I am one of those people who likes to find really unique gifts for my loved ones during the holiday season. I have come across a few local stores that have unique items as well as supporting great ideas. Below is a short list of Pittsburgh stores/projects that are eco-friendly, provide locally made items which support the Pittsburgh economy or have fair trade products which give fair compensation to artisans from around the globe.   This year, give one of a kind gifts that make your loved ones feel doubly special: give a great gift while giving back at the same time. Feel proud about how you spend your money while supporting great local and global initiatives.  E House 1511 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, South Side  E House has an assortment of organic household products, clothes, and body care items. The best part of this place is the interesting recycled items they carry: like purses made from old license plates or belts with colorful bottle caps on them. These products are one of a kind and very interesting. E House also has an online store. 10,000 Villages 5824 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill www.tenthousandvillages.com 10,000 Villages is one of the world’s oldest fair trade organizations. They work with over 100 artisan groups from Asia, Latin America, and Africa, bringing them an opportunity to earn a meaningful living when they, otherwise, may not have the opportunity to do so. They have beautiful jewelry, ceramics, children’s toys, musical instruments, and more.  Neighbor Teaze This is a Pittsburgh owned and operated T-shirt line. These shirts are for those with Pittsburgh pride. They are really fun and come in unisex sizing. There is one shirt that reads “Pittsburgh: 446 Bridges, 3 Rivers, and 1 Dahntahn since 1758”. You can also choose to show your neighborhood pride. The shirts are available with 14 different neighborhoods, each with their own great slogan and image. For example: “Regent Square: Giving Pittsburgh the Run Around Since 1919” or my personal favorite, “Point Breeze: Frickin’ Fabulous since 1903”. They are all witty and a must have for that special Pittsburgher! You can purchase them online.  Handmade Arcade is Pittsburgh largest independent craft show. This year it will be on Sat. Dec 12 from 12-8 at the Hunt Armory in Shadyside. Here you will find the most eclectic group of craft makers in the region. Items range from sheek handbags, silly stuffed animals to intricate screen printing. Here is a link to see this year’s vendors.  Building New Hope is a non-profit organization based between Pittsburgh and Nicaragua. They support sustainable community development in Central America. The “Coffee Project” benefits a worker-owned and operated coffee farm, a cooperative of 48 families, in Nicaragua. This farm is certified organic and environmentally sustainable. This year, the “Coffee Project” has partnered with La Escuelita Arcoiris, Pittsburgh’s only language immersion school. La Escuelita will be selling coffee as a fundraiser for their alumni class to take a trip to Nicaragua (summer 2010) and take part in numerous projects of Building New Hope. Not only will you be supporting a great cause in Latin America but you will also be helping local children visit another culture and experience volunteer work there. This is a great gift for the coffee lover on your list. La Prima Espresso Co. gets all their coffee from these farmers. If you have ever had it, you know it’s the best coffee in the ‘Burgh! The coffee is available regular or decaf, whole bean or ground. It is $12 per lb. bag or $100 for 10 bags. Coffee orders are pick up only at the school which is in Squirrel Hill. (My son goes to school there so I am there every week. Let me know and I can also pick up your order and bring it to PCCHH.) Orders received by Dec. 11 will be filled by Dec. 18. Orders received after that will be filled as soon as possible. And of coase as always a Gift of a Relaxing Massage from the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health & Healing.  Gift Certificates can be purchased online at, http://www.pghhealthandhealing.com/content/view/gift-certificates Happy shopping!