The holiday season is upon us and although this one may look very different, there are still ways to make it the most festive and magical time of the year. With COVID-19 numbers on the rise again in New Jersey and stay-at-home orders tightening up, our local businesses need our support more than ever. I've rounded up some great gift ideas from small New Jersey based businesses that you can shop and support from the safety and convenience of your home.
Take a winter getaway and escape to the Jersey shore (minus the Parkway traffic) with this clean, fresh, beachy scent. The Salt + Umber x Beacon Mercantile Wave Perfume Oil Roller ($30) and Soy Wax Candle ($30) smell like sun warmed skin on sand, crashing waves at sundown and salty beach clothes left to dry in the sun. Available in a pocket-sized perfume roller, this scent makes the perfect stocking stuffer for your best beach loving gal pal.
Our holiday parties may look more like Zoom happy hours this season but that doesn't mean you should skimp on the décor. These cheeky cocktail napkins ($8) from Montclair based boutique, White Rabbit Black Heart are the perfect conversation starter to reflect on 2020 and make a fun stocking stuffer for your favorite hostess with the mostess.
The perfect gift for the girl who has everything. I love these gorgeous and stackable quote bangles from Ridgewood based business, Katie Diamond. With tons of inspirational quotes to choose from, there's a style for every fabulous female on your list. Best of all, they are under $25 - so stock up on multiple sayings and stack them for the ultimate arm party.
I think we could all use a reminder to chill out after the year we've had. These hilarious candles ($30) and match sets ($6) from STITCH Boutique in Madison, NJ make a great gift for the BFF who has you on speed dial when she's spiraling. I'm adding them to my holiday wish list and plan to keep one my desk to light during those crazy, stressful work days.
Whether you are an aspiring pastry chef or just trying to prevent your slice and bake cookies from burning, you are likely spending more time in the kitchen than ever before. Sweet. Savory. Social., ($39.95) written by award-winning restaurateur Chef Risa Magid Boyer, is a cookbook for dessert-lovers who also enjoy preparing healthy, seasonal savory food for family and friends. Chef Risa founded the Montclair based restaurant, Vanillamore and is now bringing the dining establishment’s innovative culinary experience to home cooks nationwide. What's sweeter than that?
Give the gift of cozy this season with these ultra-soft and on-trend tie-dye blankets from New Jersey based, female founded brand, Salt Air{e} Collective. She offers gorgeous, one of a kind, hand-dyed lounge sets, blankets, home décor and more in rich textures and luxe fabrics. Follow along on her Instagram page @saltairecollective for new product launches, pop-up events and lots of colorful inspiration. She accepts custom orders, so be sure to send her an email to place your holiday orders.