8 Mom and Pop Shops in Philly that are Perfect for Holiday Shopping
By Holly Huepfel
While it may be tempting to do your holiday shopping in one fell swoop on Amazon, other online retailers or mass-produced retailers, the most creative gifts for everyone on your list can be found in small businesses all around Philly. These shops are so cute that they are sure to inspire you to give your best gifts yet!
Pineapple on Main - 4347 Main St.
78 Likes, 3 Comments - Pineapple on Main (@pineappleonmain) on Instagram: "A sweet dusting on our @enlivenplanters is just so pretty, isn't it?? We're open until 5pm, so you..."
Located in Manayunk, Pineapple on Main has adorable gifts for everyone in your life, especially new homeowners and young parents. The theme of their store is “pretty with a purpose,” so everything that you find will be something that they can actually use, but also that looks nice in their home. Their home section has everything from fancy cutting boards to Plant The Box Candles. Their baby section has everything from high-quality and fashionable onesies to Cuddle and Kind dolls, and their general gift section has all of the beautiful stationery you can imagine.
Pet Friendly Dog Bakery - 4324 Main St.
49 Likes, 4 Comments - Pet Friendly Dog Bakery (@petfriendlydogbakery) on Instagram: "Christmas gifts have officially hit the shelves here at Pet Friendly Dog Bakery! Come on in to..."
This Manayunk staple is the perfect place to get a gift for the dog (or dog owner) in your life. While a large part of their business is the free indoor/outdoor dog park on their lower level, they also have an amazing gift shop. It’s stocked with dog treats, which are homemade by a nearby bakery, as well as unique dog toys, dog apparel, and pretty much anything else that you could want for your furry friend.
Philadelphia Independents - 35 N. 3rd St.
228 Likes, 5 Comments - Philadelphia Independents (@philadelphia_independents) on Instagram: "Here are pictures of our windows from last month since I forgot post them 😂"
Philadelphia Independents takes shopping local to a whole new level. Located in Old City, this shop features everything from photography to pottery to pillows, most of which are Philadelphia themed curated by local artists. My personal favorite gift that they offer is “Drawn Jawn,” a coloring book filled with Philadelphia scenes, like the Race Street Pier, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and LOVE Statue. This is the perfect place to go if you want to support local artists, and if you have no idea what to get someone—you’re sure to find a gift that speaks to you.
The Strange and Unusual - 523 S. 4th St.
1,865 Likes, 6 Comments - Oddities Parlor (@thestrangeandunusual) on Instagram: "Our next October giveaway is coming up later today! Stay tuned. 🎃🦇🎃"
For the person in your life who appreciates ~oddities~ this is the store for them. At The Strange and Unusual, it’s Halloween every day of the year. They carry spooky decor and attire, along with extremely unique collectibles, like a real human skull and a taxidermy unicorn rat. So, I promise that you’ll find something that you have never seen before. They also have a “coffee potion” shop attached to them, so you can treat yourself to a spooky brew as a reward for getting through that creepy shop in one piece.
Philly Socks - 11 N. 3rd St. & 1625 Chestnut St.
17 Likes, 0 Comments - Philly Socks (@phillysocks_) on Instagram
When I was a kid, I would complain when family members got me socks as gifts, but I would be nothing less than elated to get a pair (or three) from Philly Socks. With hundreds of designs ranging from professional to goofy slogans to Bob Ross’s face, they have a pair made for everyone on your list. This shop currently has two locations: in Old City and in the Shops at Liberty Place in Center City.
Never Too Spoiled - 57 N. 3rd St.
92 Likes, 2 Comments - NeverTooSpoiled (@nevertoospoiledshop) on Instagram: "What a wonderful day modeling with our customers & friends. They influence us ever day to be better..."
For the trendsetter in your life, Never Too Spoiled in Old City always has beautiful clothes, accessories, and jewelry that differ from what you’d find at a chain (where, let’s be honest, everything pretty much looks the same). The whole shopping experience at Never Too Spoiled is personalized and unique, and every time you visit the store, it’s so different that it will make you excited to shop!
The Kitchen Garden Series
17 Likes, 0 Comments - the kitchen garden series (@thekitchengardenseries) on Instagram: "For the month of November we're giving you 15% off our cross back and Japanese style cross back..."
Okay, this one does require shopping online, but every item is handmade by a woman right in Roxborough. These gifts are perfect for the environmentalist in your life, or someone who you know needs to be more conscious of their carbon footprint but would never take the first step themselves. The Kitchen Garden Series makes beautiful and sustainable linen textiles including produce bags, aprons, reusable coffee filters and tea bags, and so much more. These products will totally help you, or whomever you’re shopping for, reduce waste, and you’ll feel good about this purchase because each one supports urban agriculture.
Petit Jardin en Ville - 134 N. 3rd St.
663 Likes, 55 Comments - Petit Jardin en Ville (@petitjardinenville) on Instagram: "Vive le tour!🇫🇷 #frenchflorist #flowerbomb #flowerpower🌸"
Stepping into this Old City store feels like walking right into Paris. For the plant-lover in your life, Petit Jardin en Ville sells beautiful floral arrangements and even provides services for “gardens in the city”—including the design and maintenance of window boxes, rooftop gardens, and more! With the option of both subscription services and single-orders, they definitely have a gift available that fits your needs and your budget.
With such an abundance of unique small businesses at your fingertips, there’s really no need to shop from huge corporations this holiday season. Shopping local doesn’t only provide you with unique gifts that no one else will have, but it also helps reduce waste because the merchandise doesn’t have to travel as far to get to you. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gift for any gals, pals, or loved ones.