Top Spots For Handmade Gifts In Philadelphia
With the holidays approaching, most of us are busy saving our money and deciding what to buy our loved ones this year. Not everyone is hoping to get the latest gadget or designer bag, believe it or not, and there are also the hard-to-buy-for types. Why not go for a one-of-a-kind art piece that will become a keepsake? Philadelphia has an amazing artistic community, with several art schools in the area including Moore college of Art and Design, University of the Arts and Temple's Tyler School of Art. Not only do these schools have incredibly talented students, but the faculty is skilled as well. Furthermore, many students stay in the Philadelphia area to pursue their artistic careers and sell their artwork in the city's many boutiques. For an original idea for holiday gifts or even for yourself, we've created a list of Philadelphia's top handmade items that make perfect presents.
Nice Things Handmade
1731 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 455-0256
www.facebook.com/nicethingshandmade
You can find beautiful handmade ceramics, clothing, jewelry, accessories and more from nationwide artists at Nice Things Handmade. The Passyunk boutique is a must for unique gifts. It has adorable baby gifts as well and is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind items for anyone. The prices are reasonable and the staff is both friendly and knowledgeable.
SWAG Boutique
935 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 888-7246
www.swagphilly.com
SWAG Boutique represents local artists and designers in the Philadelphia area and offers unique home decor, kitchenware and more. The handmade textiles and drawings will enhance your home and also make beautiful keepsakes for someone you love. Plus, shopping for your holiday gifts at a place like SWAG is a great way to support the local art community.
Art Star
623 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-1557
www.artstarphilly.com
Philadelphia has some of the best art schools in the region, and you can find their students' work at a variety of places. Art Star is one of Philly's most recognized shops for local artisan wares. It also has a gallery space that represents local artists' work and changes installments every six weeks, and its ceramic gallery represents artists nationwide. You can find one-of-a-kind baby clothes, prints, accessories and more at Art Star. The shop is located in Northern Liberties, a hub for local Philadelphia artists.
Related: Positively Philadelphia: More Unique Local Holiday Gift Ideas
Moon and Arrow
754 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 469-1448
www.moonandarrow.com
Chelsea Pearce is the artist behind Moon & Arrow, a jewelry line of pieces designed and crafted by Pearce herself. She carries vintage, handcrafted, beaded, fabricated and custom designs. The shop is located in Queen Village and just survived a devastating fire. It also carries vintage furniture, but Pearce has her own space in the building for her handmade pieces. Following the blaze, Moon and Arrow is back in business and will be celebrating its grand reopening soon.
Arcadia Boutique
819 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 667-8099
www.arcadiaboutique.com
Arcadia Boutique specializes in sustainable and eco-friendly merchandise. You can find home decor, apparel, accessories and jewelry -- all handmade from recycled products. Arcadia's original location is the North 2nd Street store, but it just opened a second location in Rittenhouse Square. Arcadia is the perfect place for the green enthusiast this holiday season.
Christina Thompson is a freelance travel writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
