Gift giving can be a bit stressful during the holiday season. What should you get your special someone? What kind of unique gifts can you wow your friends with? What should you purchase to bring a smile to your parents’ faces? All of those questions can be answered when searching through what the City of Brotherly Love has to offer for the holiday season, and we’ve rounded up some of the best options for everyone on your list.
Simitri
The local company that specializes in handmade bags and accessories has just debuted a new series that everyone can indulge in this holiday season. Simitri To-Go marks the brand’s first-ever line of soft clutch, cross-body bags, all of which are under $100. The goal of this particular collection is to give shoppers the opportunity to purchase and gift the same high-quality, handmade Simitri bags that the brand is known for, but at a more affordable price point. The Simitri To-Go description reads: Unlock the beginner level to the “more is more and less is a bore” life with Simitri To-Go, the brand’s first line of soft clutch, cross-body bags that will make the grocery aisle your personal runway. Offered in a variety of fabric options, such as denim, cork and plisse that have been “Simitrified” with their signature whimsy and sparkle, the Simitri To-Go line is a guilt free fix (or “just a juicy little bite”) of the bling life you know you adore.
The Clay Studio
This holiday season, you can shop local and choose from a variety of handmade specialty gifts crafted by Philadelphians and national artisans at the Clay Studio. Located in Philadelphia’s Old City district, the Clay Studio’s gallery shop offers patrons a diverse array of unique ceramics, including decorative plates, mugs, jewelry, vases and boutique items. As a release states, the Clay Studio’s “Ornaments from the Artist’s Studio” collection celebrates the holiday season with handmade ornaments starting under $20. The decorative pieces come from Kip O’Krongly’s colorful farm animal ornaments or Nicole Aquillano’s intricate blue and white hand-drawn designs depicting the Ben Franklin Bridge, Eiffel Tower, snowflakes and more. At the Clay Studio, there’s also rare, higher-priced gifts made by Philly artists: Works from Jordan McDonald, Kevin Snipes, Joshua Hebbert, Ruth Easterbrook and Don Nakamura are offered both online and in-person. On top of everything else, the release also states that the Clay Studio offers certificates so your loved ones can pick out their next statement piece or book a class run by professional Philadelphia artists. Gift certificates can also be used to reserve one of the Clay Studio’s popular Date Night events, which are set to return in 2022. Fifty percent of all purchases from the Clay Studio go directly to the artists, and 50% of proceeds return to the non-profit operations of the Clay Studio, which serves 35,000 people, including 2,000 underserved schoolchildren, each year.
139 N. 2nd St., theclaystudio.org
NextFab
NextFab, a network of collaborative makerspaces for creators of any skill level or interest, has a large array of choices for locally handmade products to choose from — and for the holiday season, Philadelphians can check them all out. This year’s NextFab gift guide is divided into five categories and features products from over 40 local makers, so it provides a little something for everyone. The categories are Feeling Empowered, Modern & Homey, Sustainable & Stylish, Playful & Practical, and Elevate Aesthetic.
Kin Boutique
The women’s clothing store recently moved to a new location, which means expanded offerings and a lot more to shop for in the city. For the holiday season, Kin is now offering their gift card, which will give shoppers access to their assortment of evening dresses, loungewear, outerwear, jewelry and accessories, items for the home and shoes. Kin is also offering personal styling appointments, virtual styling appointments and an in-home closet concierge service, all of which can be scheduled by emailing hello@shop-kin.com; and free shipping nationwide. Gift cards can be purchased in store and online and those purchased online are delivered by email and contain instructions to redeem at checkout. The best part? Kin gift cards have no additional processing fees.
1010 Pine St., shop-kin.com
Flyers
For sports fans, there’s no better gift than one that includes Flyers gear, games and plenty of Gritty sightings. According to a release, as the season of holiday traditions and gift giving quickly approaches, the Philadelphia Flyers are excited to announce that the fan-favorite ‘Santa Sack’ gift packages are back for the 2021-22 season. This year’s gift packages feature Flyers and Wings tickets along with autographed items and a collectible 2021 Gritty Claus ornament. The release also states Santa Sack purchasers will also have the option to upgrade their package to receive an autographed mini stick from some of their favorite Flyers players. These “Ultra Lower Level” packages include two lower level tickets to a select Flyers game, two lower level Wings tickets, an autographed Flyers puck, a collectible Gritty Claus ornament, plus the choice of an autographed mini stick signed by Carter Hart, Cam Atkinson, or Oskar Lindblom. Santa Sacks start at $169 online. All gift packages will be on sale through Thursday, Dec. 31, with guaranteed holiday shipping for all orders placed by Monday, Dec. 13.
