a great workout!
Benjamin Camp, Team Leader | REALTORⓇ
Ben’s recommendations are perfect for the book worm and pastry lover in your life!
Image courtesy of Pastry Pants
Pastry Pants | @pastry_pants
Pastry Pants is a fantastic small bakery located in a neighborhood backyard in suburban Swarthmore, with handmade and delicious everything.
A Novel Idea | @anovelideaphilly
This classic small bookstore on Passyunk Ave has lovely small bookstore vibes. This store is community-minded, so check out their Philadelphia author section to find works by local authors. They also offer book subscriptions that are ideal for gift-giving!
Old City Coffee | @oldcitycoffee
If you have a coffee lover in your life, this is the spot for gifts! They offer traditional gift cards, as well as lots of lovely gift boxes and sampler packs.
Cait Sumner, Creative Branding Manager
From books to vintage knick-knacks and a boutique store with a little bit of everything, Cait’s picks have got you covered this holiday season!
Harriet’s Bookshop | @harriets_bookshop
This black-owned bookshop on Girard Ave. is named after historical heroine Harriett Tubman, and celebrates women authors, women artists, and women activists. You can pretty much guarantee that any book you pick up will be good because it’s perfectly curated. They also have a sister bookshop, Ida’s, just across the bridge in Collingswood, NJ.
Image courtesy of Three Potato Four
Three Potato Four | @3potato4
This little shop on State Street in Media has all kinds of fun little vintage gifts. With keychains, coin purses, magnets, pins, stickers, and so much more, it’s a great place for stocking stuffers. Their new decades sticker packs are an awesome bit of nostalgia.
Ali’s Wagon | @aliswagon
Ali’s Wagon is a sweet little women-owned boutique for all ages and genders located in Fairmount. It has tons of localized Philly swag that make for perfect gifts! You can definitely find something for everyone here; they have housewares, candles, bath & body, jewelry & accessories, clothing, games & activities, stationery, pantry items, baby clothing & accessories, kids activities, toddler toys, children's books... and so much more! The shop features lots of local makers as well as "give back" brands, small businesses, and brands with a social mission.
