It’s easy to get bogged down with finding the perfect gifts this time of year, but sometimes a thoughtful card says it all. Humorous greetings and handmade designs show appreciation without breaking the bank. And, luckily for the not-so-crafty ones among us, plenty of local shops and artists will do all the work and help get your thoughtful message across in a single card. Keep reading for a list of places to shop for one-of-a-kind holiday cards in the area.
Hoboken
Tutti Art Greetings and Designs {Online}
{Photo credit: @tuttiartgreetdesign}
Husband and wife duo Gina and Patrick sell a variety of festive cards with original illustrations on their website. The holiday variety pack {$24} includes six blank cards with classic holiday designs like presents, wreaths, and nutcrackers. For any fellow Hoboken or Jersey City lovers on your list, check out the Tutti Local Collection, which includes cards inspired by local landmarks like the Colgate Clock and the Lackawanna Center.
JJ Paperie + Co {Online}
{Photo credit: @jjpaperieco}
This Latina-owned business is based in Hoboken and creates some of the cutest stationery in the area. As you can imagine, the holiday season is no different. In fact, among several designs, customers can find some in Spanish!
Simply Chai {79 Hudson Street}
This specialty chai shop stocks a selection of fun $5 cards from Pyarful, a stationery brand inspired by South Asian culture. Pun-lovers will appreciate greetings like “Kheers to the New Year!” and “Fly Chai Hi.”
Brittany Paige Designs {Online}
{Photo credit: @brittanypaigedesigns}
This locally-based designer creates cards that are equal parts witty and fun. Shop for her cards {or pouches, prints, stickers, etc.} online — choose from the “Santa Gotta Be Nice For What?” card for any Drake lovers in your life, get the “The Holidays Would Suc Without You” for the gal or guy who loves being a plant parent to succulents, the “Feminist’s Christmas List Card” for the feminists in your life {#girlpower}, and so many more.
The Lucky Honey Bee {487 Palisade Avenue}
{Photo credit: @theluckyhoneybee}
Find locally-designed and inspired holiday cards at this beloved gift shop. The options include everything from Hannukah cards to 2020 puns. Don’t forget to pick up some highly sought-after holiday-scented candles on the way to check out!
Pedal Pusher Press {Online}
{Photo credit: @pedalpusherpress}
Designer Jenn Consoli sells a variety of stationery, prints, and paper goods online and at pop-up markets around the state. Choose from various New Jersey and food-themed cards, in addition to these fun Christmas sweater and holiday cookie tin ones.
NANU Studio {Online}
{Photo credit: @nanustudioco}
By day Krishna Chavda designs patterns for a kids’ swimwear company, but on the side, she runs an awesome online shop with hand-illustrated prints and cards.
Jersey City
Katie Pea Studio {Online}
{Photo credit: @katiepeastudio}
This Etsy shop offers one-of-a-kind cards for any occasion, including a large holiday selection. Talented illustrator Katie Perez inks her whimsical designs and punny greetings by hand on matte paper. The cards sell for $5 each or eight for $18.
WORD {123 Newark Avenue}
{Photo credit: @wordbookstores}
This independent bookstore has a display of “absurdly cute cards,” including Christmas and Hanukkah designs. The owner knows a thing or two about putting together a great selection — while she was growing up, her family ran a stationery business in New York City.
Read More: These Local Bars Seriously Decked the Halls in Hoboken + Jersey City
Kanibal & Co. {197 Montgomery Street}
{Photo credit: @shopkanibal}
Kanibal & Co. is a treasure trove of locally-made home goods, jewelry, and clothing. The shop has a nice greeting card selection, which you can also peruse online. Sayings like “Season’s Greetings from Jersey City” add a unique local touch to any holiday card.
