Shopping is a big part of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. While the popularity of shopping online has grown, we challenge you this year to pause and put down your credit card before adding items to your Amazon cart. Why not support local businesses instead? Buying online is not typically eco-friendly or timely. Also, when you shop locally, you are putting money back into the community. You can feel satisfied with the fact that you’ve redirected your own hard-earned money into the hands of other hard-working local business owners. These people are grateful to you for your business because it makes a difference. They rely on your purchases to pay staff, cover rent and put food on the table for their own families.
We searched for unique and fun products from the area to put in our Holiday Gift-Giving Guide. Surprise your loved ones with something from this list—or circle your favorite items and leave the magazine conveniently opened to this page so that they can surprise you.
Stenstroms Shirt, $285, TessutoMensWear.com
R2L (converts cell phone radiation into harmless light), $30, NMRNJ.com/R2L
My Father Sampler Belicoso with Lighter and Cutter, $65, TheMobileCigarLounge.com
PEAK Sphere Ice Mold, $18, GoToPosh.com
Honey Gift Box (four-ounce honey jar, beeswax candle and dipper), $15, FromTheHiveNJ.co
Holiday Gift Basket, $104, SweetSuccessGiftBaskets.com
Stackable Rings (white, yellow or rose gold), Prices Start at $200, TropianoAndSonJewelers.co
Tori Belle Magnetic Eyeliner and Lash Bundle, $55, Shop.ToriBelleCosmetics.com/TracyT/Home
Color Street Holiday Collection, $13, (buy three, get one free), MyColorStreet.com/SammyJ
Chunky Chain Link Bracelets, $19-$45, Shop5E.com
Vooray Aria Snow Leopard Bag, $60, PureBarre.com/Location/Bridgewater-NJ
Personalized Water Bottle, $20, Facebook.com/HeritageInspiration
Engravable Round Disc Bracelet with Diamond Halo in 14K Yellow Gold, $330, HenrysFineJewelry.com
Otbeat Burn Heart Rate Monitor, $109, Somerville.OrangeTheoryFitness.com
Thomas and Friends Lionchief Lionel Train Set, $199.99, Train-Station.com
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Starter Set, $39.99, Michaels.com
XO Earrings, $32, TouchStoneCrystal.com/ReneeTaveras
Frozen II Earth Giant Funko Pop, $9.99 (or buy 3 for $20), Stores.BarnesAndNoble.com/Store/2140
Koala Silicone Teether, $10.99, CuddleBearBottoms.com
GUESS: 2-Piece Silver-Tone Pavé Lucky Star Bobby Pin Set, $20, L.Macys.com/Bridgewater-NJ
14K White Gold Multi-Color Saphire and Diamond Bracelet (total weight is 4.25 carats), $6,000, SkiJewelers.com
Romeo's Marinara Pasta Sauce, $6.99, RomeosMarinara.com
