Boy or girl. Young or young-at-heart, we’ve got some sensational suggestions for gift-giving this season. The best part? All of the products come from Berks retailers! Topping it all off, this year we’re giving you a suggestion of an “experience gift” – one the recipient can cash in and enjoy later – and it’s clutter-free. What are you waiting for? Grab a pen and paper and get ready to start (or add to) your shopping list.
1. Fun & Functional. 1. Fun & Functional. Don’t hand out dog-eared, crinkled business cards. We’ve found something fun to keep them in. Store in one of these cutely crafted boxes and you – and your cards – will make a great first impression. $10 each from Typothecary Letterpress.
Typothecary Letterpress | 484.269.6019 | typothecaryletterpress.com | etsy.com
2. Spice it up. 2. Spice it up. Like to live life kicked up a notch? Add some St. Lucifer Spice to your kitchen cabinet. The masterful blend of garlic, salt, vinegar and fiery habanero peppers unleashes the potential in so many dishes. Created by a Fleetwood High graduate and featured in Esquire. $6 each bottle.
Found at Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese, West Reading | saintluciferspice.com
3. Happy Teeth. 3. Happy Teeth. There’s no toothbrush like a RADIUS toothbrush. Unique in design, they can be enjoyed by all ages, with the Totz Plus crafted for kids, and even on the go, with the TOUR Travel version. Available in assorted colors. Totz Plus: $3.99, TOUR Travel: $5.99.
RADIUS | 207 Railroad St., Kutztown | 800.626.6223 | madebyradius.com
4. The Beauty of Giving. 4. The Beauty of Giving. Chavez for Charity bracelets come in 11 colors for 11 causes and are made from wood, jade and other natural stones. No plastic here. Limited in number. 25 percent of profits benefit charities like Water.org. $10 each at Coventry Corners.
Coventry Corners, Berkshire Mall | 1665 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing | 610.376.0445 | coventrycorners.com
5. Beard Blend. 5. Beard Blend. Hate a scratchy, itchy kiss from your bearded loved one? Give him a bottle of Beard Oil. What’s not to love? It’s moisturizing and scented with cedar wood, sweet orange, cinnamon and clove essential oils. $10 for a .5-ounce bottle.
Sold at the West Reading Farmers Market,
Antietam Valley Farmers Market & Penn Street Market | growyourownfreedom.net
6. Da Bomb. 6. Da Bomb. Bath bomb, that is. Find foamy, fizzy luxury and intensely incredible aromas at Paisley & Company Bath Boutique. The bombs add a bit of fun to bath time and pamper your skin too, carrying a moisturizing quality recipients will love. $5 each at Paisley & Company Bath Boutique.
Paisley & Company Bath Boutique | 275 W. Main St., Kutztown | 484.646.9515 | paisleyandcompany.com
* Experience It! Visit the newly-opened Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery and sample the whites, reds and everything in between for just $5 per person.
Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery | Old Route 22, Kutztown | 484.452.3633 | folinoestate.com
1. Tote-ally Cute. 1. Tote-ally Cute. We’re not surprised this canvas initial tote is a favorite amongst customers at She. Carry it year-round to, well, “tote” your belongings. It’s roomy, well- crafted, fashionable, and an excellent value. $20.
She…A Fashion Accessory Experience | 715 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.376.5743
2. By the Seashore. 2. By the Seashore. A little time at the beach can be just what the doctor ordered on a cold, wintry day. These naturally absorbent tumbled marble seashell coasters from Coasters by Connie do just the trick. Pair them with a bottle of wine and coordinating wine charms (also from Connie). Set of coasters and charms: $25.
610.780.6773 | coastersbyconnie.com | facebook.com
3. Gluten-Free Treat. 3. Gluten-Free Treat. For those who have to avoid gluten, but want to indulge their sweet tooth, these Black Bean Brownies may be the answer. $25 for a batch of 9 from 3 O’Clock Snacks.
3 O’Clock Snacks | 484.269.7837 | 3oclocksnacks.com
4. Put a Ring on it. 4. Put a Ring on it. Really. Store and show off your ring collection with beautiful, colorful and one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass ring holders made in the Hot Glass Studio at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. $25 each.
GoggleWorks STORE | 201 Washington St., Reading | 610.374.4600, ext. 104 | goggleworks.org
5. Art for All Ages. 5. Art for All Ages. Jazz up the décor of a youngster you love with upcycled artwork from book pages crafted by Denise Hasson of The Repurposed Page. The customizable variety of hand-drawn art for all ages seems endless. $20. $25 with name customization. $45 framed.
Available at Fig & Will, 609 Penn Avenue, West Reading | Email: therepurposedpage@gmail.com | facebook.com
6. Spa-ahhhh… 6. Spa-ahhhh… Splurge a bit and gift someone with this spa treatment set of hand-crafted holiday soap and a matching sugar scrub created from essential oil blends from Betula’s Botanica. $24.95 for the set.
Found at Allison Clothing Company and Celtic Myth & Moonlight on Penn Avenue in West Reading, Also area farmers markets. | betulasbotanica.com
*Experience It! Grab two tickets and reserve seats to a film with a friend or loved one at Fox Berkshire in a Reserve & Recline theater. $22 for 2 tickets.
Fox Berkshire | 800 Berkshire Boulevard, Wyomissing | 610.374.1123 | foxshowtimes.com
1. Mmm….Chocolate. 1. Mmm….Chocolate. Perfect as a corporate gift or for the chocolate lover in your life, Billy’s Homemade Candies' Gift Tower features a few of the shop’s best-sellers, including an assorted box, Cashew Butter Crunch, Milk and Dark Chocolate Cashew Patties, and Milk and Dark Chocolate Non Pareils. Gift wrap included and shipping is available. $49.
Billy’s Homemade Candies | 4949 Kutztown Rd., Temple | 610.929.1673 | billyscandies.com
2. Oh-So-Adorable. Dress Santa’s littlest helper in a diaper cover, socks and holiday hat set ($46), personalized with her name. She’ll be sure to get something sweet in her stocking. Little boy personalized diaper cover set also available for $21. Fits up to a six-letter name.
Initials Only Awards & Boutique | 396 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.670.0105 | initialsonlyawards.com
3. Beer’s Best Friend. 3. Beer’s Best Friend. The double-insulated, copper-lined growler emblazoned with The Barley Mow logo holds 64 ounces and keeps beer cold for up to 72 hours. It’s the perfect present for the brew enthusiast in your life. $48.
The Barley Mow
719 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 484.926.2094 | barleymowbeer.com
4. Young Top Gun. 4. Young Top Gun. Built for rugged play, Babiators provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection for the littlest babies and kids, be it little Mavericks or Amelia Earharts. The top-quality lenses are impact- and shatter-resistant and the shades are just plain stylish. $20-30 at Fig & Will.
Fig & Will | 609 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.373.3400 | figandwill.com
5. Quintessential Quill. 5. Quintessential Quill. Letter writing is not dead! Gift this one to the loved one who takes the time to handwrite thank you notes and the like. He or she is sure to love the filigree brass-handled feather quill and black writing ink combination. You’ll love the thank you note you receive later. $28.95.
Celtic Myth and Moonlight | 641 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.685.2307 | celticmythmoon.com
6. Get Crafty. 6. Get Crafty. Know a canner or crafter? If the answer is “yes,” get this on your gift list. The Kilner 31-Piece Clip Top Jar Set has so many uses: to store homemade preserves, as an introduction to the
canning world and more. $39.99.
Weaver’s Ace Hardware | 732 Fleetwood Lyons Rd., Fleetwood | 610.944.7681905 W. Postal Rd., Douglassville | 610.385.4600 | weavershardware.com
*Experience It! Perfect for an art aficionado or supporter of local non-profit organizations. Give the gift of an individual membership to the Reading Public Museum and the recipient can enjoy exhibits
year-round. $49.
Reading Public Museum | 500 Museum Rd., Reading | 610.371.5850 | readingpublicmuseum.org
1. Style & Comfort. 1. Style & Comfort. Get both with this men’s shirt. Its design is aimed at complementing a man’s shape allowing a slim looking mid-section. Dress it down with a loose fit pair of jeans and you’ve got a great anywhere outfit for the man or younger brother in your life. Shirt: $68. Jeans: $55.
Mixx Boutique INC. | 637 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.373.2249 | mixxboutique.com
2. Let’s Go Camping! That’s what your children will say when they open this child’s VW Bus Camper play tent from Evelyn & Harriette’s Gifts. Set up is simple and after tear down, store in the spare tire carrying case holder. Great fun for backyard play too, the bus comes in four colors. $60.
Evelyn & Harriette’s Gifts | 1232 Oysterdale Rd., Oley | 610.987.6055
3. Chalk it up. Keep it for use as a chalkboard, or pop the center out and use it as a frame. Crafted by Shari Hafer from old barn wood and painted in various designs, each piece is unique and extremely well-constructed. Sure to be a show-stopper in the home. $85 at Five & Divine.
Five & Divine | 27 E. Penn Avenue, Wernersville | 610.670.9700 | fiveanddivine.com
4. Treasure Chest. 4. Treasure Chest. What's better to store treasured jewelry than this hand-made cedar box made of found wood that was dried, cut and transformed into a one-of-a-kind keepsake by local artisan George Kunder? It’s sure to be passed down through the generations, making it the gift that keeps on giving. $95 (jewelry not included).
It’s A Gift! Woman’s Exchange of Reading | 720 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.373.0960 | itsagift.org
5. Spread Some Joy. 5. Spread Some Joy. Do it with the “Joy” platter, handcrafted from brass and accented with a beautiful antiqued silver finish. It will bring a touch of French country to your favorite entertaining friend and his or her guests year-round, whether it’s put to use or simply on display. $98.
Saylor House | 1291 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing | 610.816.7161 | saylorhouse.com
6. The Fountain of Youth. 6. The Fountain of Youth. Sleeping on the World’s Best Pillowcase from Circadia by Dr. Pugliese helps skin to stay supple and smooth, avoiding morning creases and premature wrinkles. $55 at JS Medspa.
JS Medspa | 3855 Penn Avenue, Lower Level, Sinking Spring | 610.898.1475 | jsmedspa.com
*Experience It! After the stress of the holiday season and during the cold winter months, what could be better than a relaxing hot stone massage? Release tension with a 60-minute massage for $90.
Spa at Spring Ridge | 2603 Keiser Boulevard, Wyomissing | 610.927.3223 | spaatspringridge.com
1. For the Dogs. Looking to pamper your pooch? Get him or her the Dutchie Dog Bed. The clean lines and overstuffed bolster make it cute and cozy for your pup. The zippered cover makes it easy for you when it comes time to throw it in the wash. Available in sizes small to XXL. Bonus: the fabric is upholstery-grade, ensuring it will hold its shape and fit, getting better with age. Small: $124.99.
Godfrey’s–Welcome to Dogdom4 | 267 New Holland Rd., Mohnton | 610.775.5755 | godfreysdogdom.com
2. On the Rocks. Well, stone, that is. These natural stone beverage dispensers made from hand-drilled granite stone with an attached spigot, are ideal for parties and entertaining, making a great conversation piece. The top hole is drilled to accommodate any size beverage bottle. Sizes and textures vary. $127.50.
Dancing Tree Creations | 220 S. Reading Avenue, Boyertown | 484.415.0014 | dancingtreecreations.com
3. Wonderful Whistler. A modern and stylish kitchen isn’t complete without the iconic Le Creuset Classic Whistling Kettle. The timeless and contemporary style of the stainless steel kettle features a wide base for quick heating, a locking handle and a comfortable grip for steady pouring. $120.
Baldwin Brass Center | 623 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 800.358.2469 | baldwinbrasscenter.com
4. Shine On. What girl doesn’t love a bit of sparkle? This Circular Crystal Cluster Line bracelet from Sorrelli certainly does the trick. She can dress up a pair of jeans or pair it with a perfect little black dress. Buy in store or order online. $175.
Sorrelli Jewelry | 220 W. Main St., Kutztown | 610.894.9857 | sorrelli.com
5. Fun Fashion. 5. Fun Fashion. Perfect for a creative friend or loved one, this locally-crafted rayon jersey hand-dyed artisan dress comes in sizes small-XXL and can be worn casually or dressed up with the right accessories. $150.
Allison Clothing Company | 522 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 484.709.2563 | allisonclothingcompany.com
6. Zippity-Do-Dah. The Eagle Zipline turns any backyard into an adventure park and makes YOU the awesomest gift giver to the recipient. The steel trolley, 90-foot-long stainless steel cable, 8-foot-long sling cable and turnbuckle allow the rider to zip across terrain while seated in safety. Maximum weight 250 pounds. For ages 7+. $169.99.
Learning Express Toys of Wyomissing | 746 Woodland Rd., Wyomissing | 610.372.8697 | learningexpress.com/store/wyomissing
*Experience It! Perfect for a classical music lover. He or she can enjoy six shows by the Reading Symphony Orchestra with rear balcony seats during the 2015-2016 season. $170.
610.373.7557 | readingsymphony.org
1. Cookie Collectible. Add some holiday flair to your kitchen with this gorgeous Vietri Old St. Nick Biscotti Jar, handmade and hand-painted in Tuscany, Italy. Who could resist sneaking a treat from this beauty? Sizes and prices of pieces vary. Jar pictured is $236 at Sunshine Blue Skies.
Sunshine Blue Skies | 86 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing | 610.375.0445 | sunshineblueskies.com
2. Belle of the Ball. Know a Disney film fanatic? More specifically, a Beauty and the Beast lover? They’re sure to recognize the rose at the center of this stained-glass piece. Perhaps it’s the perfect gift for your true love. Made in the U.S.A., it’s approximately 36”x26”. $375 at Curious on the Avenue.
Curious on the Avenue | 605 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.685.3996 | facebook.com/curiousontheavenue
3. Monkey Around. Rooted in traditional Pennsylvania German heritage, the “Monkey Dog” design of this redware piece by Scott Madeira of Robesonia Redware is rarely sculpted outside of special orders. It’s a must-have for redware collectors. $245 at the Reading Public Museum Gift Shop.
Reading Public Museum Gift Shop | 500 Museum Rd., Reading | 610.375.5850, ext. 238 | readingpublicmuseum.org
4. Look of Love. You know what they say; diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But we ladies love flowers, too. Combine them and you’ve got a sure-fire gift success on your hands! With a beautiful halo design, this Hearts On Fire Beloved Necklace is illuminated by perfectly cut diamonds sure to turn heads and get hearts beating. Perfect day or night, she’ll love it. Starting at $1,850.
Murphy Jewelers | 16 Jetson Drive, Hamburg | 610.562.2528 | murphyjewelers.com
5. A Hot Rod Indeed. What do you gift the guy or girl who seems to have everything? A classic from Classic Harley-Davidson, decked out from fender to fender with custom details, Premium BOOM! Audio and a flashy paint job. The recipient is sure to turn heads when taking this baby for a ride. MSRP: $36,799.
Classic Harley-Davidson | Route 183, Bern Township | 610.916.7777 | classicharley.com
*Experience It! Love to cook? Want to enhance your culinary skills and enjoy a gourmet meal all in the same night? Book a private lesson with renowned Berks chef Jason Hook, owner of h2o kitchen. Pricing varies.
Chef Jason Hook/h2o kitchen | 484.577.3731 | h2okitchen.com
Written & compiled by Nikki M. Murry and Robyn L. Jones | Photos by Tania Colamarino, Ama Photography
