He Shops, She Shops: A Chester County Couples Holiday Gift Guide

Originally written in 2011. Information may have changed.

We hand-picked six Chester County couples–from West Chester, Kennett Square, Phoenixville and the Main Line, to Downingtown and Exton–and asked them to reveal their gift-shopping secrets, including what they intend to gift their other half and what they think the other is dying to see under the Christmas tree.

Whether you’re looking for gift-gifting inspiration or you simply want to see if our males and females successfully hand-picked this year’s prefect presents, than this gift guide is surely for you. But, don’t delay: Christmas is only a few weeks away, so you better start your local shopping today!

West Chester Couple

The Couple–

• Male: Kevin Finn, President, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
• Female: Susan Finn, Finn Design
• How long have you been together? 20+ years

The Gifts–

What do they really want? What gift do you know your main squeeze would go gaga over and why? 

• His response: Susan wants a MacBook Pro.
• Her response: For years, Kevin has said he wants two things: A motorcycle and a hot tub. I’m not even sure he really wants either one of them, it’s just become his stock answer!

What gift will they get? What is it, why will they love it?

• His response: She will get a new wide screen TV. She needs this and really wants it, but it is a more practical gift than the laptop since she already has an iMac desktop that is very cool, but not mobile.
• Her response: Kevin prefers doing things rather than getting things, so I may pick a destination and surprise him with reservations someplace we haven’t been before. He loves history, beautiful scenery and good beer, so I will try to pick someplace that has all three.

Favorite Chester County Spot to Gift Shop–and why?

• His response: I am not sure I have a favorite. I help organize Men’s Night Out in West Chester in December and usually visit a few retailers. I usually buy her something from Jane Chalfont, a small piece of jewelry from Sunset Hill or Kaplan’s, and a candle or a Christmas ornament from Penwick.
• Her response: I absolutely love shopping at Carlino’s, especially during the holidays. They help take the edge off of having to entertain and cook for a large group of people. We love their antipasto tray, green beans almondine, roasted vegetables, miniature pastries, and of course, “Mama” Carlino’s lasagna. Find Carlino’s West Chester location at 128 West Market Street.

Ultimate Chester County Gift Find–and why.

• His response: I am more into experiences than gifts because those are the things you remember, so I think a great gift is a trip to Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square) to see the lights. We usually take our twin daughters every year and it is a great way to start off the holidays. Of course, I think the ultimate gift is one of Iron Hill’s reserve bottle beer packages (get the Fe15 and save it for at least one year).
• Her response: One of my many favorite shops in West Chester is Acorn Cottage (14 West Gay Street). I can always find  a unique gift at a variety of different price points. Everything from candles, linens, pillows, mirrors and one-of-a kind furniture.  I also just love going in there and seeing what’s new or if I can find something for myself!

Kennett Square Couple

The Couple–

• Male: Ian Collins, 26, Merchant Marine
• Female: Sarah Reese, 27, Cheesemonger
• How long have you been together? 2 1/2 years

The Gifts–

What do they really want? What gift do you know your main squeeze would go gaga over and why?

• His response: Sarah never shows up to a friend’s house empty-handed, especially during the holidays. She’s always bringing a new favorite cheese to share, so I think that she would really love to have a beautiful, classic way of displaying them. A cheese dome, made by local glass company Simon Pearce, would be perfect. Available at Terrain, 914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills.
• Her response: Ian and I love beer, and he’s always talking about one day making the perfect brew. Chadds Ford’s homebrew shop, Wine & Beer Emporium (100 Ridge Rd., Suite #27), has all of the bits and pieces of equipment he needs to get his own stout started!

What gift will they get? What is it, why will they love it?

• His response: Sarah has always been into vintage stuff, and our house is a collection of both new and old things–furniture, decoration, all of it. She’s easy to buy for in that, if it’s old and rusty, she’ll love it. Antique store signs and grocery pieces are a good bet (like those from Fresh Vintage, a locally-based company that has space in Brandywine View Antiques, and also an online store). She could use them for anything–she likes the process as much as the finished product!
• Her response: Honestly, I might go rogue with Ian this year and make him a handmade coupon–for tickets to next years Kennett Brewfest! It feels a little silly to be planning so far in advance, but every year we talk about how we want to go to the special Connoisseur Tasting. It starts a few hours earlier than the big event, and craft brewers from all over bring special beers for the higher-end tasting. It sells out so fast though, that by the time we remember, we’ve already missed out! Next year will be our fourth year going, and if I want to get it right, I’m going to have to act now! More info at kennettbrewfest.com.

Favorite Chester County Spot to Gift Shop–and why?

• His response: I have always had good luck with gift cards. Last year, we got my mother a gift card to The Whip Tavern (1383 North Chatham Road, West Marlborough), one of our favorite places to eat in Chester County. Every time we have friends in town, we take them there and they immediately dig it. The short drive out there is pretty, and the food is great. They always have great local beer on tap and it’s a good way to share a bit of Kennett Square with friends and family.
• Her response: Thank GOD we have an Anthropologie within ten minutes. It has been a dream when it comes to finding gifts for people! I have found perfect little things on the super-affordable side, like beautiful embroidered dishtowels and matching pot holders, to the more expensive-but-worth-it ceramic platters. Their color schemes are always gorgeous and mix and match well. Let’s just say that when I go there to find a present for a friend, Ian is wondering what I’ll find for myself while I’m at it!

Ultimate Chester County Gift Find–and why.

• His response: Kennett Square is so close to Delaware–I grew up within walking distance of the state line. One of the best gifts I can think of locally would be a day-trip to Twin Lakes Brewing Company, a local craft beer mecca for those in Kennett! It’s literally minutes down the road in Greenville, Delaware. You can get growlers, take tours, lend a hand. It’s a great gift for anyone who enjoys an experience more than something material, too.  More info at twinlakesbrewingcompany.com.
• Her response: Disclaimer: I work at Talula’s Table! I’m lucky to be constantly surrounded by amazing gifts and food every day, and have to remind myself to not take advantage of it! We do these great farm-table dinners, and have a private chef’s table in the back (booked by invitation only, shh!). A really thoughtful gift is a date to the chef’s table–a true foodie enjoys nothing more than being smack in the center of a kitchen, watching great food being prepared. We have a really beautiful collection of gifts too, especially for the holidays, including delicious gift baskets are so easy and always a hit. My favorite thing right now though are the understated and simple Cake Vintage recipe cards–a perfect little addition to any food-lovers cupboard! More info at talulastable.com.

Phoenixville Couple

The Couple–

• Male: Lance Castle, 43,  Winemaker and Partner – Black Walnut Winery, President of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, Director of Managed Care and Physician Billing – The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Female:  Valerie Castle, 55, Partner and CFO – Black Walnut Winery
• How long have you been together? 18 years

The Gifts–

What do they really want? What gift do you know your main squeeze would go gaga over and why?

• His response: A Viking gas range. Val loves to cook almost as much as she loves to eat (and she really likes to eat!).
• Her response: A 1958-1962 black Corvette with silver inserts or a Harley Fatboy.  I just need to win the lottery a few times. Honestly, he’d be thrilled if I got him a shed!

What gift will they get? What is it, why will they love it?

• His response:  In a word, snowmen–stuffed, metal, glass, stone/on plates, on plaques, lighted in the yard–she’s a snowman junkie.  She would also love any piece of furniture from Country Charm Furnishings (28 South Main Street, Phoenixville).
• Her response:  Definitely something gargoyle- or gnome-related or something with skulls on it.  He can’t get enough of this stuff. Lance also loves fine glassware, so beverage vessels are always a great gift for him. I have my eye on a few items at the Diving Cat Studio (246 Bridge Street, Phoenixville).

Favorite Chester County Spot to Gift Shop–and why?

• His response:  It really depends on who you are shopping for in this scenario.  f it is someone who likes beautiful items, then the Diving Cat Studio or Charmed Spirits have so many items, you can not leave without finding something someone would want.  However, if the person is more into experiences, then how could you go wrong with getting them a gift card or better yet, a “Mug Club” membership, at Iron Hill Brewery (130 E. Bridge St., Phoenixville)?  It’s the gift than can keep giving all year long.
• Her response:  Bridge Street Chocolates–I especially adore the almond butter crunch, sea salt caramels and caramel pecan truffles–but it is all fabulous!  Gail Warner, the owner, defines customer service.  I love to buy gifts here because a box of gourmet chocolates is the gift that delights every time, you can find a gift to fit any budget and the packaging is spectacular! Find the chocolate shop at 158 Bridge Street in Phoenixville.

Ultimate Chester County Gift Find–and why.

• His response:  Black Walnut Winery… who does not enjoy the gift of wine! (But, enough of that shameless self-promotion.) I would have to say that everyone enjoys a great meal, so I would look to give a gift certificate at any one of the BYOB restaurants in our town so they could experience the eclectic styles of cooking. A gift of dinner at Daddy Mims, Majolica, Thai L’Elephant, Marly’s or Amani’s (105 E. Lancaster Ave. in Downingtown) represent five completely different dining experiences that would impress anyone who enjoys eating (and they would not even need to enjoy eating as much as my wife).
• Her response: Downtown Phoenixvilleis a foodie’s paradise. I love to eat, so I delight in being able to give the gift of great food. I believe that a gift certificate from any of the outstanding restaurants in town–Marly’s, Daddy Mims, Thai L’Elephant or Majolica–is the ultimate gift!  And, since they are all BYOB restaurants, I can round out the gift with a bottle of Black Walnut wine!

Main Line Couple

The Couple–

The Gifts–

What do they really want? What gift do you know your main squeeze would go gaga over and why?

What gift will they get? What is it, why will they love it?

Favorite Chester County/Main Line Spot to Gift Shop–and why?

Ultimate Chester County/Main Line Gift Find–and why.

Downingtown Couple

The Couple–

• Male:  Jonathan Wright, 30, Insurance Agent/Owner of The Wright Agency (1142 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown)
• Female: Maria Maldonado, 29, Marketing Analyst at a food company
• How long have you been together? On and off for 6 years.

The Gifts–

What do they really want? What gift do you know your main squeeze would go gaga over and why?

• His response:  She would want a trip to Barcelona, Spain for about a week or so filled with nice meals, sight-seeing, and shopping.
• Her response: He would really enjoy a trip, too. But one to Ecuador, where I am from, and meet some of my friends and family. Plus, for him to try the amazing food we have down there.

What gift will they get? What is it, why will they love it?

• His response:  Nice hand bag to replace the one she has used for over 5 years. And, most likely, an outfit or two to go with it.
• Her response: I like my bag! Ha. Dinner out to celebrate Christmas and the new year to come. Probably somewhere around where we live in Downingtown.

Favorite Chester County Spot to Gift Shop–and why?

• His response: Locally, I get her things to cook with/snacks/spices/etc. from Blue Moon Florist in Downingtown (1107 Horseshoe Pike).  They have cool gourmet items and the owners there are very helpful when I am there shopping for her because they know I have no clue what to get and point me in the right direction.
• Her response: Carlino’s in West Chester (128 West Market Street) is a great spot to get some cheeses, olives and charcuterie. He likes when I set up a nice tray of his favorites.

Ultimate Chester County Gift Find–and why.

• His response:  For us – dining out is one of our favorite things to do, so a great gift for her would be lots of meals out.  We love the local places around Chester County such as Blue Café in Downingtown (breakfast), The Whip Tavern in Coatesville (lunch and a beer), and Four Dogs Tavern in Marshalton (the cheese plate is our go-to item).
• Her response: Definitely picking up a case of beer from Victory Brewing Company (420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown) is a favorite. The seasonal beers are great. They have yummy beer and they are local!

Exton Couple

The Couple–

• Male: Brad Weinstein, 35, Restaurateur
• Female: Deb Weinstein, mid 30’s, Service Director
• How long have you been together? Married 7 years, together 12 years

The Gifts–

What do they really want? What gift do you know your main squeeze would go gaga over and why?

• His response:  Nothing makes a woman go gaga more than a nice piece of jewelery–in my wife’s case a Michele watch from Benari (299 Main Street, Exton).
• Her response: Brad would go gaga over would be a new HDTV for our family room. He is a little spoiled with the TVs he is around all day while working at Appetites on Main (86 Main Street, Exton)!

What gift will they get? What is it, why will they love it?

• His response: My wife has two full-time jobs, her job at SEI and full-time mother and wife, so I know she would love a day at the Avante Spa (98 Main Street, Exton) for the relaxation package which includes Paraffin Hand Dip, Anti Stress Massage, Express Facial and Soothing Foot Bath. In her busy life, nothing better than a day of being pampered and no husband or kids to worry about (at least for a few hours).
• Her response: One of the gifts Brad will be getting for the holidays is a gift certificate to Shaving Grace (269 Main Street, Exton) so get can get pampered with either a massage or having his head shaved with the warm lather. He works long hours some days so it will be nice for him to sit back and relax.

Favorite Chester County Spot to Gift Shop–and why?

• His response: I am a huge sports fan and I love collecting sports memorabilia, so I go to the Exton Square Mall (260 Exton Square Parkway) to BC Sports where I can get autographed items, jerseys of my favorite players, valuable baseball cards and more.
• Her response: My favorite place to gift shop right now is Target, with both our kids and all the birthday parties for friends and family, we always seem to need a children’s gift. They has a great toy selection for all ages. I love the convenience of all the variety of items they sale, so they usually have what I am looking for on any given trip to Target. In addition to children’s items, they have a great selection of house-hold items–from storage bins starting at $10 to organize the kids toys to a small kitchen appliances starting at $25, to clothes/shoes for any budget.

Ultimate Chester County Gift Find–and why.

• His response:  I love to go out to eat and Chester County has so many great restaurants, so I love getting gift certificates from some of my favorites to go out with my family–like Victory Brewing Company, Roccos for their great brick-oven pizza and a decent beer selection, or Nudy’s Cafe if its breakfast/lunch time.
• Her response: Anything from Springboard Media (290 Main St., Exton), they specialize in Apple products and you do not need to go to the King of Prussia Mall for Apple expertise. After shopping, there are plenty of restaurants in the shopping center to get a bite to eat or a drink.