Visit Us
Walk through history as we guide you to things to learn, places to discover, and events that help connect us to our rich heritage.
Lehigh Valley Live: 18 last-minute gifts worth grabbing in the Christmas City
December 20th, 2018 | In The News
There’s just something about Bethlehem, aka the Christmas City, especially during the holiday season.
Nearly every store is playing a favorite tune off my holiday playlist. People are smiling, holding doors open for strangers. Shoppers are eager, trying to find last-minute gifts.
Not to overwhelm you, but there’s less than 10 days to go until the big day so I decided to help.
I did all the browsing of the downtown shops for you and nailed 18 of the best finds.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive
‘Tis The Season
I know everyone likes a bargain or maybe you just want to grab a “little something” for someone to let them know you appreciate them all year round. I narrowed down the list to 17 savvy price points (think as low as less than $3 to about $30) and one item I think is worth a little extra splurge.
I also tell you where to find it. Though, you might want to hurry fast because I doubt many of these items will last.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Ornaments
What is it: Assortment of glass ornaments. Choose from classic hand-painted balls to Christmas trees and candy cane swirls to angels, gumball machines, poodles and whimsical unicorns.
Where to get it: Handcut Crystal, 452 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $6 and up
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Moravian mints
What is it: Holiday mints about the size of a poker chip (with flat bottoms and round tops) handmade by the Edgeboro Moravian Church. The mints are typically in Christmas red (wintergreen), green (spearmint) or snowy white (peppermint). Mint making dates to the late 1700s when a Moravian sister from Bethlehem prepared them and enjoyed sharing them with children, Nazareth historian Susan Dreydoppel said.
Where to get it: Moravian Book Shop, 428 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $12.98
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Gingerbread Man candle and melts
What is it: A 16-ounce jar candle hand-poured and packaged. Both the candle and package of small wax melts are 100 percent soy. It smells just like a ginger cake taken out of the oven.
Where to get it: Young’s Magasin de Quartier, 458 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $15 for the jar or $5 for a box of melts.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Irish coasters
What is it: A set of two plaid drink coasters by The House of Edgar. Both can be wiped clean.
Where to get it: Donegal Square, 534 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $6.95
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Holiday popcorn tray
What is it: Features four flavors of specialty handcrafted popcorn — caramel milk chocolate, peppermint bark, toasted coconut and white cheddar. Perfect with a DVD or gift card for a subscription-based streaming media company.
Where to get it: Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn, 530 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $15
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Gingerbread people collectibles
What is it: Clay-dough figurines of gingerbread people and a matching house by Raz Imports, Inc. Looks like the collectibles stepped right out of a game of Candy Land.
Where to get it: Moravian Book Shop, 428 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $9.98 for the gingerbread people and if you want to splurge, another $41.98 for the gingerbread house.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Holiday towel
What is it: A darling tea towel (white) and embroidered with a Christmas tree and presents.
Where to get it: Historic Bethlehem Museum and Sites Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe, 505 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $10 each
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Knife vase
What is it: A vase made from actual silverware. The bottom can be filled with water and has a magnetic backing to hang on a refrigerator. It comes with a stalk of juniper. All items are handmade onsite.
Where to get it: The Steel Beam, 521 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $14
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Sublingual drops and topical ointment
What is it: Mitchell’s Medicinals’ sublingual drops and topical ointment. The drops, which go under the tongue, are ideal for sleep support, mood enhancement, anti-inflammatory relief and digestive motility. The ointment is a soothing salve for nerve and muscle relief.
Where to get it: Healing Hands Massage Therapy, 518 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $15 for the drops and $10 for the ointment.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Earring sets
What is it: An assortment of drop earrings in various shapes and colors at consignment prices. Brands include the Euro Collection, Melody and Meme Chic.
Where to get it: The Attic, 516 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $2.80 a pair
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Winter gloves
What is it: Cozy winter gloves in tartan and plaid designs by fashion designers LIB New York and Fadivo New York.
Where to get it: The Gem Shop, 550 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $20
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Holiday ‘Chip and Dip’ set
What is it: Holiday Chip and Dip set, featuring a penguin on a sleigh carrying presents. The dip bowl states, “Spread Christmas Cheer.”
Where to get it: Historic Bethlehem Museum and Sites Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe, 505 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $24.95
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Creature bath towels
What is it: Oversized, super soft hooded bath towels by Jack & Friends. Choose from such characters as mermaids, ducks, bumble bees and bunnies. The towels, which are polyester, also are machine washable.
Where to get it: The Foo Foo Shoppe, 460 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $19.99
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Holiday bracelet set
What is it: A stack of four holiday bracelets, including wreaths and Christmas trees, along with other festive and glitzy beads and designs.
Where to get it: The Gem Shop, 550 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $20 a set
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
‘Letters to Santa’ keepsake
What is it: Elf on the Shelf “Letters to Santa” kit. The kit includes 22 pieces to help transform a child’s letters to Santa Claus into keepsake ornaments. Included is a children’s book, Mrs. Claus’ magic press, colored markers and parchment paper.
Where to get it: Moravian Book Shop, 428 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $24.50
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Mediterranean oil sampler
What is it: A bottle of premium extra virgin olive oil, parmesan blend of spices and a white dish with an olive branch design on it. Perfect for those who enjoy bread dipping and looks like it came right from a fancy restaurant.
Where to get it: Seasons Olive Oil and Vinegar Taproom, 508 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $28.95
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Festive keychains
What is it: Key-chains in various wreath and snowflake designs with red and green gems.
Where to get it: The Gem Shop, 550 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $4.99 each
Worth the Splurge:
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com
Assorted ties
What is it: This one I think is worth shelling out a few more bucks for the special man in your life. An assortment of 100 percent pure wool ties in a variety of trendy tartan and plaid designs. Made in Scotland and soft.
Where to get it: Donegal Square, 534 Main St., Bethlehem
How much? $34.95
