CCD Gift Guide

holiday gift guide header

Center City Philadelphia provides an unforgettable holiday shopping experience, with everything from luxury labels and local small businesses to national brands and America’s oldest diamond district.

Shop in-store to support our 900+ retailers while exploring some of the region’s most magical holiday attractions and traditions.

Check out some gift options below from Center City District’s businesses.

For the Fashionable - Male 

guide male

Give the man in your life something worth unwrapping with unique, luxurious, and practical gifts. Rittenhouse Row’s State & Liberty carries stylish, athletic fit clothing for all occasions, including suits that stretch, lightweight jackets and relaxed button down shirts. Nearby at Allen Edmonds, find high-quality slip-on sneakers, boots, loafers and dress shoes. For a more relaxed fit, Midtown Village’s flagship Mitchell & Ness location carries the best digs for any Philadelphia sports fan. To go along with any outfit, a timeless timepiece is the perfect accessory. Philadelphia institutions like Govberg Jewelers – The 1916 Company offer luxury watch brands like Rolex, Breitling and Tudor. For something more unexpected, help them get pampered with gift cards to services at part speakeasy, part urban retreat, DAPR Grooming Parlour.

Featured above:

1. Athletic Fit Stretch Suit from State & Liberty
2. Oliver Slip-on Sneaker from Allen Edmonds
3. Eagles Gear from Mitchell & Ness
4. Luxury Watches from Govberg – The 1916 Company
5. Yume Japanese Head Spa from DAPR

 

For the Fashionable - Female

guide female

Fashion-forward looks can be found in almost every boutique and retail location across Center City. But what do you give the woman who is always ahead of the trends? La’vanter Boutique, a locally-owned storefront in Liberty Place, carries unique styles and accessories that are sure to be showstoppers. In Rittenhouse, Fleur De Lis Boutique offers one-of-a-kind pieces, like custom Philly sports gear, alongside seasonal staples and tote bags. Nearby at Anthropologie, the multi-level brick and mortar location stocks everything from cashmere sweaters and denim to cozy knits and PJs with playful prints (from local designer and Philadelphia Fashion Incubator alumni Amy Voloshin!) For something a bit more adventurous, consider a festive handbag from the Kate Spade Outlet in the Fashion District. And for someone whose closet is already at capacity, explore Glossier’s brand-new Walnut Street location. Painted in pink from floor to ceiling, the popular beauty brand’s storefront is a dream for anyone obsessed with skincare and makeup. 

Featured above:

1. Furry Hat & Bag Set from La’vanter Boutique
2. Tote Bag from Fleur De Lis Boutique
3. Print Fresh PJs from Anthropologie
4. Carousel and Winter Market Holiday Collection from Kate Spade Outlet
5. Holiday Gift Kits from Glossier

 

Gifts Under $50

guide gifts under 50

Whether you need stocking stuffers or a present that won’t break the bank, there are endless options across Center City. Primark in the Fashion District is brimming with on-trend pieces for all ages, including warm and versatile outerwear, for under $50. Chestnut Street’s multi-level Nordstrom Rack has everything from luxury fragrance sets and toys, to headwear and luggage. Nearby at Barnes & Noble, find thoughtful, low-cost options like books, magazines, games and puzzles. For someone in search of their new favorite fitness class, Rumble Boxing offers a 2 for $32 deal. The boxing-heavy workouts are a perfect introduction for someone just beginning their fitness journey. On North Broad Street, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) Book Store is a lesser-known gem of gifts and goodies. Posters, handcrafted jewelry, stuffed animals, and Philly-themed tarot cards are some of the many in-budget finds worth exploring. In Dilworth Park, the brand-new Salt & Vinegar shop is perfect for last-minute gifts on the go. It’s stock of local, mostly women and minority-owned products change often, but always deliver on flavor and creativity.

Featured above:

1. Outerwear from Primark
2. UGG Earmuffs from Nordstrom Rack
3. Stocking Stuffer Books from Barnes & Noble
4. BOGO Fitness Class from Rumble Boxing Philly
5. Philly Tarot Card Deck from from the PAFA Museum Store
6. Gourmet Groceries from Salt & Vinegar

 

For the Foodie

guide for the foodie

Eat, drink and be merry! With more than 400 full-service restaurants located within Center City, gift cards are an easy, and appreciated, option for anyone in need of a night out on the town (especially ahead of Center City District Restaurant Week!) For something you can sip, head over to BOTLD in Rittenhouse to find libations of all varieties, including limited-edition spirits in celebration of the Philadelphia Eagles. Vernick Wine Shop carries a large selection of wine from around the world, plus a rotating stock of sherries, vermouths, amaros, local beers and grocery items. For the chef at heart, check out Kitchen Kapers’ Rittenhouse location. The local small business has everything from cookware to kitchen gadgets and even cookbooks, so you can prepare delicious dishes at home. Another Center City staple, La Cucina at the Market, is known for hosting year-round cooking classes, and their take-home kits are another fun and unique option for couples and families. For someone currently living outside of the city, DiBruno Bro’s gift boxes have everything you need to savor the flavors of Philly’s iconic Italian Market. High-quality meats, cheeses, crackers and more will be a treat for anyone missing the comforts of home.  

Featured above:

1. Gift Cards to Center City Restaurants
2. Bird Gang Spirits from BOTLD
3. Imported Wine from Vernick Wine Shop
4. Matcha Tea and Accessories from Kitchen Kapers
5. Ravioli Making Kit from La Cucina at the Market Italian
6. Market Crate from DiBruno Bro’s

 

For the Kids

guide for the kids

Have you made a list, checked it twice and STILL can’t decide what to get the kids this year? Think outside of the box and head over to Ten Thousand Villages in Midtown Village to find ethically sourced, handcrafted toys from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and more. Highlights include playful finger puppets, silly sock monsters and collect-them-all Chillout Chums. For something more hands-on, consider Bluebond Guitars’ Kids Rock School. The 10-week-long program gives youngsters at any skill level the opportunity to learn music in a fun and engaging environment. Instructors will help students form their own bands, and at the end of the program, each group will have the opportunity to play live in concert at Bluebond’s venue! Tucked away on Sansom Street, Fat Jack’s Comicrypt is a treasure trove for comic lovers and collectors. Opened in 1976, the small shop stocks new releases and back issues of popular titles, plus action figures, graphic novels and Funko Pop toys. At the Children’s Boutique in Rittenhouse, find high-quality clothing for all occasions, including party dresses, winter coats, playsuits and take-home sets. For something more personal, the boutique offers custom hand knit sweaters in multiples styles.

Featured above:

1. Chillout Chums from Ten Thousand Villages
2. Kids Rock School at Bluebond Guitars
3. Comics and Toys from Fat Jack’s Comicrypt
4. Custom Knits from The Children’s Boutique

 

Experiences

guide experiences

For the person who has everything, explore gift options that can’t be wrapped up in a bow. Tickets to some of Center City’s world-class arts & culture venues are the perfect place to start, with live performances available year-round. Highlights include the Kimmel Cultural Campus, the Philadelphia Ballet, Opera Philadelphia, the Walnut Street Theatre, the Philadelphia Orchestra and more. Additional options for live entertainment include the newly opened Jester Castle located in the West Market Office District, where tickets are available weekly for magic shows, concerts, and comedy nights. And if you’re looking for a new date night idea, consider splurging on Dinner and a Show tickets at Chris’ Jazz Café. For a set price, enjoy a three-course menu made from seasonal ingredients sourced daily while enjoying priority seating during a live jazz performance. If you’re looking for an interactive group activity, Cork + Candles in Midtown Village is a BYOB candle-making lab with dozens of scents and styles to choose from. Relaxing self-care packages can also be found at Body + Beauty Lab. Gift cards to services, like their signature HydraFacial, would be a treat for anyone in need of a bit of pampering. Modrn Sanctuary also offers a full menu of wellness and beauty treatments, in addition to unique holistic sessions like chakra healing, reiki and the Sensory7 Crystal Bed.

Featured above:

1. Theater Tickets to Center City Arts & Culture Venues
2. Show tickets to Jester Castle
3. Dinner and a Show Tickets to Chris’ Jazz Café
4. Candle Making Class at Cork + Candles
5. HydraFacial at Body + Beauty Lab
6. Sensory7 Crystal Bed at Modrn Sanctuary

 

Only in Center City

guide only in cc

Shop small, shop local and shop some of the most unique Center City-based businesses you can’t find anywhere else. Established in 1851, historic Jewelers’ Row is the oldest diamond district in America. Many of their tenants are family-owned and operated, including Safian & Rudolph Jewelers. The shop, which opened nearly 70 years ago, specializes in quality diamonds, gemstones, wedding rings and fashion jewelry. Nearby at Lore’s Chocolates, two generations of chocolatiers work around the clock to produce authentic, old-fashioned sweets of all varieties. In addition to everyday items like truffles and chocolate-covered pretzels, seasonal specials make a fantastic gift for candy-lovers of all ages. At the Reading Terminal Market, unique-to-Center City businesses can be found almost anywhere, including De’Village. Husband-and-wife duo Watson and Joceyln Parks opened the shop in 2001, specializing in imported African goods, plus handmade jewelry, artwork, fabrics and intricate home décor. In Midtown Village, Lapstone & Hammer has earned a reputation for being the ultimate destination for on-trend and hard-to-find sneakers. The lifestyle brand also specializes in sportswear, streetwear, and menswear. A few blocks away, Paper on Pine is a gift-giver’s dream. Aside from custom stationery and invitations, the shop offers everything from ornaments and tea towels to journals and bath and body sets. Similarly at Open House, find Philly-themed items at every turn, including throw pillows, coasters, candles, enamel pins and jewelry, all repping the 215.

Featured above:

1. Philadelphia Eagles Cufflinks from Safian & Rudolph Jewelers
2. Seasonal Peppermint Bark from Lore’s Chocolates
3. Handmade Jewelry from De’Village
4. Footwear from Lapstone & Hammer
5. Phillies Ornaments from Paper on Pine
6. Throw Pillows from Open House

 
Photo credits by section:
For the Fashionable Male: Govberg -The 1916 Company - photo by Govberg - The 1916 Company
Gifts under $50: Barnes & Noble - photo by Barnes & Noble, Rumble - photo by Rumble
For the Foodie: La Cucina at The Market - photo by La Cucina at The Market, DiBruno Bro's -photo by DiBruno Bro's
For the Kids: Bluebond Guitars - photo by Bluebond Guitars
Experiences: Kimmel Center - photo by Kimmel Center, Chris' Jazz Cafe - photo by Chris'Jazz Cafe, Body + Beauty Lab - photo by Body + Beauty Lab, Modrn Sanctuary-photo by Modrn Sanctuary
Only in Center City: Safian & Rudolph Jewelers - photo by Safian & Rudolph Jewelers, Paper on Pine - photo by Paper on Pine