Top 10 Local Places to Shop in Pittsburgh for the Holidays

(Etsy)

The holidays are here! Have you started your holiday shopping? For some of us, the idea of shopping at  large corporate stores with their "big blowout deals" and cookie-cutter products is such a bore.  Why not get your loved ones something unique while supporting local businesses?  There are tons of places to shop in Pittsburgh without having to step foot in a mall or department store. There's a little something for everyone around the city, you just have to look!  Here are 15 ideas on where to shop for the holidays in Pittsburgh!  Happy Holidays!

Wildcard

• Wildcard 

Practically a one-stop shop, Wildcard has everything from jewelry to stationary, t-shirts, craft supplies, original art, cards and some pretty amazing wrapping paper!  Located in Lawrenceville, Wildcard also serves as a local gallery space.  If you're looking for unique cards and wrapping paper, this is the place to go! 

EONS (Post Gazette)

• EONS 

Attention all vintage junkies!!!  EONS is vintage heaven!!!  Give the gift of nostalgia; this Shadyside store has fantastic dresses, hats, shoes, uniforms, coats, and more dating all the way back to the 30's.  Surprise your loved one with an awesome pill-box hat, a gorgeous broach or an authentic 50's pencil skirt. They even have some great things for men like authentic leather jackets, silk ties and cowboy shirts.

Thick Bikes (Justin Merriman Photography)

• Thick Bikes 

I'm seeing more and more bikes around the city lately, why not support the movement and the local shops that make it happen?  This Southside bike shop specializes in repairs and custom-made bike parts.  So if someone you're shopping for needs a new frame or is looking for some new handlebars for their ride, Thick Bikes has you covered!  

Decade (Midnight Guru) 

• Decade  

This loft-styled storefront is great for graphic tees, hoodies, jeans, interesting prints, and dresses.  Decade is the epitome of street wear; it has a cool urban edge with a little bit of a west coast twist.  It's a little skater, a little hipster and completely cool!  

Dozen Bake Shop Cupcakes (Cupcakestakethecake)

• Dozen Bakeshop 

Great for an office party or a super sweet hostess gift, Dozen Bakeshop is the cupcake capital of Pittsburgh!  With unique and mouth-watering flavors like cosmo, east end chocolate stout and elvis (peanut butter and banana), and in vegan options as well, it's a gift that everyone can enjoy!  Not only can you get delisious one-of-a-kind cupcakes, but they also have amazing brownies, rice crispie treats and fruit tarts.  Check out their menu and order HERE.  

Jerry's Records

• Jerry's Records 

Today, music can be acquired in a matter of seconds, but there's something about putting it on vinyl and hearing the "real deal."  If you're shopping for a music lover, find out what kind of music they love and then hit up Jerry's Records to find some original, lightly used, amazing records. Located in Squirell Hill, Jerry's Records is one of the biggest record stores in the country!  It has thousands of records to choose from and listening stations to test them out.  Check out Jerry's Records HERE and also check out The PGH Look's photo shoot in Jerry's Records HERE! 

(Pavement) 

• Pavement

Want to find them something that no one else is wearing?  Pavement has unique and very cute things: dresses, tops, pants, and really great shoes!  Pavement is located on Butler St. in oh-so-cool Lawrenceville and carries names like local designer Kelly Lane, Popomono, Splendid and Feather. Check out Pavement for cute pieces to add to their wardrobe.  Take a look at our photo shoot that features Pavement clothing! 

Slacker (Pittsburgh Signs)

• Slacker

Need a present that ROCKS? This edgy shop has great t-shirts, kinky lingerie, posters, incense, piercing gear, and more!  Located in Southside, Slacker is known for it's gritty edge and fun attitude.  It's a great place to get something fun and lighthearted, or maybe even a little naughty.  Check out Slacker HERE: 

(FreedomMilitarySurplus)

• Broadway Army Navy Surplus 

If you need something for an outdoorsy, adventurous type, why not check out a local army-navy surplus store?  Broadway Army Navy Surplus on Liberty Ave in Downtown has everything for all their hiking, camping, shooting, and other venturesome needs.  

Wusthof Mincing Set (In the Kitchen)

• In The Kitchen 

Give the gift of delicious-ness!  In the Kitchen, is an independently owned store in the Strip District specializing in unique and innovative cooking appliances.  Get your loved one a the newest,coolest gadget to make their cooking experience just a little more special.  Find great kitchen appliances HERE. 

CULTURE: 10 Things To Do During the Holidays in Pittsburgh

The holidays are in full effect, so don't let the cold weather get you down!  There are tons of festive, fun and affordable things to do for the holidays in Pittsburgh.  Bundle up, grad your buddies, your significant other or the kids, and explore the city during the holidays.  Here are ten awesome ways to enjoy the holidays in Pittsburgh!  Hope yours is wonderful!!

PPG Plaza ( Post Gazette)

Light Up Night 

The official kickoff to the holiday season starts this weekend on Friday, November 16th, with the 52th Annual Light Up Night.  The entire downtown area dazzles in lights as the city celebrates the holidays with the lighting of the PPG Plaza tree and other areas downtown, followed by performances by locals artists on three different stages, and of course a spectacular firework show.  This two-day showcase is free and open to the public and holds as one of the largest events in Pittsburgh.  Click here for more details. 

Pittsburgh Seasonal Parade ( Post Gazette) 

First Holiday Saturday - Sounds of the Season Parade

It's not the holidays without a parade full of beautiful floats and performers. As a continuation of the Downtown Pittsburgh Light Up Night weekend, the festivities continue with First Holiday Saturday on November 17th, Bottom Dollar Foods' Sounds of the Season parade presents marching bands, horse-drawn carriages and plenty of entertainment.  More details and parade map here.

(ThinkShadyside.com)

Small Business Saturday and Holiday Shop +Rock

Support local business in Shadyside on November 24th for Small Business Saturday - a national event sponsored by American Express to help promote small businesses during the notorious "Black Friday" weekend.  70 + small businesses on Walnut, Ellsworth and South Highland, will have treats, refreshments and tons of deals throughout the day.  Also check out Holiday Shop + Rock on Walnut St. November 30th, for the official Walnut St. light up night and block party featuring Donora and Radio Tokyo, followed by a Shadyside fashion show.  Find out more info about these events here.

People's Gas Holiday Market (downtownpittsburgh.com)

Holiday Market 

From November 24 - December 23, the People's Gas Holiday Market is a traditional German-style market inspired by the Christkindlemarkt of 1545 in Nuremberg, that turns Market Square into an illuminated village of wooden chalets full of vendors selling authentic gift items from around the world.  A variety of performers, dance groups, choirs and carolers  keep the festive feeling alive throughout the day. Not mention frequent visits from Mr. Clause himself.  Grab a cup of hot cocoa and get lost in this Christmas village.  Find out more information here. 

Sharron Needles (Photo by: Jeremy Kost warhol.org) 

Warhol's Naughty or Nice Holiday Bash 

Break away from the usual boring holiday shindigs and come party like a superstar as local celeb and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Sharron Needles finds out who's naughty or nice on December 1st at the Naughty or Nice Holiday  Bash. Mix and mingle with your friends and be sure to check out the special exhibition Jeremy Kost: Friends with Benefits.  For tickets and more info click here. 

( Dance Ticket) 

The Holiday Promenade on Walnut
Immerse yourself in Pittsburgh's art scene as Continuum Dance Theater and Evolve Productions  presents The Holiday Promenade - a collaboration of dance, fashion food and art all in one.  On December 2, at Nadia Salon, sashion and dance blend as local designers showcase their latest wears inspired by Continuum Dance Theater's recently debuted performance work THE MOVEMENT. Stick around for the Chinese auction featuring tons of amazing goodies and enjoy delicious homemade treats at the bake sale and order your holiday goodies!  There's a little something for everyone!  For tickets and more info click HERE. 

I Made It! Market

Find all your holiday gifts at the I Made It! Market in Bakery Square December 8th, which features tons of local vendors specializing in gifts, ornaments, holiday cards and more! Santa makes a pit stop here too so bring the kids!  Plus a beer garden by Tapped!  Click here for more info.

South Side Stories 

Looking for a cool date n'at? Check out City Theater's South Side Stories by Tami Dixon.  From now until December 16th, this one woman show of monolouges portrays the life of the neighborhood through stories of mischief, the steel mills and local hauntings.  Get ready to hear some stories about the 'Burgh!  Click here for tickets and more info.  

PPG Ice Skating Rink (livejournal) 

Skating at PPG Place Ice Skating Rink 

What are the holidays in the city without ice skating in the heart of downtown?  The rink surrounds the 60 ft PPG Christmas tree and is surrounded by the beautiful glass PPG building creating a gorgeous spectacle.  Skate rentals are available as well as a concession stand for snacks and warm drinks. Bring the kids, your friends or a date, no matter what, this always is a fun time! For information on hours, admission prices and special events click here.  

First Night Puppet Parade (trustarts) 

First Night 

Ring in the New Year at Highmark's First Night in Downtown.  It's a celebration of Pittsburgh's culture and arts.  Downtown becomes alive with live performances, the traditional puppet parade, and of the countdown into the new year!  This event is free and open to the public!  Click here for more information.  

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