Chose the perfect give for mom or dad at the Barnes.Skip the crowded malls and three-mile lines at the big box stores this holiday season and support your local museums instead. We found the best gift shops to pick up something for everyone one your list — naughty or nice.For the kidsThe Franklin Institute222 N. 20th St.215-448-1200www2.fi.eduEducational presents won’t make you the boring relative any longer. The Airzooka is a hand-held blaster, blowing balls of air up to 20 feet away. Ultraviolet Touchable Bubbles glow in the dark for post-dinner hijinks. With plenty of science kits based on space and robotics, the Franklin Institute keeps learning fun.For the co-workerMutter Museum19 S. 22nd St.215-563-3737www.collegeofphysicians.org/mutter-museumThe office Pollyanna sounded like a good idea until you ended up with that nosy neighbor in the adjacent cubicle. Why not embrace the holiday spirit and give them a plush, smiley-faced heart? If you’re feeing extra generous, leave a bar of rose-scented corpse-shaped soap in the bathroom for all to share.For mom and dadThe Barnes Foundation2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway215-278-7000www.barnesfoundation.orgAfter years of sequin-covered construction paper hats, you owe dad something classy like a Van Gogh-inspired tie, or perhaps a silk Renoir Roses scarf for mom. Spruce up their lovely abode with a handcrafted silhouette vase or a colossal coffee table book of American paintings. The Barnes provides plenty of decorations to replace your folks’ original centerpiece: you.For the nature loverLongwood Gardens1001 Longwood Road610-388-1000longwoodgardens.orgIt might be too cold to sniff the flowers, buy you can satisfy the nature lover in your life with a lavender sachet for the closet or car. Your friend will never forget how to warm up thanks to the apron adorned with a mushroom soup recipe. And if he must head outdoors, the solar mint tea lantern provides a peaceful feeling during the stressful holidays. Stock up on gifts for your favorite teachers at the National Constitution Center.For the teacherNational Constitution Center525 Arch St.215-409-6600constitutioncenter.orgDon’t forget to show some appreciation for the men and women dedicating their lives to teaching your children. A sports-themed pen and paper set spices up the standard stationery that teachers are always running out of. A cocktail mixer filled to the brim with Jelly Bellies fuels the sugar rush for grading tests. And the Constitution shot glass comes in handy after a long week of Powerpoints. Hey, it’s their right, too.
