South Philly

Bella Vista, East Passyunk Avenue, Queen Village


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Published: Dec 8, 2010

Apparel + Accessories

BANDANA NECKLACE, Sweet Jane Vintage: As its name suggests, Sweet Jane Vintage carries extravagant accessories, primarily from years gone by. Though this 1970s bling is one-of-a-kind, many local artists craft their jewelry in similarly flashy styles. Snag this for your statement-seeking sister, because wearing this baby is an occasion in itself.

$68, 1820 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-339-0882.

Books + MagaZines

X'ED OUT, South Philly Comics: Stroll the tight aisles of South Philly Comics and you'll find a number of works by local artists. X'ed Out(Pantheon) is the latest from Philadelphia graphic novelist Charles Burns, the mind behind the renowned Black Holeseries. This particular book — the first in a new series by Burns — features his iconic style in the surreal tale of Doug, a young man whose mysterious head injury has left him with a handful of pills and a brain full of tormenting memories.

$19.95, 1621 E. Passyunk Ave., 267-318-7855.

Food + Drink

FENTIMANS GINGER BEER, Bella Vista Beer Distributor: For the teetotaler (or designated driver) in your life, hand over a four-pack of Bella Vista Beer Distributor's delectably gourmet sodas. As an alternative to seasonal suds, Fentimans fermented Ginger Beer is a refreshing treat with a spicy tang at the finish. Though the traditional fermentation process creates a trace amount of alcohol, the entire line of Fentimans is perfectly legal for the under-21 crowd. And while it's a British company, Fentimans' stateside distribution is handled at Lion Brewery in Wilkes-Barre.

$2 (single)-$7.95 (four-pack), 755 S. 11th St., 215-627-6465, bellavistabeverage.com.

Home + Garden

CULINARY COUTURE SEEDS, Urban Jungle: Looking to quite literally give the gift of life? Pick up some of Urban Jungle's festively adorned seed packets, bound together on-site with tissue and a colorful bow. Each bundle, available in sets of four or five, contains an assortment of heirloom varieties, like tomatoes, melons and gourds. Detailed growing instructions can be found on the packets' backside, making this an ideal gift for your pal just beginning to let his urban garden grow.

$15.95-$19.95, 1526-30 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-952-0811, urbanjunglephila.com.

Kids + Pets

BICYCLE HELMET, Bicycle Revolutions: Just as important as major holiday items are the companions to those gifts. If you're giving your little one the gift of cycling, be sure to think safety, too. Bicycle Revolutions' bifurcated location, straddling Fourth Street, boasts a selection of kid-centric cycling gear, chief among them helmets that are as delightfully decorative as they are sturdy.

$25, 712 S. Fourth St., 215-629-2453, bicyclerevolutions.com.

Mind + Body

ELECTRIC SHAVING KIT, Sexploratorium: This electric shaving kit from Passional's Sexplatorium features two electric razors, a dusting brush and a travel-size bottle of body powder to keep body-scaping nice and neat. And if you're looking to rouse a few surprised reactions when gifting time rolls around, pull out the arrow-, heart- and star-shaped trimming stencils. Just tell the kids they're for, uh, coloring?

$69.99, 620 S. Fifth St., 215-923-1398, passional-boutique.com.