-Content courtesy of En Route Marketing
Feature photo: Battleship New Jersey Gift Bundle
Shop local this holiday season! Our friends at En Route Marketing have multiple ways to support local businesses while shopping for your loved ones. Find gifts for all ages and price points, ranging from one-of-a-kind ceramic and wood pieces to memorable experiences, including theater tickets and more.
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum | Membership
Nestled along the Delaware River in Bucks Country, Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum (1237 State Road, Andalusia, PA 19020) offers the perfect respite from the city. Located just 13 miles from Philadelphia, this destination is the ideal day trip for those looking to spend time outdoors. The 100-acre property is the ancestral home of the Biddle family and is a natural paradise of native woodlands and spectacular formal gardens. Over 800 trees and 250 unique specimens and cultivars from around the world make Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum a year-round destination. Overlooking the Delaware River, the “Big House” is an early 19th-century Greek Revival mansion with a monumental columned porch. “The Big House” was placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1966.
This holiday season, give a membership to Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum. A membership provides many unique perks, including admission to Open Saturdays, complimentary tickets to Public Tours including tours inside the “Big House,” and a subscription to The Column, Andalusia’s bi-yearly newsletter. Friends of Andalusia Memberships start at just $50.
Battleship New Jersey | Holiday Gift Bundle
Back by popular demand, Battleship New Jersey’s Holiday Gift Bundle returns for 2021. The unique gift package includes two adult general admission tour tickets, a Battleship New Jersey pictorial book, a small piece of the Battleship New Jersey’s original teak deck, and a Pewter Battleship Christmas ornament.
The bundle can be purchased for $69.99 online (https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/shop) or in person at the Battleship New Jersey gift shop through the end of December.
Carpenters’ Hall | Gift Shop Ideas
Constructed in 1774, Carpenters’ Hall was the site of the First Continental Congress, one of the most critical steps in achieving colonial independence. Today, the historic landmark is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to the public. The on-site gift shop features an eclectic collection of souvenirs and gifts related to colonial and revolutionary history, including books, prints, and more.
From stocking stuffers starting at $5 to gifts for the history buff in your life, the gift shop at Carpenters’ Hall is the perfect place to learn about American history while also supporting it! Top items include An Ingenious Excuse: The True Story of Patrick Lyon and the First Great American Bank Robbery, Carpenters’ Hall print by Loud De Moll, and Robert Smith: Architect, Builder, Patriot by legendary preservationist and historian Charlie Peterson.
Shop on-site or virtually at https://carpentershall.square.site/. Shoppers can receive 10% off an online order with code “VP1221.” Each purchase helps maintain and preserve American history and the legacy of Carpenters’ Hall.
Center for Art in Wood | Membership and Gift Shop Ideas
This holiday season, shop The Center for Art in Wood either online or in-person for handmade wooden gifts. The museum shop features one-of-a-kind wood art, jewelry pieces, and bowls from more than 50 talented artists.
If you’re looking for an ideal holiday present, The Center for Art in Wood’s shop includes many ornaments, including a hand-painted and turned holly piece by local artist Robert Rosand for $50. The shop also has many featured items, including intricate wall workpieces by Philip Roberts ranging from $250 to $550, turned wooden bowls by David Lory and Alan Adler starting at $24, and Tara Locklear’s jewelry made from reclaimed skateboards. There’s something for everyone with the museum’s range of wooden art crafts.
Give the gift of memberships this year! Starting at $55, memberships levels include discounts on museum and online store purchases, discounts for conferences and workshops, and invitations to museum events and openings, and more!
Shop in person or virtually at https://the-center-for-art-in-wood.myshopify.com. Museum holiday hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The museum will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Orders for shipping will be accepted until December 17.
Chestnut Hill Business District | Chestnut Hill Gift Certificates
This holiday season, surprise your loved one with a Chestnut Hill gift certificate to one of over 220 retailers, businesses, and restaurants. Available in convenient $25 and $50 denominations, the certificates are the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys distinctive boutique shopping, delicious culinary experiences, luxurious personal services, and the charming backdrop of Philadelphia’s urban village. Chestnut Hill gift certificates are a great way to support the neighborhood’s 220-plus small businesses.
Order gift cards in person at the Chestnut Hill Welcome Center at 8514 Germantown Avenue by calling 215-247-6696 or purchase online. See the complete directory of Chestnut Hill Business District’s establishments HERE.
The Clay Studio | Closer with Clay
Shop at Old City-based The Clay Studio either online or in-person for a variety of handmade specialty gifts. The Shop features one-of-a-kind ceramics, including tableware, decorative art objects, jewelry, tiles, books, and boutique items created by over 140 artists, many of which are local to the Philadelphia area.
The Clay Studio’s Ornaments from the Artist’s Studio collection celebrates the holiday season withhandmade ornaments starting at just $19.95! Decorate your tree with one of Kip O’Krongly’s colorful farm animal ornaments or Nicole Aquillano’s intricate blue and white hand-drawn designs depicting the Ben Franklin Bridge, Eiffel Tower, snowflakes, and more. Patrons can expect to see new ornaments added to the collection to purchase throughout the holiday season!
The holidays are a perfect time for arts and craft activities; The Clay Studio offers DIY ornament kits, fun for the whole family – available for $25! Inspire the joy of ceramic art in your little one with kits that include four blank handmade ornaments, two brushes, and paints.
For rare, higher-priced gifts, shoppers can peruse The Clay Studio’s original ceramic pieces made by some of Philadelphia’s biggest artists, guaranteed to stand out in any collection. The Clay Studio has several gorgeous vessels and tableware that are sure to delight everyone at your next holiday gathering.
Fifty percent of all purchases from The Clay Studio go directly to the artists and 50% of proceeds return to the non-profit operations of The Clay Studio, which serves 35,000 people, including 2,000 underserved school children each year.
Online orders must be received by December 12 to ensure delivery by December 25. Curbside pick-up is also available through Christmas Eve. Free local delivery for purchases over $100.
CraftNOW | “Craft Capital: Philadelphia’s Cultures of Making”
This holiday season, CraftNOW introduces its second published work, “Craft Capital: Philadelphia’s Cultures of Making,” edited by Glenn Adamson. The book commemorates Philadelphia’s dedication to art and history from 1751 through 2019 — the fifth anniversary of CraftNOW — and tracks the transformation of Philadelphia’s expanding craft world. The book highlights the evolving history of Philadelphia and its skilled artists using photo essays from more than 10 local contributors.
Perfect for display on a coffee table or wrapped neatly for a loved one, “Craft Capital: Philadelphia’s Cultures of Making” is a one-of-a-kind gift for art and history lovers alike. Purchase “Craft Capital” at local Head House Books, located at 619 South 2nd Street.
Souderton Connects | Souderton Gift Cards
This season, Souderton Connects is spreading holiday cheer with the new Souderton Gift Card. The community-based digital gift card is the perfect way to give back to the community while celebrating the holiday season. Write a personal message and send it to family, friends, or colleagues via email and text, or give it as a gift in person with a printable copy. Recipients can choose to spend it at one of the participating merchants in the Borough of Souderton — or mix it up and spend flexibly at multiple locations. Participating businesses range from eclectic restaurants, art galleries, theaters, and retail stores.
Gift cards can be purchased online (https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/souderton) in convenient denominations or for a custom amount. Now through 12/30/2021, buy a $50 gift certificate, get a $10 bonus gift certificate; buy a $100 gift certificate, get a $20 bonus gift certificate. Bonus gift cards expire 1/31/2022. See the full list of participating Souderton Connects businesses HERE.
Theatre Exile | Tickets to The Motherf**ker with the Hat / February 3 – 27, 2022
Support the local arts by purchasing tickets to South Philadelphia-based theater company Theatre Exile’s 25th anniversary season! The second show in the season, The Motherf**ker with the Hat,written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Stephen Adly Guirgis and directed by Ozzie Jones, is a Tony Award-nominated show which made its Broadway debut in 2011. The Motherf**ker with the Hat will heat up the Theatre Exile’s stage from February 3 through 27, 2022.
Just released from prison, Jackie lives with his childhood sweetheart Veronica and is staying clean with the help from his too-smooth sponsor Ralph D. Things are looking up for Jackie until he spots another man’s hat in their apartment. The Motherf**ker with the Hat by Pulitzer Prize-winner Stephen Adly Guirgis is a fast-paced, brutally funny, foul-mouthed look at modern love, friendship, addiction, and the challenges of adulthood.
Tickets to The Motherf**ker with the Hat are available now and can be purchased online or by calling 215-218-4022. Ticket prices start at just $10. Or delight the theater lover in your life and let them decide on a show of their choosing — gift them a Theatre Exile gift certificate, available online or by calling 215-218-4022. Gift certificates can be redeemed for a preview or general ticket for any Theatre Exile production.
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