We are Quaker Creative, The Daily Pennsylvanian's creative agency. We offer a variety of services in the advertising and marketing realm that can help you and your business create valuable digital and print materials needed to take your organization to the next level.
As an extension of The Daily Pennsylvanian, Inc., we are a nonprofit organization comprised of student and professional staff with a variety of skill sets, and we are certain that we can provide your business with the services and resources necessary for success. Our mission is to provide the students at UPenn pursuing this type of work real-world experience while also making these services more accessible to business within the Philadelphia community.
Content curated and written by Jenna Adiele
Cover design by Yaxlei Alejo-Ortiz
Experience-Based Gifts in Philly
Swap wrapped gifts for unforgettable moments.These Philly experiences offer meaningful ways to celebrate the season and make lasting memories.
The Spa at Four Seasons
Give the gift of relaxation by booking your friends or family a session at the spa.
Candle Making
Create two 8oz candles and choose from over 50 scents. The instructor guides you through the process while you can BYOB.
Perfume Making
Loomenlabs offers a variety of creative class experiences, including fragrance making, lotion making, and body wash making.
Make Your Own Sushi Cooking Class
Learn to create authentic sushi rolls in a fun and social setting. This class is perfect for all different levels.
Handmade Pasta Cooking Class
Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch with Chef Alex and enjoy a relaxing and fun class that rewards you with fantastic food and new skills afterward!
Pottery Class
Head over to the Clay Studio to spend some time at the potter’s wheel. They offer a range of classes for different experience levels, allowing anyone to have fun.
Paint and Sip
Painting With a Twist offers a range of fun painting classes. This can be done with friends, family, or alone, and it makes the perfect holiday gift.
Starface Hydro-Star Pimple Patches
Original Game of Matching Colors & Numbers
Hand Warmers Rechargeable
Gifts Under $15
Small gifts, immense joy. Discover small gifts under $15 that make thoughtful, festive additions to any holiday celebration.
Market Bag Charm with Matching Reusable Tote Favorite Day Hot Chocolate Bombs
Goods
Suitable for All Skin Types 9ct Kitsch Ultra Petite Satin Scrunchies - 6pk ALTSON Portable Selfie Light with Clip & Camera Tripod Adapter, Rechargeable
Hydrating Sheet
Ferrero Rocher Fine Hazelnut Chocolates 24ct
Carmex
Care Moisturizing Lip Balm Pack, SPF 15, Multi-Flavor 9ct
Whip up festive treats in minutes with these quick and easy microwavable recipes. Enjoy holiday flavors without the fuss — perfect for busy days or last-minute celebrations.
Peppermint Mug Brownie
Ingredients:
• Two tablespoons butter
• Two tablespoons sugar
• One tablespoon cocoa powder
• One tablespoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of salt
• Crushed peppermint
• (Optional) whipped cream
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a mug. Microwave 60–75 seconds. Top with whipped cream and extra peppermint.
Gingerbread Mug Cake
Ingredients:
• Four tablespoons flour
• Two tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• Three tablespoons milk
• One tablespoon molasses
• One tablespoon butter
Directions:
Combine in a mug, mix until smooth. Microwave 90 seconds. Optional: drizzle with cream cheese glaze.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mug
Ingredients:
• One cup milk
• Two tablespoons cocoa
• One tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Whipped cream
• Crushed candy cane
Directions: Mix cocoa, sugar, and milk in a mug. Microwave 90 seconds. Stir in peppermint extract. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane.
Cinnamon Roll Mug Ingredients:
• One refrigerated cinnamon roll
• One tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of cinnamon
Directions: Place the cinnamon roll in the mug, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and microwave for 60 seconds. Drizzle icing.
Veken Packing Cubes Set of 8
Canupdog WiFi Digital Picture Frame with 16GB Storage
Gifts for Family
CGE Czech Games Edition Codenames Boardgame
CHDITB
Personalized Family Tree Birthday Reminder Board with 100 Tags
Wireless Meat Thermometer
Clear Family Handprint Frame, 4 Paint Colors Included
Collage Picture Frames, 4x6, Set of 12
Gemmy Airblown Movie Screen with storage bag
DY-SKTY Clear Window Bird Feeder
Presto Poplite Hot Air Popcorn Popper
Meatmeet
Pearhead
SONGMICS
Labiim Towel Warmer Bucket, 20L
Best Holiday Movies
Get cozy and embrace the holiday season with these holiday favorites. These feel good movies are great for family movie nights or fun get-togethers.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
This movie is about four siblings who discover a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe. Narnia is trapped in eternal winter, and the kids must defend her and restore peace to the land.
Ice Age
This animated comedy is about a woolly mammoth, a sloth, and a tiger who team up to return a lost human baby to its family.
Last
Holiday
In this romantic comedy, the main character, Georgia Byrd, discovers she has a terminal illness. Thinking she is running out of time, she spends her life savings on a very luxurious vacation.
New Year’s Eve
This romcom follows the interlinking lives of multiple couples and singles in New York City on New Year's Day.
Paddington
A lovable bear from Peru named Paddington moves to London and is taken in by the Brown family. He tries to adjust to life in the city and gets into many fun adventures.
Home
Alone
Kevin, an 8-year-old boy, is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. He has a blast being alone until two burglars try to break in, and he uses clever traps and tricks to protect his house.
Gifts for Friends
Spritz & Shine
Cheirosa
Perfume Mist Set
Gifts for Partners
Nekteck Shiatsu Neck Massager with Heat WHAT DO YOU MEME? Let's Get Deep, Questions for Couples
Hap
Yofair
MBL
Cute Crochet Duck
Local Shops to Support
Find unique gifts, handmade goodies, and festive finds while also supporting local businesses this season.
Clarissa Eck
www.clarissa-eck.com
This store creates illustrated pottery that pays homage to the wild.
Ana Thorne www.anathorne.com/shop/
There are various Phillyinspired products here, each of which is handmade. She also offers custom designs for certain special occasions.
Jawnaments www.jawnaments.com
This store creates Phillyinspired tree ornaments that are super cute and perfect for any tree. They also have a form that allows people to request a custom ornament.
Duross + Langel durossandlangel.com
This shop has custommade, natural bath, spa, and skincare products. All their products are 100% natural and made locally.
Occassionette
www.occasionette.com
Located on East Passyunk Avenue, this gift shop offers a wide selection of cards, candles, jewelry, notebooks, journals, and many other amazing gifts.
Art of Words www.artofwords.com
This store creates unique handwritten word art posters and decor by the artist Dan Duffy. He writes each piece by hand and only uses words relevant to the subject. This is an excellent gift for friends, family, or even yourself!
Photo from Clarissa Eck's Instagram Photo from Anna Thorne's website
Photo from Duross + Langel website
Photo from Jawnaments website
Photo from Art of Words' website
Photo from Occassionette's website
Top Winter Activities
Embrace the magic of the season with these top winter activities. From cozy indoor escapes to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all winter long.
Light Shows
Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle
Experience a sparkling holiday tradition while hundreds of thousands of lights dance to festive music.
Wannamaker Light Show
Going on since 1956, this free light show fills the grand court with twinkling snowflakes, dancing snowmen, and festive lights.
LumiNature
Discover the magic of the season as the Zoo comes alive with over a million sparkling lights and festive experiences for all ages.
Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular
This festive block transforms into a winter wonderland of lights, snowmen, and holiday cheer.
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
Step into a miniature winter wonderland as the Garden Railway sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights. Watch model trains wind through a beautifully lit landscape of bridges and villages.
Fun Activities
Holidays at Peddler's Village
Stroll through a charming, illuminated village filled with 65 specialty shops, festive food and drinks, and a stunning gingerbread display. Admission and parking are free!
Christmas Village in Philadelphia at LOVE Park and City Hall
Inspired by Germany’s traditional holiday markets, this festival features twinkling lights, festive music, and the scent of waffles. Shop for unique, handmade gifts, ornaments, and crafts while immersing yourself in the magic of the season.
Seasonal Celebrations at Sesame Place
Experience a fun, familyCelebrate the season with your favorite Sesame Street friends in a holiday wonderland filled with millions of lights, festive rides, and cheerful shows.
Skiing or Snowboarding
Escape to the mountains for a day of winter excitement! Enjoy crisp air, scenic trails, and the rush of gliding down snowy slopes.
Holiday Date Ideas
A Philly Holiday Spectacular (Philly Pops) at the Kimmel Center
Enjoy classic holiday tunes performed by The Philly Pops, featuring guest vocalists Nikki Renée Daniels and Jeff Kready, under the direction of Music Director Chris Dragon.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music
Celebrate the season with this timeless holiday classic featuring toy soldiers, dancing candy canes, waltzing flowers, and Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Miller Theate
Experience a fun, familyfriendly holiday spectacular blending Broadway-style music with inspiring circus artistry.
Day Trips
The Poconos
Experience winter magic in the Poconos with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing on scenic mountain slopes. Prefer to stay in?
Enjoy a cozy cabin day by the fire, surrounded by peaceful snowy views and rustic charm.
Bushkill Falls
Hike amid Pennsylvania’s "Niagara of the East” and take in stunning waterfalls and scenic trails.
Jim Thorpe, PA
Discover this charming historic town with scenic train rides and outdoor adventures.
New York City
Enjoy a fast paced escape to iconic sights, Broadway shows, and world class dining.
Chaddsford Winery
Savor award winning wines and beautiful vineyard views in the heart of Pennsylvania wine country.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
Give back this season and spread holiday cheer while also making a difference.
Cradles to Crayons
At the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory, families can sort, pack, and organize essential items, including shoes, books, and clothing, for children experiencing hardship.
Hope for the Holidays Program
The program provides gifts and holiday meals to support families struggling financially. Volunteers can set up meals, help wrap/deliver gifts, and support families in need.
Caring for Friends
Volunteers will help prepare meals, pack “caring bags,” and support local food pantries. Groups, individuals, and families are all allowed to volunteer.
ACCT Philly
This shelter is the perfect place for people over 18 who love animals to help out this holiday season. Volunteers can walk dogs, help socialize cats, or take pictures of the animals for their website.
Philabundance
Volunteers can make a significant impact in supporting Philabundance’s mission to combat hunger. By giving your time, you support neighbors in need, learn about food insecurity in Philly, and help feed those in our community.
Themed Party Ideas
Make your celebration unforgettable with creative winter-inspired themes.
Movie Marathon Party
Dress up as characters from winter or holiday movies while watching holiday classics.
Ugly Sweater Contest
Fun sweaters with prizes for the tackiest outfits.
DIY Ornaments or Craft Party
Guests make personalized ornaments or decorations.
Cocktail & Mocktail Mixology Night
Holiday-themed drinks with festive garnishes.
Cookie Decorating
Guests decorate cookies or gingerbread houses.
Board Games & Puzzle Night
Cozy winter games with themed snacks.
Karaoke & Caroling Night
Sing holiday or winter themed songs with friends or family.
Holiday Drinks
Sip your way into the season with delicious festive drinks, including cocktails, martinis, and mocktails, that bring holiday cheer. These creative drinks bring flavor and flair to all gatherings!
Please drink responsibly this holiday season
Cocktails
Cranberry Martini
Ingredients:
• 2 oz of vodka
• 1 oz of cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz of Cointreau or triple sec
• Fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig (as a garnish)
Directions:
Fill a shaker with ice and add vodka, cranberry juice, and Cointreau. Shake very well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish the drink with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Snowflake
Ingredients:
• 2oz of white chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz of vodka
• 1 oz of cream
• White sugar and shredded coconut for the rim
Directions:
Rim the glass with sugar and shredded coconut. Shake white chocolate liqueur, vodka, and cream with ice, then strain into the glass. Top with a sprinkle of coconut for extra decoration.
Candy Cane Martini
Ingredients:
• 2oz of vanilla vodka
• 1 oz of peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz of white chocolate liqueur
• Crushed candy canes
Directions:
Use crushed candy canes to rim a martini glass. Shake the vodka, schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur with ice, then strain into a glass. Garnish with a mini candy cane.
Eggnog Expresso Martini
Ingredients:
• 2 oz of eggnog
• 1 oz of vodka
• 1 oz of freshly brewed espresso
• 1/2 oz of coffee liqueur
• Ground nutmeg
Mocktails
Sparkling Berry and Pomegranate
Ingredients:
• Two 12-ounce cans of chilled Dasani sparkling berry water
• 4 ounces of fresh pomegranate juice
• 8-12 cranberries
• 4-8 sprigs of thyme for garnish
Directions:
In a tall glass, add half the serving of Dasani, 1 ounce of the pomegranate juice, and 2-3 cranberries. Top with 1-2 sprigs of thyme for garnish. Ingredients can be used to make a total of four drinks.
Cran Raspberry Martini
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup of raspberry flavored sparkling water
Directions:
Pour the first 3 ingredients into a martini glass, then add a few raspberries onto a stirrer as a garnish.
Dirty Spritz
Ingredients:
• 1.5 oz of chilled nonalcoholic citrus aperitivo
• 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz of olive brine
• 3 ounces of chilled tonic water
• Olives, thyme sprig, and lemon twist
Directions:
Combine chilled nonalcoholic citrus aperitivo, fresh lemon juice, and olive brine in a tall glass. Fill with ice, top with chilled tonic water, and stir twice. Garnish with olives, thyme sprig, and lemon twist.
