The holidays are quickly approaching, and finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Jersey City has a variety of unique and diverse stores to help make your gift shopping easier. You can explore thrift shops, local mom-and-pop businesses, and festive holiday pop-up shops.
Additionally, consider getting creative with a DIY gift for a special friend or family member or purchasing tickets to an experience they would enjoy. To assist you in getting started with your holiday shopping, we’ve compiled a helpful guide to make the process smoother.
DIY Gifts
There is something truly special about thoughtfully curating a gift yourself. Not only does this allow you to exercise your creativity, but it also allows you to consider the recipient as a whole and gather various items that they enjoy. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
- Candle Making: If you’re interested in candle making, consider creating one yourself. Visit your local craft store to gather the necessary materials and get started.
- Personalized Ornament and Photo: Think about a memorable trip you had with a special friend or family member. Frame a photo from that trip and pair it with a complementary ornament. This thoughtful gift will evoke warm feelings and cherished memories!
- DIY Gift Sets: Consider creating a themed gift set based on your loved one’s interests. For example, if they are a coffee lover, you could include a handmade ceramic mug from a holiday market, locally roasted coffee, and a coaster. To make it even cozier, add their favorite book! You might include bath salts, candles, books, and a comfy blanket for a relaxing gift set. Think about your loved one and curate a basket with all their favorites!
Experiential Gifts
Gifting a loved one an experience is a great way to spend quality time. See below for a few experiences you may want to consider gifting!
- Candlemaking Classes: ReWax and UnWine Candle-Making Bar
- Ceramics and Pottery: Participants create functional or decorative pieces, making them ideal gifts for someone who loves to craft or explore new hobbies. Sandy Mones Pottery in Jersey City offers one-time experiential classes.
- Box Café Wine Pairing Events: A lovely French-inspired café that hosts Wine pairing events focused on a particular region. Follow them on Instagram to stay updated on their next wine-pairing journey!
- White Eagle Hall: Check out the upcoming events at this renovated historic theater to gift a loved one tickets to a live performance.
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For the Athlete
If you’re shopping for a sporty person, consider the many local yoga studios, Pilates, and fitness studios for a gift card. Morlees has been a Jersey City landmark since 1965 and carries footwear that appeals to men, women, and kids.
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For the Cozy Lover
Kanibal & Co. – 197 Montgomery St
Kanibal & Co., a local favorite, offers a treasure trove of cozy gifts perfect for the homebody in your life. Choose from handmade candles with delightful scents, soft throws to snuggle up, and locally sourced teas for a comforting night in.
Their curated collection of books, journals, and artisanal self-care products also makes for great stocking stuffers. Check out their seasonal items, like holiday-scented candles and charming décor, to add a festive touch to your gift.
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Raine n River Apothecary – 299 Grove St.
This shop is a perfect destination for luxurious yet affordable self-care and relaxation. You can explore their selection of natural and organic bath products, which includes essential oils, bath salts, and lotions.
They are especially renowned for their unique teas, each curated to address specific needs such as sleep and anxiety, as well as various ailments. The shop adds a personal touch to their gifts, making it an ideal place for anyone looking for a thoughtful present. Be sure to check out our article highlighting this incredible shop!
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For the Bookworm
Word Bookstore – 29 McWilliams Pl
You can find the next best-seller for the book lover in your life. Their staff is very knowledgeable and can recommend books based on any reader’s taste, from memories and thrillers to quirky indie reads. Consider pairing a book with a crafted mug or cozy slippers to make it a cozy gift!
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Sure Things – 561 Palisade Ave
Sure Things is a concept shop that sells vintage & found objects for the home, used books, furnitures, and other collected goods. You will be sure to find a one of a kind gift here for the vintage lover in your life!
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For the Animal Lover
Fussy Friends – 148 Newark Ave.
Treat the pet parent in your life to stylish collars, organic treats, and fun toys from Fussy Friends. They offer a selection of eco-friendly grooming supplies and have gift sets ready making your shopping easier!
Hound about Town – 218 Montgomery St. & 17 McWilliams Pl
From stylish leashes and cozy beds to all-natural treats, their collection will surely delight animal lovers and their pets. The store also features thoughtfully designed safe and engaging toys, ensuring hours of fun for cats and dogs.
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Hudson Houndstooth
At Hudson Houndstooth, all of their designs are uniquely handmade from 100% reclaimed materials salvaged from the fashion industry. No scraps are wasted in their ongoing quest to achieve zero waste. Their mission is to help animals and reduce textile pollution, one stylish pup at a time!
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life, Hudson Houndstooth has a fantastic selection of bow ties, bandanas, and more to keep their pup looking fashionable. A customer favorite is their mini backpack, which surprisingly holds quite a bit!
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Jewelry & Hand-Crafted Gifts
This holiday season, several markets are taking place, offering a variety of hand-crafted gifts, jewelry, ceramic mugs, and more. Check out our article on the holiday markets to plan your visit! You won’t regret it, and you’ll leave with a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift for a special friend or family member. Remember, shopping locally is an excellent way to support your community while checking off items on your holiday shopping list. We have an article highlighting the many shops that make up Jersey City; you can check it out here.
Author: Arati Patel
Arati is a professional immersed in the environmental and animal welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys walking and spending time with shelter dogs, exploring the outdoors, and always ready to find a new coffee shop. A born and raised Jersey City local, she considers herself a life-long learner who is ready to write and craft inspiring stories to share with everyone!
