Happy Gifting

Really, is there any better feeling than giving gifts? It's awesome to see your loved ones' eyes light up as they tear the paper and ribbons away to reveal special somethings that you've picked out just for them.

When it comes to holiday shopping, the excitement can quickly turn overwhelming and stressful. We say boo to that! Here are our picks for perfect presents, favoring the local over the big box chain stores; the small-batch instead of the mass-produced, and of course, the cruelty-free and conscientious choices always.

Naturally (and here comes the shameless self-promo) we think one of the best gifts you could give (...or ask for!) is a gift certificate to Miss Rachel's Pantry! Available in any denomination, our gift certificates are applicable to our Farmhouse Table Dinners and our at-home meals.

Other glorious gift suggestions we have:

For the Food Lover

Sweet & Sara is a small but mighty confectionery based in Queen, NY, making delicious and 100% vegan marshmallows that we adore. For vegetarians who miss s'mores or marshmallows in their hot chocolate, Sweet & Sara makes a variety of flavors and shapes with that wonderfully familiar squishy texture that really hits the spot. Their online shop offers a wide variety of items, but we think the snowflake, reindeer and snowman shapes are adorable for the season!

To further please the sweet-toothed sweeties in your life, Miss Rachel's Pantry offers a whole bunch of tasty treats for sale, made with love right here in our Philadelphia kitchen by pastry chef Carley Leibowitz! Call or email us to place your order - local delivery and pick up options available!

Vegan Caramel Corn: $12/sm, $20/family size

Vegan Candy: $15/1 lb, $35/5 lb (choose from buck eyes, maple walnut fudge, and classic chocolate and toasted coconut truffles)

Vegan Cookies: $20/1 lb box, $30/5 lb box, $50 party tray (flavors include chocolate chip, triple chocolate, peanut butter, snowballs, iced sugar, snickerdoodles, soft ginger, and more!)

For the Cute & Crafty

Occasionette is a charming boutique just down the way from our HQ on Passyunk Avenue. Owned and operated by Sara Sellepouchin Vallari, the artist behind the Girls Can Tell line, Occasionette carries an array of gifts, including recipe books and kitchen tchotchkes, adorable prints, candles, and greeting cards. They also have all of supplies (think striped paper straws, banners, and ornaments) you need to deck the halls.

Bonus! They're offering free gift wrap (that you KNOW will be super cute) on December 9th and 16th, and are playing host to the Fair & Square pop up, which will include wares from locals Miss Millie Ceramics, Betsy Ann Paper, Giant Dwarf, and Squid Whale Designs!

Vintage vibes abound at Era Atomica, also on Passyunk Ave.: affordable kitchen wares, knick knacks, framed art, furniture and other 50s and 60s style ephemera line the walls and shelves at this cozy shop. Plus, around this time of year, they have loads of classic Christmas ornaments for sale - you know, the no-nonsense shiny balls and frosted tin figurines flecked with glitter - which will lend your tree a kitschy look we can't help but love.

For the Animal Lover

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary has long been one of our favorite animal-friendly organizations. Through their online shop, you can find all kinds of happy goods that express a sentiment of kindness for our furry, feathered and hoofed friends. Books, t-shirts, greeting cards and memberships are all for sale, and the pun-lovers in us are really digging the "Eat Beans Not Beings" tote bags which would be grand for a spin around the farmer's market.

For the Ethically Accessorized

Since 1999, Couch has been making cruelty-free guitar straps and wallets for gals and guys out of new and vintage vinyl and seat belt material. Bold colors and textures, sleek silhouettes and hand-stitched detail make leather accessories a thing of the past. Their Etsy page is filled to the brim with perfect presents, sure to strike a chord with the musician in your life!