Actually, it would be a good idea to bring a gift. If this feeling has stolen over you just before leaving for a party, have no fear; the Valley's shopkeepers have countless curiosities in stock to delight your host—or that hard-to-buy-for loved one in your life—whatever their interests.
1. Personal Fireplace - Greene Marketplace
441 Northampton St., Easton | 484.544.3240 | greenemarketplace.com
No room for a fire pit or chiminea? No problem. Bring the cozy glow of a fire to your personal space with the FLÎKR Fire from Greene Marketplace in Easton. Just five inches across, this little tabletop torch is fueled for 45–60 minutes on five ounces of isopropyl alcohol. The clean and classy cement form works indoors or out, and it's even safe to toast a morsel over! It's available for $85.
2. Noodle Bowl - Token 249
249 Northampton St., Easton | 610.730.2372 | @token249
Vibrantly glazed, the noodle bowls at Easton's Token249 come in endless varieties and with both chopsticks and a convenient channel to run them through, perfect for the noodle junkie in your life. Ramen, cereal, mac n' cheese—the options for a deep and beautiful bowl are endless. They're available for $14–$17.
3. City Map - Domaci
523 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.466.5544 | domacihome.com
Museum-quality paper and a matte finish set off Domaci's framable posters of local city maps to pristine effect. Virtually any city can be ordered ahead to print in an elegant Scandinavian design that suits almost any décor, but always in stock are Allentown, Easton and Bethlehem. Share that city pride! They're available for $39–$59 depending on size.
Find out how you can enter to win a city map from Domaci!
4. Railroad Spike Bottle Opener - assembly88
544 Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.433.7625 | assembly88.com
You'll find more than just fashion at Allentown's menswear mecca. From craft brew to classic beer, no bottle cap stands a chance against the solid iron of this railroad spike, notched and ready to pry. The handsome heft of this homage to our industrial past comes with a leather loop to hang at the ready. It's available for $20.
5. Paperwhites - RE:find
645 W. Hamilton St. Suite 106, Allentown | 610.841.4866 | refindallentown.com
The cheerful presence of living flowers is one of the things we miss most in winter months. Solve that with the bright blossoms of paperwhites available at RE:find in Allentown, with vases to make the gift complete. Within four to five weeks, pretty paperwhites grow and bloom, bringing a breath of fresh air with them. They range from $1.75–$18.
