Spruce Street Commons 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Preparing for the holidays can be stressful, especially during a pandemic. We’d like to help out with one particularly time-consuming aspect: gift-giving. 

To lessen the pressure of finding the ideal item for your unique friends and family members, we created this gift guide featuring Philly-based businesses and creatives. Not only will you find the perfect item for everyone on your list, but you’ll also be supporting our local businesses who need our support now more than ever before. 

Get the gift wrap ready and read on for our picks:

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For the sentimental person:

‍A custom, woodcut map of Philly from Philly Love Notes. Creator and shop owner Emma Fried-Cassorla creates intricate wood maps of customer-requested, Philly neighborhoods and marks significant locations for the recipient. This is a perfect partner gift as you can mark locations that are significant to your relationship. It’s also a great gift for a former Philly resident, such as a roommate or college friend, to remind them of all the good times you’ve had in the city.

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For the Gen-Z trendsetter:

Shopping for this demographic can feel like a minefield – trends go in and out of style in the time it takes to watch a TikTok. For this crowd, we recommend Ritual Shoppe, a boutique jewelry and gift store in Rittenhouse that we wrote about earlier this year. The store’s wide selection of jewelry is created by local jewelry artists who know what’s cool. If jewelry is too subjective, check out Ritual’s skin and wellness products, candles, tarot cards, and crystals. The best part of shopping here is the helpful staff who use their expertise to ensure you leave with something your niece, daughter or sister will love.

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For the Philly sports superfan:

If you’re shopping for a Philly sports enthusiast, look no further than Shibe Vintage Sports. The apparel company was created in 2013 by Philadelphia sports fans for Philadelphia sports fans with a unique vintage feel that can’t be replicated by a national chain. In addition to carrying well-known sports apparel brands, Shibe Sports also sells their own label: a line of unique team gear created by local artists and screen printers. The store label also has some great picks for budding sports fans and those who just want to show their city pride.

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For the eco-friendly minimalist: 

What do you get for the person who’s passionate about sustainability and serious about avoiding clutter? An Analog watch. These Philly-made time-pieces are inspired by nature and the proceeds of certain lines support different environmental efforts. The simple yet striking design makes them compatible with almost everything, perfect for a person who is trying to limit their wardrobe. For this recipient, we recommend the wood watches: they’re simultaneously unique and versatile and with each purchase, a tree is planted.

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For the person who likes one-of-a-kind pieces:

If you have a loved one who values originality over all else, get them a ceramic piece from Suzanne Sullivan Ceramics. Each piece is hand painted by Sullivan making no two alike. The intricate patterns of Sullivan’s designs make them an impressive, yet understated, addition to any home. In her dinnerware collection, the addition of color adds a splash of fun to both routine meals and special holiday gatherings.

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For the friend who’s always telling you they’re bored:

We all know someone who has done it all in quarantine: picked up a new hobby, perfected their home workout routine, tried all the recipes, and even reorganized their house. For the person who’s always asking what’s next, turn to Resting Gift Face. The “quarantine care package” company is the brainchild of two Philly women who lost their jobs during the pandemic and channeled their energy into creating fun boxes of at-home activities. We recommend the “Saved by the Box” - it’s perfect for virtual holiday celebrations and ideal for anyone who loves the 90’s.

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For the self-proclaimed pet parent:

If you know someone who treats their pet better than they treat themselves, you’re bound to find something they love at Amelie’s Bark Shop. The pet bakery and gift shop were mentioned in the “Lap Dogs of Luxury” section of our Philly Pet Guide blog and for good reason – they create dog-friendly cakes, donuts, and other impressive treats – including a seasonal pumpkin pie for pups. They’re also currently featuring a holiday shop with seasonal treats, toys, and costumes that will get any pup in the Christmas spirit.

We hope this blog provided guidance, options, and inspirations as you continue on your gift-giving journey. Whether you buy from one of the businesses mentioned or go a different way, we encourage you to buy local whenever possible – it’s a gift that not only helps the store owners but our community as a whole. Happy shopping and have a safe and healthy holiday!

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