The holiday season is just around the corner, and the countdown to finding the perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones has officially begun.
Luckily, the area around Chatham University’s Shadyside campus is filled with unique shops and boutiques, each offering something special for pretty much everyone on your list. From gourmet treats to handcrafted goods, these local merchants have you covered.
Let’s have a look at some of the best spots to shop at this holiday season and inspire some ideas for your shopping list.
Paititi Inti: Peruvian Handmade and More – 1823 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill
This is a fantastic place to shop for diverse, handcrafted holiday gifts. There is a large selection of scarves, jewelry and clothing, many made from materials such as pashmina and alpaca wool.
Vendor Bender – 2301 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill
This unique destination is filled with a variety of vending machines filled with snacks from many different cultures across the globe. Prices are typically less than$5, making it easy to indulge in diverse goodies without breaking the bank.
Kards Unlimited – 5522 Walnut St., Shadyside
This family-owned store offers a quirky mix of cards, books, games and other fun finds. With its cozy atmosphere and extensive selection, Kards Unlimited is a must-visit for anyone looking to add a little fun to their holiday shopping.
Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse – 214 N Lexington St., Point Breeze
This shop is a go-to destination for arts supplies with a focus on sustainability for the D-I-Y lover on the list. By shopping here you’re not only giving a sustainable gift, but also supporting a local business that’s committed to reducing waste.
Pittsburgh Honey – 2130 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill
This local gem offers a delicious present. All the honey is sourced from local beehives and includes classic and flavored options, as well as honey-based products..
Sweet treat gift cards
If you can’t find the perfect gift for your loved ones, why not give a sweet treat? A gift certificate to one of the many dessert shops in Squirrel Hill is a great way to show you care. Some ideas for someone with a sweet tooth could be a matcha dessert from Meccha Matcha (2000 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill), a frozen yogurt from Berry Fresh Frozen Yogurt (1717 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill), a waffle from Waffallonia (1709 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill), a pastry from Pink Box Bakery Café (2104 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill) or a cozy coffee and treat combo from Treats and Beans (118 Meyran Ave., Oakland).
