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The Incline’s 2021 holiday gift guide (Extended)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … to shop local!

We’ve wrapped our 2021 Incline gift guide (Vol. 1) into different categories to help you find the perfect present for your loved ones. Are they a nature lover? How about a nostalgic yinzer? Maybe they’re a cookie aficionado or have a knack for entertaining? Scroll for our favorite picks — and let the gift giving begin.

🖼 For the nostalgic yinzer…

While we’re obviously biased, Pittsburgh truly wouldn’t be Pittsburgh without our inclines. This mini print of the Duquesne Incline by local artist Shane Henderson is sure to conjure up magical memories for anyone in the 412. Is there a Pittsburgh landmark that means something to you or your loved one? Chances are Shane has designed a stunning print for that too. Check out his orange, green, and purple prints for iconic landmarks like the Kaufmann’s Clock, the Racer at Kennywood, Three Rivers Stadium, the Allegheny Observatory, and more. Mini prints are $5 and large prints are $30.

Is there anything that says “holiday season in the ‘Burgh” quite like the classic Christmas star commercial from Eat’n Park? It first aired in 1982, and it still rings true year after year. Commemorate this “smiley” memory and give your loved one this Eat’n Park Christmas Tree shirt from Steel City. $32

“Isaly’s Chipped Ham, Klondikes, and Other Tales from Behind the Counter,” is the Heinz History Center’s newest book by award-winning author Brian Butko. With more than 400 historic images and accompanying stories, readers can learn how the company went from operating with horse-drawn milk wagons to becoming the world’s largest dairy store chain. $19.95

🏞 For the nature lover…

This bandana is a part of the AAAnimals League: Allegheny Animals with Attitude All-Stars project honoring the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s 25th Anniversary by celebrating native wildlife. Local artist Mary Tremonte features different species in the design: the “Home” team is made up of regional animals while the “Visitors” includes species that have been introduced to the region. Check out the rest of the AAAnimals League line at Love, Pittsburgh, including t-shirts and totes repping the Mexican War Street Squirrels, Wild Turkeys of Mount Washington, Bloomfield Bats, Homewood Deers, and more. $20

🍜 For the foodie / entertainer…

Every cook needs to take care of their kitchenware if they want it to survive for many meals. Lovett Sundries, which just recently opened a brick and mortar in Wilkinsburg, is a small, family company that makes handcrafted soaps, grooming, and cleaning products, including conditioners for your cast iron skillet or wooden cutting board.

Who doesn’t love a consumable gift? Appeal to the taste of your buds (hah, get it?) with a jar or two of Maple Street Jam made by a mother and daughter duo right here in Pittsburgh. Take your pick from Blueberry Lemon, HoneyRum Strawberry, Apple Pie, Pepper, and more. They’re currently all sold out on their website, but you can find them in local stores like Love, Pittsburgh; the shop at Phipps Conservatory; and De Fer Coffee & Tea. $12

🍪 For the cookie aficionado…

Pizzelles, ladylocks, peanut butter blossoms, oh my! We’re all thinking about cookies this time of year, but, let’s be honest, Pittsburghers are studying the art of the cookie table all year long. Give the cookie aficionado in your life the Belt Cookie Table Cookbook by Bonnie Tawse, a former Atlas Obscura Field Agent, with a forward by Beth Kracklauer. (Psst — It’s currently on sale at Belt Publishing for just $8.)

🕯 For yinz who need a little self-care …

Tonic & Sage is a vegan, sustainable body care brand based in Wilkinsburg made by Miko DeHonisto. She uses her knowledge of herbalism to create products like Body Buttahs, herbal balms, bath bombs, and more. (Psst — I interviewed Miko a while back and decided to purchase her Element Body Buttah. I use it every day, and it always grounds me with it’s earthy aroma. You’re in luck because she’s currently running a BOGO offer on Body Buttahs.) Prices vary.

🐶 For your pals with pawsome pets…

Pittsburgh is made for pet lovers and so are these t-shirts. Gift your dog or cat-loving pal a “Pittspurrrgh” or “Pupsburgh” shirt printed locally at Commonwealth Press. Both are $15.

🐛 For the curious kiddos…

PACKPACK is bringing back the fanny pack. Pittsburgh transplant Brooke LaGrand started this local business that sells custom-printed, essential waist bags in sizes fit for kids (and adults) in hopes of inspiring little ones to gain independence and carry their treasures. She quickly learned that big kids (ahem, us adults!) want this fashionable, functional bag too. All sizes are $45.

Does your youngster know the yinzer alphabet? They will soon if you hang this Pittsburgh A to Z print from Love, Pittsburgh on the wall. They’ll be saying “P is for Pierogi” before you know it. $20

Get your little one a unique stuffy friend — a Monogahela Monster. The Kreepy Doll is a part of Love, Pittsburgh’s exclusive series with Daniel Baxter. Each Mon Monster has a one-of-a-kind name and is made with upcycled fabric. $30

☕️ For the coffee or tea enthusiast…

Is someone on your gift list a “jag of all trades”? If you answered yes, then you need to buy this mug by LuluZ Design, a yinzer gift and fashion shop. In addition to the mugs, LuluZ Design has shirts, sweatshirts, beanies, and more with quippy motifs like “Always claudy in Pittsburgh,” “I would cross three rivers for you,” and “Won’t yinz be my neighbor?” All mugs are $19.99.

🧩 For the homebody…

During the pandemic, it was difficult to put life’s challenging pieces together, and so many of us hunkered down inside and dug out the puzzles to keep ourselves entertained — including Puzz owner Ali Pokorny. It’s a more modern take on classic puzzles, featuring original art that captures favorite scenes like “Plant Lady,” “Wine Night,” “Taco Tuesday,” and of course, a love letter to her hometown, “Steel City.” All puzzles are $28.

There’s no shortage of shining local candle makers here in Pittsburgh, but we recently started  burning candles from Maison de LeCroix, so it had to make the list. The candles are small batch and hand poured by entertainer and entrepreneur Lola Lecroix. Seasonal scents range from Black Forest Plum & Amber to Ginger Spice and Woodland Chestnut. $21

🍺 For the bud who loves beer…

If you’ve got a craft beer enthusiast on your list, First Sip Brew Box has you covered. The Pittsburgh-based subscription service delivers monthly showcases of different breweries in a box complete with beer gear, branded glasses, stickers, other swag, a delicious treat that’s hand-picked to pair, or a lifestyle item that’s crafted with malts and hops. Prices start around $24.99 per month.

🍊 For the wellness enthusiast …

Between all the cookies, holiday food, and more cookies, it can be difficult to get the nutrition your body needs during the holiday season. And let’s face it, we’re facing more than just a pandemic — ‘tis the season for the cold and flu. Give yourself and your health-minded friends a boost with the help of the Pittsburgh Juice Company. They’re currently running a 40% discount on shippable juice programs. $39

🌱 For the ones who have green thumbs…

Sharpsburg residents Ray and Val Talbert have found a way to combine their love of the outdoors, mining, and art to create one-of-a-kind geode planters. (Read more in The Incline’s interview with Tal & Bert here.) You can find these sparkling planters and a variety of other home goods at Tal & Bert Mercantile in Dormont. Prices vary.

✨ For the one who’s got style…

Looking for something truly unique? Shop for hats, fanny packs, jewelry, and more from The Woven Kente. Pittsburgh local and The Woven Kente founder Baiyinah is committed to supporting vendors and artisans that have strong ethical, social, and environmental values. Prices vary.

🛍️ For the proud Pittsburgher…

You may remember that Pittsburgh City Council recently introduced a single-use plastic ban. It’s nothing new — the ordinance has been in discussion for years and other cities have already enacted a similar rule. So encourage your loved ones to bring a reusable bag the next time they head to Giant Eagle with this perfectly Pittsburgh “Thank Yinz” tote from Commonwealth Press. $10

🖼 For the interior decorator…

Give your pal’s window a little color and brightness with a dazzling hanging glass art creation by Meghan at 1flychicken. She has a variety of designs, and she’s not short on yinzerific pieces like this adorable pierogi or this perfect little pickle. (I personally love the muted colors in these keystone state hangings). Prices vary.

📗 For the conscious community member…

Who doesn’t appreciate a thoughtful coffee table book? You can support the mission of 412 Food Rescue with the organization’s new book, “Love is #FREE: 100 Food Rescue Hero Stories to Inspire,” a collection of volunteers who have helped to redistribute nearly 20 million pounds of food since the beginning of 412 Food Rescue. The volunteer portraits were captured by photographer Chancelor Humphrey, creator of Keep Pittsburgh Dope. Baron Batch created the cover and art throughout the book, and Veronica Corpuz wrote an original poem, “Ode to 100 Heroes,” for the project. $45 to $60