Shop Small in Lawrenceville with our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide!
The holidays are a strange time because we’re all encouraged to go into debt to show how much we love our friends and family. I’ve gotten 40 + gift guides sent to my inbox this week alone full of links to Amazon. You have no idea what to buy for your cousin’s girlfriend’s sister. Holiday shopping can become an exhausting rat race to see who buys your Mom the Instant Pot first.
Rather than spend hours scouring deals of the day online, or standing open-mouthed at a cash register in Target unsure where that $100 went, travel Lawrenceville’s 20 + blocks of local boutiques, restaurants, and breweries. Hold something in your hand that was made in Pittsburgh. Take your mom shopping and then to lunch. Ask a shop owner about the the difference between two products. Maybe check in and just ask how they are because November through January is a whirlwind time to be a small business owner.
Shopping small means supporting your neighbor. When you give your loved one a gift from Lawrenceville, you can also excitedly tell them the story of the business you bought it from. I personally gush about the angelic staff at Una Biologicals every year when I come home with beauty products for my mom.
Scroll down and check out what Lawrenceville has to offer! Excited about a store or product you don’t see here? Tell us about it in the comments!
Apparel & Accessories
ruhling // woven is a new boutique in Lawrenceville at 5417 Butler full of modern vintage apparel and accessories. The shop is home to dreamy color palettes and a super sweet shop owner (Hi, Kate!). Find treasures here like silver plated earrings or a lilac vegan circle bag. Shop hours are Wednesday through Saturday 12-7 and Sunday 12-5.
Make + Matter is also a new woman-owned boutique in Lawrenceville. Visit 3711 Butler Street to find a collaborative studio and storefront from three Pittsburgh designers, Flux Bene, Kelly Lane, and Otto Finn. A rotating cast of Pittsburgh designers and makers come in and out of the shop. Visit them on December 15 to find the perfect handmade gift and meet the newest visiting designers, Caryn of Pike Leather and Cat of Cat Luck and Collarbone Jewelry.
Visit Franklin & Mercer Co., a new neighbor at 3507 Butler, and home to men’s apparel and goods! The shop is full of premium denim, handmade leather goods, seasonal candles and fragrances. Stop in, shop around and grab an Iron City Beer.
Three Pigs Collective, open at 5218 Butler, is a vintage shop full of wearable art. The storefront houses a combination of fashion, art, film, jewelry + much much more. Check out this recent feature in Next Pittsburgh, and stop in to get the most stylish person on your list something they can’t find anywhere else.
Civilization PGH is a streetwear boutique open at 4400 Butler. Shop local + national brands and if you bring toys, bikes or cash for Children’s Hospital when shopping, you’ll get 10% off your purchase until December 15. Follow Civilization on Instagram for details + product features.
Beauty & Wellness
Hippie & French, 5122 Butler, is home to a curated collection of CBD products for people and pets! From truffles to oils to coffee, you can find the perfect relaxing gift. Most products in store are from other woman-owned businesses. If the holiday season has you stressed out, check out weekly meditation at Hippie and French from 7-7:30 on Monday nights.
Trend Pittsburgh Salon is the perfect place to get holiday party ready (they can do hair or make-up looks for a night out) and they also offer hand tied extensions. The salon also has a killer merch selection. Check out some products here and stop in to say hi or make an appointment!
Una Biologicals is an oasis in Central Lawrenceville with a stunning holiday storefront and tons of natural beauty and wellness products. Grab a gift basket made for sleep or stress relief. Check out the seasonal Candy Cane Lane scent in a body butter or scrub. The shop also supports countless other small businesses by stocking other products like candles, chocolate and more.
Isle of You Hair Color Studio (now located at 5165 Butler) is a staple Lawrenceville salon. Get an updated look for the new year, give the gift of great hair, or stop in for a manicure or pedicure after shopping. Check out work from their stylists here. They’re know for outstanding color!
Metamorphosis Salon & Spa has seasonal specials every month, and December is full of relaxing combos from facials to massages to mani/pedi. Visit them at 5112 Butler.
Elevate Fusion Fitness offers classes with Versa climbers, boxing + more! Grab a gift card to jumpstart someone’s fitness routine in 2019. More info about their classes and membership options here.
Handmade Gifts
City Grows is one stop shop for beautiful plants, including handmade wreaths, trees and original arrangements. They are the city’s only plant shop home to aquatic plants! From the most experienced gardener to the nervous houseplant owner, City Grows has something for everyone. They also now have gift cards! More info here.
Buy a gift from Small Mall and directly support living artists! For the next two weekends in December, you can also get your handmade gift wrapped by celebrity artist wrappers. Check out their FB page here to keep track of December’s events.
Stock up on holidays scents at The Candle Lab Pittsburgh or book a trip to come back and make a candle of your own! The Candle Lab is BYOB and also offers monthly classes like their upcoming Wax, Wicks and Watercolors on December 20.
Pick up a handmade ornament from Gerbe Glass! A Lawrenceville holiday staple. You can often find Bernadette creating in person at her storefront at 4119 Butler Street.
For Animal Lovers
Let’s be real. Your dog is probably your favorite person on your gift list. Stop by Lawrenceville Pet Supply, our neighborhood pet store, to stock up on winter gear, treats and more for man’s best friend. Check out their Giving Tree fundraiser for Animal Friends during your visit.
Buy your friends and family time with cute, cuddly kittens and consider yourself the best gift giver on the planet. Stop by The Black Cat Market at 5171 Butler. Check back for updates on their community events here!
Food & Drink
Buy tickets to Eleventh Hour Brewing’s upcoming brunch with Blue Sparrow for an easy pre holiday party. The beer and pancake combo is the perfect gift for a carb lover in your life.
Stop by Lawrenceville Distilling’s bottle shop (open Saturdays from 12-5) and pick up a gift basket complete with Parking Chair Vodka. More info here.
We all need a lil’ more energy during December. Buy the coffee or tea loving pal some gifts from Caffe D’Amore at 5400 Butler. Bonus: their other side is home to a curated collection of vintage and art to sort through.
Check out Driftwood Oven’s bread share for the gift that keeps on giving. Two 6 week options with a Wednesday or Thursday night pickup. More info here.
