Spread the Love and Shop Local, Part 1
Happy gift giving season! With zero judgement to anyone who, like us, indulges in the ease of Amazon shopping during this month. You do what you have to do. BUT it does the warm the heart and the eco-conscious wallet to shop local and support small businesses when you can. There are too many fabulous small businesses to fully mention as sources for great gifts so below is just a shortlist of great gift finds across JC.
Madame Claude Wine (234 Pavonia Ave.) is the ideal place when gifting wine, beautifully wrapped by the knowledgeable staff who will expertly guide you through their selection of wine from around the world. They also have a delightful selection of French delicacies (cheeses, sausages, chocolate, etc.) and glassware, all of which they will package into a stunning gift basket.
If you are looking to gift the indoor plant fan in your life, 14th Street Garden Center (793 Jersey Ave.) is perfect. Yes, they have the standard holiday poinsettias, but there are many other more interesting options. They have a great selection of well-maintained succulents and easy-care plants like snake plants and palms. Take it up a notch and choose from their fabulous selection of planters to deliver it in. We love the white fiberglass planters that look ceramic but are very lightweight.
Last Place Winners (225 Monticello Ave.) is a small, influencer-approved clothing store that creates custom street wear with messages of empowerment for diverse communities. Check out the “Respect Women Worldwide” line of t-shirts and hoodies among other collections of cool clothes with right-on messaging.
Looking to bedazzle someone with some gorgeous jewelry? Love Locked (353 Grove St.) sells custom jewelry from local artists and designers across the country at a diverse range of prices. Their ethos: Stones that are conflict-free, goods that are repurposed, and merchandise that is fair trade is of the utmost importance.
For beautiful Christmas ornaments and unique gifts for children, check out The Living Room (277 Newark Ave.), a female and minority-owned modern home goods store that has a range of products and finds for family members and loved ones of all ages.
More gift ideas to come – and happy holidays, Jersey City.