There’s a big difference between a mall gift and a non-mall gift. A mall gift says, ”Here — I got you a GIFT!”, while the other says “I got YOU a gift.” Boutiques bring a sparkle to the eye, one borne from the discovery of something unique. These are the sources of treasures that evoke emotion.
Shopping small is magical.
Here’s where we’ll give you a leg up on finding some of that magic. Here are six things which are each available in a local shop. That’s right, in places where human interaction is possible and safe, the crowds are far away, and the parking isn’t in another time zone.
1. The Image Gallery, 1160 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne
This wonderful red enamel bowl by Inspired Creations is perfect for special occasions, with room for five separate things to serve. Five matching serving spoons are included. It’s available for $90 in-store and on the Image Gallery’s website at imggallery.com. The shop is also a full-service jewelry store with watches, designer gifts, and a full line of Judaica available.
2. The Paper Store, 912 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne
Wayne’s Paper Store is your source for gifts of all types, from household decorations to clothing, from holiday items to baby gifts, from blankets to jewelry, like these necklaces (priced reasonably, each below $25). The store can be found next to the new Trader Joe’s location in the Parke at Hamburg on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne.
3. Charlotte’s Web, 8 Whitehall Road, Towaco
This ultra-soft & cozy jacket features pockets, a hood, ribbed sleeve cuffs, and all over camo print. At only $60, it’s perfectly thrown over any outfit & as a gift for the holidays! Can be purchased in-store or online at charlotteswebnj.com
4. Accentuate with Love, 60 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock
Stay cozy and put together with this luxury, soft-touch fringe poncho ($69) and vegan leather handbag and wallet. All are available in-store or online at accentuatewithlove.com. While there, browse through the wide selection of hand-picked household items, hostess and baby gifts, fashion accessories and so much more.
5. Odyssey, 1154-A Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne
High-quality fashions don’t have to be hard to find. These custom outfits are just two of the designer wardrobe choices available at this specialty boutique. At Odyssey, you’ll find a variety of American manufactured clothes from American, Canadian, and European designers, and treated with attentive, one-to-one service. Stop by their Berdan Shopping Center store or visit them online at odysseybtq.com.
6. The Game Room Store, 461 Route 46 (Westbound) Fairfield
The Game Room Store is where you really outfit your man cave. There are rooms full of bespoke items, most handmade on-premises, including this Iron Beam Gathering Table, made from reclaimed oak and 2-inch pipe. Come in for handmade dartboards, full bar and pub furniture, pinball tables, stand-alone video games, decorations, and yes, pool tables. This has been one of our Publisher's favorite stores for the last decade. Shop in-store or visit them online at thegameroomstore.net
