"There is no better place for visitors interested in one-stop souvenir shopping than the Pennsylvania General Store, located inside the Reading Terminal Market. You'll find everything from Amish quilts to just-made fudge, as well asfood items unique to the region, including locally treasured Asher’s chocolate-covered pretzels. Also recommended aredecadent, fresh-baked Hope’s Cookies, and tins of Rosie’s butterkins (butter cookies). If you're not hungry, maybe you need a soft pretzel T-shirt, City of Brotherly Love shot glasses, or a bawdy coffee mug touting the town ofIntercourse, Pennsylvania?Former Philadelphians who miss their regional treats can order care packages online from the General Store’s website."

"Verde isactually two stores in one. Itcarries one-of-a-kind accessories, jewelry, and gifts, which makes it stand out asone of several unique shops in the Midtown Village district of Center City. Serendipitously, the boutique shares space withMarcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates. In fact, you can watch the chocolate confections being made in the back room by peeking through the large window. A shopa-choco-holic’s dream! While in Midtown Village, venture across the street to another notable shopping stop, Open House, which sellsPhilly-themed items as well as a curated selection of housewares and accessories."

"A wonderful wood art gallery and shop The Center for Art in Wood (formerly the Wood Turning Center), is both an exhibition space and research library, founded to promote and preserve the field of art made from wood. The permanent collection contains over 1,000 objects from around the world, ranging from functional everyday objects to contemporary sculpture. Their space is museum stunning and includes a large exhibition gallery which mounts 4 or 5 shows each year, and a wonderfully eclectic shop featuring original artist works and other non-wood crafts. Anyone interested in art should not miss this gallery."

"Fun if you buy and fun if you don't Easily my favorite store in Philly to browse or “window shop”, Open House features such an entertaining assortment of interesting goods that it’s a challenge to walk out without buying something. There are great Philly-themed items and gifts, extremely unique housewares, fantastic jewelry, bags and accessories, gifts for baby, and more. Open House has something for every budget and is a worthwhile shopping stop in Philly’s Midtown Village."

"The AIA Bookstore, one of the most unique shops in the city, holds a million surprises. It stocks a vast selection of art, architecture, and design books, but also offers an amazing array of fun and creative toys, gifts, and novelty items, as well as men’s and women’s accessories and jewelry, picture frames, household goods, one-of-a-kind postcards, and Philly-themed wares. Behind the store is a separate exhibition space that hosts rotating exhibits, including an annual show held each winter dedicated toclassic construction and building toys. Admission to the galleryis free."

"Eclectic Art Exhibits and a Shop to Match Any visitors to Philadelphia who are checking out the contemporary art scene should include a visit to the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Center City. The words “fabric” and “workshop” may be somewhat misleading—although its innovative founders originally experimented with fabric, the museum’s mission has expanded to encourage education and experimentation in all artistic media. Inside its massive space in a renovated industrial building, there are three large exhibition galleries: a video lounge, construction and print studios (open to the public by appointment), and an outstanding and unique gift shop (more on the shop in a minute). The admission charge for exhibitions is $3 for adults; children under 12 are admitted for free. Museum admission is not required to visit the shop, pictured above, which is accessible just inside the entrance. And this is not your average museum gift shop. In addition to limited edition artists’ works in glass, ceramic, paper, photography, and of course, fabric, there are beautiful one-of-a-kind scarves, bags, and T-shirts and a unique selection of novelty gifts and home accessories. Visit for the cutting-edge art installations and shop for eclectic gifts that you won’t find anywhere else."

"A candy store has occupied this building continuously since 1863. The current proprietors, the Berley brothers—who also own the Franklin Fountain ice cream parlor a few doors away on Market Street—are master confectioners. Even for those among us who don't like candy (is that even possible?), a visitto the store is worthwhile simply to see its charming Victorian interior. Coming here is like stepping back in time, and you'll feel as thrilled asa kidto peer into the vintage glass-topped cabinets full of chocolates and other sweets. Keep an eye outfor the Whirly Berley Bars (chocolate nougat with salted chocolate caramel), and be sure to check out the seasonal creations, like the pumpkin-spice buttercreams."

"Vendors first set up shop at the Italian Marketin the mid-to-late 1880s, and today, the spread of stalls, stores, and eateries runs all along Ninth Street in Philadelphia'sresidential Bella Vista neighborhood. A trip hereinvolves all the senses:sights, sounds, vibrant colors, and, most intoxicating of all, the combined aromas of spices, coffee, and just-baked bread. Along this stretch, shoppers can find fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, fish, seafood, meats, cheeses, pastries, homemade pasta, ice cream, chocolates, and tea. The 10-block market area also includesa great variety of restaurants. Overwhelmed by the choices? Stop at the Visitor Center for suggestions. The market operates all year round, and in all types of weather."

"An aromatic treat for the senses When you enter the store, the combined aromas of all the scented soaps, candles and other products is a lovely surprise. You’ll also be surprised by some of the inventive soap “flavors” – salted caramel, for example, and Yard’s (a local brewery) Philadelphia Pale Ale. Besides the soaps and candles, there are enough hair, face and body/spa products to get you well on your way to aroma therapeutic bliss. I’m a fan of the delightfully scented soy candles named after Philadelphia locations. The selections change with the seasons, so there is always something new to sniff! This is a great place to shop for gifts and the themed gift sets come in categories suitable for men, women, and good doggies."

"A piece of Tibet on Main Street Sunrise in Tibet is a charming boutique on Main Street in Manayunk, offering affordable jewelry, clothing, accessories, scarves, sculpture, tapestries and other handicrafts from Tibet. The shop owner purchases items directly from the individual artisans and is active in the Tibetan community. Finding this shop was a wonderful surprise and there are many beautiful bargains to be found here."

"The Old City neighborhood has sometimes been referred to as the most historic square mile in the US. In addition to being the location ofthe iconic historic attractions, it is a thriving arts and shopping district with dozens of art galleries and trendsetting boutiques. Highlights include the Book Trader, the Clay Studio, Muse Gallery, and Brave New Worlds (a shopselling comic books and toys). Looking for cutting-edge bar tools and supplies, as wellascreative distilled spirits? Art in the Age carries those products and hosts tastings and workshops for home bartenders and distillers. The Center for Art in Woodhas a permanent collection of pieces, as well as a gallery with changing exhibitions and a great shop. If you're spent after all that browsing, revive yourself withasweet treat from Tartes Bakery at 212 Arch Street."