Supporting local entrepreneurs is what we do all year long, so it’s no surprise that we love to focus on local startups and small businesses when it comes to our holiday gift-giving. The team at Ascender has handpicked unique gifts for everyone on your list from local companies affiliated with our entrepreneurial programming. All the companies featured on this list are fresh, local, and growing bigger than ever with Ascender’s support.
Otto Finn | $189
For the do-it-all person in your life, meet The Nikki Overall—a workwear classic with a stylish twist! Crafted from sturdy twill, it’s perfect for painting, sanding, photographing, or woodworking (and looking amazing while doing it). With five pockets (because who doesn’t love pockets?) and a comfy partial elastic waist for easy wear, these overalls are as practical as they are fun. And don’t miss the signature curved pant hem—it’s the little details that make this the perfect gift for creatives and go-getters alike!
Nollapelli | $47
Nollapelli, founded in Pittsburgh, is revolutionizing the way we experience rest by combining comfort with skincare benefits. Designed to promote cooler, smoother, drier, and deeper sleep, Nollapelli’s innovative products like the beauty pillowcase will enhance your nightly routine which will help you sleep better and have clear and healthy skin. From sheet sets to pillowcases and sleep masks, each item is crafted to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and looking radiant.
Costa Rica Art| $15
Celebrate the season of giving with meaningful art that tells a story. Each piece is crafted using reclaimed materials, blending creativity with a commitment to reducing our ecological footprint. Inspired by the vibrant biodiversity of Costa Rica, these unique creations are perfect for those who value art with heart. The upcycled journal, a fan favorite, is ideal for jotting down dreams, holiday memories, or New Year’s resolutions.
✨ Perfect for: Eco-conscious friends, art lovers, or anyone who appreciates gifts with purpose and soul!
Knotzland | $40
Knotzland is a Pittsburgh-based small business dedicated to sustainability and style. Specializing in handcrafted bowties, Knotzland rescues textile waste, transforming it into unique, fashionable accessories. By repurposing over 8,467 pounds of discarded fabrics to date, the business reduces environmental impact while giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Knotzland also collaborates with customers to create custom ties from their cherished garments, making sustainability a shared mission. It’s more than a brand—it’s a movement to extend the life of textiles and promote eco-friendly fashion.
Naptural | $27
Naptural Beauty Supply offers luxurious, all-natural, handmade, and vegan-friendly hair, body, and self-care products. Dedicated to celebrating and educating about Black hair, the brand provides effective solutions for achieving healthy, natural styles while prioritizing sustainability and self-love. The rose water is one of the products I love to use for multiple uses and great results.
Redd-Up | Prices Vary
Give the gift of stress-free living! Help your loved ones refresh their homes and minds during the most wonderful (and often busiest) time of the year. Redd-Up Pgh LLC offers organizing and decluttering services that bring peace and order to any home. Whether it’s helping a growing family create more room for joy or assisting empty nesters in transforming their space, Redd-Up Pgh provides thoughtful solutions to make homes feel warm and inviting. With add-on services tailored to individual needs, Redd-Up Pgh ensures their holidays—and every day—are merry, bright, and beautifully organized.
✨ Perfect for: New parents, downsizing relatives, or anyone who could use a little extra help getting their home holiday-ready!
Make this holiday season unforgettable with a thoughtful gift from Young Dreamers Bookstore, where every book empowers and inspires young minds. Books open doors to imagination, creativity, and inspiration—perfect for young dreamers ready to take on the world. Whether you’re encouraging a budding entrepreneur or sparking a love for storytelling, this bookstore offers something special for every child on your list. We especially love Cookie Queen: How One Girl Started TATE’S BAKE SHOP, a heartwarming tale of dreams, determination, and delicious success!
✨ Perfect for: Aspiring young leaders and kids who love inspiring true stories!
Acrospire Brewing is a cozy craft brewery in Glenshaw, PA, where 30 years of brewing expertise and a passion for traditional methods bring fresh, flavorful beer to life. We like the Serendipity IPA, which is incredibly smooth and drinkable, but the brewery also features cocktails, N/A beers from local favorite Two Freys, and rotating food trucks. This dog and kid- friendly brewery has something for everyone. Pick up a mixed pack of their unique flavors including the Honeycomb Oat Honey Ale for your holiday gathering, or get that special someone on your list a membership to Acrospires “Members Mug Club” for a gift they’ll enjoy all year long. Mug Club members enjoy 10% off on-premise purchases, a free birthday 4-pack or growler fill, access to a private annual party, early event tickets, the chance to help name new beers, their own ‘Beer of the Week’ feature.
Blanket & Board | Starting at $80
Elevate any gathering with Charcuterie Boxes by Blanket & Board! Packed with a beautifully curated selection of seasonal fruits, crackers, salami, cheese, veggies, nuts, and indulgent dark chocolate, these boxes are the ultimate way to impress. Need to gift or bring something unique to a work or famil celebration? these tasty works of art deliver culinary sophistication and deliciousness in every bite. A gift that looks as good as it tastes—yes, please!
TLC LIBATIONS | $25
Give the gift of handcrafted perfection with the TLC Old Fashioned! This ready-to-enjoy cocktail combines classic charm with a touch of local love, made with premium, locally sourced ingredients by a trailblazing Black woman-owned, mother-daughter team in Pittsburgh. Whether you’re toasting to the holidays or just need a little “TLC,” this old-fashioned is a sip of pure joy. Cheers to supporting small, sustainable, and seriously talented distillers!
Sandy Boo’s Delights at Dana’s Bakery has the best doughnut in Pittsburgh. Owner, Sandra Bundy, has been a member of our opportunity hub since the summer and we got a box full of her doughnuts for our annual Halloween party. They disappeared quicker than anything we’ve ever seen. As a staff, we can’t get enough of them and have been buying her doughnuts for our own birthday parties and baby showers.
Heirs Barbershop | $30-$35
This barbershop serves the Homewood, Larimer, and East Liberty neighborhoods of Pittsburgh and beyond, offering high-quality grooming services for all hair textures. Specializing in razor shaves, facials, eyebrow shaping, burst fades, and creative designs, the skilled team focuses on delivering exceptional experiences. With a welcoming, family-oriented, and inclusive atmosphere, the shop is dedicated to making every client look sharp and feel confident.
Balloons aren’t just for birthdays! Make spirits bright with Smile Balloon Lab’s custom balloon creations! From elegant garlands to playful sculptures, their designs will fill any space with holiday magic and smiles galore.
✨ Perfect for: Party hosts, holiday décor enthusiasts, or anyone who loves a festive, unique touch!
Photos are the ultimate keepsake—timeless, personal, and meaningful. South Breeze Photography specializes in creating memories you’ll treasure for generations. Whether it’s a holiday card, a family portrait, or an updated professional headshot for the new year, this is a gift that truly shines.
✨ Perfect for: Families, professionals, or anyone who wants to preserve their holiday glow!
We can’t think of a better way to relax, reset, and recover than a trip to Signal Sauna in Larimer. The pop- up outdoor sauna features cold plunges and offers both guided and open sessions. They also have events featuring music and sound healing. Treat yourself to a session to de-stress this holiday season, and while you’re there, grab a couple gift cards for your friends and family too!
Explore last season’s gift guide — Pittsburgh Small Business Gift Guide 2023
Sign up for curated resources, tips, & deadlines for Pittsburgh entrepreneurs.
