Kensington’s annual holiday gift guide is back. From comic books and candle-making to spiritual consults and custom Kensington merch from Jason Kelce's Underdog Apparel, we’ve rounded up fun, offbeat and thoughtful hyperlocal gifts that support neighborhood businesses — and maybe even inspire your cousin to get their car papers in order before the PPA strikes.
A membership for makers with Hive 76
Hive 76 is a maker space offering memberships for access to woodworking, electronics, laser-cutting, 3D-printing and a 24-hour workspace.
Address: 1821 E. Hagert St. #100c, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Contact: hive76@hve76.org
Art and merch from Vizion Gallery
Vizion Gallery sells graphic art and merchandise from Philly artists. For custom pieces, you can commission an artist through the gallery’s owner J.C. Zerbe. Email to schedule an appointment.
Address: 3312 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Contact: contact@viziongallery.org
>> Click here to read more about Vizion Gallery
Beauty & hair gifts at K&A Hair Plus Supply
Looking for hair‑care essentials or beauty gifts? K&A Hair Plus Supply offers a wide selection of salon‑grade products — from styling tools and haircare items to extensions and accessories.
Address: 3159 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 425‑6171
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Board games from Boardgames Under Berks (BUBS)
BUBS is a board game cafe offering food, games for sale, and table time to play board and trading card games with friends or host parties.
Address: 102 W Berks St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Contact: bubsphl@gmail.com
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 2 p.m.–10 p.m.
Candle-making classes & take-home kits at Waxery
Waxery offers candle‑making classes, kits, gift cards — and a chance to make candles while sipping wine, singing karaoke and hanging out with friends. Parties welcome.
Address: 3314 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (267) 689-8973
Hours: Wed.–Fri. 2 p.m.–10 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. noon–10 p.m.
>> Click here to read more about Waxery
Car essentials at Morris Auto Parts
A go‑to for auto parts, tools, paint and supplies — Morris Auto Parts has served the Philadelphia automotive community since 1922. Whether you’re shopping for a gearhead or DIY driver, it’s a reliable place to find practical gifts and car‑lover essentials at fair prices.
Address: 2861 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 425‑0800
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
>> Click here to read more about Morris Auto Parts
Coffee subscription & merch from Càphê Roasters
Get a Càphê Roasters coffee subscription delivered directly to someone’s doorstep or branded merch — including a Jason Kelce collab shirt celebrating Kensington’s textile roots.
Address: 3400 J St. G1, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 690-1268
Hours: Mon., Wed.–Sun. — 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Comics for the superhero fan from Ontario Comics
About a 10-minute walk from the Frankford Avenue corridor, Ontario Comics is worth the trip. They sell single-issue books and full volumes from both large and independent comic book companies like Marvel and Image Comics. You can also find action figures and other collectibles.
Address: 2235 E. Ontario St., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Contact: (215) 288-7338
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Eagles gear from Live In Color
Live in Color sells all of the latest Nike and Air Jordan sneaker drops, plus Eagles and Phillies hats and hoodies.
Address: 2337 N. Front St., Philadelphia, PA 19133
Phone: (215) 425-4666
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Experimental records for the music lover from Great Circles
Great Circles record shop offers curated vinyl and cassettes across electronic, jazz, reggae and experimental genres, plus apparel. Gift cards available.
Address: 2427 Frankford Ave., 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (267) 703-8256
Hours: Wed.–Fri. 4 p.m.–8 p.m.; Sat. noon–6 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m.–6 p.m.
Funky home decor from Thunderbird Salvage
Thunderbird Salvage sells new and used furniture, decor, and quirky collectibles ideal for one-of-a-kind gifts.
Address: 2441 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125
Phone: (267) 250-7995
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
>> Click here to read more about Thunderbird Salvage
Give the gift of fewer fines With Perfect Touch Auto Tags
Give the gift of avoiding the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Perfect Touch Auto Tags handles registrations, title transfers, and temp tags — ideal for anyone tired of parking tickets or long DMV lines. A practical gift for the driver in your life.
Address: 2831 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 425‑5001
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Handmade jewelry from M Jewelers
M Jewelers is a family‑owned shop crafting handmade jewelry — from classic pieces to custom designs. It’s a go‑to for anyone looking for personal, durable gifts or something special that’s made right here in Kensington.
Address: 2331 N. Front St., Philadelphia, PA 19133
Phone: (215) 634‑8448
Typical hours: Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
>> Click here to read more about M Jewelers
Olive oil from Kensington Food Company
Kensington born and raised, Thomas Sheridan, imports high-quality Italian-imported olive oil and balsamic vinegars. You can find them at Reading Terminal Market or on the shelf at Castellino’s Italian Market on E. Palmer Street.
Castellino’s
Address: 1255 E. Palmer St., Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (215) 416‑1187
Hours: Tue.–Fri. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. noon–4 p.m.
Reading Terminal
Address: 12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 922‑2317
Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
>> Click here to read more about Kensington Food Company
Pound cake from Stock’s Bakery
There’s usually a line down the block on Christmas Eve outside Stock’s for their famous cakes. The Port Richmond bakery has been family-operated for five generations, and waiting in line for their butter or pound cakes has become a tradition for many Philly-area families.
Spiritual consults and gifts at Botanica San Expedito
Botanica San Expedito sells candles, incense, oils, religious relics and ceremonial objects. They also offer spiritual consultations, readings, and medium services.
Address: 2842 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 954-1879
Hours: Mon., Wed., Thu. — 9 a.m.–3 p.m., 4 p.m.–6 p.m.; Tues., Fri., Sat. — 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
>> Click here to read more about Botanica San Expedito's story
Sunny’s hot chili oil from Vientiane Bistro
Sunny Phanthavong’s Lao and Thai Vientiane Bistro restaurant also sells small-batch chili oil — a great gift for home cooks. Order online or pick up in-store, where gift cards are also available.
Address: 2537 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (267) 703-8199
Hours: Mon.–Sat. noon–9 p.m.
Tattoos from two local shops
187 Ink
187 Ink is a professional tattoo shop offering custom styles, including color and 3D photo-realism.
Address: 1930 N 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: (215) 995-5900
Hours: Daily noon–9 p.m.
Philly Ink Tattoo
Known for its clean setup and loyal clientele, Philly Ink Tattoo offers professional work in a laid-back, welcoming environment.
Address: 3216 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (215) 426-9977
Hours: Mon.–Sat. noon–7 p.m.
Tech gear & repairs at Tronic World
Tronic World offers a solid selection of electronics — from phone accessories to repairs to stereo and recording equipment.
Address: 2752-56 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (267) 764‑3735
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Tickets to a show at Jerry’s on Front
Buy tickets to a show or book a rehearsal space at Jerry’s on Front, run by guitarist Chris Forsyth. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on their Instagram and Songkick page.
Address: 2341 N. Front St., Philadelphia, PA 19133
Phone: (347) 526-3325
Vintage & thrifted gems from Circle Thrift
For bargain seekers and sustainable shoppers alike, Circle Thrift offers secondhand clothing, home goods, books and unique gifts at affordable prices. It's a great spot to find one-of-a-kind items while giving pre-loved goods a second life.
Address: 2233 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Contact: circlethriftdonations@gmail.com
Hours: Tue.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
