We have so many absolutely lovely local shops and restaurants here in Philadelphia, and I am SO very grateful to be able to give them some love (always), but especially during this time. PLEASE share in comments other local favs (wherever you are). Let’s keep that love flowing!

Local LOVE Philly: Shop Linzi’s Favorite Small Businesses

Here’s how I’m trying to give some local Philly love: 

I am shopping for groceries at my local grocery store (SO SO SO grateful for them) as well as my corner market. I’m buying essential household items at our local hardware store (they are the absolute BEST and still open), and I just purchased gift cards from my favorite neighborhood cafe, Ants Pants, to give as little thank yous when I check out at my neighborhood stores. I’m keeping our memberships going at our local dance studio and the kids’ gym, and am starting to sort through which local funds, charities, and advocacy groups we can support as well (I’m starting with Sydney’s post here.) I’m also ordering online from my local favs in the collage below for various things that will help make our stay-at-home order more enjoyable and sustainable.  

PLEASE know, I recognize that not everyone is in a position to be supporting local by spending, so we’re working on a post collecting ways to help out our communities WITHOUT spending as well.

For those of you though, who ARE in a position to support local (monetarily), below are fabulous Philly places that are either still doing online orders, are offering gift cards for future use, or are just great places that I encourage you Philly folks to frequent sometime in the future.

Fav Philly Shopping Spots

Tselaine (Offering Nationwide Shipping): My go-to for pretty earrings, quirky gifts, and cute little toys. AND NOW…they are offering Activity Bundles by age (including one for adults!!!). So cool. The ladies in here are WONDERFUL when you get a chance to go in person (eventually). For now, they have a nice selection online. I may need this kitchen mitt to put in the back kitchen cabinet –just to know that it’s there. SO good!

Juniper Kids (Offering Nationwide Shipping): A fellow local mom just started this business and I’m BEYOND excited for her. I just placed an order (Kendra–this stuff smells ah-mazing!!!) We definitely need incentives to maintain personal hygiene around here (ALL of us). Baby-safe, tween-approved, and supporting a local mom business.

Voloshin (Offering Nationwide Shipping): Their gauze line is pretty much all I want to wear right now. SOOOOOOO soft! Everything I own from Voloshin feels special and these days, wearing something special feels pretty nice. If anyone needs a little retail pick-me-up…some fancy pajamas or something gorgeous from their spring line might do the trick. Amy, Leo, and their kids are personally fulfilling orders.

Momos Treehouse (Offering Nationwide Shipping For Some Items): Momos is offering shipping on some items (including the same cool activity bundles mentioned above from Tselaine). They also have online gift-cards and will offer no-contact shopping, delivery, and full online ordering as soon as they are able. When that day comes, Momos offers PERSONAL TOY SHOPPING over the phone! Amazing! This is by far our favorite local toy store. They are total experts at screen-free fun and figuring out just what your kid will love. We get ALL birthday gifts from here and lots of our own fun toys and games as well.

Long in the Tooth (Give Them A Call): My husband’s absolute favorite place to buy records. Run by the NICEST NICEST people and an amazing place to explore in person (someday). Putting on a record or two in the evenings during all of this madness definitely helps with the nerves. Give Janis and Nick a call, and they can mail out a gift certificate. Once non-essential businesses are back up, they will happily arrange for social distancing pick-up.

South Street Sounds (Give Them A Call): Talk to Jeff and he’ll provide you with some friendly conversation and take a gift certificate order over the phone for mail delivery. This is where I bought my Ukulele! For those of you who didn’t read my kid-routine post, my initial days home with the kids in all of this were filled with some pretty lofty goals. Our progress as a family band is not coming along quite as quickly as I had pictured, but I just called Jeff and got a gift card for some family lessons when we’re back to regular routine. If you’re local and want to try out a new instrument (now’s the perfect time, right?), he may be able to work something out… or just order a gift card for your musical future.

Hello World (Offering Nationwide Shipping): I’ve been shopping at Hello World 16 years! Yes…16 Years! Such a lovely selection of pretty things for the home and pretty things for yourself. J’s working hard to get all of his inventory online and is personally wrapping and shipping, so check back if you don’t see what you’re looking for today.

Fav Philly Restaurants

Ants Pants Cafe: Mmmmmm. If you’re a bacon eater….their “Stack” and sweet potato fries are heavenly. They offer $10 gift cards that are great thank you gifts for your local store clerks (if you’re in the neighborhood) that you can receive by mail or pick up. Also offering takeaway and delivery.

Miles Table: Mike and Mer are some of the loveliest and most generous folks I know. Huge selection and variety! Pick-up, delivery, and E-gift cards too.

Rosy’s Tacos: Camarones Tacos are my fav. Offering pick-up of beer and food or delivery.

Pub & Kitchen: A whole new takeout menu and I hear the slider platter is yum. Pick-up, delivery, and digital gift cards available starting at $5.

This is your chance, guys. Please shout out your local business faves that are still operating in some way, offering gift card purchases for future dates, or are just places we should check out once things re-open. As I said…let’s keep the local love flowing!

Linzi