If you haven't wrapped up gift buying for the holidays yet, you aren't alone. Forbes reports that 31% of Gen Z, 36% of millennials, 42% of Gen X and 42% of baby boomers who answered a survey about their holiday shopping habits said they still planned to buy gifts in the week or two before Christmas and Hannukah.
While those shipping windows for online buying are closing quickly, shopping locally is still an option. Whether you're seeking some delicious local food or drink, Pittsburgh-themed memorabilia or the gift of experiences, here's a guide to some great options.
Eat, drink and be merry
The holidays are the best time to indulge in food and drink. Help arm your friends and family with provisions for the snack-heavy time between Christmas and the New Year with local delicacies.
For the vinophile in your life, Southwestern Pennsylvania has a number of top-notch wineries. Selections from Narcisi Winery in West Deer -- including red, white, sparkling, blush and fruit wines -- can be purchased on-site or from a variety of grocery stores listed on their website. Greenhouse Winery has locations in Irwin and North Huntingdon where you can buy their wines, including seasonal varieties. In the heart of Pittsburgh's Strip District, Pittsburgh Winery offers wines crafted from the best grapes and even a wine club that makes a great gift.
If you have a hard cider lover on your list, Arsenal Cider House sells an array of options made from apples, pears, blueberries and other fruits. Their products can be found at a variety of stores, as well as at one of their five locations around the region.
Local beer is a trendy gift, and the region has tons of terrific breweries. Among them are Helltown Brewing in Export, Grist House Craft Brewery in Millvale, Spoonwood Brewing Co. in the South Hills and Tortured Souls Brewing in New Kensington. But excellent beer-makers abound; check out the ones in your neighborhood for more hoppy options.
Putting the "spirit" in "holiday spirit," the region's distilleries have lots to offer. Check out Maggie's Farm Distillery in the Strip District and Upper St. Clair and Wigle Whiskey in the Strip District for a special bottle.
For sweet treats, there's always the option of Canonsburg chocolate giant Sarris Candies, whose products can be found commonly at grocery stores and other retailers. The Milkshake Factory sells chocolate confections at almost a dozen locations. Betsy Ann Chocolates are also carried by many stores.
Chantal's Specialty Cheese Shop in Bloomfield has the savory side of your edible gifting taken care of, with cheeses, charcuterie and more. It's easy to build a delicious gift basket from all of the foods and ingredients found at Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. in the Strip District. And, add great seasoning to any gift with Steel City Salt Co. in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Whether for a local friend or a relative who's moved away, a Pittsburgh-themed gift is always welcome for Yinzers (and Yinzers at heart). Here's where you can get the goods.
love, Pittsburgh on Mt. Washington, Downtown and in the Strip District has a whole shop full of Pittsburgh-themed gifts, from candles to collectibles to home decor. Wildcard in Lawrenceville also carries a wide variety of giftable goods.
Pittsburgh Pottery in Carnegie has a range of 'Burgh-themed ceramic items.
Museum gift shops -- for example, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington -- have unique gifts for every person on your list.
And of course, there's always merchandise and gift cards from local favorites such as Eat 'n Park.
The Gift of Experiences
For friends or family members who like to get out and about, memberships to local museums and cultural institutions are a great option. For example, memberships to the Carnegie Museums will gain you a year of admission to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center and the Andy Warhol Museum.
Heinz History Center membership comes with many benefits, including free admission to the History Center and its affiliated museums.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art offers memberships with a number of nifty benefits.
Plant and flower fans will treasure a membership to Phipps Conservatory, which comes with a year of free admission and other options and discounts. For other nature lovers, memberships to the National Aviary or the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium are available.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust offers tickets and subscriptions for a variety of performances and arts events in the city, from their PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series to their Children's Theater series to Liberty Magic. The Westmoreland Cultural Trust also offers memberships.
Pittsburgh CLO offers a Summer 2025 subscription full of crowd-pleasing shows. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has subscriptions for the dance-minded, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra offers a number of subscription options for orchestral music fanatics. and the Pittsburgh Opera has tickets and subscriptions for purchase as well.
Is your toughest giftee trying to explore a new hobby or learn a new skill in 2025? There are lots of classes around the city that can start them on their way. Pittsburgh Glass Center has a variety of glassmaking classes (and a retail space with amazing gifts, too). Many places provide the chance to sharpen cooking skills, for example, Chop, WOK & Talk in Garfield and Crate in Green Tree. And for those looking to try some new movement in 2025, PGH Tango has lessons for beginners of all ages.
There's so much to love and give in Pittsburgh -- if you're stuck on what to buy, explore the small businesses in your area. You may be pleasantly surprised by some new finds.