Do yous guys need a thoughtful gift for someone special? If your special someone hails from the City of Brotherly Love or you simply want to remember a special trip, then I have just the gift guide for you! Give your friend or family member a taste of Philly with one of these ten Philadelphia gifts.
Benjamin Franklin: Autobiography, Poor Richard, and Later Writings
Benjamin Franklin was and is perhaps the most famous Philadelphian of them all. As a teenager, he left his childhood home in Boston in search of a new life in Philadelphia. His life left a great influence on us all, from his experiments with electricity, his countless inventions, his writings…the list of Franklin’s contributions goes on. For anyone who is curious about the man, the nation’s history, or is a fan of the written word, gift them this single book collecting some of Franklin’s most notable writings.
Available from Amazon: Benjamin Franklin: Autobiography, Poor Richard, and Later Writings
La Colombe French Press Starter Kit
More than 25 years ago, La Colombe Coffee Roasters was founded in Philadelphia with its first location near Rittenhouse Square. Today, the independent coffee roasters are known across the country but their headquarters is in the city’s Fishtown neighborhood. But no matter where your special someone lives, they can still enjoy the taste of Philly at home. Gift them a French Press Starter Kit, complete with a Bodum French Press, a Hario Skerton Coffee Mill, and a bag of their Phocea blend coffee.
Available from La Colombe: French Press Starter Kit
Jawn T-Shirt
With this T-shirt, you can say you’re from Philly without ever opening your mouth. Combining the logo for Wawa with the increasingly popular local slang term “jawn,” could there ever be a more Philadelphia shirt? For locals in the region, the shirt shows you’re hip to your hometown. For those located outside of the Delaware Valley, the shirt may raise a few eyebrows and get some confused looks. But those who know, know! It’ll have your special someone thinking that this jawn is one of the best Philadelphia gifts.
Available from TeePublic: Jawn Wawa T-Shirt
Philly Sports Gear
You can’t walk down the street in Philadelphia without seeing someone supporting one of the city’s sports teams. It doesn’t matter whether that sport is active at that time of the year or if the team is doing well. Philadelphians are steadfast supporters of their sports teams — and they’re also the first to let them know their displeasure, too! As far as Philadelphia gifts go, there is none more definitive for someone who loves the city than a sweatshirt dedicated to (one of) their favorite teams.
Available from NFL Shop: Philadelphia Eagles Nike Pullover Hoodie
MLB Shop: Philadelphia Phillies Full-Zip Hoodie
NHL Shop: Philadelphia Flyers Pullover Hoodie
NBA Shop: Philadelphia 76ers Majestic Threads Pullover Hoodie
M. Night Shyamalan Film Collection
You will not just see dead people in the films of M. Night Shyamalan — you will also see the entire Philadelphia region and its suburbs. The filmmaker was raised in Montgomery County and today calls Chester County home. His thrilling films have been shot on location all across the area. You can spot Center City in The Sixth Sense, spots in Bucks County in Signs, and the fields of rural spots in Delaware County in The Village.
Available from Amazon: The Sixth Sense / Signs / The Village
Tastykake Assortment
While there are many foods that will offer you the distinct taste of Philly, some don’t ship or travel quite so well. (I’m looking at you, Scrapple!) But good old-fashioned Tastykake snack cakes have been a tradition since 1914! There are krimpets to pies, cakes, donuts — the list goes on. Spoil your special someone with a selection of Tastykakes!
Available from Amazon: Tastykake Assortment
Giant Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kiss
Send someone you love a giant kiss. No, really! The iconic Hershey’s brand still calls Pennsylvania home, although it’s a little west of Philly. But Hershey is a popular destination for a day trip whether it’s for a thrilling ride in their amusement park or a taste of their delicious sweets. I can think of no better way to show your feelings for someone than with a giant milk chocolate kiss! (And maybe they’ll need a little help consuming it, too.)
Available from Amazon: Giant Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kiss
Martin Guitar
Just up a little over an hour up the road in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, C.F. Martin & Company has been making guitars for nearly 200 years. Anyone who is anyone (and plays the guitar) has played a Martin guitar. John Mayer, Eric Clapton, and Ed Sheeran are among the names that all have signature models. While Martin Guitars are price, they’re hand-crafted at their Nazareth factory (which you can tour) and worth every penny. It’s a real splurge that will last a lifetime and then some.
Available from Guitar Center: Martin Guitars
Just Born Peeps
The family-owned Just Born company is based out of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. But many don’t seem to know that they are responsible for tasty treats like Peeps and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews. While the brightly colored marshmallow candies are most popular during the springtime, there are now Peeps seemingly all year and in a variety of seasonal flavors. But the yellow Peeps are a classic for a reason. Bring a smile to someone with this Philadelphia gift.
Available from Amazon: Peeps
Rocky Anthology
What would a guide to Philadelphia gifts be without Rocky? It is best to simply embrace the connection of Rocky to Philadelphia. And nearly any time of day, you will find fans running up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s East Entrance or posing with the Rocky statue on the corner of Kelly Drive beside the famous steps, arms high in a triumphant gesture. Simply give and say it. You know you want to. Yo, Adrian!
Available from Amazon: Rocky anthology
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out these gift guides:
12 German Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Germanophile
Austrian Gift Guide
Unique Scottish Gifts for Your Favorite Scotophile
9 Irish Gifts for Your Favorite Irish Lover
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.