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All the Philly gift guides you'll ever need

Not sure what to get for someone? Don’t panic.

If gift giving is your love language, lucky you, but for the rest of us, it can be a real struggle. To make things easy, this year, we’re drilling down in all things Philly.

Whether your favorite person is a diehard Eagles fan or an avid enthusiast of the booming restaurant scene, these gifts will not elicit a single “bah humbug.” Here, Inquirer reporters have gathered our favorite gifts — from jewelry to sports merch, pantry items to stocking stuffers — for your shopping convenience. We’ve even tracked down some of the, erm, wilder Philly-adjacent gifts we could find, because what’s Christmas without a little weird whimsy? (Lookin’ at you, Mütter Museum.) Above all, these gifts scream local pride.

Sports Gifts

It’s been a wild year for Philly sports — and one not lacking some heartbreak. However, a few losses won’t dampen Philly’s love for sports. Celebrate the ups and downs of our teams with some official gear, fun and tasty treats, or some good reading to catch up on. Check ‘em out.

Distinctly Philly

Staff Illustration

Philadelphians are notoriously overloaded with city pride, so when it comes to giving them gifts, there’s no safer bet than something that screams Philly. Bonus points if said gift utterly confuses out-of-town guests while simultaneously delighting locals. Find them here.

Concerts and Shows

Life’s too short to gift another pair of cheesy socks. For all our loved ones who would rather have experiences and moments over physical gifts or money, it’s time to look toward the venues and not the department stores.

From the city’s best comedy shows, live orchestra movie screenings, or even professional wrestling, Philly plays host to some of the best events around. Find them here.

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Food Gifts

From buttery fruit tarts to spiced tomato spreads to jazz up snack time, our favorite gifts highlight the diversity of Philly’s dining scene. Whether you’re shopping for your favorite cocktail enthusiast, or simply stocking stuffers, these gifts showcase originality and most importantly, flavor. Find them here.

Restaurant Merch

If you’re gonna stuff those stockings, we’ve sourced items for your kitchen, wardrobe, and home. From Federal Donuts recipes to hoagie guides, you’ll find a special gift for those who’ve moved away but still miss home, and those who live and breathe Philly pride. Find them here.

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Wellness Gifts

Help your loved ones care for themselves with soothing gifts that encourage rest and relaxation. Whether it’s with a brain-boosting tea or a handcrafted soap subscription, these items made with natural ingredients let you decompress with simple pleasures. Find them here.

Museum Store Gifts

Museum shops can be the ideal place to find thoughtful treasures for your favorite art and history buff. Living in a city with so many art and cultural institutions can be a bit overwhelming, so here are our picks for museum-worthy gifts within reach. Find them here.

Unique Gifts

What do you give to someone who has everything? Finding something unique can be hard — it’s all in the eye of the beholder, after all. Here are our picks for special gifts from local shops or created by local talent that help you communicate to the recipient “I see you.” Find them here.

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Last Minute Gifts

If you’re reading this, it’s not too late! We’ve all been there: you’re late to the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, or you’re inconspicuously trying to figure out what people want for the holidays and you’re almost out of ideas. Not to fret, there are plenty of last-minute gift ideas you can pick up, order, or deliver for your loved one in time for holiday celebrations. Find them here.

Cultural Memberships

There’s an inexplicable pleasure in shaking up a box to guess what’s inside, but why not switch things up this year with a gift of experiences? Consider these membership and subscriptions to Philly’s world-class cultural institutions, which deliver joy and community long after you clean up the last of the tinsel. Find them here.

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Staff Contributors

  • Editors: Joseph Hernandez & Sam Ruland
  • Digital Editor: Evan Weiss
  • Designer: Anton Klusener