Pittsburgh has a lot of local businesses you could shop at this holiday season. I can’t possibly name them all. Leave a comment (bottom of the page) and let me know who would be on your list of top 10 places in Pittsburgh to check out this Christmas.
1. Creation Labs: This maker space opened in the South Hills Village mall at the end of Summer. They have several 3D-printers, a laser cutter, and plenty of space to grow. Don’t know how to design objects to print? They teach introductory and advanced 3D modeling classes as well as basic coding. You can take advantage of the services they offer a la carte or purchase a monthly membership - like a gym for your mind. They also sell all sorts of 3D-printed things. It’s a new business and that’s why I put it on my list.
2. Jean Louis - A Parisian Bistro in the Dormont area just south of Pittsburgh. It’s excellent. It offers good, simple and well-thought-out dishes at affordable prices. It’s picturesque inside with an enchanting color scheme and, most importantly, delicious food. It’s worth driving in from other parts of the city for a nice dinner here. Parking looks like a problem but it isn’t. There’s a public parking lot directly across the street from the South Hills Nissan dealership that's a 2-minute walk away. Gift cards are probably available and they also offer cooking classes. It might be a great present for the chef in your life.
3. Adam Solar Rides - If you like electric cars and bikes this is the place for you. The owner Adam Rossi is just as energetic as all the stuff he sells - and he sells a lot of cool stuff. From electric mono-wheel skateboards to Tesla Car rentals. If it’s a form of electrified transport, you can probably check it out at ASR. Stop by the store or visit one of the booths they have at various community days (they usually announce them on their Facebook Page).
4. Kerfcase - This Pittsburgh startup (with an awesome office in Homewood I might add) sells thoughtfully designed and sustainably sourced accessories for electronics and your home. They use a mixture of bits & bytes to create amazing products out of gorgeous wood. It’s highly engineered but there’s also a lot of handwork involved. A lot of steps go into making say, a cover for your new iPhone 11, but the result is worth it.
5. Scribe PGH - If you need any paper or interesting desk accessories head over to Walnut Street and check out this small establishment. They have a nicely curated collection of writing supplies and knowledgable staff. They stock high-quality items from around the world that would spruce up any desk or office.
6. Kawaii Gifts - Just a couple of streets over from Scribe you’ll find the cutest store in Pittsburgh. Kawaii means cute in Japanese and all the items in this gem of a store are without a doubt just that. You can’t help but go into cuteness overload when you walk in. They have so many cool little things that you’ll be sure to find something for at least a few people on your holiday shopping list - especially the littler folks.
7. Row House Cinema - There’s a good chance you have a television or home theater system bigger and better than the one at this small Lawrenceville movie theater. You miss out on the movie experience when you just watch something at home though. This isn’t a multi-plex with THX but the audience will be like-minded fans of film. Buy a pass or a gift card for someone who you think could use a good time at the movies.
8. Mon Aimee Chocolate - THE place to go for quality chocolates from around the world right in Pittsburgh. There are chocolate bars from Hawaii to Iceland, sweets from Germany, and treats from Italy. If you are looking for something locally produced but also exotic, Mon Aimee just became the first retailer in Western, PA to sell OODALLOLLY chocolate - founded in San Francisco, using cacao from The Philippines, employing a Swiss technique and produced right here in Pennsylvania (outside Philly).
9. Love, Pittsburgh - If you want something made by a Pittsburgh based designer or just want something with that Yinzer aesthetic - head on up Mt. Washington. They’ve got exclusive items that you can’t get anywhere else - from Pittsburgh Pierogi ornaments to hand-thrown mugs that read JAGOFF as well as a number of Pittsburgh themed tee’s.
10. Cotton Bureau - Speaking of tee’s. If you are looking to get a bunch of different designs head on over to this website. Some are by local artists but many are by designer from all over the world. All the shirts are printed right here in Pittsburgh, PA.
These are just some of the local businesses in the Pittsburgh area. Which ones did I miss that you think should get some recognition? Let me know in the comments below.
