Mom’s Vibe
By Krystle J. Bailey
Ah, holiday shopping is upon us. If you’re anything like me, you’re just getting started. Kudos to those of you who plan ahead and shop early. Whether you do the full-blown gift-giving holidays or you keep it small, small businesses are the way to go. Locally owned businesses are the fabric of our communities. Your friends, neighbors, and family members who own small businesses need your love and support more than ever this year. Before you hop on Amazon for your holiday shopping, consider the local businesses right here in South Jersey.
One of the greatest parts of shopping locally is a unique array of products. Most small businesses in the area offer something different than you’d find at Target or Walmart. They pour their love, time, and energy into creating products that set them apart.
Shopping small keeps hard-earned money in our communities and helps our fellow “South Jersians” continue to feed their families, keep their heat on, and provide for their loved ones.
Small Business Shopping Ideas for Kids
Toys
Local toy stores such as The Toy Market, with locations in downtown Hammonton as well as History Smithville, offer modern toys and games not otherwise found in stores. Joelle’s Card and Gift Boutique in Linwood and Mike’s Toys and Collectibles in Ocean City are two more locally owned toy stores to do some holiday shopping this year.
Activities
Looking for a unique gift to give the children in your life this year? Consider a gift card for an activity that they enjoy. Gymnastics, music, martial arts, cooking, and more are available right here in our backyard. I highly recommend Devine’s Martial Arts in Mayslanding as well as Bonilla Vocal Academy for music lessons. Some other suggestions include surf lessons from Heritage Surf and Sport in Ocean City, golf lessons at Ronnie’s Golf Hospital, or season passes to Storybook Land. Tangible gifts last a year or two but experiences and memories last a lifetime.
Eats and Sweets
Fill a stocking with sweets from the Village Sweet Shop in Smithville, Steele’s Fudge, or Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy. Follow it up with some locally made, high-quality vitamins from littlebeangummies.com.
From sweets to eats, consider giving a gift card or a voucher for a one-on-one dining date in the future to a local restaurant. Naomi’s Cafe in Northfield offers a variety of family-friendly events from visits with the Easter Bunny to balloon artists throughout the year. There are countless locally-owned restaurants that need your support this year. Whether you’re dining in or taking out, gift cards are a great way to support South Jersey restaurants this holiday season.
Apparel and Accessories
Bowfish kids in Ocean City has a wide variety of gifts for kids and babies from 0-14 years old. While you’re on Asbury Avenue, make sure you take a stroll through the variety of small-business stores including Staintons, Bohemian Mama and Blue Lotus. For the book lover in your family, stop at Sun Rose Words and Music.
Smithville always offers a wide variety of great gift-giving ideas from soaps and teas to treats for fur babies and apparel. Visit shadykisses.com for a one of a kind sunglass boutique or Custom Creations by Bonnie Marie on Facebook for custom apparel and merchandise, both owned by South Jersey residents.
Wherever you choose to shop this holiday season, think local first! As a community, this is our opportunity to heal from what has been a wild year. Lean on one another, support each other, love your neighbor, and shop local.
Happy Holidays, Shore Local family!
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet
