It's time to start making your list and checking it twice as you search for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. We're here to help you find just the right way to show your love, thanks and appreciation through gift-giving. We've partnered with some great Pittsburgh businesses based in the South Hills to make your holiday shopping as simple as possible, while finding the best gifts for everyone on your list. Scroll down to see our featured businesses and what they are offering this holiday season, or jump ahead to any of the following to help you find the most perfect gifts:
2024 Featured Gift Ideas | South Hills Mom's Guide to Local Holiday Shopping | Gift Ideas by Age
Please note, this list will be updated throughout the season with new businesses each week, so be sure to check back!
Give the Gift of Membership at National Aviary
Make your friend or family member a “flock favorite” with a National Aviary Membership. In addition to FREE annual admission, members get exclusive benefits, including discounted Animal Encounters, access to special events and expert talks, and much more! Members will enjoy the opportunity to get a special treat this holiday season: Member Morning on December 7 for Season’s Greetings Saturdays. Be the first to take photos with Santa AND a penguin plus take home a small gift (must RSVP; spots go quickly)! Membership perks don’t stop there — National Aviary Members also receive a 10% discount to the Gift Shop just in time to get seasonal shopping done.
Learn More: aviary.org/visit/memberships
The Lash Lounge South Hills | 100 Sienna Drive Suite, Pittsburgh, PA
Give the gift of confidence this holiday season with lashes from the Lash Lounge South Hills. Call or text 412.844.5274.
Learn More: Website | Instagram
By: Charissa Lauren
It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for shopping small. Blame the entrepreneur in me, but I love supporting our local business owners. Another perk to shopping small is one-of-kind products that are typically either handmade or hand-selected by local artisans and shop owners. One thing about living in Upper St. Clair is true: we support our own. We take great pride in supporting our local business owners, especially during the holiday season.
Within the last year, I’ve remained true to some existing businesses I’ve followed, but I’ve also gained new businesses to my list to shop this season. Whether you’re out shopping the weekend of Thanksgiving for Small Business Saturday or shopping for Cyber Monday, here is my go-to list of local holiday shopping:
Plywood Mom Designs. I met the owner Marie through my community of Upper St. Clair and one day in person at preschool pick-up. Her company is handmade, mom-owned, and perfect for custom holiday gifts. Plywood Mom Designs is your go-to source for unique, high-quality laser-engraved gifts and promotional items that bring a personal touch to any occasion. From bespoke home decor to thoughtful holiday items, they specialize in crafting customized pieces that delight. Offerings cater to parents, small businesses, schools, wedding parties, and corporate clients seeking meaningful, personalized gifts. With a commitment to creativity and precision, Plywood Mom Designs ensures that each item is perfectly crafted and truly one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s a cherished keepsake or a practical gift, Plywood Mom Designs makes it special—because it’s uniquely yours!
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Bombash Botanical is a local gem in McMurray with artisan hand-crafted bath bombs, soaps, lip balms, skincare – and did I mention bath bombs? All shoppers can enjoy something from Bombash, but the kids absolutely love the fun holiday bath bombs. The owner, Tim, goes all out with designs for Halloween and Christmas. We loved the Ghostbusters collection during Halloween time and the Christmas bath bombs are some of the favored amongst the little ones. The shop also hosts fun events for kids throughout the holidays with their anticipated Trunk or Treat in the fall and Santa’s Workshop in December. The prices are great, and the quality is even better than LUSH. Plus, a local dad-owned business is worth supporting.
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Previously an Upper St. Clair favorite, Lullaby Landing will now merge with their store branch: Lula’s women’s boutique. Coming together as one “Lula Boutique” - a boutique for women and children will open with a brand new, bigger location in Donaldson’s Crossroads shopping center in McMurray just before Thanksgiving. I have personally spent many “pregnant” days gawking over the adorable gift baskets for babies and children. I’d say one of my favorite staples of this boutique is the one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays and the custom baskets. It’s easy to go in there and forget why you came – there is no more why, there is only what you need.
Camilla Crafts. Ditch the old Play-Doh brands and emerge in Camilla Crafts. I absolutely love these playdough kits for kids. Not only do they smell amazing with essential oil scents that leave your skin soft, but they’re always imaginative with creative, sensory play at the forefront. I always say the best gift you can get a child is something to do or make.
If you’re looking for more “experience” type gifts, ART by Becca Ward is a local art studio that offers gift cards, and you can’t resist a cookie kit from The Pie Place. For mom, please don’t forget to get her a gift card to get her HAIR done – she needs it. Julia James Salon lies in the heart of Bethel, there is VIBE in Upper St. Clair, and be Salon in Mt. Lebanon, just a few of my personal favorites.
Wherever you’re shopping next weekend, I hope you are shopping small. I know I always feel the guilt when I have a cart full at Target. While I admit there are some things that we HAVE to buy at Target, we can each do our part in supporting our own.
Macaroni KID South Hills has a local directory of family friendly businesses - please check them out if you are still looking for businesses to purchase items off of your wish list!
Need some inspiration before you get shopping? Click on the person you are shopping for below to be taken to a list of tried and true gift suggestions from MacKID readers.
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Did you know that when you shop locally, for every $100 you spend, $68 of that will stay in the community? If you're looking for more reasons why you should spend your dollars locally, read this article on what happens when you shop local.
Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide has great gifts and ideas for everyone in the family, and we are encouraging all of our readers to shop local this holiday season, so we can keep the local businesses we love.
This list will be updated weekly with local businesses for you to support this holiday season or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get it right in your inbox!
