Nothing is more embarrassing than giving someone a gift they already have. Thankfully, that’s very unlikely to happen when shopping at museums and specialty gift shops that offer truly unique items. Is your friend a Van Gogh fan? There’s an ornament for you at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Is your hip mom a Warhol silk screen aficionado? The art books at the Warhol will fuel her imagination. No matter which of these stores you buy from, you’re helping to support the institutions that inspire us 365 days a year…and that’s a gift for us all!
Museum Gift Shops to Check Out in Pittsburgh
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
The Wesmoreland Museum of American Art hosts an annual Holiday Mart at the Museum Shop featuring both their custom wares and a selection of local artisans, this year December 5-7. Enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate and cookie station and a cash bar with a selection of drinks, including a signature holiday cocktail.
Carnegie Museum of Art
Every time you visit the Carnegie Museum of Art, you probably find yourself wandering into the gift shop, amazed by the aesthetically pleasing products on display. Shop from artist-specific books and wares, Greek head busts to adorn any bookshelf, and plenty of little knick knacks waiting to join your home. The kids gifts here are particularly strong, as evidenced by their presence on TABLE’s 2024 gift list for kids.
Carnegie Science Center
The XPLOR Store is filled with many toys and trinkets for kids and beyond. It’ll have children begging their parents for a new chemistry set or solar system-themed books and decor. You’ll find plenty of educational gifts available for all ages or stuffed animals that any kid would be happy to get.
Mattress Factory
You won’t find a more adventuresome group of installations than at the Mattress Factory. Their gift shop is just as original. Explore objects inspired by the various exhibitions in the museum, dive into their collection of colorful enamel pins, or grab a Mattress Factory sweatshirt to show your support.
Contemporary Craft
Everything you see at the Contemporary Craft Store is created by craft artists from around the country. Choose from handblown glass, heirloom-quality furniture, decorative statement jewelry, and handwoven fiber art. Because we love so much of what they offer, they’re a part of our gift lists for women and men, and kids this year.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Pop culture icons populate The Andy Warhol Museum Store. Browse books and accessories based on famous figures from Andy Warhol to David Bowie to Salvador Dali. The shop is a great spot to find something for the art or music lover in your life. Pro tip: their witty sock collection is unparalleled. Their electronic gadgets clad in patterns by Warhol pals Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat are seen here.
The Frick Pittsburgh
The art on display at The Frick can’t be found anywhere else. The same is true for The Frick Museum Store which echoes the eclectic character of the museum and the city where it sits. Pick up a piece of Pittsburgh with a Mister Rogers mug. Or, send love to friends and family with a stylish floral stationary set.
Phipps Conservatory
The Shop at Phipps, inspired by the zillions of plants that reside there, brings botanical information, design, and goodies, into the gift bag! Gift a flourishing house plant to dress up someone’s winter blues. Or if they don’t quite have a green thumb, buy a glass or felt flower that’ll last forever.
National Aviary
Get in touch with your natural side with books on birds, stitched decorative pillows, and plenty of board games. You don’t even have to buy admission to get into the store. It’s a great place to get your holiday shopping to take wing!
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Do your little ones love dinosaurs or are they fascinated by gemstones? Let The Carnegie Museum of National History Shop take them on some brainy adventures with real fossils and stones, hands-on activity kits, and plenty of fun learning resources.
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
One of the biggest pulls of the Zoo Shop is the selection of soft, top quality stuffed animals that children can carry along with them as they visit their favorite IRL animals. But that’s not all they have to offer. Pick out a gift of fine jewelry, comfy zoo apparel, or even a little snow globe that has shows snow falling on the famous zoo.
Check out our Holiday Gift Guide for more ideas to shop local this holiday season.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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