By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The TImes
The countdown to the holiday season is here! Although, if you’ve shopped in any big box retailer, it’s been here for about 6 weeks already. The rush to promote Christmas is one of my biggest pet peeves. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite and it seems to get more diminished every year. I swear, I saw Christmas ornaments next to the Halloween candy at Walmart.
Nevertheless, the aggressive advertising must be working because I am starting to contemplate tackling my gift list.
If you have been reading my column for a while, you know that I put together a monthly article about the top six things I am pining over. Not surprisingly, it tends to be female focused.
HOWEVER, I have not forgotten the guys. This week, it’s all about YOU!
Side note: Listen, I realize that I probably do not have hoards of men diving into “Read My Lipgloss” every Sunday…so, this is really for the girls out there who are looking for stuff to buy for the men in their lives.
State Street in downtown Kennett Square is chock full of AMAZING options. I popped into a few stores to prove it to you. Take a look…..
- Terra Olive & Balsamic 116 W. State Street
This shop has really cool, unique items for that “Hard to Buy For Dude”. And, if food is the key to a man’s heart, he will love this choice. I concentrated on the spicy stuff like the Cayenne Chile Pepper and Baklouti Green Chile Pepper Olive Oils and the Ghost Pepper and Spicy Sriracha Sea Salts. Add a bottle of wine or his favorite beer and I think he’ll be very happy.
- State & Union 103 W. State Street
Offering brands made in the USA that have a strong social and environmental philosophy behind them, State & Union is a collection of fashion and accessories with a stylish mission. From duffel bags, to plaid shirts, to baseball hats and rugged leather boots, this shop has it all. You’ve got to stop by and check it out for yourself.
- Philter Coffee 111 W. State Street
Coffee connoisseurs will be pleased with a gift card to this quaint, cozy shop. Load it up with enough dough for his favorite cup o’ joe for the cold months of winter. He can stop on his way to Burton’s Barber Shop (that just celebrated 125 years in KSQ!) for a trim.
- Houppette 101 W. State Street
I’ve written about Houppette Boutique in virtually every one of my Super Six articles. It is my
go-to for all things beauty. AND, they have products for men! So, naturally I had to include them in this list. A super popular, manly gift is the Botanico De Havana Body Lotion and Soap on a Rope by Archipelago. It is an intoxicating formulation that contains coffee bean and tobacco flower, along with other natural ingredients, to moisturize, hydrate, and reduce redness in the skin. He’ll become addicted. Trust me.
- Trail Creek Outfitters 120 W. State Street
If you have an adventurous guy on your holiday list, this is the place to visit. It is literally heaven on earth for the outdoor enthusiast. With brands like Patagonia, UGG, Columbia, Woolrich, Yeti, etc., etc, you’ll have more than enough to choose from. As soon as I walked in, I immediately spotted this gorgeous, blue Patagonia vest and soft, grey scarf. It is warm and functional, yet, more stylish than the same (boring) black version everyone else has.
Hopefully, I have provided some tips for a successful shopping journey into Kennett Square! Next week, I will feature my selections for the upcoming Girls Day Out two day event with No.109 Shop, Houppette, Ashley Austin, and Chantilly Blue taking place on Thursday, November 29th and Friday, November 30th! Be sure to pencil it in on your calendar and call your friends!
Happy Weekend
