Looking for that perfect gift? Want something that not only serves a purpose or looks good, but also supports organizations you love? Shop at museum gift shops!
This has been a devastating year for museums and buying gifts from their online stores is one thing you can do to support them at the end of 2020. Plus, lots of them have really great gifts on offer! Below I’ve picked out a few of my favorites from the Philadelphia area (and occasionally further afield).
WPA Poster of Carpenters’ Hall - $30
Carpenters’ Hall
Right before they were closed by the latest city order, the museum at Carpenters’ Hall unveiled a new exhibit of WPA posters, which were produced during the Great Depression to drive tourism. This poster is the perfect gift for the person who cares about Philadelphia, its history and architecture, or perhaps who simply likes the modern style of these posters! There also are a few other posters in Carpenters’ Hall’s web store.
Tea Towel - $15
Elfreth’s Alley Museum
Along with Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Rocky Steps, Elfreth’s Alley is one of the most iconic Philadelphia views. This tea towel, designed by our friends at Phila*Carta brings that iconic view into your kitchen. Use it while you prepare a Dickensian winter punch to keep you warm and cheery this holiday season!
Mary Heilman, Serape Tie - $55
Fabric Workshop and Museum
One of my favorite art museums in Philadelphia, the Fabric Workshop and Museum consistently offers fascinating exhibitions and installations. They also happen to have one of the most engrossing museum shops around. This tie is one of their most striking offerings, and is one of the many collaborations they have completed with exhibiting artists.
Journal - $12
Sharon Hildebrand, Philadelphia Museum of Art Union
Since mass layoffs and furloughs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the newly formed union has been boosting the art and craft work of employees who are temporarily or permanently out of work. Sharon Hildebrand makes lovely books and boxes. Maybe you know someone who needs an outlet for their emotions or creative expression? Maybe you know someone who needs a place to store small items? The PMA Union Instagram page is the best place to find all of these very creative museum workers!
Marian Anderson Museum Mug - $18
Marian Anderson Historical Society and Museum
As if the pandemic weren’t enough, the Marian Anderson Historical Society and Museum dealt with a devastating flood this year. Show your support for this gem and enjoy a local brew of coffee or tea!
Submarine Becuna Embroidered Knit Cap - $22.50
Independence Seaport Museum
Have you descended into the claustrophobic passageways and compartments of the U.S.S. Becuna next to Spruce Street Harbor Park? Or perhaps your ears are just cold? Either way, this stylish beanie is for you. There’s a version paying tribute to the U.S.S. Olympia too, as well as a nice variety of other apparel, mugs, and historic prints.
Prints and more - $5+
Athenaeum of Philadelphia
The Athenaeum has put much of their visual collection into a web store where you can order everything from greeting cards to throw pillows sporting the image. This image, depicting “Philadelphia Fashions” circa 1931 would make a great gift for your favorite snappy dresser, whether framed for their wall or on a tshirt.
Ben Franklin Felt Ornament - $19.99
Museum of the American Revolution
Is your tree looking a little bare? This 7.5” felt innovator might help! MoAR also offers apparel, books for the history buff in your life, and a replica mug of the “Giant Success to Boston” tankard they have on display.
Ornament - $15
Elfreth’s Alley Museum
While you’re trimming your tree (and listening to The Alley Cast to take a brief break from Christmas music) check out this ceramic ornament, which depicts one of Philadelphia’s oldest streets during the winter of 1952. While you’re at it, check out the rest of our store!
Art Socks, Sunflowers - $25
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art
Who doesn’t like socks at Christmas? Along with chocolate, it’s one of the few surefire gifts (along with everything in this list of course!). PAFA’s store has lots of beautiful gift ideas for the artsy person on your gift list, from art books and apparel, to, yes, face masks.
Pocket Field Guide to Plants of the Lower Schuylkill River - $5
Bartram’s Garden
In 2020, many folks have been taking more regular walks and seeking out green spaces. Get ready for your 2021 walks with this field guide! Bartram’s Garden’s web store also offers products from other local vendors for the kids and green thumbs in your life, as well as some quality self care products.
Facade Sketch Water Bottle - $11.95
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
Everyone needs to stay hydrated, okay? If you can doing that while learning about the violence of the system of mass incarceration, more’s the better. While you’re at it, read Foucault on why school and hospitals are also designed to incarcerate.
Tiny I.M Pei Sew Your Own - $20
Sarah Marsom
Ok, so this isn’t really from a museum, but Sarah Marsom’s Tiny Activist Project is just really fabulous and checks a lot of gift boxes: a craft kit to do at home ✓, kid-friendly ✓, supporting underrepresented voices in preservation ✓. And whether you love them or hate them, the Society Hill Towers and townhomes designed by I. M. Pei are a huge part of Philadelphia’s historic neighborhoods. Plus these little DIY plushes are so cute!
Plague Doctor Cookie Cutter - $7.25
Mütter Museum
In 2020, what could be more festive than a cookie in the shape of a historic plague mask. A bit macabre perhaps, but that has always been the Mütter’s thing, right? Another favorite of mine from the store is the plush megacolon.
Ruth Baby Ginsburg Collar Bib - $19.95
National Museum of American Jewish History
Truly, NMAJH has more options in its store than I could quite comprehend, but I thought this baby bib was too cute to omit. Hopefully the wearer does not dissent to whatever’s on the plate in front of them.
Constitution Preamble Puzzle - $28.99
National Constitution Center
During the holidays, my family devours puzzles, and this one is going right onto my list. Artist Mike Wilkins’ interpretation of the preamble to the United States Constitution, spelled out in vanity license plates, is a feat of kitsch and art and Americana in 1000 pieces.
Birds in the Barnes Foundation - $19.99
The Barnes Foundation
This book advertises itself as a “room-by-room ‘bird-watching’ guide to the Barnes Foundation collection” and I think it’s an ingenious way to see the galleries in new ways. One time in my childhood, my parents kept my sister and I engaged during a trip to an art museum by purchasing postcards from the museum shop, cutting out small squares, and then giving each of us these tiny clues to pieces in the collection. It worked!
Betsy Ross and The Making of America - $29.99
Historic Philadelphia, Inc./The Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross is one of those names most American school children know and yet who can say they know much about her, or whether she ever existed? Well she did, and Marla R. Miller wrote this excellent book tracing the real Betsy and her place in early America.
-TM