Our annual holiday gift guide is back! This year’s edition features a mix of new and returning businesses, plus local toy drives and organizations you can support this season.
Whether you’re looking for vinyl records for the music lovers in your life or pet essentials for your fur babies, we’ve curated a list of free giveaway events, opportunities to donate, and ways to shop local while giving back to the community.
Amazon Gift Registries
Fishtown Neighbors Association & Lutheran Settlement House
The Fishtown Neighbors Association and Lutheran Settlement House are hosting a holiday supply drive to benefit local seniors and displaced families. Shop their Amazon gift registry here.
Toy Giveaway (& Donation) Events
Dec. 20
Wanda Community Event Inc.
Address: 3631 Amber St., Philadelphia, PA 19134 (Heitzman Recreation Center)
Date: Dec. 20
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Details: Free toy giveaway and diaper distribution. Donations of new toys and diapers are welcome. Contact Wanda Johnson on Facebook to learn more.
Dec. 21
The Thrifty Irishman Annual Giveaway
Date: Dec. 21
Time: 11 a.m - 5 p.m.
Address: 2226 E. Butler St., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Details: Free toys and coats. Donations of new or gently used toys and coats can be dropped off at the store in advance.
By Faith Health and Healing & Community Center at Visitation
Date: Dec. 21
Time: 12 - 3 p.m.
Address: 2646 E. Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Details: Free toys for children, who must be present to receive a gift.
McPherson Square Library
Date: Dec. 21
Time: 12 - 3 p.m.
Address: 601 E. Indiana Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Details: Annual winter festival with free toys, food, and photos with Santa.
Community Organizations
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Kensington Cookbook
The “Kensington / Fairhill / Riverwards Cookbook” features recipes from community members and is available at multiple library branches, including:
- Cecil B. Moore Library (2320 Cecil B. Moore Ave.)
- Kensington Library (104 W Dauphin St.)
- McPherson Square Library (601 E Indiana Ave.)
- Richmond Library (2987 Almond St.)
The cost is a donation on a sliding scale ranging from $2 to $20. You can pick up the book at the listed locations or request a delivery, which costs an additional $7.
Contact Kate Goodman at goodmank@freelibrary.org for more information.
New Kensington Community Development Corporation(NKCDC)
From now until Dec. 24, NKCDC is hosting a “Christmas from Kensington” booth at Christmas Village in Love Park, featuring goods from Kensington's diverse entrepreneurial community. Items include baked goods, spices, candles, and more. The booth is open from 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 12 to 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
Small Businesses
Cantina La Martina
Address: 2800 D St., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (267) 519-2142
Details: Authentic Mexican cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Gift cards up to $100 are available. Don’t miss their 7 Moles Dinner on Dec. 20, featuring a special tasting menu from top Philly chefs.
Hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Socials: Follow Cantina La Martina on Facebook & Instagram.
Caphe Roasters
Address: 3400 J St., Philadelphia, PA, 19134
Phone: (215) 690-1268
Details: Coffee bags, logo tees, and gift cards available, which can be purchased in-store and online. They’re also partnering with nonprofit organization 12 Plus to sell $30 fundraiser shirts benefiting Philly and Camden public schools. For each shirt purchased, a student receives a shirt. 12 Plus shirts can only be purchased in-store.
Hours:
- Monday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Tuesday: closed
- Wednesday - Sunday: 8 a.m - 4 p.m.
Socials: Follow Caphe Roasters on Instagram & Facebook.
Great Circles
Address: 2427 Frankford Ave., 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (267) 703-8256
Details: New and used vinyl records, cassettes, and apparel. Curated selection of electronic music (ambient, house, techno, etc.), jazz, reggae, modern classical, international, and experimental sounds. Gift cards available in-store.
Hours:
- Wednesday - Friday: 4 - 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 12 - 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 - 6 p.m.
Socials: Follow Great Circles on Instagram & Facebook.
Jinxed Fishtown
Address: 1331 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 800-1369
Details: Eclectic mix of vintage furniture, home decor, and unique collectibles. Offers online gift cards, pre-order pick-up, and delivery.
Hours:
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday - Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Socials: Follow Jinxed Fishtown on Facebook and Instagram.
Julia De Burgos Bookstore
Address: 2600 N 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19133
Phone: (215) 426-3311
Details: Features bilingual books for all ages celebrating Latine culture for readers, plus gift cards and free bookmarks with purchases. Popular this season are recent releases like “Libertad” by Bessie Flores Salvidar, and books by Philly-based authors like “La Noche Before Three Kings Day” by Sheila Colon-Bagley. Shop in-store at the bookstore located inside Taller Puertorriqueño, or online.
Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Socials: Follow Julia de Burgos Bookstore on Facebook & Instagram.
Kensington Food Co.
Address: 3437 D St., Unit 110, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (267) 209-0202
Details: Gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegar, including “King Kenzo” Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Kensington Black Garlic-Infused Balsamic Sauce. Their Kensington Avenue grocery store is coming soon, but in the meantime, you can buy online or at Reading Terminal Market in downtown Philly. Orders over $50 ship free. Use code VOICE for $8 off online orders.
Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Socials: Follow Kensington Food Co. on Instagram & Facebook
M Jewelers Inc.
Address: 2327 N. Front St., Philadelphia, PA 19133
Phone: (215) 634-8448
Details: Neighborhood jeweler for over 20 years. Wide selection of jewelry, including custom-made name pendants, charm necklaces, and more.
Hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Socials: Follow M Jewelers on Instagram.
Mama’s Sofrito
Address: Online only
Details: An online store created by Rose Mary Marmolejos to provide busy families with chimichurri sauces and sofrito, including Mama’s Sofrito, a family recipe. All products can be purchased online.
Socials: Follow Mama’s Sofrito on Instagram & Facebook.
Minnow Lane
Address: 2029 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 291-1875
Details: Eco-friendly and sustainable baby and parenting products, plus balms, herbal teas, and aromatherapy products for self-care.
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday - Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Socials: Follow Minnow Lane on Instagram and Facebook
Morris Auto Parts
Address: 2861 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 425-0800
Details: Established in 1922, Morris Auto Parts has been a trusted supplier of high-quality automotive parts in Philadelphia. They offer a wide range of products, including tools, paint supplies, and specialty items, all at reasonable prices.
Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Socials: Follow Morris Auto Parts on Facebook.
My Pet Philly
Address: 2626 E Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (267) 257-1268
Details: Boutique offering local and sustainable natural pet products, grooming services, and a free doggy gift with appointments booked before Christmas.
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Thursday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Socials: Follow My Pet Philly’s Facebook and Instagram
Thunderbird Salvage
Address: 2441 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125
Phone: (267) 250-7995
Details: New and used eclectic items, including vintage furniture, decor, and unique collectibles. Perfect for finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts with character.
Hours:
- Monday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Socials: Check out Thunderbird on Facebook and Instagram.
Virida
Address: 1800 N American St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122
Details: Sustainable vintage homeware (wooden tablespoons, tea strainers, etc.), ceramics, and botanical goods.
Hours:
- Monday - Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 2 - 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 12 - 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 - 4 p.m.
Socials: Check out Virida’s official Instagram.
Waxery
Address: 3314 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (267) 689-8973
Details: BYOB candle-making space offering classes, premade candles, candle-making kits, and gift cards. Available for holiday parties and family get-togethers, where patrons can drink a glass of wine, sing karaoke, and craft a candle to bring home to loved ones. For pre-made goods, visit them in person or online.
Hours:
- Monday - Tuesday: Closed for private parties
- Wednesday - Friday: 2 - 10 p.m.
- Saturday - Sunday: 12 - 10 p.m.
Socials: Follow Waxery on Facebook & Instagram.
Have any questions, comments, or concerns about this story? Send an email to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
