Whether you’re a proud Philadelphian, a transplant, or someone who just loves the iconic Philly food, there’s no better way to share a piece of Philly with your loved ones than with a Philly-themed gift basket.
Of course, if you’re not from Philly, you might not be sure what to include in a Philly-themed gift basket. Don’t worry — we’re here to help! In this blog post, we’ll talk about the best Philly-themed gifts that will make your gift basket truly unforgettable. Let’s get started!
Original Philly Cheesesteak
Can you even talk about Philly without mentioning cheesesteaks? Nope. They’re the pride of South Philly, and for good reason. Whether it’s the sizzling ribeye, melty cheese, or the soft-yet-sturdy Philly-style bread, the cheesesteak is an absolute must-have in your Philly-themed gift basket.
Tony Luke’s frozen cheesesteaks are an option that stands out for more reasons than one. They’re made fresh, and then frozen with precision. Any Philly resident will tell you that they deliver the same flavors as the delicious sandwiches served up in Tony Luke’s iconic South Philly shop.
Tony Luke’s original Philly cheesesteaks are perfect for anyone who’s ever asked, “Where can I find the best cheesesteaks near me?” Plus, they’re easy to heat — just pop them in the oven for 20 minutes, and you’ve got yourself an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
Want to go the extra mile? We’d recommend including a Philly cheesesteak gift card from Tony Luke’s in your Philly-themed gift baskets. That way, your recipients can enjoy the real deal whenever they’re in town. They can even hire Tony Luke’s for Philly cheesesteak catering!
Pretzels and Chips
Everyone loves snacks, which is why no gift basket is complete without plenty of tasty savory treats — like classic soft pretzels, for example. A Philadelphia soft pretzel is as iconic as the Liberty Bell.
We’d highly recommend including a few soft pretzels in your gift baskets, as well as a bag or two of Herr’s Potato Chips. Herr’s is a Pennsylvania staple, and is beloved for its classic flavors and different varieties (like Old Bay and Sour Cream & Onion).
Philly Sweet Treats
It goes without saying that no gift basket is complete without something sweet. Philly is home to some seriously sweet treats. Here are a few things that are worth including in your Philly-themed gift basket:
Tastykakes
Whether it’s Butterscotch Krimpets, Kandy Kakes, or Chocolate Cupcakes, these nostalgic treats are definitely worth including in any gift basket! If you have a friend who misses Philly, seeing these delicious treats included in their gift basket will certainly bring a smile to their face.
Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews
These bite-sized treats are a Philly favorite. Goldenberg’s Peanut chews combine chewy molasses with crunchy peanuts. Your loved one’s dentist might not thank you, but your loved one sure will!
If you want to include something more artisanal, we’ve got just the solution for you. We’d recommend checking out Dutch Baskets for Amish-inspired treats — like shoofly pie, whoopie pies, and handmade chocolates.
Philly Drinks
No food gift basket is complete without something to wash it all down. When it comes to Philly drinks, you can’t go wrong with including a bag of Wawa Coffee. This convenience store staple is a slice of heaven for anyone in Philly who knows and loves the brand.
Do you have a friend who’s not into coffee? We can’t imagine this being the case in Philly, but you never know! Either way, you can’t go wrong with including a bottle of Pennsylvania craft beer or even local apple cider if you’re going for a seasonal twist.
Philly-Made Crafts and Accessories
If you want to add a non-edible touch to your Philly-themed gift baskets, we’ve got you covered. Steel Pony, a boutique in Queen Village, offers locally made, one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. We’re talking handmade jewelry and tie-dye shirts or dresses — all crafted with love in the heart of Philadelphia.
How to Build Your Own Philly-Themed Gift Basket
Are you feeling inspired to go the DIY route? That’s honestly the best way to build a memorable Philly-themed gift basket. Here’s a checklist you can use to help you assemble your masterpiece:
Savory Snacks
We’d recommend starting with the undeniable Philly classic: soft pretzels. Fresh-baked pretzels are ideal, but frozen pretzels are a great alternative and will be easy for your recipient to reheat.
Pair the pretzels with frozen cheesesteaks (like the ones from Tony Luke’s). No Philly-themed gift basket is complete without Herr’s Potato Chips, either!
Sweet Treats
Philly knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth, and you can’t go wrong with including Tastykakes in your gift basket. Include a variety (Butterscotch Krimpets, Kandy Kakes, or classic Cupcakes are some Philly favorites).
You can add some Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews to the mix, too. These chewy, peanut-packed candies are a local favorite with a long, fascinating history behind them.
Drinks
A bag of Wawa coffee is an absolute must, but if your gift basket recipient isn’t a coffee drinker, consider including some hot cocoa or tea blends from Wawa instead. If your loved one is an adult, you might consider including some local craft beer or cider, too.
Extras
You may also want to include Philly-made accessories, cookbooks, or sports gear in your Philly-themed gift baskets.
Presentation
We’d recommend using a basket lined with Philly-themed napkins or tissue paper. Don’t forget to include a handwritten note!
Why Philly Gift Baskets Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
Who wouldn’t love to receive a basket filled with the flavors and feels of Philadelphia? Maybe you know someone who’s homesick for Philly, or your foodie friend has been dying to try something new. You can’t go wrong with giving them a Philly-themed gift basket — they’re personal, thoughtful, and chock-full of character.
Conclusion
Whether you’re assembling your own basket or are considering buying a pre-made one, Philly-themed gift baskets are a guaranteed hit when it comes to holiday gifts. They’re a celebration of the city’s iconic food and unique culture, after all!
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