It seems like a lot of people are starting their holiday shopping early this year. I’m resolving to do the same, especially because I likely will need to allow time to ship people gifts rather than giving them in person. With this in mind, I’m going to start sharing gift guides (one each week). If you’re not ready to think about holiday shopping yet, feel free to skip over these posts for now!
To kick off the gift guides, I wanted to start by highlighting local Pittsburgh businesses. This year more than ever, I’m trying to patronize small, local business when I can. This has been a difficult year for everyone in retail, but for small business in particular, so buying gifts locally can be an easy way to support them. A few of these small business are owned by family/friends – I’ll disclose that for each one!
Stone and Sparrow
Stone and Sparrow is a small-batch ceramics business. They make so many gorgeous things, but I particularly love this blue and white coffee mug. If you want to buy a set, you can contact them and they’ll make them to order! This would make such a great gift for family/friends who moved recently… or really for anyone, since we’re all spending much more time at home.
Commonplace Coffee
Of course, if you’re gifting a coffee mug, you have to include some local coffee beans, too! The morning blend from Commonplace is the coffee that I personally drink each morning, and it’s a great way to start the day. They ship, and you can let them know if/how you’d like the beans ground, too.
Danielle Bernard Designs
I found Danielle via Instagram and was instantly obsessed. Her bags are all handmade, and they’re so chic and gorgeous! She often posts behind-the-scenes in her Instagram stories and I love seeing the pieces come to life. This “puffer pouch” would make a great gift for any fashionista friends in your life!
Arbor House Soaps
Disclaimer: Arbor House is my aunt’s business.
If there was ever a year where soaps are a welcome gift, 2020 is the year. These soaps smell amazing, and look so nice set out next to your sink! The lilac is a personal favorite, but there are so many to choose from. Plus, the shop also has really amazing body butter, too!
Blakbird Jewelry
I’ve shared my love of Blakbird Jewelry before, so of course I had to include them in my gift guide! I love their jewelry – it’s dainty yet strong and powerful at the same time, and really stylish and minimalistic. I love the simplicity of these vertical bar earrings, but honestly, every pair that I’ve bought has been great.
Katie Koenig Art
Disclaimer: The artist is one of my good friends!
Katie’s art is just incredible, and I think everyone could use a little bit of the inspiration that comes from beautiful art right now. If you’re a Pittsburgh or Andy Warhol fan, these Campbell’s Soup Can coasters are a great, fun gift. And if you’re looking for an original piece of art, she has some “mini masterpieces” that are perfectly giftable – how cute is this little latte?!
Laura E. Gross Textile Art
Disclaimer: The artist is my cousin!
Again – I think that anything that makes our homes a little bit cozier and more inspired is the way to gift-give this year. Textile/fiber arts are a fun alternative to paintings and prints that can make your house feel much cozier! I really love this mustard yellow color.
Jewelry by Old Soul
Another jewelry shop that I’ve shared before, but again, it makes a perfect gift. All of the jewelry is eco-friendly, and there are so many cute different styles of earrings, necklaces, etc. – really something for everyone! I love the simplicity of this colorblocked black-and-white necklace.
Knotzland
Would it even be a Pittsburgh gift guide if I didn’t include Knotzland? I don’t think so! I think that masks are a totally appropriate gift this year (never would have imagined myself typing that sentence!), and Knotzland makes the most stylish masks that I’ve seen, hands down – like this one. Right now, they’re also offering some mask holders – bonus!
