December 25, 2015
The passing of Christmas means the getting of gifts, and while some presents are better than others, one is universally well-received: cold hard cash.
When you return to the daily grind after spending the holidays with your loved ones, the options may seem limitless where to spend the extra dough you've acquired. (Wawa, anyone?)
Allow us to help. If you're going to treat yourself, there are several retailers and shops unique to Philly that are worth giving your green to.
Here's a local thrift store with an admirable cause and a wide selection. They've got clothing, electronics, furniture, books and more, and their proceeds go to local organizations that fight HIV and AIDS (they've surpassed a million dollars donated to the AIDS Fund). Even if you've exhausted your Christmas cash, the store will often put bins of free items outside for you to sift through. That's right: free stuff!
This independent Northern Liberties shop is full of trinkets, gadgets and accessories that you never knew you needed until you walked in the door. From Philly-centric jewelry to stylish office and kitchen supplies, this gift shop nixes the typical Liberty Bell and cheesesteak themes for a creative collection of items that you won't find together anywhere else. After all, where else can you pick up wooden plates shaped like animals and an ice cube tray designed specifically for a glass of whiskey?
Philly's sports teams are abysmal right now, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't still represent your hometown squad. And unlike some of the chain outlets, you won't find Romo and Manning jerseys on the same rack as your Eagles gear. This Center City store has both new and vintage-style shirts, sweaters, jackets and accessories for the four major Philly teams as well as gear for the Union and local colleges.
While their showroom is no longer open, Philly Phaithful's online store offers T-shirts with clever takes on local sports as well as current events, including shirts that joined Mayor Michael Nutter in calling for banning Donald Trump from the city. Their most recent concoction is recognizing the Flyers' young and exciting defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere with two simple emoji’s.
Here's where you can find the flavors of Philly in one location. They carry all the classics - Tastykakes, soft pretzels, Peanut Chews - as well as some snacks that you'd be hard pressed to find at your local grocery store, such as cookies from South Philly's Melrose Diner and pretzel ice cream cones. You can also pick up some Pennsylvania Dutch staples such as Shoo Fly Pie at their two locations in Chestnut Hill and inside the Reading Terminal Market. And for your relatives who couldn't make it back to the area for the holiday season, gift baskets are available to ship with a variety of combinations.
