When shopping for holiday gifts this month please remember to support small local businesses. This year it’s more important than ever because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which cut down revenues at many local restaurants and shops by as much as 90 percent. On top of that, many neighborhood businesses have been struggling to stay open after this year’s civil unrest.

Gift cards from local shops and restaurants is a great idea for a holiday gift and you can buy them safely online at many businesses. Please check your local business association or neighborhood community organization for more information on businesses in your area, such as Baltimore Avenue Business Association, Lancaster Avenue Business Association, 52nd Street Commercial Corridor, Garden Court Community Association, Cedar Park Neighbors, and more. 

Finally, check out a special Holiday Gift Card Promotion by University City District (UCD).

Here’s how the campaign works:

Now through December 24th, purchase gift cards from West Philly businesses participating in the campaign and you can win prizes, also provided by West Philly businesses. Every $25 spent on gift card purchases gets you one chance to win one of three gift card bundles, totaling $600 in value. More than a dozen businesses are participating in this campaign – restaurants, cafes, shops and studios, such as Renata’s Kitchen, Jezabel’s Cafe, Distrito, Pound Cake Heaven, Black Hound Clay Studio, Lee’s Deli, Firehouse Bicycles, Ice Cave, PHilthy Paws, and more.

Businesses will collect names and email addresses of gift card purchasers and provide a list to UCD who will provide prizes to three randomly chosen winners. For more information, please visit the campaign website.