10 charming shops to visit for a day out in Oakland

As far as Pittsburgh neighborhoods go, Oakland is the ultimate blend of history, culture – and killer shopping. You’ve got iconic museums and the central Carnegie Library, towering pillars of academia and the lush expanse of Schenley Park for when you need to chill. 

Besides the world-class architecture and sightseeing – it’s the shops and eats that give Oakland its swagger. This neighborhood is packed with quirky boutiques, vintage treasure troves and cool stores you won’t find anywhere else. 

Whether you’re hunting for unique finds or just browsing, here are 10 shops to hit up in Oakland.

A whimsical little shop, Maggie and Stella’s Cards & Gifts is dedicated to the two Stein sisters who paved the way for future generations by becoming the first full-time female students at Western University of Pennsylvania (now the University of Pittsburgh) in 1895. They also became the first women to get master’s degrees from Pitt. As the name suggests, the shop has tons of cards, ranging from sentimental to quirky. But there is way more, from stylish umbrellas to a range of water sippers and Jellycat toys for the little ones.

Caliban Book Shop, with its elegant royal blue facade, sits pretty amid the hustle and bustle of Craig Street. Step inside, and you’ll find a literary sanctuary waiting to be explored. Dive into the collection of modern first editions, fine arts and rare finds. From literary fiction to Western Pennsylvania history and philosophy, there’s something for every bookworm. Venture further, and you’ll stumble upon a curated selection of vinyl records and CDs, spanning genres from indie rock to jazz. Need a recommendation? The friendly team of book lovers has your back. If you have a book collection gathering dust, they’ll gladly take it off your hands, whether it’s a single book or an entire library. With free house visits available in the Pittsburgh area, it’s an easy-breezy selling process.

If you’re ready to embrace your inner witch or warlock, swing by Hocus Pocus. (No broomstick parking allowed!) This mystical shop has been brewing potions and casting spells longer than you can say “abracadabra.” With an Oakland home for over two decades, it’s the go-to spot for all things occult. A cloud of incense hits you the moment you walk through the doors. Ah, the sweet scent of spiritual enlightenment. But it’s not all smoke and mirrors; there are some serious goods too. Need to cleanse some bad juju? Grab a sage bundle and get smudging. If you’re feeling fancy, check out the Aqua Alchymia collection — water infused with herbs and gemstones. Last but not least, don’t forget the candles — because nothing says “I’m serious about my witchcraft” like a candle. Whether you’re into Mini-Chime Candles or you’re ready to level up with some Spell Pillars, there’s a mind-boggling variety.

This hub for all things swag or custom-designed specializes in screen printing and embroidery for businesses, schools and organizations. The offerings go beyond T-shirts. Think hoodies, polos, hats, pens and more — all fully customizable. With an easy-to-use online shirt designer, creating custom gear is as easy as pie. Just a few clicks and voila, you’re a fashion designer. If you prefer the old-school approach, swing by the store to get your custom fit.

The Irish Design Center has been a longstanding fixture in Pittsburgh’s landscape since 1978. This boutique offers a curated selection of knitwear, clothing, gifts and jewelry sourced from the Emerald Isle. From cozy knit sweaters to bamboo-fabric leggings to timeless Claddagh rings, there’s plenty of Celtic charm here. In addition to merchandise, the center hosts events throughout the year, such as the the Father’s Day Celt-Down, offering opportunities for patrons to engage with Celtic culture in a community setting.

Hail to Thrift, aka Thriftsburg, is Pitt’s student-run, on-campus thrift store, born in the spring of 2014. This initiative offers students and locals a sweet deal on second-hand treasures. Clothes, shoes, accessories — all for $10 or less. It’s like a fashion jackpot. Conveniently located in the O’Hara Student Center, Thriftsburgh hosts events throughout the year. The highlight is the annual Reuse Rummage Sale each August, offering returning students a chance to snag clothing and essentials for dorm living at affordable prices. But here’s the cherry on top: When you donate your second-hand clothing, shoes and accessories to Thriftsburgh, you receive half back the amount in store credit. It’s a fantastic way to declutter your closet while supporting a worthy cause. Win-win, right?

When in Oakland, stop and smell the roses at Gidas Flowers. This cozy shop is a family-owned gem spanning four generations of flower power and 100 years of history in Pittsburgh. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to blooms — from tulips to sunflowers to exotic blooms. With same-day delivery options, it is a great last-minute gift.

Whether you’re a seasoned Panther, a wide-eyed freshman or just love supporting our home Uni, the University Store meets your Pitt paraphernalia needs. Think Pitt-themed hoodies, posters, mugs, caps and more. Fun fact: The store claims to be the largest independent bookstore in the city. Keep an eye out for author events for the chance to rub elbows with a literary luminary.

A modern-day grocer at first glance, Forbes Street Market has all the trapping of your favorite neighborhood market. Besides regular and gourmet groceries, it has a bakery and a deli. Plus, there is a curated selection of lifestyle and beauty products — plastic-free shampoo bars, black salt body scrubs, Hawaiian sheet masks and so much more. This is also the perfect spot to take a break from all the Oakland retail therapy, pick up a sandwich and enjoy it while getting a fix of vitamin D at nearby Schenley Park.

The Carnegie Museum of Art gift shop is a haven for the creatively inclined. You can score a cool cap or a cozy hoodie and snag a fun kid’s T-shirt or puzzle. To haul all your shopping in style, grab a chic tote. Members get discounts, with even bigger deals on Member Shopping Days. And the gift cards are a cool option for that artsy friend or colleague.