With Christmas only two weeks away, buying presents for your loved ones is quickly becoming crunch time. Finding the perfect gift for the special people in your life can be challenging, even if you know them well. You don't want your present to be boring or predictable, but venturing too far outside the box also presents its share of risks. Luckily, the shops of Northwest Philadelphia are full to the brim with unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

Chestnut Hill

The Chestnut Hill Business District has compiled a holiday gift guide on its Instagram page, @chestnuthill_pa, with gifts ranging from cute ornaments for the Christmas tree to luxury perfumes. With this guide, supporting local Chestnut Hill businesses has never been easier.

Since the weather has been getting chillier, consider getting any art lovers on your list a pair of Impressionist gloves from Between Friends Boutique. Modeled after the French artistic style of the 19th century, these colorful gloves will not only keep your hands warm, they'll also serve as a fashion statement.

Another item on the gift guide is a record from Hideaway Music. From new releases to classic oldies, vinyl records have grown increasingly popular in recent years among all ages. Consider getting a timeless Beatles record or the latest Taylor Swift album for the music fan on your list.

If you're buying a gift for someone who needs a little self-care, consider stopping by Threadwell for a monogrammed wrap towel. The smooth body duo of exfoliating and moisturizing lotion from Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness is another option for anyone needing rest and relaxation.

And don't forget to buy gifts for the little ones! Little Wares has toy racetrack sets that are sure to entertain the kids on your list, while Woodmere is selling children's books such as "The Christmas Boot."

Mt. Airy

If you're looking for gifts in the Mt. Airy area, the Mt. Airy Community Development Corporation's online business directory is a good place to start. This compilation of businesses can be organized on the mtairycdc.org website by women-owned, minority-owned, LGBTQ-owned, or veteran-owned businesses.

For the foodies on your list, Mt. Airy is home to plenty of cafes and restaurants. A gift card for High Point Cafe or Mt. Airy Coffee Co. is a great idea for those who are fueled by caffeine, while a gift card for The Frosted Fox Cake Shop or Zsa's Ice Cream will be appreciated by anyone with a sweet tooth.

If you're looking for an artsy present, consider stopping by Allens Lane Art Center to gift a fun art class like pottery or painting. Another option is tickets to the latest show at the Quintessence Theatre, such as "Kiss Me, Kate."

If you're struggling to think of a gift, a bouquet of flowers is always a safe bet. Jewells in Bloom and Rothe Florists are two local flower shops with beautiful selections.

Germantown

Germantown United Community Development Corporation (CDC) has put together a holiday gift guide on its website, germantownunitedcdc.org. Shop at any local Germantown businesses from Nov. 30 to Jan. 10 and earn rewards at the CDC's office by saving your receipts. One receipt will earn you Germantown stickers, two receipts will get you stickers and a Germantown totebag, and three receipts will get you stickers, a totebag, and an embroidered Germantown baseball hat.

Germantown's shopping scene includes plenty of boutiques full of apparel and accessories. Stop by Perfectly Flawless for sophisticated women's clothes or The Art is in the Hat for custom hats, handbags, jewelry and more. Aaliyah's Beautique and Concept Studio Artisan Boutique are two other options in G-Town.

Germantown also has its fair share of eateries where you can grab a gift card, including the Asian and Hawaiian fusion of Das Good Cafe, the roadhouse-style food of Deke's BBQ, and the vegan soul food of The Nile Cafe. If you want to stick to something sweet, check out Lilly of the Valley Cupcakery & Cafe or Xoxoa, a store full of artisanal bean-to-bar chocolates.

If you're looking to gift an experience rather than a physical item, look no further than the many classes and activities in Germantown. Artifact Studio offers ceramics and wheel-throwing sessions, while ARTrageous Brush and Flow offers paint-and-sip events and therapeutic art sessions. The Garden MMA has programs for adults and children focusing on fitness, mobility, and self-defense. Rain Dance Studio rounds out the options with classes in ballet, tap, African, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, creative movement, acrobatics and tumbling.

This collection is only a sampling of the many shops in the area, so be on the lookout for more. With so many gift options available through local businesses, holiday shopping is a breeze in Northwest Philadelphia.