Have the holidays snuck up on you? You’re not alone, and luckily, you’re not out of options either. It’s easy in the city to shop locally and find some unique gifts right here even leading up to the very last day. Here’s where to find your local last-minute buys in Philadelphia.
The Cocktail Workshop: An Essential Guide to Classic Drinks and How to Make Them Your Own
Know an amateur mixologist or maybe just someone who loves to enjoy a libation? With “The Cocktail Workshop: An Essential Guide to Classic Drinks and How to Make Them Your Own” now available online and at Art in the Age, you can give the gift of knowledge in liquid form. The new book comes from Steven Grasse and Adam Erace and runs for $27.50 at the Old City shop’s site. The official description for the book reads: “Inside you’ll find the history and recipes for 20 classic cocktails, from the mint julep to the margarita, along with riffs (to make the drinks your own) and a workshop (to really up the ante) – a liquid curriculum meant to nail what makes an iconic cocktail and explore how to change it up through unusual ingredients, varied techniques, and at-home projects (like flaming garnishes and DIY bitters) that will lift your home mixology to a rarefied level.” The book offers insider tips that will make anyone an expert almost immediately. This is a multipurpose gift and not just made to use for cocktail making during the holidays, but for any day of the week. You can purchase the book on Amazon for $24.99 for the hardcover or on the Kindle for $14.99. The book is also available at Art in the Age on-site or online.
The Pathfinder Hemp and Root
This fermented and distilled hemp-based non-alcoholic spirit offers those who prefer to be sober or those who are looking for low-alcoholic drinks a chance to experiment with their own cocktails. But there’s more. According to a release, the Pathfinder & Coffee Package ($60) is another option for those coffee lovers on your list. The package includes one bottle of the Pathfinder non-alcoholic spirit, a bag of Moonraker Coffee Roasters (a modern house blend of coffee beans), and an Art in the Age archway bottle tote to place the gifts in. Lastly, there is also the “Off the Sauce” package ($100). This gift is a great alternative for those who are not coffee drinkers, and it includes one bottle of the Pathfinder non-alcoholic spirit, a bottle of Topo Chico Mineral Water, a gold foil Art in the Age rocks glass to pour your ingredients in, a copy of “Good Drinks” by Julia Bainbridge and an Art in the Age canvas tote. Both packages can be purchased at Art in the Age on-site and online.
Toile
The world of fashion comes alive at this Fishtown boutique. Toile, a woman-owned boutique boasting clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home goods from local and independent designers is the place to shop till you drop for that fashion-forward friend or family member. There is plenty that the store offers gift-wise, including a standout leather accessory line by Bianca Rachele, boasting an o-ring belt designed with 100% genuine leather and hand-forged steel hardware by Ellen Durkan for the ring. This belt can be worn in multiple ways either by being tied through the o-ring or slipped through the belt loops. This accessory line also includes the obi belt which is also designed with 100% leather and can be worn to cinch any garment including dresses, tops, flowy sweaters, and vests. The release also states that the boutique also offers the Conjure Wellness Healing Mists, a collection of aromatherapeutic gem essences. Each mist is handmade with a unique blend of essential oils, crystals and spring water that has been charged under the full moon. They are most effective when used as tools to enhance spiritual practices such as meditation, ritual work and energy healing. Hours of operation at Toile are Mondays are by appointment only; Tuesdays and Wednesdays noon-6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays noon-5 p.m.
1333 Frankford Ave., toile.myshopify.com
2SP Brewing Company and Wawa
2SP Brewing Company’s Head Brewer Bob Barrar and Wawa’s manager of concept development and “coffee guru” Michael McLaughlin have teamed up once again for a brand-new collaboration. In its fourth year, many look forward to what has become a staple libation during the winter months and holiday season. The Winter Reserve Mocha Latte Stout (4-pack, 16 ounce cans, $12.99), a 6.7% ABV full-bodied oatmeal stout with rich chocolate flavors and creamy mouthfeel is now available to try, and two other brews are also back by popular demand. Philadelphians can buy the Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout for $10.99 or the Rum Barrel Aged Imperial Stout for the same price. The limited-edition release is available all holiday season long at select Wawas and at 2SP Brewing Company in Aston while supplies last. The 2SP Brewing Company taproom is open Monday to Thursday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.
120 Concord Rd #101-103, Aston, 2spbrewing.com
