"Buy Local Pittsburgh Week" Encourage People To Shop Locally
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- When you shop for gifts, it's easy to go to Amazon or online to a big box store.
But a new movement is underway to encourage people to "shop local" because of the positive impact it has on our community.
In fact, this is officially "Buy Local Pittsburgh Week," and KDKA's Kristine Sorensen found lots of great gift ideas – all of them made right here in Pittsburgh.
From handmade t-shirts to natural wooden toys to funky cuff links or sweet-smelling body scrubs, someone locally is making a great gift for someone on your holiday shopping list.
Mary Withrow, of Point Breeze, initiated "Buy Local Pittsburgh Week" after not enough people supported her own local shop.
"My shop didn't make it," said Withrow. "[We] need more awareness of what the impact really is when you shop at a business locally-owned and headquartered too."
In fact, Withrow says of every $100 spent at a locally-owned or headquartered business, $68 stays here, that's compared to only $43 if it's not locally owned.
In addition to supporting the local economy and keeping jobs here, buying local also gives you a connection to your community and a story behind your gift.
"That could be the greatest thing about it because … they all have a story or a reason for why they love what they're doing," said Withrow. "They really do, they want to know your name. They want to know a little bit about you."
At the "I Made It Market," which is a funky craft fair, there are lots of great gifts to be found, all handmade by local crafters.
Kids will love the kiddy capes, a t-shirt with Velcro detachable capes.
Over one Etsy.com, the crafter's website, there are some beautiful wooden toys made by a local woodworker.
In Lawrenceville, you'll find lots of independent shops selling locally-made gifts.
Withrow found necklaces made locally from old pill boxes and feather earrings crafted from what used to be pillow tassels.
She also discovered a sweater and jean jacket made form old clothes, reworked in new ways.
For the guys, local consumers will find cool cufflinks that make a statement, or maybe a hockey puck hat for that hockey fan in your life.
Finally, there's also local entrepreneur and high school student Laney Lazarri. She makes body scrubs, which is a great gift for anyone on your list who needs a little pampering.
LINKS FEATURED IN THIS REPORT
Body Scrubs: Simple Sugars Scrub
-Also available at Giant Eagle Market District stores
Kids Felt Design T-Shirts: "Grr"
-Ona boutique in Mt. Lebanon
-Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Shadyside
T-shirts with detachable capes: "Kiddy Kapes"
Snowman soaps, lip balm, bath salts: "Green Bubble Gorgeous"
-www.greenbubblegorgeous.etsy.com
-greenbubblegorgeous.com
Shops in Lawrenceville:
Pavement: X-Mittens
Pageboy: jean jacket & sweater from recycled fabrics, compass cuff links, earrings with feathers & tassles
Wildcard: hockey puck hats, pill box necklaces, "Dear Pittsburgh, I Love You" onesies & T-shirts
Upcycled Designs: kids shirts & dresses made from vintage fabrics
Cenzo Design: Furniture, interiors & accents made from recycled wood
-www.Cenzodesign.com
-www.cenzodesign.wordpress.com
Tutus & Other Handmade Gifts:
-www.adarandmimi.com
-SoMe – at Hartwood Town Center, Glenshaw
-5th Avenue Place downtown kiosk, through Dec. 23
The following are also locally handmade items:
-www.happybabycompany.com
-Facebook.com/Pink 'N Blue Kids & Miss Priss
-Funky Soaps
-Jewelry using Vintage Pieces
-Felted Fun / Fiber Art
-Melted Bottles
Cute Baby & Kids Clothes:
- www.missprisskids.com
-Pink & Blue --located at 449 Beaver Street in Sewickley
Local Chocolates:
- Besty Ann Chocolate
-Sarris Candies
-Toffee Taboo
-B Sweets
-Edward Marc Chocolatier
