It’s here! Welcome to the [some number-’th or ‘rd or ‘st or ‘nd] edition of the soon-to-be world famous Yinzer Holiday Gift Guide! It’s long. It’s beautiful. It’s nearly all local. Remember, if locally made stuff sells out, email the makers and businesses, and you might luck out. Any dead links? Shoot me a note and I’ll get to the bottom of my gross incompetence. I received not one single thing on this list for free nor was I in any way compensated. If you’re receiving this in your inbox, you’ll need to click to read the full post because it’s too long for most email systems. Let’s shop!
Chocolate Advent Calendar
by A519 Chocolate, $75 (PRE-ORDER) (woman-owned)
This puppy is going first because you have to order it by November 18 for the person in your life who loves decadent chocolate treats, and they’re selling fast. I am not a chocolate fan to any great degree, but I was gifted a box of these locally made A519 chocolates a few years ago and let me tell you. Holy moly. They are that good. I can’t really describe WHY they’re amazing. You just have to trust me. So this is the A519 Advent Calendar, which will give you 24 pieces of joy. Add on a confection, chocolate or couples class to make it a big gift you can give early this year. Learning to make delicious chocolate treats sounds like a great deal of fun, but also, I would for sure be bad at it.
Fern Hollow Bridge Bus or Jagoffs Get Coal ornament
by Audra Azoury, $20 (woman-owned)
It had to be a double bus. Couldn’t have been a regular bus that went down with the bridge, because Pittsburgh is the most extra when it comes to infrastructure disasters. If a sinkhole is going to open, an entire bus is going to groundhog it. If the roads are going to flood, there better be dumpsters floating down them. The wonderful Audra Azoury, who makes my list pretty much every year, has some perfect new ornaments to add to her already extensive and constantly growing collection of metal gifts made in Pittsburgh. I love the Fern Hollow ornament as a gift to commemorate this year, and I love the Jagoffs Get Coal ornament, because it’s the perfect blend of snarky and understated. Great gifts for the person who has everything, your work buddy, your neighbor, or a jagoff who super needs to take a hint. [Glares in jagoff at several people in my life.]
Pittsburgh Coaster Sets
By Klorebel, $25/pair (woman-owned)
Dear, my bank, please put a hold on my debit card so I don’t buy 800 dollars worth of coasters, thank you. I adore Klorebel and I will tell you the last time I shopped a Klorebel space at an art event, I spent $180 on gifts for my friends. It’s a real problem, my gift-giving. That said, ugh. I love all of these and the way some of them pair up to create complete pictures make them great for literally anyone in your life who drinks beverages and has a table on which to rest said beverages. There are also Pitt/Oakland-themed coasters and other local designs. Pair these with some of the Klorebel tea towels, and you’re good to go.
Gold/rose gold/ sterling Bridge Bracelet
by AI Jewelry, $240 (woman-owned)
You truly have to be a Pittsburgher to see the bridge, because if you look at this bracelet and see a bridge, you are a Pittsburgher. That is so deep. I’m getting that on a pillow and putting it on the gift guide next year. This is the big gift in the little box. Locally made, a connection to home, fancy as heck. Checks all the boxes. Personally, I love the all sterling option, but that “Black and Gold” option is pretty stunning and Burghy. Good luck deciding! I’ve contacted the seller to ensure there are at least 20 bracelets available for arrival before the holidays. So if this is the one for your The One, you need to grab it early because they’re handmade via a time-intensive process. If they sell out, contact the seller.
You Gotta Know Pittsburgh Sports Trivia Game
by You Gotta Know Games, $24.95 at Amazon and other retailers
No, this one isn’t locally made, but it has great reviews and would be a great gift for the Pittsburgh sports fan in your life who absolutely swears they know everything about our sports teams. We all know that one person, right? Who will whip out some obscure sports factoid and usually be 100 percent right and just piss you off? This is the gift for them and any friends with whom you have a regular game night. Personally, I’d suck real bad at this game. Don’t invite me over.
Jaggerbush Gin, Parking Chair Vodka, Ginzer Gin, or Ghost Bomber Gin
by Lawrenceville Distillery, $27 and up
Am I including these locally-distilled bottles because they have cool labels and Pittsburgh-themed names and aren’t crazy expensive? You betcha! I haven’t tried them. I don’t care. The reviews are good and look at them! Imagine gifting them to your favorite yinzer. Amazing. And you’re like, “But what would I put them in?” and I’m like, “Here’s a locally made four-bottle wine bag that should work!” You love me.
Pittsburgh Elements and various driving adventures stickers
By Happy Lil Canvases, $5 to $6 each (woman-owned)
Are you seeing this sticker?! Earth (sinkhole bus), Air (Fern Hollow Bridge bus), Fire (Liberty Bridge fire) and Water (the famed floating dumpster). I love it so so so much. And the Stranger Things-themed sticker with the Upside Dahn? Genius. This shop is full of little treasures and they’re all affordable, so grab a bunch and use them for office gifts (are there still offices? Is that a thing that still exists? IDK.) or grab them for the person in your life with an instrument case, laptop or water bottle covered in stickers. Also, yinz need to let people merge. We shouldn’t need a damn bumper sticker to make it happen. Gosh.
Infinite Essence Photo Prints
by Mikael Owunna, $29+ (Black-owned)
Let me tell you something about what you’re looking at. These are photographs. Whoa. I can’t remember how I became aware of this photographer, but he has received national recognition for this particular series. He is Nigerian-American artist and engineer Mikael Owunna, who is from and based in Pittsburgh. He creates these works by painting nude Black bodies with florescent paint and exposing them to the camera flash within total darkness for a fraction of a moment. This is the result and each piece represents a specific story in African mythology. There are many more to choose from. All evocative. But these three are my favorites. Make sure you look at all the options for sizes, borders and frames before you purchase one or more of these for the art lover in your life who values and supports Pittsburgh’s art scene.
Pittsburgh Bridges minus the Fern Hollow and Merry Christmas Pittspurrgh greeting cards
By Liffey Pop, $7.99 each (woman-owned)
There are just too many good Fern Hollow takes on Etsy, but this might be my favorite. I know what you’re thinking. Won’t the Fern Hollow Bridge be rebuilt completely soon and then we will have 446 bridge again? My sweet summer child, have you read the bridge inspection reports? How many bridges Pittsburgh has at any given moment is a very fluid situation. Grab these cards to send along with any gifts you’re mailing. The cat lover in your life will adore the Pittspurrgh card and any of the other cat-themed items in this shop.
Immaculate Reception play diagram shirt
By Laurie Longenecker, $22.95+ (woman-owned)
I love Laurie Longenecker’s whole shop, especially the vintage-pop Pittsburgh prints, but this is the understated shirt to get for the impossibly hip Steelers fan in your life. They’ll wear this with their favorite faded jeans and aviators, and everyone will want to know where they got their shirt. Trust me.
Djoi Designs Bracelet Collection
by Djoi Designs, from $30 (Black-owned, woman-owned)
I. Love. These. Talk about statement pieces. I’m pretty low-maintenance in the jewelry department. I don’t really do necklaces or earrings, but I love every single bracelet on this site. I hope my bank did their job and put a hold on my debit card because whoo boy. Let me call my credit card company real quick too and tell them to not let me buy anything for a few days while I calm down.
And look at this men’s bracelet. Love that.
Just go nuts. Locally made. Gorgeous. Surefire winner.
Calamityware Things Could Be Worse Christmas Textiles and Greeting Cards
By Calamityware, $9 and up
I featured them last year, so you already know how much I adore Calamityware, the Pittsburgh company nationally known for their ceramics, textiles and other items featuring disaster-themed designs hidden within what, from far-away, appear to be blue-and-white porcelain patterns made popular by China centuries ago. But when you look close, you’ll find aliens, natural disasters, monsters and more. Or in the case of this Christmas-themed set, holidays gone amok. Frogs the size of buildings wearing cute little Santa hats, alien spaceships stealing presents, robots eating candy canes and more. The apron pairs perfectly with the tea towel for any cook or baker in your life, and the note card adds a nice little finishing touch if you plan to ship these. As always though, check out the whole store. You’re sure to find something for the hard-to-buy-for person in your life.
Pittsburgh Skyline Upcycled Vinyl Record (with custom requests)
by Vinyl Shop, $34.99 but currently on sale
No, this one isn’t made locally, but I recently purchased something similar as a gift for my son, and they really do make cool gifts. This is a wall decoration made from an upcycled vinyl record. The best part is that you can request a specific musical artist’s record and they will try to get that for you. So the musician in your life with a favorite band or musical act would love this.
Ted Lasso Candle
by NOYB Candle Company, $20 (woman-owned)
I featured this company last year, they of the Golden Girls and Curb and Arrested and other themed candles, but they have a Ted Lasso candle now and that is all that needs to be said. It smells like biscuits with the boss, you guys, and beards and Roy Fucking Kent. Buy this for every Ted Lasso admirer in your life, which should be just about everyone who has feet-fingers and who loves barbecue sauce.
Hilarious Drink Napkins
by Sapling Press, $9.50 for a box of 20 fancy foil-stamped napkins (woman-owned)
Do not just bring a bottle of wine with you to the next holiday house party. Pair it with a pack of these hilarious drink napkins by local shop and Yinzer Gift Guide regular Sapling Press. They’ll add a nice touch to any bottled gift and will be perfect conversation starters for strangers who meet awkwardly at the drink table and then fall in love and become the subject of a made-for-TV holiday movie.
Jamillia Kaye 11 x 14 “One Day” Print
by Meshwork Press X Jamillia Kaye, $30 (Black-owned, woman-owned)
When I tell you this one got me. Whew. Local writer and mixed-media artist Jamillia Kaye was born in Philadelphia to immigrant parents from Liberia, West Africa and came to Pittsburgh to attend Pitt. She collaborated with Meshwork Press in Wilkinsburg on this limited-run metallic-blue/pale pink design of her short poem. When you purchase this print, all proceeds go to Jamillia, so that adds a special meaning when you choose this as a gift for the person in your life who will latch onto such a powerful message.
Yinzer Bars
by Sarris Candies X Yinzer Cards, $2.95 each
I mean. Yes? Yes. Affordable enough to buy A BUNCH, available online or in lots of local stores, perfect for handing out as small gifts to neighbors or delivery persons, or bundling together with other Sarris or Yinzer Cards goodies for a complete gift. I’m sure you recognize the artistic style of former P-G editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers, and of course he is one of the people behind Yinzer Cards. Check out the whole shop and go nuts!
Pittsburgh-themed 16 oz. mugs
by Fort Pitt Clayworks, $34 each
The. Parking. Chairs.
Am I putting a $34 mug on this list? Heckin’ yes I am. Because these are handmade right here in Pittsburgh and are tapered so your drink doesn’t cool too quickly and they feature the most soothing Pittsburgh artwork and they’re not those puny 8 oz. mugs because we yinzers need 16 ounces of coffee at a minimum. Gift it as a mug, a pencil holder, in a box with some locally made hot cocoa mix, or as a set, whatever! Can’t miss with this one. You also can’t miss with these mugs from local White Swan pottery, which is one of my favorite local makers. My utensil holder by my stove is from this shop and I adore it.
Pittsburgh Bridges Linen Napkins
by Queen of the Cardigans on Spoonflower, $29 for a set of two
This is my first time featuring something from Spoonflower, and it was an accidental stumble but look at how great this design from a local artist looks on linen napkins! It’s a bit pricey for two napkins, but they’re made to order. It takes a few weeks so be sure to order early if you plan to snag these for the hostess with the mostest in your life. Imagine these next to lovely white plates at the next dinner party. Perfect. You can get this same print on tons of items from bedding, to pillows to wallpaper. Check it out! Or, if you’re a seamstress, just buy the fabric and make a whole bunch of linen napkins for your people yourself. I have no such skill. I made pajamas in home ec in highschool and they were so misshapen they looked like they were made for a baby llama. I got a B.
Neighbor Beanie for adults or children
by Luluz Design, $20 (woman-owned)
Ahhhh. This hat is super stretchy so it’s one size that will fit everyone from a toddler (with lots of slouch) to your large-headed friends and family (Hi, Dad. Hi, Sha). There are several colors to choose from, but this green one is really speaking to me. Or go for the Mister Rogers red for the good neighbors in your life. Be sure to check out the rest of the shop, which I featured last year too. There are so many new items. The Monongahela Monster shirt is calling to me.
Roberto Clemente 3000th Hit Commemorative Coin
by The Roberto Clemente Museum, $21 (nonprofit-benefiting)
This limited-edition coin commemorates the anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s 3,000th hit, which came at Three Rivers Stadium just months before his tragic death. Benefiting the Roberto Clemente Museum, this is actually a great gift for the golfer in your life who can use it as a lucky ball-marker. Or grab one for your baseball-playing or baseball-loving kid who likes to tuck a little reminder of the big picture into their bat bag or backpack.
Cherry Wood Charcuterie Serving Board in Dogwood or Basketweave
by Wendell August Forge, $59 each
Made from start to finish here in the USA and featuring beautiful locally fashioned Wendell August metals, these new charcuterie boards are perfect for the person in your life who likes a fancy Lunchable. In my family, my sisters and I alternate between pronouncing it “chick-oot-er-ee” and “shark-cootchie.” We are classy AND fancy— just like these boards!
Ridiculously Soft Vintage Burghy Stores Nostalgia Shirts
by Shirtnado, $20
Well, these are just great. And they’re from a local seller, so that just makes them MORE great. This seller also has an Ames shirt, which really brings back memories for me because Ames and Hills were THE place to shop when I was growing up in a one-income, one-car, five-kid family. And I actually wasn’t aware National Record Mart started in Pittsburgh. You learn something new every day. Grab these for the person in your life who loves super soft tees and nostalgia. So, most Burghers.
Mandala Lace Ceramic Spoon Rests
by Emmanuelle Ceramics, $18 and up (woman-owned)
I just want to dive into these little pools of soothing color. These locally made ceramic spoon rests are a perfect gift for pretty much anyone who has a kitchen or a bathroom, or a bedroom (bedside jewelry catchall, a pretty spot to put my hearing aids at night when I take them out— endless possibilities!). Not too feminine or masculine, they add a nice touch of class and color to a counter, stove top or nightstand. Be sure to check out the shop’s ceramic ornaments and dinnerware as well. Stunning, all. And now I want gold silverware.
Leather Dog Waste Bag Holder and Leash
by Clark Morelia, from $40
It’s hard to look cool while swinging a bag of your dog’s poop and it’s equally hard to do so when you’re carrying around a cheap plastic bone-shaped bag holder in some crazy color like neon fuschia. Problem solved when you purchase this locally made leather bag holder, and extra credit points if you pair it with the locally made leather leash for the dog or dog-lover in your life (there are dog collars in the shop too!). Available in several colors, these are gifts that will last much longer than whatever Target is selling you from China.
Local Coffee Subscription and Locally Designed MiiR Double-Wall Tumbler
by De Fer Coffee & Tea, from $15 a month for subscription, from $25 for tumblers
Am I featuring this fast-growing local coffee roaster chain because they have an Eliza Furnace blend? You betcha. But they also have a coffee subscription service that will have their fresh-roasted coffee beans (or pre-ground) sent to the door of a loved one every month. You can choose 1-4 bags per month, and then specify light or medium/dark roast blends. Or mix them up! If a subscription seems too commit-y to you, grab a few single bags instead. Pair them with a gorgeous double-wall Miir tumbler to keep their coffee hot or cold. The best part is the adorable designs on the tumblers are the work of a local artist and former barista at de Fer, Riley Moon. I’ve got my eye on that mint-colored shorty. If you’re really an extra person, also grab them a bottle of Maggie’s Farm Coffee Liqueur ($30 and available online).
Love, Pittsburgh Themed Gift Boxes
by Love, Pittsburgh, starting at $44
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I love these. All of them. The box for the little babies. The box for the foodie. The box for the neighbor. The box for the person who is away from and missing home. There are a bunch, so check them all out and see if one might work for that last person on your list for whom you still haven’t found something. Be sure to poke around the entire Love, Pittsburgh site, because there are endless goodies perfect for gift-giving to anyone, near or far.
And that’s it! I hope you found at least one thing on this list that you could use for this year’s gift-giving. If not, then just buy them for me, because let’s be real. This is also pretty much my wish list. I’m nothing if not an incredibly selfish person.
Happy shopping, loves!