The holiday season is already upon us but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on sustainability when shopping for last-minute gifts. We’ve got a wide array of gift ideas sourced from local and sustainable businesses for everyone on your list to inspire you to make an informed purchase while saving you precious time.

Remember that when you gift sustainably you support the work of people and businesses in our community that are actively contributing to the well-being of our neighborhoods and the environment. Whether you patronize local businesses, prioritize gifts that keep materials out of the landfill, or look for ways to do away with physical items and give the gift of experiences, your actions make a big impact and your recipients will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Local & Sustainable Brick & Mortar Shops

United by Blue

We love that United by Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold and prioritizes ethical manufacturing. Check the gift guide section on their site for ideas for everyone on your list like an adorable Greta Thunberg tree ornament to Hemp Socks, beanies, backpacks, and great outdoor wear. Pop into their flagship shop at 205 Race St. to pick up your last-minute gifts or purchase gift card online that can be delivered right to their inbox.

Remark Glass

This Philly-based company makes stunning recycled glassware including bowls, barware, decanters, vases, and pendant lights. Browse their selection online and stop by their shop in the Bok Bldg.,1901 S. 9^th St. Have some glassware at home to donate for reuse? Go ahead and schedule a drop off with their sister company Bottle Underground and bring it with you when you shop for gifts.

Dope Botanicals

Visit our tenants Nakia Taahirah Stith at Dope Botanicals located at 257 South 20^th for a contemporary take on plant-based wellness. Voted “2022 Best Herbal Apothecary” by Philadelphia Magazine, this is where you’ll find lotions, potions, and notions for your loved ones. Treat someone to a special tea blend, or choose a from their selection of unique bitters, tonics & elixirs. Dope Botanicals also hosts events and workshops, contact them for more information on how you can purchase one as a gift.

Lobo Mau

Brother and sister design team, Jordan and Nicole Haddad, create sustainably manufactured Slow Fashions for men and women. Their limited edition hand-made prints are coveted for their unique design and soft comfy fabrics. Visit the Lobo Mau store at 700 S 6th St. for ethically-made clothing, accessories and housewares.

Moon & Arrow

Moon & Arrow is your one-stop-shop for small batch, sustainably made, women-owned brands at 742 S 4th Street. The shop stocks a selection of beautifully crafted jewelry, apparel, accessories, home goods, baby clothes, toys, books, bath and body products.

Cycling Gifts

According to a UCLA study, just moderate increases in bicycle use each year could save an estimated 6 to 14 million tons of CO2. And who wouldn’t love getting a beautiful bicycle? Whether it’s the first bike for your child, a mountain bike for Dad or an e-bike, Firth & Wilson Transport Cycles at 1315 N. Howard St. has you covered. While you are there, we won’t judge you if you pick out a new ride for yourself. Want to get something for a friend who is already a cyclist? Gift them a membership for the Philadelphia Bike Club.

Hanukkah Gifts

If there is a deserving “mensch” on your gift list, give him a Mensch baseball shirt or baseball cap from the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall. Plus books, baby gifts, jewelry and décor.100 percent of its store’s proceeds go to support the museum. 

Gift Membership Perks

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Membership

A tax-deductible gift of $50 or more entitles your recipient to a number of year-round membership benefits – the most important benefit being the gratifying feeling of stepping up to help strengthen the community, create healthy living environments, and increase access to fresh food. Becoming a PHS Member allows guests to receive discounted or free Flower Show tickets (March 4-12, 2023) and have access to the show grounds before it opens each day to the public.

Franklin Institute Membership

Gift the star-gazer or aspiring astrophysicist on your list a membership to Philly’s nationally acclaimed Science Museum & Planetarium which includes admission to the World Premiere of the Disney 100 Exhibition, opening Feb 2023, celebrating over one hundred years of the Walt Disney Company.

Athenaeum Membership

For aspiring architecture or history buffs, consider gifting them a prestigious membership at the Athenaeum on Washington Square. Established in 1814, the Athenaeum membership offers free or discounted tickets to concerts, book discussions, behind-the-scenes visits to local historic sites, and more. 

Events & Experiences

For the Aspiring Paleontologist: Night in the Museum

Do you have an aspiring paleontologist at home or simply a child who takes their stuffed T-Rex everywhere? Give him or her a night at the Museum of Natural History! You and your child will experience the Academy’s towering dinosaurs after dark, explore every corner of the Academy’s famous exhibits, plus a live animal show. Check out awesome specimens, do hands-on experiments and see the museum as you never have before. VIP guests will receive an Academy T-shirt and patch, an Academy dinosaur pin and other exclusive gifts to commemorate your stay. 

For the Fitness Enthusiast: Yoga & Pilates Classes

Give the gift of rejuvenation and health by buying someone a workshop at Thrive Yoga & Pilates, a yoga and pilates studio founded by Hally Bayer at 2016 Walnut. Choose from a wide variety of events including a Beginners Pilates Workshop, Beginner’s Yoga, or treat them to 3 Private Sessions with a private client intro pack. They also have gift cards available for purchase online.

Solo Real Estate wishes everyone a joyful Holiday and a great New Year!