‘Hey Pittsburgh’ Local Holiday Gift Guide

Yinz know how passionate I am about supporting local makers and businesses. That’s why we rolled out monthly gift guides all year long in the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter and on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast. (Browse the “Pittsburgh’s Best” section on our website to find past editions!)

➡️ And in case you missed it, here’s an extremely comprehensive list of holiday markets.

But fear not, I have even more suggestions!

🎁 For the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing Steel City-made items and experiences for every Pittsburgher on your list. Make sure you open each newsletter (and check back here) so you don’t miss this gift in your inbox!

For The Nostalgic, Cheesy Sweater Lover

Any IC fan will love to get cozy with a six-pack and this “Iron City Beer” sign holiday sweater. This fit immortalizes the iconic red-and-white advertisement atop Mt. Washington that was taken down earlier this year and replaced by a black-and-gold display that reads: “IC Light. Cheer Pittsburgh. Drink Pittsburgh.” Buy it on Pittsburgh Brewing Co.’s online shop for $69.99.

🍻 Read more on the glowing history of Pittsburgh's Iron City Beer Sign.

For Those in the Holiday Spirit (Without the Booze)

Your loved one will think of you each time they concoct a new mocktail with a custom gift basket curated by The Open Road, the nonalcoholic shop in Allentown. Head into the store to give them your budget and preferences; The Open Road will handle the rest.

✋ Hold up! Did you know that this shop is the oldest (still open) non-alcoholic specialty retailer in the nation?

For The Traditional Pittsburgher

Because we are the hometown for Heinz and a lot of early German immigrants, it’s no surprise that Pittsburghers have carried on the Christmas pickle tradition from Old World Germany. Here’s how it goes: Someone hides a pickle ornament in the boughs of the tree on Christmas Eve, and the next morning, the first child to find it gets to open the first gift.

I saw these gorgeous stained-glass ornaments at Commonplace Coffee in the Mexican Wars Streets, perfect for the new or old Pittsburgher.

For Those Who Grew Up ‘Yinzer’

How did growing up in Mt. Lebanon shape Mark Cuban's ambition to become a billionaire entrepreneur and media star? What three tenets from Bill Cowher's father helped guide him through life as an NFL linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, and now CBS football analyst?

These first-person original stories and those of 49 other current and former Pittsburghers — Jeff Goldblum, Suzie McConnell-Serio, Joe Namath, Donnie Iris, Billy Gardell, Patrice King Brown, and Dan Marino, to name a few — are in Dick Roberts’ newly published book, "Growing Up Yinzer: Memories of Beloved Pittsburghers” with illustrations from local cartoonist Rob Rogers.

Oh, and don’t forget about Dick and Rob’s Pittsburgh holiday cards!

For the Pittsburgh Home Cook

These handmade wooden boards by Mars Design Studio are practical pieces of art. Shop the various sizes and styles of cutting boards, serving boards, and more.

Know ASL? Tell Mars Design Studio owner, Laura Gavin, how rad her pieces are at the next local market.

For the Book Worm in the ‘Burgh

“Nothing. Everything.” is a fictional story of a young adult author forced to face the secrets of her past before finishing her second novel.

🎧 Author Virginia Montanez is a friend of the City Cast Pittsburgh pod! She helped us round up some of the funniest and most creative insults lobbed at Pittsburgh over two centuries on a recent episode.

Stocking Stuffers for Pittsburgh Cheese Lovers

Charcuterie spreads are a staple for the holidays, and if you need tips for creating a work of art with cheese, meats, fruits, and other colorful fixings, we have you covered with a lesson from the Pittsburgh Cheese Queen on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast.

The host in your life might appreciate a how-to at the Charcuterie Academy or a stocking full of local jams, honey, and other goodies from The Cheese Queen’s shop in Mt. Oliver. Check out the Sip & Shop from 6 to 8:20 p.m. on December 13.

For The Pittsburgh Pup Owner

Pittsburghers with paws will look so cute in these Four One Chew bandanas with phrases like “Squirrel Chill,” “Don’t Be A Wagoff,” and “Pettsburgh.” Plus, they carry custom dog tags shaped like keystones, pickles, and IC Beer.

Psst — Here’s how to plan the perfect day with your Pittsburgh pooch.

For The Pittsburgher With Style

So…I may have bought myself a gift at the Handmade Arcade, and it might have been these earrings. This handmade bead crochet jewelry by Enid Beads is such an impressive craft and the perfect pop for any outfit. Find the creations here.

For The Aspiring Pittsburgh Pasta-Makers

Ravioli, tortellini, gnocchi, oh my! Istituto Mondo Italiano in Regent Square has all kinds of pasta-making classes that are just as fun as they are delicious. The 2024 in-person class calendar is coming soon, but you can always buy a gift certificate that is good for any upcoming event.

You can also cook and eat your way through different regions of Italy with a hands-on combo cooking class and dinner where you can discover local specialties every month.

Looking for a tangible gift? Shop at the market until Dec. 23.

For The Glass Acts

Do you know someone who likes watching Netflix’s “Blown Away?” The competition series features glass artists from the Pittsburgh Glass Center, which offers a variety of classes like 15-minute Make-It-Now events and workshops for flame-worked floral magnets, garden stakes, mosaic frames, and more 🔥Registration is also open for their full 8-week courses and summer intensives.

For The Natural Wine Aficionados

Nine O’Clock Wines inside the Lawrenceville Market House is your spot for natural wines in the ‘Burgh, but you don’t even have to visit them in person to get this delectable drink. Gift the wine-lover in your life a monthly subscription box of three natural wines, plus fun facts on the wine and pairings.

Nine O’Clock wants you to think of them as your wine pen pal, so you can send comments and questions anytime you pour your wine!

For The Pittsburgher Who Has Everything & Wants Nothing

Know someone who loves urban forests? You can give the gift of a tree in your friend or family member’s name through Tree Pittsburgh. This is perfect for the nature-lovers or in memorial of a beloved someone you lost this year.

A $100 donation covers the cost of the tree, planting supplies and protection, and professional staff time. All gifted trees are put into the ground during Tree Pittsburgh’s planting programs during the spring and fall.