By: Alexandra Cohen
Photography by Ricky Codio
As the holiday season approaches, the brisk air on Main Street feels different. The storefronts are adorned with festive lights, the streets are filled with jolly music, and friends and families are saying cheers to another successful year.
While all of the happiness of celebrating festivities are going on, one may still have a pit of stress in their stomach of what to treat their loved ones to. Picking out a gift for someone that they will like and use may be difficult, but do not fear – Manayunk has something for everyone!
In this charming corner of the world, where the spirit of the season comes to life, Manayunk’s shops and boutiques have prepared a delightful array of gift options to transform that gift-giving anxiety into pure joy.
The Philly Fans
There’s one undeniable truth about Philadelphia: its sports fans are unwaveringly committed. The bustling stores in Manayunk thrive on the support, making it a breeze to showcase your love for the city. So, when you are thinking about what to get your Philadelphia Sports Team loving friend, a stroll up and down Main Street is a must to snag some gear.
Our first recommendation is Minor Details, located at 4401 Main Street. Owner Mallory Minor started her boutique in just September 2023! After having exceptional success through her online Etsy shop, Mallory decided to move her business to a brick and mortar store. The boutique features an array of products that she offers on her online shop, with the addition of jewelry, cute gift items, boutique gifts, and even more. In addition to her shop, she has a wonderful event space that is available for rent.
One of Mallory’s hot items is a perfect gift for someone who is at every Eagle’s tailgate. The Kelly Green Cropped Vest will keep you warm during the all day event of football games. It will differ from all the jerseys your gift receiver will own, but still represent the birds!
To complete the game day experience, consider pairing the vest with reusable glassware or mugs, available in multiple different sayings, sports teams, and color Whether it’s sipping morning coffee or enjoying beverages at the tailgate, you can spoil your sports fan with a touch of Philly pride.
For those who may be a bit more lowkey and watch the game in their man cave, Urbanburb Furniture has some products they can hang up for all the seasons to support. Their unique Philadelphia Eagles Logo is a perfect home decor item.
Urbanburb is home to an amazing selection of high-end design, second hand furniture and housewares. They also create their own pieces using Live Edge Wood Slabs and epoxy. They are able to work with you to create your dream piece of furniture!
Owner, Joe Donohue, creates a sleek – ‘GO BIRDS Solid Epoxy Magnet’ that would pair perfectly with any beer fridge that’s next to the TV blasting the game in your gift receiver’s man cave.
Joe explains why this is the perfect gift for your loved one that is an Eagle’s fan.
“Great for any Philly Football fan and lover of high quality products that will be with them for many seasons to come.”
Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex is a comic book store run by a superhero himself – JD Holden. Catering to all nerdy interests, you can find a wide variety of comic books, action figures, and art. JD is also an artist himself! He designs quirky and fun t-shirts and stickers.
Which leads you to the next store that you can grab interesting products for your Philadelphia Sports loving fan! JD Creates unique and fun t-shirts and stickers. Grab a Gritty sticker for your flyers game with the well known quote that ‘Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia’ or a cool new shirt to sport that represents the Philly culture of climbing the poles to celebrate a big win, or an ode to the big ole orange mascot – Gritty!
The Trend Setter
Do you have that one friend who’s always a style sensation, turning heads wherever they go with their impeccable fashion choices and trendsetting attitude? If so, look no further than Manayunk for their perfect holiday gift! From chic accessories to the latest trendy outfits, Main Street has got you covered when it comes to spoiling your fashion-forward friend.
The Eyeglass Works have been a staple on Main Street for the last 40 years! Jack Goldberg and his wife, Jane, bring a unique and stylish look for important tools for people who need to wear glasses on the regular. Their team always works together to ensure that you find the perfect frames that match your style, needs, and budget.
Among the fashionable eyewear selection at The Eyeglass Works, you’ll find exquisite pieces designed by the renowned French designer, Thierry Lasry. One standout option to consider pampering your gift recipient with is the “Democracy” model, boasting an elegant Amber front complemented by a tortoise temple. This eyeglass design makes a subtle yet distinctive statement, allowing your trendsetting friend to feel confident in their daily eyewear choice.
When you’re on the hunt for an outfit that guarantees to make your loved one the center of attention, look no further than Vamp, the brainchild of Teresa Davis. Vamp is a boutique tailored for those fashion-forward, head-turning friends. With a commitment to staying on top of the latest trends and a wide range of stylish clothing options, any gift from here is sure to put a smile on the recipient’s face.
An awesome gift suggestion for your friend to keep warm is the featured ‘London Chec Sweater’. This fashionable, oversized sweater will keep your gift recipient warm all season long while ensuring they keep their fashion on par. Complete the outfit and let them know they’re loved with a Corduroy Cap labeled with a tasteful ‘Grateful’. They will be grateful for you, and you will too for discovering this amazing boutique!
Started by the two fashionista sisters, Lisa and Laura Anne Lamprou, LILA has been a staple of the Main Street fashion stores for the last seven years. Taking both experiences of traveling around the world and gaining knowledge of the foreign fashion trends, these sisters take those looks to Manayunk! The Lamprou sisters supply the amazing boutique with high quality and unique European styles that you will not find in the regular big box retail stores. On top of that, the customer service is amazing. Walk in, tell them what you are looking for to gift your loved one, and they will be able to point you in the right direction through every step.
One trendy and exclusive line of products you’ll discover at LILA is the ‘Sorena Handmade’ collection. This exceptional quality bag makes for the perfect gift for your always-on-the-go best friend. Laura Anne explains why this unique gift is so special.
“Accessories make a personal statement and Greek designer, SORENA, understands this more than most. Their collection of statement totes are intricately designed in rich velvet and brocade embroidered fabrics, make for the perfect match to your own confident and charismatic personality, and will get you through the day, no matter what you have to carry along with you.
As part of Sorena’s LouLou Bag collection, this stunning piece is a testament to how easy it is to get carried away by the intricate and over the top. Style it with everything and carry it with you 24 hours a day.”
Sleep in Style! Pamper your dearest gal pal with luxurious silk sleep sets. Bid farewell to those baggy t-shirts and upgrade your bedtime ritual. Expect Lace presents an extensive collection of cozy yet sophisticated sleepwear options. Swing by and surprise your loved one with a sleek silk chemise, perfect for pairing with a playful Floral Kimono Robe, and don’t forget to top it off with some adorable slippers.
Expect Lace was born from Shaw Lewis’s vision of creating a secure haven for women to explore luxury lingerie. Here, you’ll find an extensive range of bras in various sizes and adjustments, along with exquisite underwear and lingerie selections. And, let’s not forget the thoughtfully curated choices for men as well. Shaw’s unwavering commitment guarantees that every item in stock is of the highest quality and offers utmost comfort. Treat your fashion-forward friend to one of our luxurious sleep sets, and they’ll be dreaming of you!
Also grab some trendy items from:
Jinxed | 4347 Main Street | Instagram: @jinxedstore
The Entertainer
While Main Street is filled with bustling restaurants and bars that many fill after the long week of work or school, some nights your friends may prefer to order takeout, have a few friends over and just hang out in the house. These stores have the gifts for your entertainer to elevate their home.
Music is a necessity anytime, but especially when you have company. Main Street Music is a highly loved record store that has a special place in the music scene of Philadelphia. They are an independent record store with an extensive collection of records, CDs, and accessories. In addition, owner Pat Feeney and manager Jamie Blood host local musicians in their shop and are often seen at local music events.
Make sure to pay a visit to their shop and discover a one-of-a-kind holiday gift – turntables. Main Street Music offers a fantastic selection, including ones with Bluetooth capabilities for modern convenience or the classic route with the option to play awesome vinyl records. Your recipient will be able to impress their guests at every gathering with this exceptional gift. Don’t forget to complement it with vinyl records from their favorite band or singer for an even more delightful surprise! And don’t forget the accessories to ensure the best kept quality of the items.
The next spot you can get your entertainer a little boozy gift is The Little Apple. Brandy Deieso brings a cheeky and unique gift boutique that has a little something for everyone! Whether it’s for a shower, birthday, anniversary, or the holiday season, Brandy hand selects a high quality, diverse mix of local and small businesses.
Brandy has your back when it comes to finding the perfect and distinctive gift for those who love hosting. Enter Lou’s Liberations, a delightful craft cocktail mixer. All you need to do is fill the jar with your preferred liquor or follow the suggested choices, then pop it in the fridge the night before your guests arrive. When it’s time to party, you can effortlessly serve up these exceptional, hassle-free, and delectable cocktails that are bound to leave your guests impressed.
To add an extra touch of sophistication, pair it with a petal cocktail ice tray. These trays create stunning and distinctive ice cubes, elevating the appearance of your cocktails to match their incredible taste. These gifts are guaranteed to put a smile on your recipient’s face and leave their guests thoroughly impressed at the next gathering.
Sometimes, our dedicated party hosts need a gentle reminder that after a long night of entertaining, they deserve some well-deserved relaxation. Let The Herbal Zen be your go-to for rejuvenation! They specialize in crafting shower steamers right here in Manayunk, entirely produced in-house. The steamers are made from ingredients that are vegan, preservative-free and never include harmful additives or fillers ensuring that you are gifting your loved one a safe product.
For the perfect gift, consider The Herbal Zen’s Shower Steamer Variety Pack. This delightful bundle includes their seven best-selling steamers, featuring two of each: Morning Energy, Morning Citrus Mint, Sleepytime, Stress Fighter, Headache, and Cold Kicker. This thoughtful present allows your bestie to pick the perfect steamer for whatever they may be battling, whether it’s a hangover, a post-party cold, or simply the stress that comes with event planning.
The Fitness Guru
After the holidays, new year’s resolutions are in full swing. Everyone has been enjoying time with family and friends stuffing their faces with delicious food as stories are shared and times feel warm. Some may have lost their routine of going to the gym and getting active everyday, which is okay! Gift your loved ones with a little motivation and encouragement to get back into their fitness routine.
Break the usual cycle of your fitness guru from their regular routine and gift them a new experience! Hot Box Yoga offers a new student package that offers 40 days of unlimited classes for just $40!
Hotbox Yoga is dedicated to fostering a sense of empowerment within the community through the transformative practices of yoga and meditation. They offer a dynamic and accessible yoga experience suitable for individuals of all skill levels. This practice is designed to cultivate physical strength, flexibility, and overall balance in your everyday life. This allows your guru to comfortably break their routine and try something new in a welcoming space. While you are there, buy them their own yoga mat to get all ready for their classes and to look cute while doing it.
Having the right pair of shoes is paramount when it comes to exercising, not only for injury prevention but also for ensuring comfort and performance. Fortunately, Main Street boasts the presence of Philadelphia Runner, a valuable addition to the community. When you step inside, a knowledgeable fit assistant is readily available to guide you through the process. They’ll engage in a conversation to understand your specific needs and goals, ensuring that you leave with a sense of satisfaction and a brand new pair of shoes tailored to your requirements. Additionally, Philadelphia Runner offers an impressive selection of athletic apparel to complement your footwear.
Also check out:
Trek Bikes | 4159 Main Street | trekbikes.com
Cadence Cycling Center | 3740 Main Street | cadencecycling.com
The Pawrents
We all have loved ones that treat their furry little ones like they birthed them themselves. We admire and stand by them in their adoration, which is why it’s equally important to pamper their furry “children.” Manayunk is a community that wholeheartedly embraces the love for dogs and cats. With a plethora of pet-friendly stores in the town, you’re bound to discover the ideal gift that will have these furry friends wagging their tails with joy.
City of Paws is an essential store for all pet owners. The shop is right on Main Street, making it an easy access for the community. They provide all pet essentials and additionally provide resources for pet owners. In addition, they have self-wash tubs to ease bath time and have a comfortable spot to clean your dog. While shopping for a gift, you may even find yourself adopting and becoming the next Pawrent! City of Paws teams up with local rescues and has a rotating home to showcase cats.
One awesome gift you may want to pick up for your best friend’s furry animal is the Plush dog and cat bed! It’s available in multiple sizes, ensuring a snug spot for animals of all sizes to curl up in comfort. Not only is it designed for their comfort, but it’s also absolutely adorable, making it a stylish addition to any room!
And who doesn’t like treats? Spoil your Pawrents furry pooches with some fun treats! At Pet Friendly Dog Bakery, Stephanie Pobihuska Johnson brings healthy and fun treats for your pups. Grab a combination of treats that include funny sayings, human look alike food, or even treat them to game time fun while the humans are indulging with an Eagles array of treats!
If you want to go the extra mile, consider giving the Pawrents a break and take their pup to Main Street for a puppy party! Stephanie hosts a range of events in her shop, complete with a charming dog butterfly mural in the back patio. The dogs are guaranteed to have a blast!
The Bejeweled
“Best believe I’m still bejeweled, When I walk in the room, I can still make the whole place shimmer”
Taylor Swift said it best in her song, Bejeweled! Main Street Manayunk has you covered to make sure your sparkly best friend is spoiled this holiday season and making each and every room they walk in shimmer. Whether you are looking to gift them a staple piece for everyday wear or something a bit unique for when they are getting dressed up, Main Street Manayunk has it all.
And if there is one storefront that knows the best about the holiday and gifting, it is The Emporium by Lady Holiday. Owner, Nidra Nunez, wants to ensure you are celebrating everyday like a holiday. Gift your friends with this feeling by stopping by Lady Holiday! Nidra offers a wide variety of jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and anklets. Always staying on trend, you are guaranteed to find a special gift.
Treat your sparkling loved one with a drawstring necklace. Whether your friend is a silver or a gold girly, Nidra offers in both colors! This is an adorable necklace that can be worn on a special night out, or during the day time to just add a bit of sparkle.
Another special place on Main Street that has been a staple for over 30 years is Gary Mann Jewelers. Run by the iconic couple, Gary and Norma Mann, they bring this premier boutique for custom, estate, and designer jewelry. Stop by during their hours or book a private and intimate appointment. They will guide you the right way to find the perfect gift.
One amazing pair of earrings that Norma believes would be the perfect gift is the tear drop shaped 18 karat and white gold earrings. Catching everyone’s eye the moment you walk in, people will be floored with the sparkles. An absolutely stunning pair of earrings.
Romance is really in the air come the holidays. There is truly no better time than when you are surrounded by family and friends to give the most special gift – an engagement ring. Sami Nakishbendi, the owner and designer of fine jewelry boutique and online store Bendi Jewelers, has been designing and handcrafting his custom jewelry creations for over two decades, staying true to the brand’s core philosophy — to design with simplicity, enduring quality and beauty in mind with the introduction of each new collection. Complete the holiday season with a romantic ring that will celebrate love.
Find more sparkle at:
Wilson’s Estate Jewelry | 4319 Main Street | wilsonestatejewelry.com
Martin Pulli Fine Jewelry & Watches | 4337 Main Street | martinpulli.com
The holidays can be an overall stressful time, but when you come to Main Street Manayunk you won’t have to worry. Bundle up, grab a coffee and a treat from one of the local coffee shops, and take a stroll down all the retail shops. Here, you’ll experience attentive and personalized service. Say goodbye to anxieties about delivery delays or receiving overpriced products from big-box stores that don’t match the quality you desire. This holiday season, make the choice to shop local, shop Main Street Manayunk, and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience!