Shop Small: The Official Burghologie Holiday Shopping Guide

I'm always an advocate for shopping small and supporting local businesses when possible. So, this year I decided to put together a shopping guide that highlights some of the amazing businesses, artists, and makers in the Pittsburgh area. There's ONE MILLION shopping guides floating around the internet this time of the year, but this one hits close to home. Literally. Shopping local helps out your co-workers, neighbors, family, and friends. It truly helps the local community thrive. 

I can't even begin to scratch the surface of all of the great small makers that deserve a shoutout, but here I highlight a few that have caught my attention this year. No matter who you're shopping for or what your budget is, I encourage you to consider shopping small this season! Let the shopping begin:  
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PGH CANDLE

When I started putting this guide together there was really no question if PGH Candle would be included. I ooo'd and ahhh'd over their hand-poured, soy candles for well over a year on Instagram before finally giving them a try. Now, I can now say with confidence they're one of my favorite local candle businesses. First of all, the scents are very unique. (Hello Pomegranate Cider and White Sage + Lavender) Secondly, the 16 oz. jars have an 80 hour burn time, so you can keep them around for quite awhile. The gift that keeps on giving! 

On top of smelling incredible, there's some other notable perks. These candles are all-natural and made from 100% soy wax. That means they're clean burning. They don't produce any harmful gases or soot and produce a stronger scent when lit.

FOR WHO:
PGH Candle is a great option for friends, family, a significant other, a grab bag, secret santa... literally anyone. The boys on your list might even be into scents like "Fresh Coffee Beans" or "Whiskey".  

WHERE TO FIND THEM:
PGH Candle products are available for purchase on their website, but their also available at tons of local retailers around Pittsburgh. Check out the list here. 

WHAT I'M LOVING:
The 16 oz. Rosemary + Fig candle

INSTAGRAM:
​@pghcandle
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Gold School JEWELRY

When it comes to jewelry, gold is my love language. So naturally, Gold School immediately caught my eye when it made it's debut last January. I own a beautiful pair of their tortoise shell earrings and they have easily become my favorite set in my jewelry box. Their earrings are handmade here in Pittsburgh and the brand strives to reinvent looks from the past. They've got some very groovy vibes going on and I am 100% here for it. 
 
FOR WHO:
Mom, grandma, girlfriend, BFF, sister... all the ladies in your life! Gold School has some simple/minimalistic designs and bolder statement pieces as well. 

WHERE TO FIND THEM:
You can shop Gold School's Etsy page or be on the lookout for fun pop-ups around town! Tip: Sign up for their email list to get 10% off your order.

WHAT I'M LOVING: 
These tortoise shell drop earrings have my heart. 

INSTAGRAM:
@goldschoolpgh
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OLD SOUL NEW AGE MACRAME

I've been on a major macrame kick for about four years now. I can't get enough of it. (Honest moment: I've recently had to start packing away some of my macrame hangings because there's just not enough wall space in our house. A "kick" is an understatement.) So, when I stumbled upon Leah's Instagram page a few months ago, my eyes lit up. Outside of just wall hangings, the Old Soul New Age shop offers tons of out-of-the-box makings like earrings, keychains, purses, headbands, and more.  

Old Soul New Age is part small business, but also part lifestyle blog where Leah let's her creativity flow. Check out her blog for macrame styling tips and local adventures!

FOR WHO:
Your sister, BFF, girlfriend, or anyone that would appreciate something trendy and handmade. 

WHERE TO FIND THEM:
You can shop Leah's Etsy page here. 

WHAT I'M LOVING: 
I recently bought these pumpkin covers, but heading into the holiday season I'm eyeing up these keychains (stocking stuffers!) and these cute little ornaments for the tree.

INSTAGRAM:
@old.soul_new.age
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Pittsburgh Popcorn

If you've been following along for awhile now or you know me personally, you know my love for popcorn is real and true. So, it shouldn't come as a shock that Pittsburgh Popcorn Co. made the list. 

Between visiting friends and family and holiday parties, there's always a need for good host/hostess gifts. And who doesn't love some good popcorn?! Pittsburgh Popcorn is a great option because it's easy and highly snack-able. No mess, no clean-up, and it's not over-the-top. Plus, it's fresh and kinda of unique. I think it's safe to say the holiday party will have enough sugar cookies...  

FOR WHO:
The party/dinner host or the office crew. 

WHERE TO FIND THEM:
They have 8 locations around Pittsburgh or you can place an order online. 

WHAT I'M LOVING: 
All. of. it. I'm a popcorn fanatic and I honestly can say I love all of PPC's flavors. To keep it festive, I recommend going for the Chunky Chocolate Caramel. 

INSTAGRAM:
@pittsburghpopcornco
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from the field pgh

If you're looking for a more personal gift this year, From the Field PGH is the move. You'll find lots of cute Pittsburgh-centric, holiday, or special occasion wooden signs. Each sign is unique and most can be customized with coordinates, names, zipcodes, etc. The shop's mission is to create things that "celebrate memories in your life", so these handmade items would make a great gift for the people in your life celebrating a milestone.  

FOR WHO:
The diehard Pittsburgher, the newlyweds, the teacher, or the new mom.

WHERE TO FIND THEM:
You can shop the Etsy page here or keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming pop-ups, workshops, and events! 

WHAT I'M LOVING: 
I'm still in the process of adding decor to my house (does that actually ever end?) and I have my eye on this mason jar vase. 

INSTAGRAM:
@fromthefieldpgh
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SLP.made

It's no secret that Pittsburgh winters a real bummer sometimes. It's safe to say you can't go wrong with gifting some winter weather gear. SLPmade has a great collection of beautiful, handmade beanies, as well as tassel earrings, scarves, and keychains. There's a large variety of colors and designs. (Like hearts, plaid, stripes, etc.) Plus, you can even choose what kind of pom you'd like on top. The poms are removable and interchangeable! 

There's no doubt these these hats are some of the coziest around. They're thick, high-quality, and bonus points: how cute are they?!

FOR WHO:
Sister, BFF, sister-in-law, or cousin.

WHERE TO FIND THEM:
You can shop the Etsy page here.  

WHAT I'M LOVING: 
I have an obsession with mustard tones this year, so this hat is top of my Christmas list!

INSTAGRAM:
@slp.made

​she papery

I have a love hate relationship with stocking stuffers... I love the idea, but I really can't handle anymore nail polish and chocolate bars. (Sorry mom!) On that note, may I introduce She Papery.

This local business offers a small collection of hand-lettered goods like stickers, sweatshirts, mugs, ornaments, and pins; all with the mission to "love and spread love". The stickers and pins are exactly what I would want to find in my stocking! 

FOR WHO:
Any lady in your life!

WHERE TO FIND THEM:
You can shop one of two ways: You can browse products on the website here, or you can request a custom order with names or dates. 

WHAT I'M LOVING: 
*Adds 10 of the Rainbow Sun Stickers to cart* 

INSTAGRAM:
@shepapery

MORE LOCAL businesses TO CONSIDER: 

1. If you're on the hunt for clothes, check out some of these Pittsburgh boutiques!
2. If you're shopping for a beauty guru, check out Una Biologicals.
3. If greenery is on the list, snag a plant from City Grows or Synthesis. 
4. Need some cute (or funny) holiday cards? Kards Unlimited or WildCard is the move. 
5. Not sure what you're looking for? The Farmer's Daughter and love, Pittsburgh are great little gift shops that offer a wide variety of gifts. 
6. Got a coffee addict on your hands? The Coffee Passport is a really great gift option. 
​7. Trying to figure out something for a DIYer? A gift card to Board & Brush or The Candle Lab is a great idea.
8. Everyone has a boozy friend. A bottle of cider from Threadbare or a bottle of wine from Narcisi Winery checks that box. 
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OUT OF THE BOX

Aside from just material gifts, I'm also a huge advocate for gifting "experiences". Here's a few quick ideas:

• Have an out-of-town friend? Invite them to join you for a little Strip District tour. 
• Take your parents, siblings, friends, literally anyone to tour the Cathedral of Learning Nationality Rooms.  Phipp's Conversvatory is another great option. The holiday display is always incredible. 
• This one hits close to home: Have a friend that runs their own business, has a side gig, is a blogger, is a mom... just offer to lend a hand for a day. (PSA: Your blogger friends ALWAYS need help creating content)
  

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IT GETS BETTER

Head to the Burghologie Instagram on Monday, December 2nd to enter to win goodies from PGH Candle, Gold School, Old Soul New Age Macrame, Pittsburgh Popcorn, From The Field PGH, SLPmade, and She Papery! In total, the giveaway package is worth over $190! Keep it all for yourself or share the wealth as gifts for friends and family. The choice is yours. I'll see you over on the 'gram on Monday!