Um, you guys…have you realized we have, like, two weeks left until Christmas? And Hanukkah began last night – but if you need to fill in a few of your 8 gifts, or if you’re not done Christmas shopping yet, just head to the Fox Chapel / Aspinwall area. We love so many of the stores there because we’re always able to find something for everyone on our list! Here are some of our favorites:
Kristi Boutique
Kristi Boutique isn’t just out to build your wardrobe, they want to build a relationship with you. They believe that “well dressed” and “welcoming” totally go hand-in-hand, which is why they seek out the nation’s most interesting brands. They’re also focused on their customer service, which is top-notch.
When they say they’re a full service boutique, they really mean it! We love their free personal shopping service, which is perfect if you aren’t totally sure what to buy for someone on your list. But they also offer things like curated fitting rooms filled with items for you to try on, with as little as one hour’s notice. Or how about a private shopping appointment or private shopping party with those in your bubble? They’re happy to special order anything their vendors have in stock but isn’t in the store, and they love giving out style advice. And, if you live within 5 miles of the store, they’ll deliver your order…to your door…for free.
Lynlott Miniatures Dollhouse Junction
Lynlott Miniatures Dollhouse Junction is such a unique shop to add to your shopping list. They specialize in locally handcrafted dollhouses, as well as the restoration of old dollhouses, and their customers range from ages 2 to 92. Maybe your mom has her childhood dollhouse in the attic? Bring it back to it’s former glory with Lynlott! And channel your inner interior designer to furnish it, too.
They work with local and international artisans who hand craft everything from micro-sized Christmas stockings, roasted turkey with all the trimmings, floral arrangements, and, naturally, furniture. Your dollhouse can be better decorated than our *actual* house with everything from wicker furniture to modern sectionals! Lynlott Miniatures Dollhouse Junction has 43 years of hands-on experience creating and furnishing dollhouses, but they also offer an online store and worldwide shipping.
The SōL Collective
Because stylish shoes can be comfortable! The SōL Collective believes confidence, comfort, and joy start with your souls and your soles (get it?!) Over the last four years, The SōL Collective has evolved into a boutique that offers stylish men’s and women’s apparel, in addition to footwear. And both feel as good as they look! They want to help you find things that spark joy…while they encourage wellness habits and positivity. And yes, they have shoes that can work with anyone’s foot issues, even the hardest people to shop for.
They have limited products for you to browse online, so make sure you’re following The SōL Collective on Instagram and Facebook for sales and new arrivals. They only purchase in small quantities to keep the styles fresh, so you’ll want to stop by for something you like before it sells out!
Dovecote Aspinwall
If you’re looking for a truly unique gift, check out Dovecote Aspinwall. They’re one of our favorite go-to spots for eclectic and vintage home decor, clothing, and gifts of all types. And we love that they offer items at a variety of price-points, so we can find something for everyone we need to shop for. They are also a consignment and resale store, so you can schedule an appointment to consign your unwanted antiques…and probably buy something new-to-you while you’re there.
They also collaborate with local stores and artisans to make sure their inventory is unique. Not sure what to get that person who has everything? Dovecote Aspinwall can help you pick out something special!
Willie’s Smoke House
We love buying food as gifts, especially when it’s something our loved ones might not normally buy for themselves…or when it’s something we just really love. Which is why we love shopping at Willie’s Smoke House for their freshly smoked hams, sausages, jerky, cheese, bacon, salmon, and more. They’re smoking everything using traditions passed down for nearly 50 years, so you know they’re good!
Willie’s uses classic recipes, signature hardwood blends, and small-batch production methods to make sure their quality is second to none. Yes, they ship, and they also price everything by weight, so prices listed online can be approximations. You can pick out each item separately, or check out their gift baskets for easy, curated giving.
Rosebud’s
Rosebud’s has been in business for the past 33 years, and they sell a little bit of everything…which makes them a great stop when you’re shopping for the holidays. You’ll find things like platters, bowls from Vietri, Mariposa, Annie Glass, jewelry, gourmet foods, soaps, lotions, and even a great baby section! We mean it when we say they have something for everyone.
They also offer free gift wrapping that is well known throughout the area because it’s hot pink. Everyone knows where you went shopping when they get a hot pink package! Rosebud’s is also offering private shopping hours, curbside pickup, free local delivery, and daily shipping so you’ll feel safe no matter how you shop with them.
Cajoli Boutique
Cajoli Boutique is located between Fox Chapel and Allison Park, and they’re selling unique clothing, accessories, and home goods. They say they’re a charcuterie of floral, fashion, and fun, and we absolutely love it! You can shop for boutique fashions and styles, but they also have fresh floral bouquets and other garden specialties. Make sure you sign up for their Perks Program, because we’re betting you’ll find a few things for yourself while you’re shopping your list!
Cajoli is offering drawings, raffles, and discounts at their brick and mortar location, but you can also shop their online store. They’ll even deliver locally for free!
Mossy Lane Products
If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind piece, you need to visit Mossy Lane Products. Originally located in Sharpsburg, they moved to Aspinwall earlier this month. The store is named for her mother (Mossy), and (Lane) the designer/owner continues their sewing tradition. Most of their items are one-of-a-kind, but they can custom make a design in your size. Talk about a perfect fit!
Mossy Lane wants you to look good and feel good, so their focus is on comfort and style. They like to create things a little offbeat but with classic lines, and all of their clothing is hand-made in-house. They even sell jewelry made by Lane’s daughter, who owns the Etsy shop Brassroots Designs.
Spark Books
Shopping for your favorite kiddo? Spark Books is Pittsburgh’s only children’s bookstore! They carry books for kids ages 0-12, along with a small selection of young adult and adult titles. Not sure what book to buy? Spark Books loves helping people find *the perfect* book to gift. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying for a cute little bookworm or a reluctant reader, they have something for every kiddo.
In addition to books, they sell art supplies, craft kits, games, and puzzles. Looking for fun stocking stuffers? Check out their small card games, tattoos, specialty markers, board books, pencils, and erasers (are you totally flashing back to your elementary school eraser collection? Just us?) They also offer free gift wrapping and free local delivery to 15238 and 15215.
NICHE Handcrafted Boutique
NICHE Handcrafted Boutique is another of our favorite boutiques to visit for that hard-to-buy-for person or when we’re looking for a distinctive gift. The boutique was originally a two-story house converted into a shop by owner and artist Alison Saville, who is Fox Chapel born and raised. They feature unique, handmade gifts for the holidays, birthdays, and basically every occasion – all created by Alison and 20+ established artists.
Ready for a partial list of what you’ll find here? How about custom pieces, jewelry, candles, soaps, local honey, wax melts, crocheted items, pottery, woodworking, paintings, hand blown glass pieces, pillows, baby items, dog items, macrame, household goods, personalized name signs, eclectic wall displays, and refurbished old furniture! And like we said, that’s just a partial list…so start shopping!
Molly Singer Design
Molly Singer Design is full of curated collections of things they love, and they’re sure you’ll love them, too! If you’re looking to accessorize your home – or the home of your family and friends – with high-end and handmade pieces, you’ve come to the right place. Their selection includes items like baskets, serveware, decorative objects, pillows, custom furniture, even artwork. Scrolling through their Instagram has us totally redoing our house, so you might want to consider adding a few items to your own list!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.