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Every weekday of December (except for December 25, that is), Phillyist will be counting down to 2008 with our highlights from the past year and our predictions for the next. If you have a list you'd like to submit, let us know!
Phillyist likes a good excuse to shop, and the holidays provide that in spades. This year we wanted to stay closer to home with our gift choices, and give things that were more meaningful than socks (although these are cute, come on), and things that can keep on giving after the holidays are through. Here are some of the places we're looking.
Philly.com: The nice folks at philly.com have put together a page of gift suggestions, including info on local faves like Tastycake and... Wawa? Well, now that they mention it, the Wa is certainly an institution in these parts. To show your allegiance to our fine ink and paper brethren, you could get all manner of gifts stamped with the Inky or Daily News flair, as well as some special shout-outs to our local pro teams (see items below for more). And don’t forget you can check out your favorite local blog’s store, too.
Reading Terminal Market: Ah, the Market. Always crowded, at holiday time it is packed tighter than a can of sardines, but oh what happy sardines... when they get their wares home, at least. Strolling/elbowing through the stalls will not only make you very, very hungry, but will show you all manner of gadgets and linens and utensils that you (and your gift recipients) had no idea you needed. There’s the obvious places, like Pennsylvania General Store and Amy’s Place, but there’s also chocolate, or local honey, or salami. The possibilities are nearly endless, but if you get overwhelmed there’s always the gift certificate good anywhere in the Market. And hey, a ham always makes a great gift... unless it’s for Chanukah, of course.
Look South Young Wo/man: Not only do most of the professional and minor league local teams have season and ticket packages for sale, you can clean up on the official merchandise for them while you’re at it. And don’t get us started on the college teams. (If you get in your Eagles shopping today, you can get free shipping on orders over $100. Just enter code FREESHIP at checkout.) We know we’ve forgotten a few, so let us know what we missed in the comments.
Eagles
76ers
Flyers
Phillies
Kixx
Soul
Wings (sorry, no merch, but you can reserve some tickets)
Philly Roller Girls
Look... Vaguely West? Slightly North? Centrally?: Give the gift of culture this year with memberships or tickets to any of the many, many local museums/dance troupes/theaters/arts organizations that make Philly one of the premiere places to get your art on. There are too many to name, but we can give some highlights.
There’s the venerable Art Museum, membership to which will get you into not only the museum itself but also the Rodin museum, and it comes with free tickets to featured exhibits. You get free entry to Art After Five, too.
If theater is more your loved one’s thing, The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia offers gift certificates good at over 40 local theaters. Most theaters of course also offer season tickets... and we must put in a plug for our favorite, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival.
If your gift recipients feel the dance, the Pennsylvania Ballet is a pretty neutral bet. If they are more hands-... er, feet-on, a 10 or 20 class card good at Koresh School of Dance may be more appropriate. Dance Celebration has more of the modern feel, if you’re into that, which we are.
Well, That’s Obvious: So to get local products you can, um, shop locally. Yeah, that sounds a bit like a cop-out, doesn’t it, but ‘lo it is true. Pick a neighborhood in Center, South, or West and take a wander, and you’ll find more options than you can shake a shopping bag at. Yes, that is more supporting local businesses than it is getting something distinctly local... but where would we be without all the great independent stores in Old City? University City? Anywhere? You’ll be doing your part to keep our local business people in the black this season, and your loved ones will get distinctive and unique gifts. Win win.
Image Credit: Flickr user Dahon
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