 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 millions of 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. PGH CANDLE I have ooo'd and ahhh'd over PGH Candle's hand-poured, soy candles and I can now say with confidence they're one of my favorite local candle businesses. The scents are very unique and the 16 oz. jars have an 80 hour burn time. 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, or pretty much anyone on your list. The boys 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 local retailers around Pittsburgh. Check out the list here. WHAT I'M LOVING: The 16 oz. Rosemary + Fig candle INSTAGRAM: @pghcandle 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. FOR WHO: Mom, grandma, girlfriend, BFF, sister, or any lady 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 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 OLD SOUL NEW AGE MACRAME 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. Check out her site for macrame styling tips and local adventures. FOR WHO: Your sister, BFF, girlfriend, or anyone that would appreciate something 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 little ornaments for my tree. INSTAGRAM: @old.soul_new.age Pittsburgh Popcorn If you've been following along for awhile now or you know me personally, 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 this time of the year. Pittsburgh Popcorn is a great option because it's so easy. There's no mess, no clean-up, and everyone loves a good snack. 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: 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 from the field pgh If you're looking for a more personal gift this year, From the Field PGH is a great option. 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 those 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 have my eye on this mason jar vase. INSTAGRAM: @fromthefieldpgh SLP.made It's no secret that Pittsburgh winters can be brutal, so you can't go wrong 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 stylish. 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 at the top of my Christmas list! INSTAGRAM: @slp.made she papery She Papery 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 make great options for stocking stuffers. 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. 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. OUT OF THE BOXAside from just material gifts, I'm also a huge advocate for gifting "experiences". Here's a few quick ideas:
A GIFT FOR YOUHead 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. I'll see you over on the 'gram on Monday!
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