Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
Looking for some gift ideas? I pulled together my three favorite holiday gift ideas all made by local artists and designers. Happy shopping!
From the hooded unisex scarves to the feminine drawstring scarves made of only the finest wools, cashmeres, silks, cottons and linens—LeTau has a little something for everyone if you’re looking for the perfect gift ideas. Whether you wear LeTau pieces to spruce up a T-shirt and jeans look or for when you go out on the town, you can’t go wrong with any of LeTau’s signature looks. And, Philly 360° shout out to owner and Philadelphia designer Maren Reese. She is as fabulous as her designs!
Insider Tips: Make sure to check out the bags—amazing fabrics, handles and designs. Find out where to get LeTau looks at letaudesigns.com.
Not only do I want to buy Alvanez Designs jewelry for every lady in my life, but for myself too! The collection features earrings and necklaces adorned with album cover art, African textiles and more. The earrings come in many sizes—from small shapes to oversized pieces. Philly designer Monica Ferreira makes all of her pieces by hand and puts lots of love into each and every one. Her line has become on of my favorites, and I love to support creative moms trying to find their voice while raising a family!
Insider Tip: Have a specific album cover that you want made into earrings? Let her know, she can whip them up in no time!
Etsy is one of my favorite places to find great art. If you do a search for Philadelphia, you can find so many talented Philadelphia artists and designers and all of their work for purchase. On one of my searches, I came across local jewelry designer Maggie Huth—better known as Bathtub Jungle. Her sterling silver charms are delicate, simple and a great gift for someone you know!
Insider Tips: My favorites are the Philly skyline and LOVE pieces. Got an idea of something you’d want? Don’t be afraid to ask. I love reaching out to artists and designers to see if they do custom orders.
I love this time of the year. It’s a great time for creative, talented people to get exposure and sell their work. There are a lot of cool artist and designer markets throughout the month, making it the perfect time to get those one of a kind gifts for the holiday.
Both indoor and outdoor markets show a range of creative works to exhibit and sell by local artists. No matter what you’re into, there’s a mix of markets on the list. I’m sure you’ll find some really cool items at all of the markets. Check out their websites for more information on some featured artists and designers. Happy shopping!
Insider Tip: Make a list of what you need to get everyone for the holiday a plan your outtings accordingly. You can definitely find something for everyone at the markets listed below.
Friday, December 2 - Sunday, December 4
Times vary
1001 N. 2nd Street
The Piazza's Winter Market is full of fun, festive things to do while shopping for that perfect items. Creative vendors and crafters adorn the main area of the Piazza with items for sale. There is also gift wrapping, pictures with Santa, Christmas movies on the megatron screen, a fashion show, tree lighting ceremony and more. The great part about shopping at The Piazza is that when you’re done and famished, there’s plenty of great places to eat and have a drink!
Insider Tips: There is Christmas Tree lighting on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Also, the Winter Marrket is in collaboartion with Philabundance. Please bring a canned good to donate to people in need this holiday season.
(Photo credit: Paul Loftland)
Saturday, December 3 - Sunday, December 4
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
From The Piazza to Spring Garden Street
Each year this boutique crawl offers shoppers a unique experience. Ten independent boutiques will be offering refreshments, free gift wrapping and an opportunity to get up to 25% off your purchases. Here's how it works: Shoppers are given a Shopping Spree Card. You collect a sticker for each store at which you make a purchase. You get 10% off the first store, 15% off at the second, 20% off at the third and 25% off at all shops after collecting all three stickers. Who doesn’t love a deal? Check here for a full listing of participating boutiques.
Insider Tip: NLArts is providing child care and holiday arts for kids who are 3 years old and up both days of the event from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Northern Liberties Community Center, 700 N. 3rd Street. $5/hour per child to cover supplies.
The Punk Rock Flea Market Holiday Edition
Sunday, December 11
11am-5pm
The Punk Rock Flea Market-Dome
461 N. 9th Street
The Punk Rock Flea Market is 300+ tables of vendors selling old records, clothes, art, music, food, bicycles, stereo equipment, instruments, automobiles, tools, posters, furniture, computers, skateboards and more. This is the place that you can find a bit of new and a bit of old.
Insider Tips: $3 entry donation. Also, since you're in the neighborhood, you might want to check out the Starlight Ballroom across the street for a record fair.
Saturday, December 17
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Broad Street Ministry
315 S. Broad Street
Crafty Balboa Holiday features unique, high quality and affordable handmade goods. The first 50 shoppers in the doors will receive a Crafty Balboa tote filled with goodies from the vendors! which will showcase 50+ crafters selling everything from prints, bath products, housewares, and knits to unique clothing, ceramics, toys and accessories. I purchased some great gifts from here last year. I’ll definitely be shopping here again this year!