Shop Holiday: Gifts for new Pittsburghers

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming. Luckily, Pittsburgh has plenty of ways to make new residents feel at home in the Steel City.

For a concise view of the region and a primer on Pittsburghese, the Yinzer Bible is the perfect gift. Penned by local author Dan Riley, the book’s full title is “Yinzer Bible: PITTSBURGH N’At: If You Don’t Understand Go Back To Cleveland!” It goes for $19.99 on Amazon, though Mr. Riley hopes it will soon be sold at Barnes and Noble Booksellers.

A great inauguration into Pittsburgh is a Steelers game. And no Steelers game is complete without the Terrible Towel. This famous bit of laundry manufactured by Pittsburgh-based Little Earth Productions Inc. comes in various styles that range in price from $9.95 to $12.95. The most complete selection is available at shop.steelers.com or at Steelers Sideline Stores in Grove City Outlets, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh Mills, South Hills Village and Westmoreland Mall.

Baskets of Pittsburgh can hold a variety of the city’s charm in its Incline Box. Although you can customize an order, specially designed baskets such as “Strictly Pittsburgh” ($70) include Fortunes Coffee, Apple Chocolate and Cookie Co. milk chocolate incline medallions, Parmesan and sundried tomato Riceworks, Davis and Davis Gourmet Foods black and gold popcorn, George Howe Co. cranberry trail mix, Colony steak sauce and Heinz ketchup.

Pierogies are most certainly a Pittsburgh staple, and Mrs. T’s Pierogies is the best-known vendor of the delicious pasta dumplings filled with whipped potato and cheddar cheese. The originals start at $2.69 at most Western Pennsylvania grocery chains such as Giant Eagle and Shop ‘n Save. The company also recently rolled out black-and-yellow versions, but stores are expected to run out of stock soon.

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For a little inspiration, sit down with some stories of great Pittsburghers from long ago. Published by the Senator John Heinz History Center, “Pittsburgh Born, Pittsburgh Bred” features 500 influential people who have contributed to the city’s legacy, from artists and athletes to scientists and philanthropists. It can be purchased online or in the history center at 1212 Smallman St., Strip District (15222). The hardback costs $27.95, and the paperback is $20.95.

To truly see the reach of the Pittsburgh arts scene, a trip to the Andy Warhol Museum is a must. The pop artist is one of the city’s most recognizable figures, and several floors of its North Side building at 117 Sandusky St. (15212), can guide visitors through Warhol’s Pittsburgh upbringing. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students and children under 18.

This Heinz Ketchup Label T-shirt adds a dollop of character to your style while displaying enthusiasm for an all-American condiment. It’s available online or at the Senator John Heinz History Center in toddler sizes for $16.95, youth sizes for $18.95 and adult sizes for $21.95.

Wear a symbol of the city. Among other neat designs, local artist Audra Azoury crafts jewelry that bears Pittsburgh landmarks. This $58 necklace, available exclusively in the Warhol Museum gift shop, shows the Warhol Bridge. Other custom designs of earrings, necklaces and bracelets are also available online at audraazoury.com.