Everyone could benefit from holiday cheer, including local businesses in Hoboken and Jersey City. If your shopping list consists of friends who love customized items, a loved one who prefers to cozy up at home with a book, or someone who has stretched their soul this year with yoga — this gift guide will point you in the right direction for local items fit for each one. Read on to browse our picks for local holiday gift shopping in Hudson County — with products from local businesses in Hoboken and Jersey City — this year.
Satya + Sage {Online}
{Photo credit: @satyasage}
The Jersey City-based company, Satya + Sage creates candles using 100% vegetable and coconut wax, with the promise to be intentional with every step. All of their candles are dye and zinc free. The Truth + Good Vibes Candle Bundle {$185} will bring peace and positivity into the home with 6 amazing candles: Blessed {rosemary/eucalyptus}, Goddess {vanilla}, Sun {lemon/white tea}, Meditation {amber/vanilla/citrus}, Healer {bergamot/musk/vanilla}, and King {cedarwood/patchouli/clover leaf}. Use these candles infused with essential oils to increase the flow of good vibes and clear your space of negative energy. Something we could all use this year!
DeCarlos Bespoke {255 Grove Street}
{Photo credit: @decarlosbespoke}
For the man in your life who likes his clothes to be custom-fit, a Lovingston Corduroy shirt from DeCarlos Bespoke is a surefire gift. Every man should have a classic shirt in his wardrobe and while the colors vary, the fit will always be right on, ensuring that he can feel confident in his look.
Write Pretty For Me {Online}
{Photo credit: @writeprettyforme}
Some people are notoriously difficult to buy gifts for. Gifting a personalized present is always a hit. Hoboken and Jersey City residents can show off their local culture with these Local Love Zip Code Ornaments {$18} from WritePrettyForMe. Each one is hand-lettered in a signature modern calligraphy style and will sparkle on any holiday tree.
Bored Stiff {Online}
{Photo credit: @boredstiffclay}
Based out of Jersey City, these handmade, small-batch polymer clay earrings from Bored Stiff have a colorful retro look. In addition to being eye-catching, 50% of Bored Still sales goes to charity, which is switched each month to spread the love. November’s charity of choice: Women Rising. These Archways Earrings {$17} combine a beautiful stone color with a pop of sage green, so they will complement an outfit without distracting from it. Currently offering 6 different styles, check out the variations here.
Happy Box x Hoboken Girl {Online}
{Photo credit: @happyboxstore}
The new Local Love Box {$62} is a great solution for anyone you would like to share New Jersey with. This collab between Happy Box and Hoboken Girl features a mix and match collection of locally sourced items. Based in Hoboken, the female-owned company ships curated and you-pick boxes nationwide. They even offer a “save for the holidays” shipping date so you can order now and they’ll wait to ship the box until 12/6.
Read More: Hoboken Girl’s 5th Annual 12 Days of Giveaways Series 2020
Find + Revive {Online}
{Photo credit: @findandrevive}
For the friend who is a fashionista and loves one-of-a-kind pieces, this 80s Houndstooth Tweed Blazer {$50} is a showstopper. An inclusive vintage and pre-loved boutique, Find + Revive is owned by two Latinx Jersey City residents with a love for vintage fashion. They grew up two blocks away from each other in Jersey City and became fast friends through the years they developed this dream that became a reality of owning a business together. Click here to read more about their story.
Sugarsuckle 600-604 Newark Street, Hoboken}
{Photo credit: @sugarsuckle}
A gift of a dozen Hand-Painted French Macarons {$48} are a unique and delicate gift for the sophisticated dessert lover. These little sweets from the Hoboken-based custom bakery, Sugarsuckle are a stress-free option for a friend since all you need to know is if they prefer vanilla, chocolate, or fruity flavor combinations.
La Tienda de Mela Fleurs {320 Washington Street, Hoboken}
{Photo credit: @mela_fleurs}
This pandemic-born business is new to Hoboken but is taking the town by storm with its gorgeous hand-crafted dried flower arrangements. Operating by appointment only, there will be a flower bar where customers can create their own arrangements or purchase pre-made arrangements that are available. The owner also works with vases that clients already own to create a custom piece.
Roig Collection {Online}
{Photo credit: @roigcollection}
A work of art from the collection of Ricardo Roig is the ultimate gift for a Mile Square lover; this hand-cut and layered piece depicts a black and grey vintage Hoboken clock with gold accents and green foliage in the background. Mile Square Moment {$2,200} measures 27”x27” is a nod to the timeless history of the city. You can purchase this and other works online and pick up in the W Hotel Hoboken NJ Gallery or arrange for shipping.
Little City Books {100 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken}
{Photo credit: @littlecitybooks}
For the bookworm in your life, check out Little City Books in downtown Hoboken — both their Children’s Annex and shop on the corner of 1st and Bloomfield. Look back on this year fondly with Good Morning Zoom {$14.99}, a clever and heartwarming picture book that offers hope during this new normal. From “Zoom School” to medical tele-visits, this book reminds us that there are still things to enjoy.
Myrtle + Flossie {Online}
{Photo credit: @myrtleandflossie}
This stylish Mama Pouch {$39.99} is sourced from vegan leather and can be worn cross-body, around the waist, or over the shoulder. That’s the kind of versatility a mother needs. The shop Myrtle + Flossie is an online retail beauty and 4th-trimester fashion lifestyle brand for new and established moms. For those new mama friends, this Ethiopian + Ugandan Together Coffee {$14.99} is another great find that will give her the boost she needs to power through the day after those never-ending nights.
For Cup Sakes {Online}
{Photo credit: @forcupsakes}
Owned by South African/British ex-pat, Caroline, ForCupSakes is a hub for immaculately detailed cookie creations. The individually-wrapped Customized Sugar Cookies {$5} make for a great stocking stuffer, as an addition to homemade cookies for Santa, as a neighbor gift, or to add to a basket of assorted goodies or gifts. If you can dream it, Caroline can put it on a cookie.
The Vegan Warehouse {Online}
{Photo credit: @theveganwarehouse}
The Vegan Warehouse creates eco-friendly items that make great gifts and is located in Hoboken. This Helios Anti-Pollution Youth Ampoule {$48} is a high-strength reparative oil made from plant stem cells and red algae astaxanthin. It targets fine lines, stressed skin, lack of crucial nutrients in the skin, and makes a great gift for anyone with sensitive skin.
The Hoboken Girl Shop {Online}
{Photo credit: Hoboken Girl}
Lean into the comfortable clothes of winter and add some Hoboken Girl merch to your gift list, especially for the local Hoboken girls and guys {or those missing it!} in your life. Featuring hoodies, t-shirts, totes, and more, 10% of net proceeds go to a local business or organization for every purchase — and this month, it’s the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps. We add new items monthly, so stay tuned for more — and head to HobokenGirl.com/shop 24/7 to shop year-round.
See More: 25 Jersey City-Based Artists, Creators, + Makers to Follow on Instagram
Rivington Rose {Online}
{Photo credit: @rivingtonrose}
Even if you don’t have a dog, you might find yourself wanting to buy this bright Sunflower {$24} clip. Designed to attach to most dog collars with a custom-made metal clip, Rivington Rose created these felt flowers to add a touch of whimsy to an average collar. In addition to these fun pet accessories, she also designs wedding bouquets and boutonnieres that will last forever.
Tia Planta {Online}
{Photo credit: @tiaplanta}
Plant parents can be as passionate and vigilant as human {and pet!} parents. If you have a plant parent in your life, then chances are good you know how seriously they take their growing babies. You can find a plant at Tia Planta, like this Monstera Deliciousa, and shop directly on her Instagram page by sending a DM. The owner of Tia Planta, Shayla will be able to guide you to the right plant, as she also hosts seminars and small gatherings to share her plant knowledge — hence the name, ‘Tia Planta.’
Ling Chen Art {Online}
{Photo credit: @lingchenart}
Ling Chen is a local artist who sketches everyday life in New Jersey and makes it beautiful. This print, Lightrail at Harborside, Jersey City {$40+}, shows the viewer the beauty often missed when taking public transportation. Her shop has prints featuring sights in Jersey City, Hoboken, and Montclair. There is something nostalgic about having the world around you paused in a watercolor painting that makes for a really special gift.
Washington General Store {509 Washington Street, Hoboken}
{Photo credit: @washingtongeneralstore}
This year has stressed everyone out, but for that friend or family member who has had a particularly trying 2020, this gift from Washington General Store in Hoboken might help bring them some peace. This Wooden Tic Tac Toe Set {$68} provides an entertaining and decorative coffee table feature that’s easy on the eyes. It’s a game you can keep out for a quick match that also looks nice on display, so you never have to stress about putting it away.
SECÜR {291 Grove Street, Jersey City}
{Photo credit: @securbykbs}
This Jungle Fever Dress by SECÜR is just one of many fun-yet-trendy styles found at this new local boutique in Jersey City. Glam out in the comfort of your own home, or accessorize this look to head out. Because of its flexible fabric, this is one item of clothing that would make a wonderful gift for the right person that wants to stay chic while comfortable. Message for orders at securbykbs@gmail.com and click here to read more about how SECUR’s founder got started.
Walkers Apothecary {Online}
{Photo credit: @walkersapothecary}
This female-owned beauty haven specializes in skincare, makeup, eyebrow design, and beauty product knowledge. Walkers Apothecary’s Clay Mask Set {$50} is a great gift for anyone needing a little TLC for their face. It comes with a 2-in-1 enzymatic cleansing oil, 1 oz of the rose geranium toners, and a 1.69 oz of spirulina clay mask. The three components work together to nourish and brighten your skin.
No matter what your loved ones have on their list, local shops have something amazing to offer. Which local businesses are you supporting this holiday season?
