



By Louise Krafft
The holidays are fast approaching though there is still plenty of time to browse and shop. And there is not a more enchanting time of the year to do it as the storefronts are festooned with ornaments and ribbons. It is hard not to be in a holiday mood. The Times has gathered a few out of the many shops that are showcasing affordable gifts and listed them below. For the holiday stragglers who still need to pick something up, check back next week for our final Holiday Gift Guide all about last-minute gifts.
Imagine Artwear
Opening its doors in 1988, Imagine Artwear at 1124 King St. features a wide selection of contemporary American made crafts including clothing, jewelry and accessories in a variety of prices. From the Sardine Clothing Company of Philadelphia are upcycled “warm and cozy wool hats, individually made from recycled felted, wool sweaters. Each hat brim is lined with coordinating jersey knit for comfort and playful freestyle sewn images make each hat one of a kind,” according to the website.
Jewelry Artisan Christophe Poly creates collections using materials such as aluminum, brass, acrylic, leather and rubber, with the website stating that “each element enriches the design to create a perfect balance of oneness.”
Imagine also carries “Roo” pouches by Marcua in a variety of colors. Priced at $39, these little pouches include a top zip for cards and cash, and a diagonal side zip for coins.
Reunions
Reunions, a neighbor staple for the past 30-plus years, is filled with an eclectic selection of antiques, home furnishings and accessories and more. The shop owner Barbara Geyer Watts describes Reunions as a “blend of old and new where the merchandise changes daily.” The shop is located at 1709 Centre Plaza.

Rocket Fizz
Rocket Fizz is a fun one-stop shop for soda pop, candy and gag gifts located at 1721 Centre Plaza. The shop carries a whimsical selection of unique and nostalgic candies, fun ornaments along with white elephant gifts, desktop calendars and a wide variety of sodas and RocketFizz apparel.
Velocity Bicycle Cooperative
For the bicyclist in your life, Velocity Bicycle Cooperative at 2111 Mt. Vernon Ave. offers a gift certificate for a basic bike tune-up that includes adjustment of brakes, gears, headset, and crank/bb; laterally true wheels; lubricate cables and chain; and wipe down frame for $75 plus parts. The shop also carries a variety of bike locks, bells and other accessories.

Bashford & Pitt
Bashford & Pitt features hand-poured 100% soy wax candles, and each scent is inspired by a moment in history. Bashford & Pitt’s 1783 candle is a perfect gift for everyone on your list. It has a warm and inviting scent that’s ideal for enjoying all winter long. The 1783 scent is available in a glass vessel and a wood bowl. The shop is located at 504 Bashford Lane #3121.
Le Vintage-The Old Town Wine Shop
Those looking for a nice bottle of wine at an affordable price should stop in at Le Vintage-The Old Town Wine Shop, 1218 King St. The shop carries 60 or so wine selections for under $20 and another 900 more for over $20. Sommelier-owner Ben Kuna’s wine & beer shop focuses solely on biodynamic, sustainable and natural producers. Wine tastings are held twice a week.
Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages has affordable items that make a difference in the world. The shop is brimming with organic clothing and jewelry, home décor, hand knotted rugs and specialty foods and beverages from more than 45 countries. Purchases and donations at Ten Thousand Villages directly impact the life and community of the craftsperson and artisans. One gift idea is The Giving Plate, which, according to the website, “belongs to everyone wherever it may go … with each new sharing of its gift, the love and blessings grow, so fill it up and pass it on to family and to friends… to start the circle one more time, love’s journey never ends.”
The Giving Plate is hand-painted by artisans working with the fair trade partner Hebron Glass, specialists in ceramics and blown glass in the West Bank. The motorcycle and pizza-loving person in your life, will get revved up for the Motorcycle Pizza Cutter, which is handcrafted by artisans in India who are taught the skills to start their own independent businesses through Noah’s Ark International Workshops. The Ten Thousand Villages is located at 915 King St.



