The holiday season is here, which means time for shopping for holiday wreaths, greens and decorations and, of course, buying gifts for your loved ones. During this season, it’s important to support neighborhood businesses and makers, many of whom have been struggling in the past couple of years. Plus, there will be several holiday markets and other shopping events scheduled in the area.

Holiday Wreaths & Greens, Plants and Ornaments

For those who are looking for holiday wreaths and greens, Bartram’s Garden is holding its annual Handmade Holidays event this Saturday, Dec. 3, Noon – 5 p.m. Bartram’s signature evergreen wreaths and other holiday greens and plants are still available for purchase online. All orders will be available for pick-up at the event on Saturday, from Noon to 2 p.m. In addition, the event will include a make-and-take wreath-making workshop from Noon to 4 p.m.. For more information, go here.

Some local plant shops have holiday plants, gifts and ornaments available. Check out these two Black women-owned businesses: Plant & People (1431 N. 52nd St.) and Freebird Greenery (4711 Pine St.). Continue Reading

Christmas trees are back for sale in the neighborhood (check the locations here). And if you’re looking for a nice handmade holiday wreath, Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) is holding its annual sale this Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. The sale will include a great selection of decorated and undecorated wreaths, centerpieces, and fresh evergreens.

There will also be a holiday marketplace with a variety of local vendors, free “make + take” workshops, music, children’s activities, a baking competition, and more!  Continue Reading

If you’re looking for a Christmas tree, one option is at 50th and Baltimore, where Curtis and Co. have been selling trees for more than 30 years. Also check out trees at 52nd and Spruce and 39th and Lancaster.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcQW-wlBUaT/?taken-by=westphillylocal

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UPDATE (12/19/2014, 1:50 p.m.): Jawnaments and other items described below have been sold out!

“Sorry, but we ran out of supplies! Thanks for all of the support and please check back in after the holidays for new products!” reads a message on the Workshop Industries Holiday Order Form.

(12/18/2014): Here’s a chance to do the holidays Philly style and help a local after-school program. Students enrolled in the Workshop Industries after school program at the Workshop School, an innovative, project-based high school in West Philly, made some amazing Christmas tree ornaments and Jawnaments (it is worth giving these as gifts just for a chance to explain “jawn” to an out-of-town relative). They are available for order and pick up at their location at 221 S. Hanson St (near 48th and Locust). You can also purchase a beautiful handmade Christmas House (with or without light) and even all-natural lip balm ($2), available in three flavors: coconut, clementine, and chocolate mint.

By the way, all the ornaments are $5, but this Jawnament below is $3:

To see all the items available for sale click here. For more information on how to order, go to this page. Orders can be picked up on Monday (Dec. 22) from 3:30 to 6 p.m., or you can choose your order to be delivered to you.