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Our Ultimate Pittsburgh Gift Guide

If you've been putting off your holiday shopping, we're here to help you find the perfect Pittsburgh gift. Check out our picks for presents that go beyond the requisite black and gold.

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff
City Cast Pittsburgh Staff
A wooden puzzle in the shape of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Pittsburgh neighborhood map by Squirrel Hill Design and Craft. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
Pittsburgh waffle knit beanies made by Garbella.
Pittsburgh waffle knit beanies made by Garbella. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)

If you've been putting off your holiday shopping, we're here to help you find the perfect Pittsburgh gift. Check out our picks for presents that go beyond the requisite black and gold.

Apparel & Accessories

Pittsburgh Waffle Knit Beanies by Garbella

These beanies are perfect if you want just the subtlest pop of Pittsburgh on your apparel. With logo patches featuring pierogi or the Three Sisters Bridges, they keep you warm and broadcast your local pride. — Executive producer Mallory Falk

Tees and Sweaters by Alex's Stupid Studio

Alex's Stupid Studio has such whimsical and colorful designs, with animals front and center. It's so hard for me to pick favorites, but the beetle sweater and tie dye skunk skateboard tee are top contenders. — Producer Sophia Lo

Accessories by Jenna Vanden Brink

I have both earrings and a necklace made by Jenna, and I always get a ton of compliments on them. Her dainty ceramic designs are chic and charming, perfect for either a simple or statement look. — Newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco

An ornament in the shape of a blue bus sinking.
Commemorate a very Pittsburgh transit memory. (Courtesy of friend of the pod Josh F., who may have received this gift from a City Caster.)

Home Goods & Decor

Sinkhole Bus Suncatcher by Stratford Studios

What better way to immortalize this surreal (and extremely memeable) event than with a beautiful stained glass replica? If you prefer a less chaotic design, you could opt for an incline, pierogi, or Campbell's soup can suncatcher. — Executive producer Mallory Falk

Calendars from Alternate Histories

Artist Matthew Buchholz adds flying saucers, sea creatures, and fake monsters (including Yinzilla) to vintage photos and artwork, creating distinctly and weird retro scenes. His calendars make for a great gift to kick off the new year. Plus, once each month is over, you can cut out the art and turn it into a framed print! — Host Megan Harris

Bouquets from Roxanne's Dried Flowers

I always have one of the mini dried bouquets in my house, and I can attest that they last months (I like to change mine seasonally!). You can build your own bouquet or pick from one of their ready-made options. — Producer Sophia Lo

Stone + Sparrow Mug

Sipping a fresh brew out of this sleek, earth-toned mug is a whole experience. The minimalist style is both elegant and functional. It’s the kind of piece you buy open shelving for. — Newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco

Four sacks of fresh spices.
Spices at Steel City Salt Co. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Food & Drink

The Belt Cookie Table Cookbook

This collection of regional cookie recipes is the perfect guide, whether you're contributing to a cookie table or just baking for the fun of it. I received this as a gift myself and have had so much fun trying my hand at everything from pecan tassies to cardamom meringues. — Executive producer Mallory Falk

Popcorn from Pittsburgh Popcorn Company

Get the hardcore snacker in your life a gift set with the company's five most popular flavors, including chocolate caramel and Wisconsin cheddar, or give them a gallon-sized tin decorated with a Steelers logo. There are so many giftable options to choose from, and it never hurts to grab a few extra bags to set out on your own holiday table. — Host Megan Harris

Tea from Gryphon's Tea

Black, green, oolong, fruit-based, rooibos … you name the type of tea, and Gryphon's has it. Show off your local love with the black-and-yellow Britzburgh blend or lean into the seasonal vibes with a nice cup of winter solstice. — Producer Sophia Lo

Spices from Steel City Salt Co.

Whether you need a nice finishing salt or a spice blend — like the smokey-sweet “Black & Gold” — Steel City Salt Co. has it all. Pick something up for the creative cook in your life at their brick-and-mortar in Millvale or one of these local shops. — Newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco

A snow covered sidewalk in front of a museum. A dinosaur sculpture wearing a black and yellow scarf.
A Carnegie Museums membership lets you take in art, history, and science — and escape the cold! (Sophia Lo / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Experiences

Garden Resource Center Membership

A membership to Grow Pittsburgh's Garden Resource Center gets you access to free garden tool rentals and bulk materials like soil and mulch. It's a great gift for the aspiring green thumb in your life. — Executive producer Mallory Falk

Climbing Class at Ascend

Know someone who'd like to try out climbing or bouldering? Sign them up for a beginner-friendly class, and you could end up giving them the gift of a lifelong passion! There are also options for more seasoned climbers looking to level up their skills. And check out First Ascent for even more classes. — Host Megan Harris

Carnegie Museums Membership

I will forever maintain that this is one of the best deals for arts and culture in Pittsburgh. You get access to four museums in one pass, plus discounts for gift shop items and events. Get the dual membership and ask your loved one to take you on a visit, and it's a gift for you, too ;) — Producer Sophia Lo

Cooking Class at Istituto Mondo Italiano

A class with Viviana Altieri feels like you’re in Italy. Treat a pasta lover to an introductory class, a specialty course on ravioli and tortellini, or sign up for the Regions of Italy Cooking Club. Viviana also offers workshops on other foods like focaccia, mozzarella, and pizzelle. — Newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco

A wooden puzzle with pieces in the shape of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Pittsburgh neighborhood map by Squirrel Hill Design and Craft. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Burgh Finds

Dog Accessories from Four One Chew

I'd one thousand percent be decking out my dog in a "Don't Be a Wagoff" bandana if only she'd tolerate it. Instead, I'm mulling over the customized ID tags shaped like a Heinz pickle or IC Light can. — Executive producer Mallory Falk

Pittsburgh Neighborhoods Puzzle Map by Squirrel Hill Design and Craft

Challenge your friends' geographical knowledge of Pittsburgh with this wooden puzzle that has a piece for each city neighborhood. And if the city neighborhoods are too easy, you can gift the puzzle that includes our surrounding boroughs! — Producer Sophia Lo

Buildings By Shane Hendersom Prints

Shane turns Pittsburgh landmarks into the coolest art deco-inspired prints. They’re a great fit for any proud yinzer — especially for anyone with connections to the sites. Maybe they had their first date at Phipps Conservatory or grew up playing at Blue Slide Park. — Newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco