This holiday season, support Philly’s local makers, crafters, and nonprofit organizations for a more sustainable gifting experience. In this guide, we cover holiday markets in Philadelphia and gift ideas to put a smile on the faces of everyone on your list.

Holiday Pop-Ups

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Now through Jan 1, 2024, Sun – Thurs: 12 pm – 8 pm; Fri – Sat.: 12 pm – 9 pm. 

This year’s makers market on the West Side of City Hall features area artisans, designers, crafters, and jewelers offering unique handmade gifts for all ages. Bring the kids to enjoy the Rothman Roller Rink. Dilworth Park at the West Side of City Hall Philadelphia 1 S 15th St.

Thunderbird Salvage Christmas. Now through Dec. 31, Fri-Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This beloved Kensington Thift and Vintage Shop offers Christmas decor including trees, ornaments vintage gifts, plus a Christmas photobooth and a Friday wine series. 2856 Frankford Ave.

Bartram’s Garden Handmade Holidays, Sat., Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local artisans and other vendors with a gift-wrapping station, s’mores and snacks, a pie-baking contest, card- and wreath-making, a family holiday portrait opportunity, and more.  5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

Mrs. Claus Holiday Market, Sat., Dec. 2, 12-4 p.m.

The Sisterly Love Collective and South Street Headhouse District presents gifts from local woman-owned businesses. Headhouse Shambles, 2nd and Pine.

reFlea Vendor Market, Sat., Dec. 2, 12-5 p.m.

The Resource Exchange,1800 N. American St., offers a selection of refurbished or upcycled DIY supplies, clothes, jewelry, decor, gifts, and more.

Fiber Craft Holiday Market. Sat., Dec. 9, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Weavers House presents a fiber arts holiday market with 60 vendors offering items from yarn to woven earrings. Bok Bldg., 821 Dudley St.

HANDMADE x El Mercado Cultural, Sat., Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St., presents a market featuring local artisans and vendors participating in their initiative focused on contributing free creative and marketing resources to new merchants, restaurant owners, and vendors. 719 Catharine St.

Trans Art Market, Sun., Dec. 10, 11 a.m – 5 p.m.

This market offers gift ideas made by local trans artists. Bok Bldg. 821 Dudley St.

Memberships

Gifting a membership at a local cultural institution is a great way to support one of the many nonprofits in our City. It can also be a sustainable choice as you are gifting experiences and resources, instead of physical items. Below is just a short list of the many possibilities.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)

Join Solo Real Estate in supporting PHS efforts to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region with access to fresh food, healthy living environments, deep social connections, and economic opportunities. A tax-deductible gift entitles you to year-round benefits, including a discount or complimentary tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show,  discounts at garden centers and florists, and invitations to members-only events.

The Franklin Institute

An individual or family membership at the Franklin Institute will provide countless hours of special events and educational activities for little scientists, techies, and future doctors. Their membership will also be valid at over 250 science museums nationwide. 

Athenaeum of Philadelphia

This architecturally significant, historic library hosts book clubs and lectures featuring authors, architects, and scholars from the humanities and sciences. 

The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art and PAFA

Gifting a membership in one of Philly’s fine art museums is a thoughtful gift for art lovers of all ages. It will expand their appreciation and participation in exhibitions, lectures, and special events.

Philadelphia Zoo

Pandas may be gone from the Washington Zoo but adorable red pandas are still frolicking at the Philly Zoo, along with a huge array of fascinating animals. A family or individual gift membership will provide countless hours of pleasure and support animal conservation. Or Adopt an Animal of your choice for $75 and your recipient will receive a plush version delivered by mail with a certificate of adoption and an animal fact sheet. Talk about bragging rights!

Workshops & Classes

Whatever their passion or age, your gift of a class will expand their knowledge and support their interest. Consider Old City Kitchen cooking classes for kids, adults, and couples. Art, dance, music, and theater arts classes for children at UArts on Saturdays. Or art classes for high school students at PAFA for all ages at Fleisher Art Memorial. No wasteful wrapping is required!

Support Independent bookstores

Totally befuddled about what to get Uncle Marvin or looking for a gift for the book lover in your life? Give them a gift certificate from a local independent bookstore. Here are just a sampling of our favorites.

The Head & The Hand, 2230 Frankford Ave.

This charming Fishtown shop is also a Philadelphia-based non-profit book publisher and writers’ workshop. They regularly host events, writing classes, and arts programming, including children’s story time, private date nights, and more. H&H stocks new and used fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, as well as many books from local authors.

Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, Mt Airy.

This woman-owned bookstore has a diverse selection representing its community. Books for kids, teens, and adults from all walks of life with an inviting second-floor reading room.

Uncle Bobby’s Bookshop, 5445 Germantown Ave.

Besides books, this fun bookshop offers coffees, chai, bagels, vegan pastries, and more. 

A Novel Idea, 1726 E. Passyunk Avenue.

A neighborhood bookstore that supports local authors. They not only have a wonderful collection of books. Give a gift certificate so your recipient can choose their own adventure.