Sure, you could Amazon your way through your holiday shopping list. But why not inject this year’s gifts with a hint of unique local flair—while also giving back?
That’s where our holiday gift guide comes in.
Here, we present some of our favorite local-based goodies, all of which have a do-good component, whether its feeding the hungry, supporting LGBTQ youth or helping nonprofits in their work to make the world better. There’s something for everyone and at every price point, all made with love here in Philly.
Happy shopping, and happiest holidays!
The Citizen Holiday Gift Guide
Stickers that help rescue animals
Through her company Exit 343 Design, local artist Stephanie Harvey creates the funkiest of-the-minute vinyl stickers, like this “Certified Lantern Fly Squasher” one—perfect for your Hydro Flask, bumper, laptop, fridge…wherever. Five percent of proceeds will go to Philly PAWS, which strives to make Philly a no-kill city. $3
Ornaments that support LGBTQ youth
Among the wares she sells through her business Squirrel Tacos, Philly artist Casey Lynch created the cutest ceramic ornaments, emblazoned with quirky critter engravings like sloths, Sasquatch and squirrels in a sea of rainbow stars. Five percent of proceeds go to The Attic Youth Center, Philly’s only youth-focused LGBTQ community resource center. $16
Flyers fun for kids’ causes
Surprise the Gritty, er, Flyers fans in your family with tickets to the 43rd annual Flyers Wives Carnival, where guests can meet players, coaches and beloved Flyers alumni while getting autographs and pics and playing games. Proceeds benefit the Flyers Charities which, to date, has raised $29 million to support youth programs throughout Philadelphia. It’ll take place on February 23, from 11am-3pm at Wells Fargo Center; $25 per adult here, kids free with adult purchase.
Di Bruno Bros. Gift Box for Project HOME
One hundred percent of the proceeds from this gorgeous gift box, curated by Di Bruno Bros., will go to Project HOME, which supports the homeless in Philly: Inside you’ll find a 15-ounce pink rose mug with artwork by Project HOME resident Casundra Pressly; Sister Mary’s Sinfully Delicious Cranberry Sauce; a 16-ounce amber glass candle created by Project HOME residents; and five-ounce Black Lava Cashews from Di Bruno Bros. $50
Soaps that save lives
Philly-based Hand in Hand Sustainable Suds creates beautiful, environmentally friendly soaps and scrubs, with a one-for-one model that helps the company fulfill its mission to eradicate water-borne illness in Haiti and Cambodia. Their gorgeously-packaged gift sets start at $15.
Chic clothes for a more-mindful fashion industry
Local clothing subscription company Wearwell prioritizes sustainable, ethical fashion; buy the fashionista in your life a $100 gift card, and five percent of proceeds will support Fashion Revolution, a movement to transform the worldwide fashion industry to be safer, more conscious and more beneficial for all.
Cheese that feeds the hungry
Roll into your next holiday party with cheese from Philabundance’s Abundantly Good line, which sells cheese and jam through local retailers like Di Bruno Bros. and uses the proceeds to turn small local farms’ surplus dairy and produce into delicious cheese and jam for people in need. The Abundantly Good Bundle, $50, includes four eight- to nine-ounce cheeses and spiced tomato jam. Individual cheeses are $6 each.
Pins that help nonprofits make the world a better place
We’ve sung their praises before and will do it again: Dissent Pins’ line of beautiful political pins, earrings and necklaces—like their signature Ruth Bader Ginsburg collection— benefits a range of nonprofits, including Planned Parenthood, Voices For Vaccines and Giffords Law Center and so many other incredible groups fighting the good fight for all of us. Prices vary.
Beer for safer, cleaner play spaces
Citizen columnist and recently retired Eagle Connor Barwin launched his Make The World Better Foundation (MTWB) to create safe playgrounds in Philly neighborhoods that need them. And for the second year in a row, MTWB has partnered with Yards Brewing Co. on a limited-edition Make the World Better IPA that, when brought to your next holiday party, will make you everyone’s favorite guest. Grab some at Yards or the vendors listed here. Prices vary.
Beauty essentials for ASPCA
Local beauty purveyor Franklin & Whitman gives five percent of all proceeds to ASPCA—stock up on their plant-based, cruelty-free, PETA-certified scrubs, serums, masks and more, all available online here.
Lemony goodness for pediatric cancer research
Everything Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation does in the name of funding pediatric cancer research—since 2005, they’ve funded nearly 1,000 research grants—they do with love. And among the extensive line of ALSF merch benefiting the organization is Alex’s Table Cookbook ($29.95), a hardcover collection of stunningly photographed recipes from world-famous chefs and celeb supporters. Prices vary.
Ceramics that support the restaurant scene
Felt + Fat’s line of made-to-order ceramics can be found in more than 140 restaurants around the world—but they’re made right here in Philly. The company prides itself on supporting our local restaurant scene, having donated tableware to South Philly Barbacoa, Design on a Dime and Feastival.
Kitchen linens for urban farmers
The chic one-of-a-kind aprons, napkins, bags and kitchen accessories from The Kitchen Garden Series, founded by local textile artist Heidi Barr, all have a decidedly elegant, French-countryside feel about them—they’re made sustainably in Philly, with 10 percent of proceeds supporting urban farms. Prices vary.
