He Shops, She Shops: A Kennett Square Couple’s Holiday Gift Guide

The Town Dish team 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, 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!

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.

For the full Chester County Couples’ Holiday Gift Guide, click here.