Oh the stress of finding something special on Valentine’s Day – we all know it. Whether it’s for a significant other, the host, Galentine’s, or even for yourself – this holiday can pack on a lot of pressure. After all, how can we truly express our emotions into Valentine’s Day gifts? Luckily, we’ve rounded up a few local businesses that are sure to carry something special for whomever you’re shopping for this year. Read on for our special local Hoboken + Jersey City Valentine’s Day gift guide.
A Book from Word Bookstore | 123 Newark Avenue, Jersey City; Little City Books | 100 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken + 1405 Adams Street, Hoboken, or Symposia Bookstore | 510 Washington Street, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @wordbookstores)
A book is a gift that keeps on giving. Treat someone to a newly-released read from either Word Bookstore or Little City Books or search the shelves of Symposia Bookstore, the only used bookstore in the area. This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of imagination and escape.
A Card from Paper Source | 501 Washington Street, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @papersource)
For Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day cards with original designs and hilarious puns, Paper Source has it covered. This local gem also has gift bags/wrapping, art, stickers, craft kits, stamps, and so much more. The girlfriends celebrating Galentine’s Day can find festive cups, treats, and other fun trinkets for their soiree.
A Dress from Another Man’s Treasure | 195 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
(Photo credit: @amtvintage)
Another Man’s Treasure is a vintage haven that has been featured in USA Today and Elle.com’s ‘best places to shop vintage in America’. With the owners’ years of experience and eye for treasure, they handpick the best pieces the country has to offer. The dress selection is something to take note of. The shop offers endless styles from the disco era, ‘60s shift dresses, rare kimonos, and more.
A Gift Box from The Happy Box Store | Online
(Photo credit: @happybox)
Whether your Valentine is near or far, send your significant other, or best gals (hello Galentine’s Day) a treat in the mail this year. The Happy Box Store, a Hudson-county-based company, creates personalized gift boxes for anyone and everyone. Talk about convenience! Build a box for Valentine’s Day or one for Galentine’s Day and treat those in your life to something truly unique and special.
A Watch from W. Kodak Jewelers | 1123 Hudson Street, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @wkodakjewelers)
Aside from jewelry, W. Kodak Jewelers has one of the best watch collections in town. There are a variety of luxury brands including Tudor, Breitling, IWC, Tag Heuer, Grand Seiko, Omega, Cartier, Hublot, Michele, Movado, Longines, and more. W. Kodak also specializes in breathtaking engagement rings – it’s the season of love! The staff is incredible at answering questions about ring sizing and repairs, as well as guiding gift-seekers through their selection of memorable gifts for every occasion (including Valentine’s Day).
Candles + Chocolates from Kanibal & Co | 197 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
(Photo credit: @shopkanibal)
Kanibal & Co is a local gem that sells Jersey City apparel, wardrobe-staple accessories, home furnishings, and jewelry. The bulk of the merchandise is locally-made and curated. The Jersey City spot’s variety of candles and chocolates make this a one-stop-shop for all things Valentine’s Day.
Read More: Inside Jersey City Heights’ New Vintage Shop ‘Sure Things’
Ceramics + Crystals from Love Locked | 353 Grove Street, Jersey City
(Photo credit: @shoplovelocked)
Love Locked is a jewelry shop that offers pieces for the bold, the simple, the intricate, and everything in between. Beyond jewelry, Love Locked also boasts an amazing ceramics and crystals collection. This Valentine’s Day, discover soothing vases to compliment a neutral design palette and vibrant amethysts to manifest spiritual healing.
Class Pack at MEGA JC | 150 Bay Street, Jersey City
(Photo credit: @megajc.fit)
Group fitness classes are in high demand more now than ever as people have been inspired to make physical health a priority. Hudson County native, Kyra Huxel, founded MEGA JC in 2021 and along with a small team of expert trainers, guides high-intensity workout classes every day that challenge students of every fitness level. Not only could this be the ideal gift for your partner, but for both of you, as the sessions are typically group-based.
Coastal Wear from Dune + Salt | 730 Washington Street, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @duneandsalt)
This Mile Square boutique has a coastal vibe with merchandise inspired by travels to seaside destinations all around the world. From sunglasses to ocean-themed throw pillows and recycled cotton tees – Dune + Salt has anything and everything for that special someone on your list. For the climate-conscious and environmentally aware, head to Dune & Salt’s new midtown location.
Cupcakes from Sweets 4 Miles | 292 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City
(Photo credit: @sweets4miles)
JC native Chef Monique Johnson has expanded her talents in her hometown with the opening of Sweets 4 Miles Bakery. Now that it’s officially open, you’ll want to stop in for some Valentine’s Day treats baked goods. Might we recommend Chef Monique’s signature red velvet cupcakes, they are (almost) too festive to eat!
Heart-Shaped Ravioli from Vito’s Italian Deli | 806 Washington Street, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @vitosdelihoboken)
Home to some of the best mutz in New Jersey – you might be visiting Vito’s for the famous Vito’s sandwich (ham, salami, homemade mozzarella, lettuce, tomatoes, dressing, and peppers — hot or sweet). But the famous Italian deli has recently rolled out heart-shaped ravioli, just in time for Valentine’s Day. And to be honest, we can’t think of a more romantic local dinner than that.
Hoboken-Branded Gifts from Washington General Store | 509 Washington Street, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @washingtongeneral)
For those who can’t simply decide on the perfect gift, Washington General is a well-known locally stocked shop – where there is something for everyone. The options are endless at this local favorite, from home accessories, jewelry, kitchenware, kid’s clothing, and more. But for the Mile Square-lover in your life, pick up a Hoboken-branded mug, wine glass, throw pillow, towels, or other items.
Hot Chocolate Bombs from The Hive | 1000 Park Ave, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @hellofromthehive)
This uptown coffee shop run by two local moms goes hard with its dessert situation, and we’re not complaining. Not only does The Hive have hot cocoa bombs, but Kristin and Catherine (the owners) are always serving up new flavors of them to the community. You’ll never know what type of hot chocolate bomb you’re going to get, but we do know it will be the perfect nightcap for any Valentine’s Day celebration.
See More: Hoboken Boutique Owners Share Their Favorite Winter Outfit Ideas
Stackable Bracelet from Get Jeweled | (Online)
(Photo credit: @get_jeweled)
All about a beautiful stack, Get Jeweled, a Hoboken-based brand, hand-creates stackable bracelets of all styles. Think of it as a one-stop bracelet destination. From classic 14K gold to more colorful pieces, these jewels will take you from day to night. The best part is that they are customizable, so each one can be as one-of-a-kind as the recipient
Throw Blanket from UNJUMBOLD | 257 1st Street, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @unjumbold)
Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day falls in one of the coldest months of the year. And because of that, you can’t go wrong with a throw blanket for your significant other or your Galentine’s. The perfectly crafted blankets not only will warm you up in this below-freezing weather – but UNJUMBOLD has the perfect selection to make any home look beautiful.
Vintage Sports Apparel from Vintage on 1st | 257 1st Street, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @vintageonfirst)
For throwback graphic tees, sweatshirts, or a snapback hat that would go perfect with his wardrobe, shop at Vintage on 1st. One of our top picks is an item from the sports jacket collection. These jackets are truly unique and one-of-a-kind; leaving your friends asking, “Where’d you get that?”
Watercolor Landscape Painting from Ling Chen Art | (Online)
(Photo credit: @lingchen.art)
This Jersey City-based artist specializes in stunning watercolor landscapes of Jersey City and Hoboken. From capturing iconic landmarks to popular small businesses, she has quite the collection for customers to choose from. Shop the prints via her Etsy store.
A Plant from PLNTD | 16 Erie Street, Jersey City
(Photo credit: @plntdshop)
Danielle and Lauren Gambino are the faces behind this new houseplant, wellness, apothecary, and home shop, which is the women’s first joint venture. The houseplants will range from ones that are “super easy to care for” to ones that are “a little more exotic.
