To make this year’s holidays sustainable, start by buying gifts from local shops specializing in natural, cruelty-free products that do not harm the planet. Philadelphia is blessed to have an abundance of shops featuring a wide variety of handcrafted gifts made by area artisans. We hope the below guide helps you discover some of Philadelphia’s small businesses and sustainable shops.

Visit Holiday Markets and Maker Spaces

Support local makers by shopping at the Philly Holiday Market at Dilworth Park (West side of City Hall) featuring local artisans, designers, crafters, and jewelers. Check out the hand-blown glass demos. Open Sun.-Thur. 12-8 pm; Fri-Sat 12-9 pm. Pick up a hot beverage to keep warm and some French macarons while looking over the huge selection of gifts for everyone on your list. Your purchase supports a local craftsman! To avoid crowds, shop on a weekday afternoon.

Bok, 1901 S. 9th St, is filled with makers and they all have a mission. We particularly like the mission of Franklin & Whitman who donate a percentage of every sale to dog rescue organizations and pledge that every single ingredient they use is cruelty-free and plant-based. As if that wasn’t enough, they also participate in a glass recycling program in coordination with Remark Glass. Oh, so what do they sell? Wonderful little products like Vitamin C Eye Serum reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and reduce fine lines. Unlike similar products sold at Sephora or CVS, the ingredients of Franklin & Whitman products are all-natural and devoid of harsh chemicals. 

Home Goods, Crafts, and More

Be prepared to spend time at Moon and Arrow, 742 S. 4th St. on historic Fabric Row. This is a swoon-worthy shop filled with handmade jewelry, crafts, apothecary, home goods, and clothing for women of all ages, along with infants. Plus some accessories for men. The most difficult person to please on your list, including your mother who swears she “doesn’t need anything” will melt when she sees the delicate gold necklace you bought her. While there, pick up a pair of tapered candles for yourself. 

Good Buy Supply, 1737 E. Passyunk Ave. is the ultimate sustainability store. They even sell the perfect book for someone just starting a sustainable lifestyle, entitled The Sustainable Home. For gift bags, your recipients will use again and again, buy Recycled Newspaper Gift Bags made from actual newspapers from around the world! 

Ray’s Reusables, an eco-friendly general store in Northern Liberties also has great little gifts from vegan soaps to beeswax candles in the shape of snails, owls, rabbits, etc. You can shop in-store, online, or at one of their weekly pop-ups. For the most sustainable option, shop locally in person. 

Clothing and Textiles

Fishtown’s Modest Transitions, 312 E. Girard St., a natural dye and textile studio offers yarns in an astounding assortment of natural colors for weavers, knitters, and crocheters, as well as workshops. If you know a crafty person, buy them a gift certificate for a workshop in dyeing, sewing, and knitting or to make the sweater of their dreams. Or perhaps an Indigo Block Printing Kit for an aspiring textile designer or printmaker.

For sustainable clothes for men and women at Bok, visit Lobo Mau (Bad Wolf in Portuguese). A Zero Waste, Slow Fashion company run by sister and brother team, Nicole & Jordan Haddad, they turn recycled sweatshirt fabric into stunning fashions. Their best seller is a 1940s-style, open-front “Pom Jacket” with deep pockets and cuffs.

Wellness

Stressed out over the holiday mayhem? Dope Botanicals, 257 S 20th St has the answer! Their Mellow Mood Box is designed to nurture the nervous system and uplift the mood. It includes Don’t Fret Tea, Love Bomb Elixir, and Rose Gold Powder. Together, these products offer a holistic approach to mental and physical well-being, helping find balance and enhance their mood.  Know someone who has been feeling under the weather? Buy them an Immunity Box, containing everything to support the immune system, enhance recovery, and promote overall well-being. This exclusive box includes four premium products designed to elevate your health.

Thrive Pilates & Yoga, 2016 Walnut St., has an assortment of gift ideas that are as exciting as a box of chocolates but will get the recipient in better shape. Choose from gift certificates for Private Plates or Yoga sessions, Healing Sound Baths, Breathwork, or a beginner’s Reformer Pilates Workshop.

Non-Physical Gifts

Speaking of gift certificates, you should also consider non-physical gifts, such as a workshop for a crafty friend, tickets to a local event, or a meaningful experience that creates lasting memories. By choosing to gift experiences, you’re not only keeping stuff out of the landfill but you’re also sharing unique presents that will be memorable for years to come. 

Want to warm up a friend’s holiday? Buy them (and yourself) tickets to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show, March 1-9. Your gift will support the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s efforts to create healthy living environments and increase access to fresh food for those who live in Philly’s food deserts.

Is there someone on your gift list who lost a beloved pet this year? Make a donation in their pet’s name to PAWS which allows you to create a custom gift card, $25-$500. Your donation will support foster programs, advanced vet care, and your choice of many caring pet services. These virtual gifts make a real difference for Philadelphia’s homeless pets.

This holiday give gifts with a purpose and support local artisans and small businesses that are dedicated to protecting our planet. Whether you’re shopping for eco-friendly beauty products, one-of-a-kind home goods, or wellness treats, Philadelphia’s vibrant local scene offers plenty of options to make your gifts thoughtful and impactful.

For more sustainable shops check out our featured business series highlighting places like Fishtown Seafood, STITCH & DESTROY,and more.