2018 Holiday Gift Guide
Greetings from Spruce Lane! I sincerely apologize that it’s been so long since I’ve hopped on here to actually write a blog post! To make a long story short, life happened and I got busy, but with the holidays right around the corner I am ready to get back on my game and continue to build this (little) blog of mine!
Given all of the research and findings I’ve gathered visiting boutiques throughout the year, I figured compiling a “Locals Only” type of gift guide would be the perfect way to close out 2018. Check out my holiday picks from many of my favorite shops and brands based in the Philadelphia area! This list could have gone on for much longer, but I had to be strong and stop myself somewhere. It was not easy but hey, there’s always next year, right? Best of all, many of these products can be purchased online from the comfort of your home. While I’m a big proponent of brick and mortars and actually visiting these amazing boutiques, I understand how busy schedules can get during the holiday season. So, I’ve made it easy for you to shop local and buy your loved ones (or yourself) something special that you probably can’t find anywhere else! Without further ado, I present Spruce Lane’s first ever Gift Guide! Happy holidays and happy shopping!
Vestige
Woven Leather Pom Pom Bag - $248
This gorgeous bucket bag is your perfect warm-weather staple, whether that’s this spring or summer, or even sooner on your next tropical getaway. I love the contemporary silhouette, woven detail and charming tassels. I imagine this paired with a vibrant caftan or a crisp white linen top and the bluest of blue jeans. This beauty just makes me crave summer, if you couldn’t tell.
Stoneware Mini Vase - $38
These pieces evoke Vestige’s refined sense of bohemian elegance that I love so much. Each stoneware vase is one of a kind and hand-thrown by Brooklyn ceramist, Nedda Atassi. I love the neutral coloring and how they are styled with a few dried plants. This is a subtle but beautiful vase that I would definitely display in my home.
Kin Boutique
Keepsake The Label Jumpsuit - please contact Kin for pricing & availability
To me, this is holiday dressing done right. I’m also on a major jumpsuit kick after making the fatal mistake of wearing a slightly too-short cocktail dress to a recent work event. I really like this one in particular for its beautiful, rich navy coloring and elegant top embellishment. I feel that many of these are hit or miss, and this is definitely a hit. I’m telling you, Kin is the place to go to if you want to dress fashion-forward!
Botkier Kitten Heels + Citizens of Humanity Lace Up Denim - please contact Kin for pricing & availability
I always gravitate to Kin’s shoe selection because it’s just, how do I say this, really good. I’ve purchased mules and slides there that I’ve worn countless times, and these are next on my list. Hate it or love it, I wear a lot of black and this lace-up denim / kitten heel combination kills me (in a good way).
Trove General Store
Tortoise Cup Candles - please contact Trove for pricing & availability
PSA: I already own one of these and love it dearly. If you’re a tortoise junkie like me, get one of these! I know tortoise hoop earrings are really “in” right now, but have you seen tortoise candles like these? I hadn’t until I visited Trove. Aside from how chic they look, they come in a variety of natural scents that smell nothing short of great.
Woolrich Snap T Sweater - please contact Trove for pricing & availability
PSA: I already own this sweater as well and I also love it dearly. If you’re shopping Woolrich, you know you’re shopping quality, and that’s why I was compelled to buy this. It comes in navy or white. I preferred navy because my pastiness can’t handle light colors in the winter, but if you can rock a winter white, go for it! It’s made of wool so in full transparency, it’s a tad itchy but totally manageable and warm as HECK! I like to pair with black denim and black ankle booties.
The Geisha House
Spell Oasis Short Kimono - $160
Treat. Yo. Self. This kimono serves dual purposes in my mind. Yes, I would love to drape this over myself on a leisurely sunny morning as I get dolled up for the day and sip on my coffee. But I also could see this transitioning into an everyday piece as well, paired with denim and a white or black tee. I love the beautiful, detailed yet neutral print. And if you’re looking for a longer kimono or different color-scheme, The Geisha House has plenty more options like this one to offer. Love you, TGH!
Plume and Thread
Alexandra Knit Top - $124
As soon as P+T released this photo, I was in love! Reversible, you say? I must know more. This top comes in black and white and is made of 100% combed cotton. Yassss to cotton. If I’ve learned anything from shopping Plume and Thread, it’s that their products are comfy AF and made with the utmost care and quality. This is no fast fashion throw-away piece.
Taylor Leggings in Mineral Black - $65
I’ve really gotten into yoga over the past year, even though I still have yet to accomplish a successful “crow” pose. Sigh. I’d love to sport a pair of these at my next class though, and stand out amongst the swarms of Lululemon logos I see on the reg. I also am really drawn to P+T’s mineral black dye. I only own black leggings so this is an exciting opportunity to switch it up!
Voloshin & Printfresh
Mini Velvet Gratitude Journal - $18
A crushed velvet journal that’s strikingly beautiful both on the outside and inside! Printfresh offers a way for you to get a positive start to your day with their gratitude journal that inspires meditation and self reflection. I own something similar and it really is crazy how much of a difference it has made on my outlook. I can be pessimistic, so this thing really helps, especially in the dead of winter when the sun never comes out. See? Pessimism sucks! Buy this journal!
Productivity Large Noteblock - $24
Printfresh noteblocks are awesome and so chic to begin with, but this one is on a new level because it keeps you on task! Bring it to work and wow your coworkers, or keep it at home for personal projects. If you fill one sheet out once a day, you’re sure to accomplish some pretty amazing things. And this is is no ordinary notepad, it has a luxurious cork base and metallic edging. Pretty!
Keiko Linen Wrap Dress - $368
Voloshin has pretty much mastered the wrap dress at this point, producing it in some of the most beautiful prints I’ve ever seen! The Indigo Stratus Tie Dye coloring is perfect for winter and early spring. Designed in Philadelphia and handcrafted in India, this piece truly is a work of art and fine craftsmanship.
Moon + Arrow
Latchkey Avery Earrings - $102
2018 has been the year of the statement earring. No more boring studs for me! I love to peruse Moon + Arrow’s selection of handmade jewelry, particularly because they pretty much always will have bold pieces on display like these curved metallic and ceramic drop earrings made by California-based designer, Whitney Sharpe. I love the copper, blue and cream tones in these earrings. Shine on, friends.
Daughter of the Land Bath Soak - $33
I was at Target today and was blown away by how many bath bombs, fizzers, salts, you name it, are sold there. Some were fluorescent pink and cotton candy flavored, while some were teal and unicorn themed. Barf! Go to Moon + Arrow to buy real natural apothecary products that you can actually feel good about putting on your body. This one is organic and is made of “hand harvested French gray salt from the Guérande region of France. It is harvested in the 200 year old tradition of using only wooden tools. The salt is a beautiful grey color, derived from over 80+ trace minerals, including clay, that each crystal carries”. Any questions or uncertainties? Didn’t think so.
Threads
Kyi Kyi Purple Rainbow Pom Hat - $53
Alert! This pom hat is selling like crazy. Many of the classic hues are already sold out, so grab this adorable purple (or I’d say more of a lavender) multi-color version fast! I pretty much only own beat up Philadelphia sports beanies so it’d be nice to have something that actually looks chic and feminine for a change. This is a great gift to give to a friend or family member too; you just simply cannot go wrong with this classic look. Period. Thanks, Threads!
Givens Circle
Jessica Hans Set of 2 Pablo Cups - $70
I had an actual heyday in Givens the first time I discovered it. No joke, I went back 3 times over the course of 24 hours to scoop up everything I could afford, which was not as much as I make it sound like because I am a poor millennial. I got off track, apologies. These cups are pretty self-explanatory; gorgeous print, handmade in right here in Philadelphia, totally unique and artistic. What more could you ask for? Where else will you find these?
Young in the Mountains Arc Ring - $180
So my taste in rings is kind of opposite of my taste in earrings. Subtle, refined, elegant. That’s exactly what I see in this beautiful gold Arc ring. This is 14k gold, handmade in the Denver Mountains, which makes me like it even more.
Llani
Embellished Room Slide in Peche - $135
Llani is a PA-based shoe brand that specializes in making unique slippers, slides and flats, with its production headquartered in India. These flats are so special and scream holiday to me. Sparkle, sequins, gold and pink all rolled into one beautiful shoe that is sure to make a statement. Since these are so incredibly beautiful and therefore popular, they are currently on backorder but you can sign up to be notified when they come back in stock. Hopefully that’s sooner rather than later!
Pineapple on Main
Teardrop Beverage Dispenser - $89
The holidays are the season of entertaining. Work parties, family parties, friend parties, parties with your dog; there are just so many! If you have a special host or hostess in mind who deserves a housewarming gift, head over to Pineapple on Main to shop amazing homeware items. Shout out to my coworkers if any are reading, as they showed me this piece when we recently visited POM. This item is just so unique. POM displayed it with a bunch of bright red cranberries in water and it was absolutely eye catching and gorgeous.
Navona Handmade
Headlands Plate - $30
River Gorge Mug - $35
Coast Range Double Wick Candle - $50
These are all from the same collection so I am going to write a collective description for all. Navona is a PA-based artisan brand that sells a variety of products including handmade jewelry, ceramics and textiles. I am very fond of the ceramics in their recent Portland collection, inspired by the terrain and environment of Portland, Oregon. The crisp whites paired with soft hues of blue and green are a beautiful addition to anyone’s home. Each handmade piece is 100% unique and microwave/dishwasher safe. Thank god.
Ritual Shoppe
Moon Rivers Naturals Night Vibes Oil Elixir - $15
This is a crystal-infused oil elixir that is meant to help soothe you into a sweet, serene sleep. It has notes of lavender, sage and marjoram as well as a tiny amethyst crystal to evoke nothing but POSITIVE VIBES! I hate nightmares (who doesn’t?) and will do anything to improve my sleep quality so I think this is an A+ purchase. I can’t help but geek out over Ritual Shoppe every time I write about it, ugh! <3
Ritual Kit “LOVE” - $34
This special kit channels self-love and compassion. What a beautiful and sentimental gift to give! The kit includes Rose Quartz + Black Tourmaline, Aura/Allure essential oil, Palo Santo smudge, Abalone shell, Tea light candle, Matchbox and Ritual Guide. I’d be lying if I tried to act like I knew what all of that does or means, but there is a detailed description on Ritual’s website and it comes with a guide so I am going to trust them on this one and very much want to give this kit a try myself. All about that positivity, especially going into a new year! Namaste.
Cash and Clive
Clare V. Flat Clutch - $215
Red, white and blue baby! I love the pops of color in this leather clutch. The perfect cognac hue with vibrant, contrasting stripes. I don’t see this piece ever going out of style, like many things sold at Cash and Clive.
3X1 Relaxed Split Crop Jeans - $285
3x1 is a personal favorite denim brand because they are the “fun” denim brand, experimenting with new silhouettes and washes. I love this high-rise, relaxed fit and I love the light shade (would go great with the aforementioned Clare V. clutch). Most notably, I love the split detail at the hem because it makes them stand out. I last but not least love that you can buy these down in the Jersey Shore.
Omoi Zakka Shop
BAGGU Leather Mini Backpack - $320
This nubuck leather looks so buttery smooth and comes in the prettiest shade of taupe I ever did see. I love the mini backpack trend and appreciate carrying smaller, lighter weight bags so I can live more of a minimalist lifestyle. My current tote feels like it weighs ten pounds and that’s just not ok.
The Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes - $60
Adulting means sometimes splurging your minimal disposable income on fancy coffee table books to make your home look pretty, and this is one that I would get because not only is the title intriguing, but I feel like I could actually learn some interesting things too. It touches on European architects, furniture makers, interior designers, gardeners and more, sprinkled with a bit of “hygge” here and there that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Wax + Wine
Select Label + Vintage Packages - $35-45
Cue the SNL Christmas Candle skit. Why not gift the experience of making a candle instead? Choose your vessel and choose a unique combination of scents to make YOUR ideal candle with the help of a Wax + Wine specialist. No need to guess if he or she will like a certain smell anymore. Let your friends choose for themselves, and best of all, bring a bottle of wine to sip on to make your DIY experience that much more enjoyable. Who’s coming to Wax + Wine with me?
Thank you for reading! Have any questions, thoughts, comments, suggestions? Shoot me a note at sprucelanecontact@gmail.com to chat!
Happy holidays!
Laura
SHOP INDEX
Vestige | Fishtown, Philadelphia: 2041 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Kin Boutique | Washington Square West, Philadelphia: 1014 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Trove General Store | Paoli, Main Line: 19 Paoli Shopping Center, Paoli, PA 19301
The Geisha House | Old City, Philadelphia: 149 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Plume and Thread | Kensington, Philadelphia: 2930 Jasper St #219, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Printfresh / Voloshin | Kensington, Philadelphia: 2930 Jasper St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Moon + Arrow | Queen Village, Philadelphia: 754 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Threads | Manayunk, Philadelphia: 4353 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Givens Circle | Cape May, New Jersey: 418 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Llani | PA Suburbs
Pineapple on Main | Manayunk, Philadelphia: 4347 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Navona Handmade | Philadelphia
Ritual Shoppe | Rittenhouse, Philadelphia: 2003 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Cash and Clive | Cape May, New Jersey: 302 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204
Omoi Zakka Shop | Old City, Philadelphia: 41 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Wax + Wine | Washington Square West, Philadelphia: 1034 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107