It’s time to get out that list and check it twice—the holiday shopping crunch has begun. And though clicking on a big box retailer is always convenient, shopping locally can be more satisfying and personalized (plus, no package delays if you’re picking up). Or, for a truly local treat, gift an experience that will bring joy for months to come. Scroll down for our local 2023 NJ MOM Holiday Gift Guide, chosen by our editors, including unique ideas from our NJ MOM Partners. Want more ways to celebrate this holiday season? Make sure you fill your bucket list with our guide to all things holiday. (featured photo credit: Istock/lambada)
Gifts for everyone on your list
Photo Credit: Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School
This holiday season, give the kids in your life the gift of swimming at Goldfish Swim School. They’ll be unwrapping more than just the usual presents. They’ll be unwrapping memories and fun in a safe and clean environment. Most importantly, they’ll be unwrapping the gift of water safety — the gift that can save their lives. Goldfish Swim School is New Jersey’s premier learn-to-swim program with several locations, including Closter, Denville, Edison, Livingston, Manalapan, Middletown, Princeton (coming soon), Springfield, and Wyckoff. For more information about holiday packages, please visit Goldfish Swim School online.
Gifts For Her
Photo Credit: CASH and CLIVE
Ginny Cardigan ($349)
For the fashionista who also likes to be practical, the Ginny Cardigan is an ultra-chic and cozy treat. With flattering balloon sleeves and a colorful hand-knit look, you’ll be able to wear this now and for years to come. Available at CASH and CLIVE in Cape May.
Photo Credit: Paper Ribbon & Wrap
Crystal Madeline Hoops – Mignonne Gavigan ($150)
These sparkling hoops lend a dressy look to any outfit–wear them on a date night or when you’re hosting a special occasion. The light-reflecting crystals set on rhodium-plated brass bring a subtle, rich look that can be layered with other statement pieces or worn alone. Available at Paper, Ribbon, & Wrap in Millburn.
Photo Credit: Thread & Root
BC SOL Leather Bag ($75)
If you haven’t heard, going crossbody is the chic mantra for stylish moms everywhere. Elevate the athletic look with this leather one that can effortlessly transition from waist pouch to crossbody handbag–taking hands-free to a whole new level. Available at Thread & Root in Cape May.
Photo Credit: Willow St. Boutique
Dion Jacket Olive ($377)
A moto jacket that keeps you warm? Yes, please. The plush faux shearling and sleek buckles give this stylish coat an edge. Wear it with jeans and boots when temps dip, or throw it over your shoulders with a maxi dress for a sophisticated touch. Available at Willow Street in Morristown and Summit.
Photo Credit: The Life
3-Pack Leo Pouch Set ($42)
Stay organized with this 3-Pack Leo Pouch Set in a durable cotton and linen set. The minimalist style goes with anything, and the pouches are small enough to hold credit cards and change to being roomy enough for diapers, wipes, receipts, makeup, and more. Available at The Life in Westfield.
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Photo Credit: A Million Lilies
Lilium Shirt Dress
As busy moms, we know a go-to dress for any occasion is a must-have. The versatility and comfort the Lilium Shirt Dress provides is the confidence boost every mom deserves – especially during the postpartum phase. Founded By Christine Youn after giving birth to her son Miles, A Million Lilies seeks to support all mothers in their journey of continued self-love as they welcome a new life and changes to their bodies. The shirt dress is designed to compliment women at every stage and every style as a staple wardrobe piece that is effortless & chic. The Lilium Shirt Dress intertwines luxury with sustainable elegance and form-loving details. For a million ways to style, visit us at www.amillionlilies.com
Gifts For Him
Photo Credit: John Hyatt
Peter Millar Essex Quilted Travel Vest ($230)
Modern dads are swapping suits for sharp vests to wear in the office and out, and this windproof, fleece-lined quilted version goes the distance, adding a layer of warmth and flair to the basics. Available at John Hyatt, Summit.
Photo Credit: REI
Arbor Westmark Rocker Snowboard – 2023/2024 ($549.95)
If he’s clearly on team snowboard, he’ll be wowed by this sustainable wood board. Its refined twin tip and tail shape offers stable takeoffs and landings, locked-in board slides and presses, and a surfy and carefree cruise. Available at REI locations in East Hanover, Princeton, Paramus, and Marlton.
Photo Credit: Surf Shack South
Jetty Fireside Blanket ($100)
What’s better than hanging by the firepit? A sherpa-lined blanket for those cool nights on the beach or in the backyard. Give this to him to stash in his car—the strap carrier makes it easy to tote along, whether it’s a family campout or watching a soccer game. Available at Surf Shack South in Beach Haven.
Photo Credit: Big Mohawk
Big Mohawk Fishing Trip (Prices vary)
Setting sail daily from Belmar, Big Mohawk offers party fishing boat trips all year (they’re currently fishing for stripers). Buy him a gift card to use when he chooses, and wish him luck for a big catch to bring home. Available in Belmar.
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Photo Credit: OSIM uDivine V2 is a Full Body Massage Chair
OSIM uDivine V2 is a Full Body Massage Chair
OSIM uDivine V2 is a Full Body Massage Chair designed for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. It features the patented 4-Hand and V-Hand massage techniques that deliver precise and therapeutic massages, targeting specific pressure points on the body. With customizable massage programs, adjustable intensity levels, and a luxurious ergonomic design, OSIM uDivine V2 provides a deeply immersive and personalized massage experience, making it the perfect choice for those seeking unparalleled comfort and stress relief at home. Locations in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
Gifts For Kids
Photo Credit: A Little Whimsy
KIKO+ & GG* Retro Play Telephone ($55)
Ring, ring—littles will love going retro with a wooden toy phone that offers imaginative play and harks back to a simpler time. Kids can insert the wooden coins (included with an adorable yellow-striped pouch) to make a call, and when they hang up, the change is magically returned. Available at A Little Whimsy in Haddonfield.
Photo Credit: Toy Division
Tinker Totter Rockets Playset ($31)
Skip the plastic building sets and go for one that saves the planet and encourages creative thinking. Kids can build their own customized rockets with this wooden playset made from sustainably grown rubberwood and finished with non-toxic, child-safe wood stains. Bonus: It looks good enough to leave out in the grown-up rooms too. Available at Toy Division in Summit and Maplewood.
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Photo Credit: Five Star Swim School
Photo Credit: Bowfish Kids
2-in-1 Bamboo Tricycle & Balance Bike ($122)
Toddlers can grow with this ride-on trike and bike, aimed to create balance so that once mastered, kids can readily move on to a real one. Made with sustainable bamboo and eco-friendly inks, your little one will appreciate the big kid looks and attached bike basket. Available at Bowfish Kids in Ocean City.
Photo Credit: Little Sunshine Boutique
Tree Farm Knee High Socks ($26 for a pack of three)
A stocking for the stockings—why not? Little toes can get cozy and be the hit of the Christmas party with these adorable knee socks adorned with trees and festive bows. Available at Little Sunshine Boutique in Point Pleasant.
Photo Credit: Beckers
Magna-Tiles Arctic Animals ($46)
Go on a polar expedition with the wildly popular Magna-Tiles, where kids can explore using the tracks of polar bears and penguins to build their native habitats (and learn from the fun facts on the box). The magnetic shapes are a perfect fit for little hands and magnetically link together in a click—plus, they’re also compatible with other Magna-Tile sets. Available at Becker’s online.
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Photo Credit: American Dream
American Dream Gift Cards
Gift More, Get More American Dream Gift Cards are the perfect stocking stuffers—and this holiday season, for every $250 in American Dream Gift Cards that you purchase starting Black Friday, Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, 2023, we’ll reward you with a free All-Access admission pass to Nickelodeon Universe or DreamWorks Water Park, redeemable on weekdays in January and February 2024. Each guest can earn up to 4 free tickets!
Gifts For Tweens And Teens
Photo Credit: Violet & Valentine
Micro Rose Gold LED Cinema Lightbox($26)
A mini-sized lightbox encased in rose gold is a cute way to communicate and say how they really feel. A matching braided USB cable is included. Available at Violet & Valentine in Manasquan.
Photo Credit: Toy Division
Spinballs Glow.0 LED Poi kit ($25)
Get your tween to step away from the tech with these spinballs that let them paint the night with color and light while improving balance, coordination, reflexes, and motor skills, as well as fostering flexibility. Available at Toy Division in Summit and Maplewood.
Photo Credit: NHL Shop
Devils Knit Hat ($26)
This season, root for the home team with a fan-favorite hat that shows their love for the game—NJ DEVILS! Available at Fanatics NJ Devil Shop online.
Photo Credit: Toy Market
LED Funlight Speaker ($30)
Pump up the party mood with this portable Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a light show and impromptu disco. Available at Toy Market in Hammonton.
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Photo Credit: Candy Swag
Candy Swag
CandySwag is an e-commerce company based in Gillette, NJ, designed for anyone from candy enthusiasts to gift aficionados or anyone looking for something sweet or unique. Specializing in curating the finest selection of candies and sweets from around the world, we go beyond being just a candy store. With “sweet” embedded in our name and passion fueling our mission, CandySwag is committed to making every day a little sweeter for our customers. Our virtual shelves boast a delightful assortment of carefully chosen treats crafted into curated gift experiences that turn moments into lasting memories. From birthdays to thank yous to random acts of kindness, CandySwag is your go-to destination for spreading joy, one sweet treat at a time.
Gifts For The Home
Photo Credit: The Spotted Whale
Roseland Vase ($195 large, $125 small)
Bring an art-inspired piece that is both practical and pretty. The blue, white, gray, and black speckled opaque glass brings a contemporary vibe to the vessels, whether in an urban or shore setting. Available at The Spotted Whale in Stone Harbor, Beach Haven, Ocean City, and Barnegat Light.
Photo Credit: Homestead
Jersey Shore Day Pillow ($109)
For the shore lover, this embroidered wool pillow adds a unique touch to any sofa or chair and brings to mind sun-filled memories spent from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Available at Homestead in Princeton.
Photo Credit: Rubino Resins
Jersey “Down the Shore” Christmas Ornament ($12)
For the mom’s gift exchange—this stunning custom-cut resin ornament will make any tree a bit brighter and honor a love for the Garden State. Available at Rubino Resins Etsy shop online.
Photo Credit: Carrie Dunham
Glasshouse Fragrances Winter Wonderland Candle ($55)
Candles are always a hostess go-to, and this playful and festive decorative one features a soy, non-toxic blend of Pine Needles, Eucalyptus, Red Fruits, Fir Balsam, and Spruce blended with CedarWood. After the candle burns down, the lidded jar is a decorative keepsake for next year. Available at Carrie Dunham in Bayhead.
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