No matter if you were born and raised here, or a transplant or a fan from afar, it’s always nice to come across a little slice of Pittsburgh. Hometown gifts make for a unique and personal present, no matter the season. Here is a list of places to shop for that special yinzer in your life, with locally owned and operated businesses selling items crafted straight from our beloved steel city.   

For Your Favorite Fan

Your one-stop shop for unique Pittsburgh apparel, Four One Two is a locally owned brand. This South Side shop has partnered with hometown teams like the Penguins and Pirates and has a project collaborating with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, celebrating its 25th anniversary.   

Steel City Brand apparel company has some of the best clothing for your Pittsburgh fan. A family business highlighting their hometown, Steel City’s downtown store has clothing and accessories for all ages and sizes. In addition to creating iconic designs, Steel City has worked on several philanthropic projects, including Pittsburgh is Stronger Than Cancer, The Heyward House and Mario Lemieux Foundation.    

For Your Favorite Foodie 

Steel City Salt Company is an ideal gift for the chef in your life. It is the place to pick up one-of-a-kind spice blends, with flavors like Steeltown Garlic & Herbs, Black & Gold Blend and Bagel on Grant seasonings that all have names to match their hometown flare. This small business focuses on quality ingredients, small-batch blending with an emphasis on bold, delicious flavors.   

The Strip District has always been the place for a one-stop food shop, so be sure to stop at Pennsylvania Macaroni Company for the iconic Italian pasta and imports store. Penn Mac has much more than spaghetti, however, with local favorites and Pittsburgh-themed gift boxes. No better gift than something that comes straight from a Strip District staple.     

For Your Flower Child 

Armful of Flowers is a Mount Washington treasure, both as one of the city’s only urban floral gardens and community-focused business. Not only can you buy gorgeous bouquets and arrangements, they have a great selection of gifts with a local focus in their shop. Their farm stands and holiday shopping days are a way to highlight small businesses by featuring Pittsburgh vendors.     

Plants and flower arrangements abound in addition to a beyond beautiful space, the Farmer’s Daughter is a perfect place for the plant person in your life. Stop in their brick-and-mortar shop on East Ohio Street to find a gift for just about every occasion, as well as getting a glimpse of some of their stunning floral designs.      

For that “Just Right” Gift

Looking for that perfect host present or the gift exchange then search no further. There are a few locally owned and operated establishments that have a wide variety of hometown-centric gifts.    

Kards Unlimited is the best place to go to look for just about anything. This Shadyside store has been passed down from family-run to long-term employee ownership, so not only are you shopping for a local souvenir or gift, but you’re supporting locals in addition.  

Wild Card is another must when shopping small and local. This gift store has just what you didn’t know you needed, everything from stickers to greeting cards to books. They have unique items, many are made right in Pittsburgh by local artisans. 

Love Pittsburgh has the themed Pgh item you’ve been searching for. With a mission to connect local makers with shoppers, their three locations — in the Strip, Mount Washington and the Cultural District — provide a chance to pick up something one-of-a-kind made right here in the ‘Burgh.  

For Your Art Lover 

Contemporary Craft is the place to pick up a present for the artsy person in your life. This multi-functional space in Lawrenceville is a shop, a gallery and a workspace all in one. Their store features crafts goods from all over the country, as well as several local artisans making one-of-a-kind pieces. 

I Made it Market is a pop-up marketplace that connects vendors and shoppers, making it accessible for buyers to connect with the craft community. A way to encourage people to shop small all year round, I Made It Market makes it easy to support our neighborhood artisans. Check out the website to find where the pop-up shop is next.   

Fireborn Studios is the place to come for pottery. With over 40 years of experience, the studio is both a shop, gallery and studio combined. If you’re in search of a special, hand-crafted piece like no other, Fireborn has a gorgeous selection that highlights local potters and glass blowers.   

Cover photo courtesy Getty Images