NoLibs/Portfishington

Fishtown, Kensington and Northern Liberties


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Published: Dec 8, 2010

Apparel + Accessories

BLOWN GLASS RINGS, Art Star: Blown from Murini glass by local artist Penelope Rakov, these sterling silver rings look classy alone or funky layered up; the wide assortment of colors and designs makes it easy to choose a style that complements your fashion-forward homey. Philly mainstay Art Star carries accessories, clothing and artwork made by emerging local artisans; to get into the holiday spirit, they're also selling hand-painted ornaments throughout December.

$32 each, 623 N. Second St., 215-238-1557, artstarphilly.com.

Books + MagaZines

ZINES, GERM Books & Gallery: This heap of zines includes international cult curiosities ( Bikini Girland What You Should Know About UFO), but we're fixated on the two created by local doodlers — Razor Burnby Fishtown's Aaron Lange, and Peeping Tom, a creepy acount of the recent Coatesville arson spree. It's a fair representation of what can be found at Germ, a forum for "ideologically unpopular books," carrying all manner of esoteric, counterculture writings for the unabashed geek on your list.

$4-$15, 2005 Frankford Ave., 215-423-5002, germbooks.com.

Food + Drink

4TH STREET BREAKFAST TEA, Random Tea Room & Curiosity Shop: "Each cup brings you home to Fourth Street," says Random Tea Room owner Rebecca Goldschmidt of this fog-lifting brew concocted in her nearly-three-year-old tea nook. It's made with a blend of house Ceylon, Harmutty Estate Assam and organic South Cloud Chinese red tea; while she typically refrains from sweeteners, she recommends a dollop of sugar with this one — it's one of the strongest among her 40 artisanal teas.

$11 (tea), $10 (strainer), 713 N. Fourth St., 267-639-2442, randomtearoom.blogspot.com.

Home + Garden

STRAWBERRY PLANTER, Greensgrow Farms: Housing a nursery, farmers market and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, the 12-year-old Greensgrow sells plenty of supplies to get your garden growing, like this drip-glazed strawberry/herb planter by Drexel Hill potter Patrick Mendoza. On Dec. 18-19, Greensgrow will host InLiquid's A Very Kensington Christmas, where everything from holiday wreaths to locally crafted gifts will be sold inside the farm's heated greenhouse.

$40, 2501 E. Cumberland St., 215-427-2702, greensgrow.org.

Kids + Pets

PUMPKIN CRUNCHERS, Chic Petique: Liberty Walk's Chic Petique is the health market of the pet world, selling all-natural food for dogs and cats. These treats are made with a pumpkin base, but you can choose from other wholesome flavors like sweet potato and peanut butter. Owner Lindsay Condefer says these are the most sought-after treats in her NoLibs shop, which she opened six years ago after natural remedies cured her ailing dog of pneumonia.

$9, 1040 N. Second St., No. 401, 215-238-0981, thechicpetique.com.

Mind + Body

MASSAGE CANDLES, The Velvet Lily: These sensual candles are the tamest toys you'll find at The Velvet Lily, an upscale erotica shop that promotes "intimacy in relationships." The candles, which come in an array of promiscuous-sounding scents, slowly melt into massage oil. Shop owner Khara Cartagena says this product "puts everyone in the right mood," but she warns to be careful not to burn yourself or your partner — unless that's your goal.

$23, 1040 N. Second St., No. 201, 267-687-7973, thevelvetlily.com.