Philly Gift Guide: A Few of Our Favorite Black-Owned Shops
By: Lion S Story
Tags: Shopping, Philadelphia, Gifts, Holidays, Business

The countdown is on!

If you’re still looking for some last-minute gifts for friends, colleagues or family members — and you’re looking to support Black businesses in Philly — we’ve got your back!

Here are some of our favorite local shops and services to help you put the finishing touches on your holiday shopping.

For the Sci-Fi/Comic Book Enthusiast: Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse

2578 Frankford Ave.

Ariell Johnson, Owner of Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse

The first black-woman-owned comic bookstore on the East Coast, Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in Kensington was opened in 2015 by owner Ariell Johnson. The store, described as a “celebration of geek culture,” is a good stop for anyone looking for the perfect gift for the comic book fan in their life and has a variety of comics, figurines, games and apparel to fit the bill.

Learn more: https://amalgamphilly.com/shop/

For the Hostess with the Mostest: Snapdragon Flowers

If you’re in charge of picking up flowers for your family’s holiday dinner, are looking for a fresh wreath or looking to send flowers to a friend, aunt, cousin or other family member that you can’t be with this Christmas, check out Snapdragon Flowers. Owner/Designer Tolani Lawrence-Lightfoot earned a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art & Design and works with her husband David to create and deliver custom floral arrangements within Philly.

Learn more: https://www.snapdragonphilly.com/purchase-flowers

The One-Stop-Shop for Everyone: Trunc

929 N. 2nd Street

With an array of environmentally responsible accessories, clothing, art, jewelry and home goods and décor available, Trunc is a one-stop shop for gift-giving ideas. The boutique supports local artists and the community by showcasing their work and making their goods available for sale, and is a woman-owned, African-American-owned and veteran-owned business.

Learn more: https://www.trunc.net/

For the Book Worm and History Buff: Hakim’s Philadelphia Bookstore

210 S. 52nd Street

Founded in the late 1950’s by Dawud Hakim, Hakim’s Bookstore in West Philly was the first in the city to stock books exclusively about African American history. Today, the tradition continues with his daughters and granddaughter keeping up the store.

Learn more: https://hakimsbookstore.com/

For the Feminist and Book Worm: Harriett’s Bookshop

258 E. Girard Avenue

From children’s books to literature to nonfiction and empowering merchandise that speaks to the power of women, Harriet’s Bookshop, so named for Harriett Tubman, is the perfect place to pick up a gift that will inspire, educate and move.

Learn more: https://www.harriettsbookshop.com/

For the Person Who Appreciates Handmade Authentic Accessories: De’Village at Reading Terminal Market

For handcrafted African jewelry, accessories and gifts, visit De’Village at Reading Terminal Market. Owned by husband-and-wife team of Watson and Joycelyn Parks, De’Village opened in 2001 and imports much of its inventory from Kenya.

Learn more: https://readingterminalmarket.org/merchant/devillage/

For the Tired and Hungry Gift-Giver (aka You!): French Toast Bites

If you find yourself at Love Park between now and Christmas Eve and you’ve worked up an appetite doing your holiday shopping, one of the vendors to consider visiting at Christmas Village is the French Toast Bites food stand. Owner Charisse McGill, a Temple grad, was the first Black woman vendor at Spruce Street Harbor Park, and, with the recent launch of French Toast Bites Ale, is the first Black woman to create a signature beer in Pennsylvania.

Learn more: https://www.lokalartisanfoods.com/

For Natural Hair Care and a Bit of Pampering: Marsh + Mane

529 S. 4th Street

Marsh+Mane Owner, Jenea Robinson

Founded just over a year ago by Jenea Robinson, Marsh + Mane is a natural hair care retailer that provides luxury hair, skin and body products for women and men. The boutique carries local and international natural brands, stocking stuffer gift ideas, essential oils and an assortment of feel-good products ideal for a pampering night in.

Learn more: https://marshandmane.com