You’re sure to find the perfect gift at one of Pennsylvania’s many small, charming and unique businesses recommended by Visit PA’s amazing Instagram followers. From fashion boutiques to art studios and galleries, to home décor, sweet shoppes and local markets, Pennsylvania has so many shops that make our commonwealth a great destination to visit and a great weekend shopping getaway. Need ideas? Start with the 27 great recommendations waiting for you below.
1. Crooked Shelf Bookshop
Lewistown
Book lovers, this one’s for you. The Crooked Shelf Bookshop is Lewistown’s independent bookstore, stocked with new titles for readers of all ages. Beyond the shelves, find puzzles, games, calendars and gifts that make easy stocking stuffers for the bookworm in your life. Opened in 2019, this downtown shop is a charming place to browse, chat with the staff and walk out with your next favorite read.
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2. TreeTrails Adventures
Trevose
Swing into adventure at TreeTrails Adventures, a treetop park where climbers can tackle obstacle courses, rope bridges and zip lines high above the forest floor. Each visit includes two hours of climbing and zipping, and younger adventurers can conquer trails made just for them. Gift an experience instead of an object and give the thrill-seeker in your life a day to remember.
3. Erie Apparel
Erie
Rep the 814 in style. Since 2014, Erie Apparel has made locally designed T-shirts, sweatshirts and gifts that celebrate the Lake Erie region. Founded by Greg Straub and Peter DeMichele, this homegrown brand is a go-to for custom tees and hometown pride. Stop by the West 12th Street shop downtown to find a wearable souvenir that shows off your love for Erie.
4. Clean Slate Goods
Kennett Square
Shop with a purpose at Clean Slate Goods, a fair-trade marketplace in the heart of Kennett Square. Shelves are stocked with handmade, artisan-crafted goods, including bags, jewelry, soaps, candles, home accessories, toys and cards. Each piece supports makers around the world, so every gift comes with a good story. Find something special for everyone on your list, then stroll downtown for a bite.
5. CORK, The Wine Shop at COOK
Philadelphia
Raise a glass to a gift that goes beyond the gift card. Tucked near Rittenhouse Square, CORK, The Wine Shop at COOK is a wine and gift boutique stocked with more than 120 wines. Browse vermouth, sherry, cider, canned spritzes and zero-proof options, then round out your haul with cheese and charcuterie, drinkware, candles, linens and curated gift boxes. Whether you’re shopping for a host or treating yourself, this Philadelphia favorite makes gifting easy and delicious.
6. Peddler’s Village
Lahaska
In the heart of Bucks County lies the perfect spot for a great shopping getaway: Peddler’s Village. Walk down blocks of shopping options and quaint dining destinations, whether for a quick bite or a sit-down meal. Pick the right day to visit and you might just stumble upon one of the village’s special events, such as cupcake decorating competitions or a murder mystery. With seasonal festivities popping up year-round, a trip to Peddler’s Village makes for the ultimate weekend adventure.
7. Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market
Allentown
For seven decades, the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market has served as a one-stop shop for weekly food specials sold by dozens of merchants, from meats to produce to wine and distilled spirits to gourmet pet food. The historic fairgrounds bring together the community for a personal, feel-good shopping experience. After all, who could refuse rows of freshly baked pastries wafting through the market?
8. GP Candle Co.
Jenkintown
Hand-poured, women-owned — what’s not to love? GP Candle Co. brings its scented varieties of soy wax blend candles and reed diffusers to fragrance lovers everywhere straight from its Pennsylvania studio. With GP Candle Co., you can fill your home with aromatics of blue fir for the “Hot Dad” in your life, hints of “Lakeside,” or surprise your bestie with a “Bestie Just Because” candle tin with its notes of sweet lychee, tropical papaya, mango and island florals.
9. Smith and Front
Bellefonte
Run by a husband-and-wife maker team, this rural Pennsylvania shop features handcrafted jewelry and art, wellness products, locally made spreads and an abundance of plant-themed items, all sourced from local establishments, artists and artisans. Beyond its merchandise, the Smith and Front storefront and gallery capture the state’s creative spirit and essence in your shopping experience.
10. Fly Me Home Décor
Pittston
At Fly Me Home Décor, one man’s trash is made into everyone’s treasure. With handmade mosaic furnishings, upcycled silverware works and mixed-media projects, this small business offers novel, one-of-a-kind artworks sure to add some flair to your home.
11. 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.
Pittsburgh
Calling all adventurers. This sustainability-focused, nature-driven gear shop checks off every item on the packing list for your next trip through the western Pennsylvania outdoors. 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. ensures high-quality products for high-quality exploring with its new gear, equipment rentals and community events.
12. Elk Life
Benezette
Elk Life will bring out the inner explorer in every single one of us when you shop here. Established in 2018, this cozy shop has championed the “elk state of mind” with its rugged, camping style of apparel, plush toys and ornaments.
13. Pittston Popcorn Co.
Pittston
Do you want to taste the perfect sweet and salty combo? Pittston Popcorn Co. glazes and drizzles its popcorn with a selection of more than 100 sweet and savory flavors, from brownie batter to cheddar bacon ranch. The homemade fudge, chocolates and lollipops make this a must-try sweet spot.
14. Chacko’s Family Bowling Center & Bar
Wilkes-Barre
Make any day a party with this 40-lane bowling alley complete with an arcade and fresh pizzas from the kitchen. Having served the community for more than 50 years, Chacko’s Family Bowling Center & Bar is a local favorite that ensures family fun and just the right amount of friendly competition.
15. Malena’s Vintage Boutique
West Chester
Home to vintage fashion finds, Malena’s Vintage Boutique offers racks full of clothing dating back to as early as the 1800s. Since 2003, Malena’s Vintage Boutique has collected antique pieces that honor dozens of styles. The colorful dresses and accessories bring vintage collections to life, where you can find the perfect 1950s era dress for your next celebration.
16. Faded Floral Boutique
Warren
From seasonal basics to patterned dresses, Faded Floral Boutique offers a trendy spin on boho-chic clothing. The warm environment of this small business carries the latest styles set amidst Warren’s traditional downtown charm.
17. Jeppie
Beaver
Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and even those “just because” moments are covered thanks to Jeppie. This shop, just 30 minutes outside of Pittsburgh, is a gifting hub stocked with a vast selection of great gift-y items, from cards and magnets to perfume and cookbooks. For an elevated brand name or just a quirky trinket, Jeppie is a Beaver favorite to fulfill your gift-giving needs.
18. Stray Cat Studio
Beaver Falls
Named for the courageous, wondrous attitude of the local stray cats, Stray Cat Studio is a ceramic art studio that welcomes beginners and advanced potters to take a class or shop at the gallery. Take a spin at wheel throwing or see a custom order become a unique handmade piece. The studio anchors itself in its community and aims to teach the locals all about the craft of pottery making.
19. Wheel of Light Studio
Halifax
Fine arts are found here. Wheel of Light Studio brings beading, macramé, clay hand-building and crafting to the aspiring artists of Halifax. The space offers both classes and retail options, so whether you’re a fan of designing works of art or shopping for them, Wheel of Light Studio has a way for you to tap into your creative side.
20. Broad Street Market
Harrisburg
Stationed in the state’s capital since 1860, Broad Street Market houses more than 40 vendors of locally grown, organically sourced foods. The market caters to just about every foodie’s needs between the array of ready-to-eat meals and fresh grocery items. With a modern take on classic dishes, Broad Street Market upholds its historic charm and celebrates its rich culture through a 21st-century lens.
After a devastating fire in 2023, the market is undergoing restoration, so be sure to visit the City of Harrisburg's website for the latest updates on this historic gem’s renewal.
21. Emmaus Run Inn
Emmaus
Lace up your shoes and run over to Emmaus Run Inn. This running sneaker, apparel and accessory store unites local runners with high-quality products and sincere passions for the sport. Emmaus Run Inn is associated with the Bryn Mawr Running Co., taking its commitment to the Lehigh Valley running community one step further by engaging in runs, walks and races.
22. Allora Gifts & Home Decor
Doylestown
In search of an eclectic selection of knickknacks with kitschy design and witty sayings? Allora Gifts & Home Decor is Doylestown’s hotspot for gifts and home décor galore. Inside the quaint storefront, you will find a large variety of goods and gifts: candles, succulents, calendars, coloring books, mugs and jewelry.
23. The Game Gallery
Easton
In downtown Easton lies The Game Gallery, a small business dedicated to video games, doubling as a shop and arcade. The game shop specializes in the sale of more vintage games in addition to some of the latest releases. The novelty of The Game Gallery is shaped by the video game memorabilia, gaming event arena, historical exhibit and walls adorned with video game-inspired works made by local artists.
24. Glitz Soap Co.
Mechanicsburg
Glitz Soap Co. fills its wooden displays with homemade soaps, butters, lotions, scrubs and shampoo and conditioner bars. Among its wide selection of skin and hair care products, the cruelty-free, vegan, small-batch marbled soap bars are a true standout. You will find dozens of color combinations and scents, from cactus blossom to vanilla bourbon, that are sure to level up your handwashing game.
25. Peppercorn Market
Bedford
Home to specialty foods and kitchen restocks, Peppercorn Market stocks its storefront with spices, seasonings, condiments, spreads and pantry items. From flavored balsamic vinegars and infused olive oils to seasonal honeys and inspired spice blends, this small business will help you add a unique touch to your cooking and entertaining.
26. Cinnamon Stix Coffee & Gift Shoppe
Mount Carmel
Through the doors of this humble, little destination in downtown Mount Carmel, shelves are loaded with soaps, candles, decorations and treats, many of which are wrapped up and ready to be gifted. Among the two stories lies the Cinnamon Stix Coffee & Gift Shoppe to sip on a beverage or snack on an acai bowl while you shop.
27. The Shoppes at Woodloch
Hawley
Where luxury meets the outdoors, you’ll find The Shoppes at Woodloch. Nestled up in the Pocono Mountains, Hawley offers a scenic backdrop for a warm, mountainside feel during your shopping experience. From branded Woodloch apparel to decorative home pieces, The Shoppes at Woodloch are sure to step up your souvenir game.
