Explore Philly’s Awesome Holiday Gift Guide from Frugal to Fabulous

Whatever you do, don’t buy your dad another tie and your mom some lame kitchen gadget. How incredibly boring. Instead check out this epic gift guide that will make the people in your life smile – for real – and maybe you’ll even get a big bear hug out of the deal! And don’t worry we’ve got your bank account in mind too from financial babies to ballers, we’ve got your back.

For the Foodies:

Bread that is not “bread”. Barely Bread artisan-quality loaves, rolls and bagels blend wholesome ingredients, satisfying taste and texture, and genuine nutrition… with absolutely nothing to hide. Every loaf of Barely Bread is full of amazing flavor — made from a blend of organic eggs, almond flour, apples, and other ingredients you’d be proud to have in your pantry. While most bread alternatives sneak in extra sugar and carbs, Barely Bread comes with a clean conscience… and plenty of fiber, protein and Omega 3s. Every bite is full satisfying flavor with a firm, appealing texture that’s perfect for toast, a sandwich, or any way you love bread.

100% Grain-Free Savory Roll: Slow-baked artisan rolls, perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or served warm with any meal. Hearty flavor with hints of onion and garlic. (4 per pack) SRP: $9.99

100% Grain-Free Onion-Garlic-Sea Salt Bagel: Slow-baked artisan bagels, delicious toasted with your favorite spread. Topped with traditional “everything” ingredients. (4 per pack) SRP: $13.99

100% Grain-Free Onion-Garlic-Sea Salt Baguette: Slow-baked French-style baguettes, perfect with olive oil or tapenade. Made with savory black olives. (2 per pack) SRP: $9.99

100% Grain-Free Sliced Loaf: Slow-baked artisan loaves perfect for sandwiches, toast, or your favorite spread. Nutty flavor with hints of almond and hazelnut. SRP: $14.99

Just in time for the holidays, extravaGONZO has expanded its collection of gourmet infused olive oils, introduced at the Fancy Food Show last June. The perfect gift for foodies, the four flavors include: Jalapeño Lime, Roasted Garlic, Blood Orange and Meyer Lemon.They’ve also added Creamy White and Red Balsamic vinegars from Modena Italy to the collection. Rounding out the line are two distinct vinegars from Italy: White and Dark Balsamics (made with grape must). From now through December 30, we will offer a 20% discount to our readers for any size order with code “Gonzo1”. Cook, drizzle, splash and pour with reckless abandon! To order, find recipes and/or learn more about Tom Stevens, extravaGONZO creator, visit: www.extravagonzofoods.com

 

For the Gadget Geeks:

Light therapy device that stimulates collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles from technology developed by NASA so you know its the real deal. 100% effective, safe, FDA-approved and its made in the USA! Pure Rayz $249

Go Puck is wearable power for your phone, tablet and GoPro. This is our favorite gadget so far since there is no solar power well, anything yet. It charges your phone up to 8 times before it needs recharging. Keeps a GoPro going all day! Super fast and durable, encased in rubber so it bounces unlike your cell phone. $99

Roadie is an app-based shipping community that launched in the Southeast in January 2015, and has since become available in all 50 states. Roadie launched in Philadelphia on Nov. 9. By tapping into the more than one billion square feet of excess capacity in passenger vehicles already on the road, Roadie is bringing disruptive innovation to the $90 billion shipping industry.  The service connects people with stuff to send with drivers heading in the right direction. Roadie’s model enables efficient, low cost delivery for senders and rewards drivers for trips they were already taking. It’s quickly becoming the go-to delivery solution for large, awkward or delicate items. From patio furniture to pets, Roadie makes ‘out-of-the box’ delivery as easy and convenient as ordering a pizza. Roadie delivers what people need right to their door, same-day, next day, and even on weekends. Both the sender and receiver can track deliveries in real-time via smartphone and goods are protected up to $10,000 through UPS Capital®. Pricing is determined by distance and urgency, in addition to size. Most local Gigs will cost between $8 and $50, and long distance Gigs with oversized items can pay up to $650 and even more for delivery Pets. The Roadie app is available for download in the iTunes Store and on Google Play. To learn more about the world’s first neighbor-to-neighbor shipping network, visit www.roadie.com.

For the Booze Lover:

Tervis makes American-made drink ware products with a lifetime guarantee. Choose from thousands of designs from every major brand (NFL, Disney, Marvel, Harley. Hello Kitty etc). You can personalize and design your own tumblers, water bottles, mugs, sippy cups and wine glasses. Price $11-$25

What’s better than beer and pretzels? At Boardwalk Food Co., they think it’s beer IN the pretzels. Their craft beer pretzel mixes take 30 minutes to make using your favorite beer. Available in 3 flavors. $7.99

For the Sports Nut:

Two friends got together and recently started a company called FANCHEST which is the perfect gift for all sports fans. Essentially its a box that offers exclusive products which are not available in stores or online and are approved by over 80 officially licensed top brands – and delivered right to your door. Right now they are a one-time buy, but in the near future they will be subscription based. They currently offer boxes for many New York teams including Giants, Jets, Yankees, Mets, Rangers. They also have Patriots, Steelers, Penguins, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Blackhawks and  Dallas Cowboys. Sorry gang, no Eagles… yet but soon!

The Tyler Seguin Collection featuring hats however all items will focus on function, quality, and design. The line is collaboration between Seguin and his in house design team. The collection will focus on hats and develop seasonally with new styles being added. www.tylerseguin.com The Classic Collection – Inspired by Tyler Seguin’s personal baseball cap collection the Classic is a cap for everyday. Available in Black each snap back baseball cap has the puff embroidery Tyler Seguin logo. There is a choice of black, silver, white, and aubergine. New colors will be added each season. The snapback caps have a modern – clean design that reflects Seguin’s personal style. Giving back! $5.00 from each cap sold will be donated to the the Dallas Stars Foundation/Seguin Stars.

For the Flower Child:

As the year comes to a close, it is time to make way for change and new positive energy. Just a few sprays a day can make or break the atmosphere around you so why wait? The Vibe Spray was created to remove negative energy from a space including hotel rooms, your car, office or your home and comes in a Travel Size (2oz.) and Regular Everyday Size (8oz.). Made with essential oils and is all natural! Retail Prices: $19.99 Large, $9.99 Small

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has stocking stuffers, one-of-a-kind experiences, or membership gifts sure to please friends and family. Below are a few ideas to get you started:

Flower Show Tickets: Give someone a day filled with color! The 2017 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show will transport guests to a rainbow of landscapes bursting with tulips, hyacinths and daffodils.  Purchase tickets for “Holland: Flowering the World,” March 11 to 19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Print-at-home tickets are ideal for last-minute shoppers! Online prices range from $15 to $28, see details here.

Garden Spa Appointment: Schedule a spa experience at the Flower Show for the significant other on your list.  A visit to the Garden Spa, located on the Concourse, includes unlimited time in the massage chair, customized essential oils, and handmade potpourri, plus champagne and chocolate. Price: $20. Add a ten-minute shoulder, hand, or foot massage for a complete relaxation experience. Price: $10, see details here.

Garden Tea: Step into a calm oasis in the Garden Tea at the Flower Show. Book a seat for you and a friend and enjoy traditional, specialty blend, and herbal teas paired with a delicate and delicious luncheon menu.  Prices range from $28 to $56, see details here.

Early Morning Tour: Give someone the ultimate, up-close and personal view of the Flower Show with an Early Morning Tour. Experience the show with a small, private group led by a knowledgeable guide, before doors open to the public. Tickets include the tour and same-day admission to the show. Price: $110, see details here.

Early Morning Photography Tour: Give the photographer on your list an Early Morning Photography Tour led by a nationally renowned photographer. Participants will learn tips and techniques, as well as the best vantage points for photography, before doors open to the public. Tickets include the tour and same-day admission to the show. Price: $130, see details here.

Sponsor a Child to Visit the Flower Show:  Help PHS foster a love of horticulture and natural surroundings in children from Greater Philadelphia. This gift to PHS will enable more students from pre-school through high school to experience the important and essential connection between plants and people. Price: $10, see details here

PHS Membership: Give the gift of membership to the gardener on your list. Membership includes tickets to the Flower Show, publications, discounts, and invitations to special events. Price: Individual membership begins at $55, see details here

Give the Gift of a Tree: Trees are a wonderful way to honor someone and support the Plant One Million initiative at the same time. PHS will send a beautiful tree gift recognition card to the recipient, letting them know of this special gift. Price: $100, see details here.

Doublehighfive brooklyn bracelets are made by hand from recycled rubber flip flops by women in Mali. doublehighfive bracelets are washable, durable, and soft.  You can wear them in the shower, the pool, at the beach, or working out. They come in multiple colors from black and grey to pink, green, purple and more and are not just for the ladies.

Jamberry is a nail company whose signature nail wraps are easy to apply at home with basic manicure tools and a heat source. They come in over 300 designs per season. Jamberry is a direct sales company, empowering women nationwide to launch their own Jamberry businesses with flexible working hours. They also hold licensing deals with NFL, NCAA, Disney, Marvel Comics and more. We like the shimmery ones best for the holidays but they also have fun flowers and bright, cheery colors too.

For the Hat Lovers:

Jacqui is an homage to the jockey-style caps of the mod ’60s. Shown above in soft, ivory wool felt trimmed with a rust colored suede band and gleaming gold tone horse bit. Simple, classic – and packable, too! What’s more, the hat can be worn with the bit in front, or turned to the side as a face-framing cloche. Try it with an ivory or light brown pea coat, or to add a bit of polish when paired with boots, jeans and a cozy wrap. Fits an average head size of 22.5 inches. This hat is made to order in ivory, brown or black wool felt. Band available in rust, palomino or black suede; horse bit is available in silver tone or gold tone. Please contact tareymillinery@gmail.com for questions or to order this hat or more. Jacqui Wool Felt Cap/Cloche $99.00 + shipping For more info, visit www.tiffanyareymillinery.com.

For the Beauty Buff:

For the Boutique Traveler:

We worked with Chloe Johnston since she came on the Philadelphia scene with her vintage couture fashion and her luxury NYC trip expansion and she knows a thing or two about travel – and delicious wine! They specialize in tailored luxury travel that perfectly pairs your lifestyle interests and Bucket List destinations. Discover new places while taking advantage of exclusive opportunities curated expressly for clients through Chloe Johnston experiences from men’s and women’s tailored NYC trips to Europe and beyond. For wine trips, Johnston is launching a trio of amazing experiences in Napa and Sonoma. And let’s not forget France, Johnston’s favorite place (and one of ours) above.

Check out these upcoming Chloe Johnston wine trips: 

March 30th – April 3rd 2017

The three-part wine series kicks off in Calistoga, a mecca for wine aficionados seeking luxurious therapeutic beauty and wellness treatments, outdoor adventure, arts and culture, to-die-for cuisine, incredible views, and, of course, delectable wines. While visiting Davis Estates, our featured winery, you and your fellow travelers will experience both the winemakers’, and owners’, very special vision for the terroir and wine. From its exceptional collection of art, to its inviting architecture, and elegant, full-bodied wines, this extraordinary destination  seamlessly captures old world tradition while blazing its future vision—quite magical, and a once in a blue moon opportunity.

June 22 – June 26 2017

Join for a memorable wine getaway featuring access to an elite, private vineyard, rarely open to outsiders. This coveted stretch of land and its glorious vines have been transformed into one of the most prolific vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, yet remains distinctly low-profile. Among the many best kept secrets is its world renowned vintner, Luc Morlet, a  fourth generation winemaker whose sensibilities reflect a long cultivated family philosophy of “passion, terroir and savior-faire.” One of viticulture’s most exceptional talents, Morlet has planted deep roots with owners Jessica and Drew Johnson. Of course, we don’t want to give away all the juicy details of how this pristine terroir blossomed under both Morlet and its owners. You, as our guest, will be able to hear, firsthand, how this incredible partnership came to be.

September 28 – October 2 2017

The third wine experience takes you to Kinsella Estates, a very special, organically farmed vineyard renowned for its luscious, award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon handcrafted with the ultimate expertise and care by legendary winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown. Since its inaugural vintage, this Dry Creek Valley winery has consistently received high accolades from The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and Vinous Media. Elevated 500 feet above the Russian River and overflowing with flora, fauna and amazing wine, this is one of the region’s prettiest and ambitious vineyards, typically not showcased the way our guests will have the opportunity to experience. 

For the World Traveler:

Bust out your passport, get out of the cold and into something smaller this winter with Palace Resorts luxury vacations. With eight oceanfront resorts overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Palace Resorts sets the highest standards for five-star all-inclusive vacations in Mexico and Jamaica. Enjoy the best all inclusive resorts in tropical paradise, whether you are looking for a couple get-away, wedding destination, honeymoon or a family vacation.

Moon Palace Cancun recently unveiled a 100-million-dollar renovation and earned a AAA Four Diamond Award for the fifth year in a row. Amenities include: 14 restaurants, 11 bars and lounges, a Flowrider ® double-wave simulator, multiple swimming pools, private Kids Club, “The Playroom” fully equipped fitness center and ultra-chic nightclub Noir. The property is home to the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in the Mexican Caribbean and one of only two of its kind in Cancun. Cancun’s entertainment destination with an exciting lineup of performers still to come this year including Kool & The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, Duran Duran and a limited-engagement residency by Cirque Éloize ID. Special holiday celebrations throughout December: a tree-lighting ceremony, numerous festivities including a foam party and light show for teens, and dinner parties including a Christmas feast and a futuristic dinner on New Year’s Eve. More than 2,400 waterside and garden view accommodations or golf villa suites. In February 2017, the property will unveil The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun – a “resort-within-the-resort” concept that is the result of a $450-million-dollar renovation that will add 1,300 rooms.

Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is Palace Resorts’ newest all-inclusive luxury property in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, opened July 2015 and earned the AAA Four Diamond distinction less than a year later. It offers over 700 guest rooms and suites on 17-acres of white sand beach. Amenities include: four restaurants, six bars and lounges, the only Flowrider ® double-wave simulator in Jamaica, multiple swimming pools, private Kids Club, “The Playroom” fully equipped fitness center and ultra-chic nightclub Noir. With four dining destinations and six bars and lounges throughout the property, Moon Palace Jamaica Grande offers exciting and eclectic flavors such as gourmet Asian, (MoMo) traditional Italian (Gondola), local sea fare (Pier 8), among others. Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is Ocho Rios’ entertainment destination and has featured acts including Shaggy and “Cheerleader” singer OMI, with “Eye of the Tiger” band Survivor to kick off 2017’s entertainment lineup.

Beach Palace is located in the heart of the Cancun hotel zone. It features multiple lavish swimming pools including two rooftop pools with swim-up bars, four restaurants and four bars, Awe Spa®, water slide, renovated kids club, “The Playroom,” and world-class fitness center.

Sun Palace laid-back property on Cancun’s hotel zone caters to only adults, making it a perfect spot for couples who want an upscale vacation experience. Features luxurious accommodations, multiple dining destinations and bars, lavish swimming pools including three infinity pools and an indoor pool, and Awe Spa®.

Playacar Palace is ideal for families who want to combine a relaxing all-inclusive vacation with some time for local exploration. Features the award-winning Awe Spa® that consists of six treatment rooms and hydrotherapy, luxury accommodations, multiple dining destinations and nightly entertainment. FRIDA by ALQUIMIA is a dining experience that stimulates the five senses over the course of a two hour, visceral dinner, created by Chef Oscar Dominguez. It fuses culinary performance with music and art to create a singularly, unexpected experience like no other. Ideally located steps from the popular 5th Avenue.

Cozumel Palace is a family-friendly property, this delightful resort is perfect for any diving and snorkeling enthusiast. Guests can dive straight from the resort’s pool deck and into the magnificent Palancar coral reef, the second largest reef in the world. Features multiple pools including an infinity pool, four dining destinations and four bars, and luxury accommodations.

Isla Mujeres Palace is an adults-only retreat ideal for couples looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Located on the charming Isla Mujeres, this small property is as intimate as all-inclusive gets.