Pittsburgh is a shopper's paradise and you're sure to find something for everyone on your list. In addition to four major downtown department stores, suburban Pittsburgh malls, and shopping meccas such as Shadyside, Station Square, and the South Side, there's a treasure trove of museum shops and stores nestled within many Pittsburgh area attractions. This is a list you may want to check twice.
Spy and buy a detective kit. Get a read on the stars in the astronomy section. Or pick out a goofy gadget, robotic toy, or astronaut food. The XPLOR Store at the
Carnegie Science Center is fun for kids of all ages with interactive displays where you can touch objects and test merchandise, and toys to keep the kids busy while you shop. You can also shop the XPLOR Store online.
Pop-artist Andy Warhol definitely had a style all his own. Sample some for yourself from a Marilyn Monroe umbrella and the "Lunching with Mick Jagger" poster, to a "15 Minutes of Fame" T-shirt. Don't have time to get down to the
Andy Warhol Museum today? That's OK - you can shop the store online as well!
After a day of bird-watching at the
National Aviary, pick up a souvenir to remind you of these wondrous winged creatures. From bird books and bird pictures to bird games and bird collectibles, you're sure to find the perfect gift for your favorite bird-lover. No online ordering.
Specializing in metal, ceramics, and wood art, this Pittsburgh museum store includes items such as a colorful wall sconce, Ikebana dish and rosewood chopsticks, plus lots of jewelry, wearable art, toys, and home decor.
Right across from Heinz Hall you'll discover this nifty nook for music and memorabilia. A sheet music scarf, gold-plated opera glasses, ornaments and chimes, note-able pins, and a generous selection of autographed CDs, programs, and posters can be yours. Shopping is also available online.
If you know someone who loves dinosaurs, then this gift store is a must-visit. Home to one of the largest dinosaur collections in the world, the
Carnegie Museum of Natural History offers authentic scale-model dinosaur replicas, dinosaur puppets, plush toys, and even a dinosaur letter opener. Other items include a variety of botanical note cards, mummy puzzles, books, and prints.
Previously voted "best museum shop in Pittsburgh" by
Pittsburgh Magazine, the gift shop at the
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center offers an array of chic gifts, poignant books, "retro" toys, regional memorabilia, and crafted jewelry. Many items are also available through the History Center Online Store.
Postcards with "Mattress" highlights, limited edition lithographs by in-residence artists, and officially licensed gear all await you at the unusual and fun contemporary art museum known as
The Mattress Factory on Pittsburgh's North Side. Merchandise can also be purchased through the online store.
Stuffed animals that run the gamut from snakes, sharks, and seahorses, to turtles, tarantulas, and tigers can be found in each of the three gift shops at the
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. Plus, browse a plethora of animal and nature-related jewelry, games, books, and clothing. No online shopping, but phone orders are accepted
Shop 'till your heart's content with all manner of crafts, paintings, and pottery, beautifully designed and created by visiting artists.
