Visual Expansion Gallery
As a full-service art gallery and custom picture framing shop in downtown West Chester since 1975, this creative team provides fine art prints, historic maps and art cards. Owner Mary Manning delights in carrying a diverse set of gallery art done by local artists.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many people to dig through old photos. For a unique gift this year, why not secure a VEG gift certificate for photo restoration services regarding those newfound gems? Another gift idea would be custom framing or vintage art posters. And, who can resist being mesmerized by an antique reproduction of a Chester County map?
Mary says their West Chester- and county-themed ornaments and coasters make excellent stocking stuffers. "For anyone who'd like a private appointment, we're happy to meet before or after our hours of typical operations," she adds.
132 N. High St.
610.436.8697
VisualExpansionGallery.com
Ultimate Patios
Customers have been livening up outdoor living spaces since 2006 with quality, custom furniture from Ultimate Patios. They offer dining sets, chat seating, lounge chairs, firepits, umbrellas and retractable awnings. Owner Kevin Aylward says making decisions this month would be a wise move to get ahead of the necessary lead time for spring 2021 furniture needs.
Ask them about their showroom inventory and made-to-order options for patio dining, deck and outdoor bar furniture, as well as accessories. They also can assist with the best ways to clean and protect outdoor furniture.
1301 West Chester Pike, Route 3
610.430.2171
UltimatePatios.com
Phineas Gage Men's Clothing
Jaime Weisbrot and Ally Santarelli of Phineas Gage offer several, specific great gift ideas:
- A Johnnie-O Signature Sully 1/4 zip pairs perfectly with their Prep-Formance button downs, for layering that gives extra warmth and elevates any look. Both the Sully and the Redmond button down sells for $128 each.
- Their cozies styles come from the Normal Brand Puremeso collection, which are garments washed with a silicone finish for added softness and comfort. Seasonal colors include mineral blue, stone or rust. These Puremeso Hoodies are $78 each.
- Complete any look with Smathers & Branson's unique, hand-stitched needlepoint accessories. Bottle openers are $28.50 each; key fob: $32.50; cufflinks: $55; and credit card holder: $55 -- all of these items are great stocking stuffers.
Additionally, they offer a thorough, curated collection of men’s contemporary and casual wear, with new brands and classic styles. The Phineas Gage team provides free shipping on all orders for more than $100.
29 S. High St.
484.266.7344
Phineas-Gage.com
Mainline Custom Clothiers
One of the most impressive gifts to give a man is a true custom suit, shirt or jacket. "Every man deserves custom-made clothes at least once in his lifetime," says Larry Albert, owner of Mainline Custom Clothiers. He promises to apply a noticeable level of personal touches to any clothing they produce, making their creations holiday gifts that keep giving long after they're received.
A Mainline gift certificate can fit every size and amount. Larry says first-time buyers receive $200 off their purchase, and alterations are included in the original price which he adds, is "surprisingly affordable."
"Style is what looks best on each person," explains Larry, who dedicates himself to working with individual customers to identify the best customized options.
129 W. Market St.
484.905.7098
MainlineMensCustom.com
Giunta's Furniture
Did you know Giunta's carries much more than furniture? Manager Jenna Forte says they also have beautiful, locally made items in the store, such as handmade cutting boards, bowls, dishes, pillows and signs. "There's always something new on our showroom floor," she adds.
Giunta's offers stylish and affordable custom upholstery, accessories, home décor, lighting and wall art, too. They also have free off-street parking.
Customers often say the store offers great accessories not seen elsewhere.
513 E. Gay St.
484.887.8271
Facebook.com/GiuntasFurnitureWC
Instagram: @giuntasfurniturewestchester
BeBalanced, Be Healthy
Since this year's lockdown, many people want to believe their clothes shrunk! However, for those who'd like to pinpoint precisely which foods make them gain rapid weight, a local enthusiast of natural remedies and products can help drill down and customize an all-natural weight loss program. Linda Barilani, franchise owner of BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers of West Chester and Wyomissing, offers $100 off to any West Chester Lifestyle reader who references this offer and purchases a main BeBalanced package at only one of her two centers by Jan. 1, 2021.
"Everyone has particular food items that make them gain extra weight, it can be something as innocent sounding as an apple. It's vital to know which ones affect each person," explains Linda. "We've found that through our individualized programs -- which balance hormones and reset metabolism -- the average person can lose 12 to 20 pounds in 28 days."
She says lasting results can be achieved by avoiding yo-yo dieting. "This is a whole-foods diet, and our proprietary, all-natural, hormone-balancing supplements, one-on-one coaching, and relaxation tools help you stress less and enjoy life more," she adds.
WestChester@BeBalancedCenters.com
484.999.2133
BeBalancedCenters.com
Adorn Goods
Jennifer Steiner's specialty store carries interesting product lines that make unique gifts, ranging from holiday ornaments, stocking stuffers, fine jewelry, hand-painted dishes, linens, collectible toys and gardening items to handmade wooden cutting boards, servers, shoe horns and pens.
Looking for food items for special seasonal meals or to give? Adorn Goods carries local honey, jams, pickles, barbecues and artisanal rubs, cheeses, oils, spices and teas. They also have Ladyfingers Caterers' grab-and-go meals, dips or desserts. Jennifer's proud to be one of the few providers of Ladyfingers Caterers' famous, melt-in-your-mouth shaved ham roll hors d'oeuvres.
She also recently became the exclusive provider of DC-based Whisked! cookies and Wingfield Digby's pheasant feather-inspired products from London.
They have hostess gifts, and provide free gift wrapping. They offer Fraser Fir trees fresh from a Central Pennsylvania farm.
5712 Kennett Pike, Wilmington (Located in historic Centreville)
302.575.9657
AdornGoods.com