This holiday season, we challenge you to shop with purpose. To help you find that perfect gift for that certain someone, we took to Instagram to hear from you about your favorite small businesses across Pennsylvania. And your responses didn’t disappoint! From fashion boutiques and outdoor stores to local markets and art studios, Pennsylvania has plenty of charming, unique, and stylish shops that make our commonwealth a great destination to visit and a thriving community to call home!
1. Peddler’s Village
Lahaska
In the heart of Bucks County lies the perfect spot for a day-cation: Peddler’s Village. Walk down blocks of dining options — whether it’s a quick bite or a sit-down meal — and quaint shopping destinations. Pick the right day to visit and you might just stumble upon one of the village’s special events, like 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 activity.
2. Mercantile 22
Tunkhannock
Meet Mercantile 22, the next-level general store. The ever-changing merchandise provides endless options of one-of-a-kind handmade mugs and seasonal treats. With an array of locally made goods, like chocolate and candles, Mercantile 22 is Tunkhannock’s gift that keeps on giving.
3. Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market
Allentown
For nearly 66 years, 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. 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?
4. GP Candle Co.
Wyncote
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 or hints of Lakeside.
5. Smith + Front
Bellefonte
Run by a husband-and-wife maker team, this rural Pennsylvania shop features handcrafted art, wellness products, locally made spreads, and an abundance of plant-themed items. Beyond its merchandise, the Smith + Front storefront and gallery capture the state’s outdoorsy, earthy essence in your shopping experience.
6. 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 flare to your home.
7. 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.
8. Elk Life
Benezette
A small business like 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.
9. 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 over 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.
10. Chacko’s Family Bowling Center & Bar
Wilkes-Barre
Make any day a party with this local Wilkes-Barre 40-lane bowling alley complete with an arcade and fresh pizzas from the kitchen. Chacko’s Family Bowling Center & Bar ensures family fun and friendly competition.
11. 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 in the display window.
12. 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 Warren small business carries the latest styles while maintaining the traditional downtown charm.
13. Rad Lands Collective
Warren
Owned by a husband-and-wife duo, Rad Lands Collective is a contemporary custom goods and apparel brand inspired by travel. Designs of outdoorsy graphics on T-shirts, tank tops, and sweats fill the brick-and-mortar store. This small business’s offerings make the perfect casual outfit for any mountain climber on- or off-duty.
14. Terra Boutique
Hollidaysburg
Influenced by the natural beauty the planet has to offer, Terra Boutique specializes in clothing with earthy, neutral-toned fabrics or patterned with florals. With a selection that spans cozy and trendy items, this retail spot is sure to keep you on trend from season to season.
15. The Art Room
West Reading
Did someone say “BYOB”? That’s right, The Art Room is where cocktails meet creative expression at a BYOB art studio. The studio welcomes artists of all levels and ages. Paint a canvas or glaze some pottery as you sip on your drink of choice. Cheers!
16. Jeppie
Beaver
Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and even those “just because” moments are covered thanks to Jeppie. This shop is a gifting hub stocked with a vast selection 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Broad Street Market
Harrisburg
Stationed in the state’s capital since 1860, Broad Street Market houses nearly 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.
20. 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.
21. Allora
Doylestown
In search of an eclectic selection of knickknacks with kitschy design and witty sayings? Allora 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.
22. 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 its 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.
23. Glitz Soap Co.
Mechanicsburg
Between two locations, 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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 Woodlock are sure to step up your souvenir game.
The next time you’re in search for something to do around PA, shop small and support local. The 26 top picks among the visitPA followers are great places to start. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and pursue your happiness in true Small Business Week fashion!
To find more shopping spots in Pennsylvania, check out the visitPA website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more PA inspiration. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter so you never miss an update.