When I do holiday shopping I want the person I select a gift for to be as excited about the gift as I am. I guess that is why when I go shopping for others, so many of the gifts end up in my personal collection. I hope this year’s guide will encourage you to shop in smaller businesses and to think outside the box.
Many of us are in a stage in our lives where we don’t necessarily need anything, but it is always nice to have something unusual. One of my first stops was at a store that I patronize often, A Woman’s Touch on Federal Drive in Penn Hills. The store is owned by an African American woman who has been in business for over 10 years. I like going into a store where I am known by name. You may remember this store from their prior locations in Wilkinsburg, Monroeville Mall and Swissvale. I stop in the store frequently to see what’s new. On one of my last visits a new shipment of Michelle Obama purses had arrived. She had them in black and white and full color, they came in a wristlet style ($34.95) and a purse/wallet combination ($59.99). So many people admired our previous first family that they want to display their images on clothing and accessories. Check out the handbags, hats, and the custom made Christmas stockings at A Woman’s Touch and please take some time to look around and see what’s new. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A new store moved into Ross Park Mall this year, it’s called Soft Surroundings. This is an interesting store, they offer clothing, bedding, jewelry, fragrance and things devised to help you unwind mentally and physically. Their goal is to make yourself a priority. I love their fur lined leggings for $15 and the colorful compression socks for $32.95. In addition to their line of clothing, they have some great gifts under $50. The bottle wraps caught my eye. These wraps can be used for wine or liquor bottles; actually they would be suitable for any tall glass bottle. The wraps come in fur ($14.95) or bling ($18.95) and are a lot of fun. They also had some great holiday pillows. I like to change my accent pillows for the holidays. The one featured on this page is $48.95. Soft Surroundings is open during the same hours as Ross Park Mall.
I’ve always loved to shop in museum or art gallery gift shops. This year I selected the Holiday Shop at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, 6300 Fifth Avenue, the corner of Fifth and Shady near Shadyside. I found so many unique things; holiday cards, jewelry, hats, scarfs and so much more. The pillows featured on this page are by Klorebel Art ($45) feature Pittsburgh scenes. The apron I am wearing is by Laverne Kemp and is $49. Their holiday hours are Sundays: 12-5 p.m., Mondays in December: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday-Wednesday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Please visit all three stores, you’ll be glad you did.
(Email Debbie at debbienorrell@aol.com)
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