🛍️ Pgh’s best gift shops

👀 Local Companies Are Making War

Pittsburgh-based startups Swan and KEF Robotics are collaborating with Ukrainian manufacturers to build drone technology — some of which is being tested by an elite Ukrainian unit on the front lines against Russia. [🔒Wall Street Journal]

• ➡️ We talked about it on our podcast! [🎧City Cast Pittsburgh]

🗞️ Striking Post-Gazette Workers Accept Buyout

The Communications Workers of America negotiated a severance package for three unions, including pressmen and production and advertising workers, who walked out in October 2022. In exchange for the “modest” package, the unions and their jobs dissolve. [TribLive]

• ✊ 27 newsroom workers represented by the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh remain on strike. They’re the last of five PG unions still on strike. An NLRB brief is due on their case today. [Union Progress]

🎶 Music Venue Coming to Lower Hill

Live Nation broke ground on a 4,000-seat venue called Citizens Live at The Wylie — named in honor of the jazz legends that played on Wylie Avenue in the Hill’s musical heyday. The $64 million project is taking over an old parking lot, which used to be the site of the Civic Arena. [Axios Pittsburgh / 📝 Hey Pittsburgh]

• 📍 Know the context: The city razed parts of the Lower Hill in the 1950s to make room for the Civic Arena (the precursor to PPG Paints), and so much of this thriving Black community was destroyed in the name of “urban renewal.” [📝 Hey Pittsburgh]
• 🎷Learn about Pittsburgh’s jazz history and where you can see live tunes today. [📝 Hey Pittsburgh]

Any business can be a gift shop! But if you need a present in a pinch, here are your one-stop spots in Pittsburgh.

WorkshopPGH

📍Regent Square, Wilkinsburg + Garfield

This colorful shop and crafty education space has a mix of locally made and specially curated products — from botanical drink mixes and tea ware to DIY kits and crystal incense holders. An even better present? Gift an experience and book one of their workshops!

love, Pittsburgh

📍Strip District, Mt. Washington + Downtown

Love, Pittsburgh carries items from over 100 local artists and makers — and there’s something for everyone’s taste! Proud yinzer? Get them a “nebby” mug and a neighborhood puzzle. Local foodie? They’ll really dig this tiny bottle of Heinz ketchup or pierogi salt from Steel City Salt Co. Stop in to browse these goodies, plus apparel, art, pins, candles, jewelry, and more.

More Than Words

📍Carnegie

This paper shop has cards, notepads, wrapping material, and a variety of kitschy goods that make easy gifts. Don’t skip the big display of pencils with fun phrases like “Someone in Pittsburgh loves you.”

Farmer’s Daughter

📍East Allegheny (Deutschtown)

There’s something beautiful tucked in every corner of this store. In addition to fresh blooms, Farmer’s Daughter sells gifts that are a fit for any host, homebody, or flower child. Find cookbooks, plant pots of all shapes and sizes, sweet-smelling candles, unique wall prints, and much more.