The shopping bug usually hits me in November. Halloween is over and the winter holiday decor begin to take over, ready or not. I know I need to start looking for gifts, but I keep picking up things for myself instead.

Since moving to Mt. Lebanon, the only time I truly enjoy shopping is when I’m walking around Uptown or Beverly with my iced vanilla latte with oat milk from a local coffee shop. Something about the local shops keep drawing me in. Maybe it’s the welcoming smile or the feeling that everything was placed carefully for my enjoyment. I always find something a bit different, usually with the top-notch quality no longer found in the volumes of trucked in mass merchandise.

I decided to make my shopping exclusively local this year. A gift shopping adventure, where I only patronize the places where the really neat stuff is sold. So off I went with my latte and comfortable shoes.

Although there are many really great places, I could only make it to a few. I narrowed it down to nine. I chose longstanding shops and new ones; both high-end and moderately priced; a few pet-friendly; and the best place for stocking stuffers.

One thing is for sure — we are very lucky to have so many quality shops, restaurants and services within walking distance. All of the owners are dedicated to being part of the community. They employ residents, including our young people and retired folks, and purchase items from talented local artists, crafters, authors and vendors. And to make shopping easier, many offer shopping bags and free gift wrapping.

The stores are in alphabetical order, because I could not pick which shop to list first!

Barefoot Stitches & Gifts

313 Beverly Road

Best finds: monogramming, custom embroidery and free gift wrapping

The co-owners, Jan Brandenstein & Karin Smith, were very helpful and happy to share info about the shop, which specializes in monogramming and unique gifts for every occasion. They carry a varied selection for children’s gifts, home decor, purses and more. They use more than 25 local makers and have their own candle (ISH Candle Co.) and custom salt blend (Steel City Spices).

Be’s Salon

633 Washington Road

Best find: hair care products (with no animal testing!)

Manager Patrick Martz discussed a gift package from Oribe, one of many cruelty-free products they carry. Oribe has “always been cruelty-free and went completely vegan over the last five years … Their packaging is also environmentally friendly, and their manufacturers uphold the rights of workers and indigenous people,” said Martz. I can vouch for the hairdressers’ great work too!

Bowes & Bones

696 Washington Road

Best finds: Specialty dog and cat clothing, toys and healthy treats

Owner Bridget Bowes had trouble finding the best items for her little Reagan (her dog who also serves as store greeter.) She opened her store to fill that gap, offering comfy pooch clothing, quality health and beauty items, toys, leashes and much more!

Commonwealth Press

691 Washington Road

Best find: custom screen printing

Great assortment of Pittsburgh and Mt. Lebanon swag! Dan and Shannon Rugh’s store sells tees, hats, mugs, vinyl records, skateboards and other gifts. I personally bought some cute tees for my grandsons and Pittsburgh mugs.

The Golden Beetle

95 Central Square

Best find: Durable bakeware.

Store owner Meredith Broussard combined an eclectic mix of high-end Italian home decor with local honeys, jewelry and more. I bought four gifts: a soft knit, striped winter hat, a holiday reindeer tray, a single bottle wine carrier and my favorite, a large, Pampa Bay baking dish, that can go in the oven up to 500 degrees! (I’m keeping that one for myself.)

Inner Light
295 Beverly Road

Best finds: White faux fur coat, watercolors and free gift wrapping.

Inner Light is such a beautiful store, filled with crystals, jewelry, unique clothing, purses, spiritual cards and candles. Owner Kelly Brown is an artist, and her paintings are on display, alongside other works from local artists and vendors.

While my daughter and I were shopping, Myron Cope’s daughter, Elizabeth Cope, arrived autographed carrying books. She and her co-author, Dan Joseph, wrote a book about her father, which you can find for sale at Inner Light. I purchased one and Kelly wrapped it beautifully.

La Gourmandine

300 Cochran Road

Best finds: Pastries, sandwiches, quiche and French bread

You can never go wrong with baked goods during the holidays. Owners Fabien & Lisanne Moreau grew up in France, but Lisanne’s mother was from Pittsburgh. Fabien studied at the famous Lenôtre Culinary Institute in Paris where he learned the techniques for baking. La Gourmandine opened its Mt. Lebanon location in 2014. I ordered one dozen delicious chouquettes, which are like cream puffs without the cream. Special orders need a 48-hour lead time — great for holiday entertaining.

Victorian Manner

693 Washington Road

Best finds: Cute children’s holiday sweaters and skirts, Victorian cards and jewelry

This specialty gift store, owned by Christine Zacor, offers Victorian themed, ornaments, cards, accessories, and decor. Plus, there’s a whole section for children’s clothing, called Little Manners.

Bonus store, right across the border of Mt. Lebanon:

Dot’s Dollar More or Less

300 Mt. Lebanon Boulevard, Mt. Lebanon Shoppes

Best finds: This is the place for stocking stuffers. Delicious chocolates too!

Dot Skoko is amazing. In her store, everything is priced low. Everything you need for the holidays is here. Gift wrap, cards, bags, $5 holiday aprons, stocking stuffers, toys, kitchen items, delicious Belmar’s chocolate, and even fresh, decorated, live door wreaths.

Happy shopping & happy holidays!