Creative Gifts That Give Back
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - What do you get that person who has everything for the holidays? There are non-profit organizations in Philadelphia that are stressing creative gift giving this holiday season that also give back to the community.
You can pickup a handmade bookmark for a few dollars or major pieces of art for thousands of dollars at the non-profit, The Center for Art in Wood, in its new location at 141 N. 3rd street in Old City.
Albert Lecoff, co-founder of the center, says the proceeds from all sales support educational programming.
"We have community outreach programs where we actually go out, right to the schools, and teach kids how to turn on the lathe or do hand woodworking. We have a residency program for international artists," he said.
Around the corner from Lecoff's non-profit is The Clay Studio at 137 North 2nd Street. They sell one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces in order to help support similar outreach programs.
"There's a wide variety of price points represented and a wide esthetic range so there should be something for everyone," explains Joe Guido, Artistic Director.
If you want to give the gift of one of the city's many popular tours, gift certificates may be the way to go. Philadelphia Mural Arts offers guided tours and gift certificates are available in the third floor of The Gallery.
For the history buff and beer connoisseur in your life, gift certificates are available for 'Tippler's Tour: Yuletide Cheers and Beers,' a colonial pub crawl in Old City.
"You go to four different watering holes," explained Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia Inc., the non-profit that runs the tour. "You learn about the history of drinking from the British point of view. At each stop you get a nice ale and wonderful snacks that go along with it."
