It often feels like the only time we think about local makers is around the holidays, like Christmas or Mother’s Day. But here in Hudson County, local makers work their magic year-round. We put together this list of some of our favorite local makers to shop all year. From sweet treats to custom pottery, there is something one-of-a-kind for any recipient. Read on to learn about local makers you can shop online that are Hoboken or Jersey City-based.
Double Dough | Online
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Double Dough specializes in custom, hand-decorated cookies from local Hoboken residents (and twins!) Jordan and Joelle Hernandez. The duo’s hobby business venture started in 2014 from their joy of baking for others and quickly led into a full-on business featuring fun collabs with other local businesses as well as their debut appearance as bakers on the show BakingIt on Peacock. Whether you’re looking for custom-themed cookies for your next baby shower (how cute are these Winnie The Poo-themed cookies?!), birthday party, or company event, Double Dough has you covered.
Read More: Where to Get Personalized Gifts in Hoboken + Jersey City
HOW DO YOU WEAR THAT | Online
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Jersey City resident Caitlyn Warakomski launched her blog — HOW DO YOU WEAR THAT — in 2015. Her style has an effortless, boho vibe, mixing vintage and thrift findings, so it’s no surprise she’s one of our fave locals to turn to for style inspo and advice. In 2020, after searching for the perfect oversized tee and high-waisted biker short set, Caitlyn took matters into her own hands and created a matching set for herself. After sharing with her online community of followers, Caitlyn started creating matching sets as a fun charity project for her followers while donating a portion of the proceeds to charities. The fun project quickly transformed into something bigger, and now the HDYWT brand drops gorgeous capsule collections (all made in the US!) for everyone. Caitlyn dropped her newest sweatsets earlier this month and to say we’re obsessed is an understatement — black, plum, olive, we need them all.
Knot Your Average | Online
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Knot Your Average provides chunky cotton handbags handcrafted by Jersey City resident Gabi Florio. Gabi has always had a creative side and was looking for ways to explore new ventures when she stumbled upon crocheting on social media and began working on designing one-of-a-kind bags. After trial and error with several suppliers, she found a yarn supplier from Poland and began making her bags for the public. With her creativity and fashion industry knowledge, Knot Your Average is a great gift for your loved ones or yourself around Valentine’s Day. You can shop the current collection online, stay tuned for new releases soon, or even contact Gabi directly if you have a specific vision for a bag.
Monica’s Collective | Online
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Local Hoboken resident Monica Razak is a software engineer by day — but in her (very little) free time, she owns a small, sustainable goods business called MONICAS Collective. The shop is home to a collection of gifts, accessories, and apparel, all of which are made with recycled materials and designed for long-term use. For obvious reasons, the Hoboken Tote Bag is one of our favorites, but another great gift option is the “Freshly Brewed Coffee”-scented soy candle or the Cream Teddy Pouch makeup bag. You can browse MONICAS’ full collection here and keep up with the shop on Instagram.
Mac + the Mushroom | Online, Pop-ups, 1012 Grand Street
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Longtime Hoboken resident Kim Kachougian is the award-winning florist behind Mac and the Mushroom, a floral design studio. Kim and her team can work with all types of clients on types of timelines to create a beautiful project, whether it be small centerpieces for an intimate dinner party or a grand installation for a wedding. Kim also teaches floral design at pop-up events throughout Hudson County and will work with clients to host private classes or add on a floral bar for their special events.
Rooted Rags | Online + Etsy
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Rooted Rags is a Hoboken-based embroidery business that creates all kinds of hand-cut and dyed products — from clothing and bags to home decor. This year’s Valentine’s Day collection includes a variety of items, most of which can be personalized. Some highlights from the collection include a hand-embroidered heart sweater, a hand-embroidered kids’ drawing sweatshirt that allows customers to upload a drawing, an ice-dyed unisex robe, a family names hand-embroidered sweatshirt, and a Valentine’s Day hand-embroidered heart onesie or t-shirt, among other items. Rooted Rags also has a collection with Hoboken-based non-profit Kaia’s Kind Hearts to help raise money for children and adults with CHD — view the collection here.
Rudo Plants + Home | Online
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Rudo Plants + Home is your one-stop shop for gorgeous floral bouquets, plants, and various self-care items, including skincare from Pholk Beauty (created by a Union City local). They are passionate about nurturing nature’s beauty and bringing the serenity of greenery into your life. With a deep-rooted commitment to plant care, floral design, and customer satisfaction, the spot has a reputation as your trusted partner in all things botanical in the heart of Jersey City Heights. Whether you’re seeking to create an oasis in your home, invigorate your workspace, or simply learn more about the art of houseplants and flowers, Rudo Plants + Home is here to guide and inspire you every step of the way.
Sewboken | Online
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Run by local mom and Hoboken resident Erin Celletti, Sewboken is a bespoke embroidery business that was started to create memorable, heartfelt gifts. An embroidery specialist, former teacher, and journalist, Erin devotes her spare time to imprinting words written by special people to their loved ones on clothing. Everything from a note from a 5-year-old to her dad to a grandma’s words in a letter that she wrote before her passing sewn to the sleeve of a piece of clothing, every item has special meaning to both its giver and recipient. You can see more of Erin’s work on her Instagram here.
See More: A Guide to Gift Shops in the Montclair Area
Tara Kothari Ceramics | Mana Contemporary Studio, Etsy, + Online
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Ceramicist Tara Kothari can distill the essence of a season into clay at her Jersey City studio. Tara’s botanically-inspired work reflects her passion for the outdoors, the changing seasons, and blooming things. The signature of her artwork is pressing flowers and other flora into pottery to create art pieces that are both whimsical and sophisticated. She then paints the delicate shapes with just the right tones to replicate the original sample. In addition to her regular work, Tara works with individuals to do custom work, including wall installations, wedding keepsakes, personalized items, or commissions. You can find Tara’s items at several pop-up markets throughout Jersey City, on her website, or by appointment at her studio located in the Mana Contemporary building, 888 Newark Avenue.
