By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and all the big box brands are ready to snag your attention and hard-earned money. It’s all too easy to scroll through Amazon or browse Target for cliche gifts, but this year, your family and friends deserve more. Christmas, Hannukkeh and other special days are excellent opportunities to support small businesses in your community. Shopping small benefits your neighbor, not some far-away CEO. You ensure a bright future for your hometown because you spend where it counts. Where do you even start?! I’ve got you covered. Here are 20 local gift ideas your tribe will cherish forever:
The Cape May bracelet,
Raising Surfers
Raising Surfers is a family-owned company from Sea Isle that supports surfing and swimming lessons with a portion of their earnings. Their beautiful jewelry and merchandise are based upon community connections and local hangouts. The stunning bracelet listed above includes a gold chain and delicate seashell to remind your recipient of their local ties.
Custom Cookies,
McHale’s Munchies
This gift is perfect for someone with a sweet tooth. Personalize beautifully-crafted cookies from a Mays Landing teacher and serve up some sugar to your friend or boss. Portions of purchases benefit research for cystic fibrosis, too.
Sea Salt Soap,
Cape May Soap Company
Everyone loves specialty soap! Your recipient will feel like they are bathing in the ocean (in a good way). The Cape May Soap Company offers lots of options of soap, candles and homeware, which could make for great stocking stuffers.
Lucy the Elephant Paint
by Number Kit, J Caplan Art
Jordan Caplan, an art teacher working in the Atlantic City School District, handmakes stunning paint-by-number kits based on local landmarks. Art enthusiasts will have a great time filling in the colors and creating a masterpiece.
Wool Yarn, Misty Meadow
Sheep Dairy Farm
Whether you are a knitter looking to create scarves or giving to someone creative, this yarn is warm and soft and straight from local sheep. Show your support for local farmers and purchase your gifts at Misty Meadow of Upper Township.
Glass Art, Blue Bottle Art
Maggie Senatore of Wildwood hand-crafts beautiful art made from tumbled sea glass. With clever sayings and cartoons, these cute pieces will tie a whole room together and make for a great conversation-starter.
Class Pass,
Grace and Glory Yoga
http://www.graceandgloryyoga.com/
Maybe your daughter-in-law loves fitness, or your cousin is constantly posting inspirational quotes on social media. Send them to Grace and Glory, which has locations in Galloway, Northfield and Atlantic City, and offer a variety of classes.
Beach Cruiser,
Beach Bike Warehouse
With this gift, you give connection with nature, transportation and fitness all in one! They’ll love riding up and down the Boardwalk, roaming the bike paths, and exploring the EHT Nature Reserve.
Shoreline Tour,
Steel Pier Helicopters
Calling all thrillseekers! Steel Pier offers helicopter rides around Absecon Island, including breathtaking views and incredible photo opportunities. Book your experience online today.
Mermaid, Unicorn or Fairy
Makeover, Bowfish Studios
Little divas can make their dreams reality through a special, kid-friendly makeover, complete with braiding, makeup, and a themed accessory. Make sure to take pictures of the before and after!
Jump Session (or Gift Card),
Get Air Trampoline Park
Kids of all ages will love soaring through the air as they bounce on massive trampolines. They can play dodgeball, dunk a basketball, or dive into a foam pit. How fun is that?!
Wildwood Haze Craft Beer,
MudHen Brewing Company
You can’t go wrong gifting craft beer, especially if it’s local. This New England IPA has notes of tropical fruit and lots of hops. Best of all, the design on each can is an artsy wave.
Two-Toed Sloth Encounter,
Cape May County Zoo
Is the sloth your sister’s spirit animal? Does your son sleep too much? An interaction with nature’s laziest animal will be the highlight of their year. Cape May County Zoo just received its newest baby, a 6-month-old sloth named Matilda, and you can’t pass up an opportunity to meet her!
Book of Tickets,
Playland’s Castaway Cove
Kids and kids-at-heart will love this gift! Ocean City’s premier amusement pier offers state-of-the-art coasters, family rides and fun galore. Although the park is closed for the off-season, you’ll make great memories once the weather warms up.
Head Over Heels Package, Enchanted Day Spa
I’m sure you know a couple who need a little relaxation. Send them to the Enchanted Day Spa in Ventnor for full-body massage, skin treatments, and even foot massages! The gift of self-care is necessary and wonderful.
Four-Hour Fishing Charter,
Shore Thing Charters OCNJ
The fisherman or woman in your life needs this gift. With this experience, you are offering an adventure, connection with other like-minded anglers, and a memory they’ll never forget. So many dads would love this!
Surfing the Garden State,
Bogy Art
Bogy is one of the most iconic artists of South Jersey, specializing in folk surf art. This print represents the state of New Jersey and its variety between regions. Frame this and hang it in your office, dorm room, or home arcade for a cool vibe.
Pirate Tour, Pirate Adventures
Families will never forget their voyage on Ocean City’s pirate ship. Children will participate in an exciting live-action story where they battle other pirates and find treasure. Book an experience for Pirate Adventures 2023 season.
Artisan Dog Treats,
Paw Dazzle Pet Boutique
Your four-legged friend will go nuts over these delicious treats. Dogs are members of the family and worthy of Christmas/Hanukkah gifts, just like everyone else. Why not spoil them..?!
Season Passes, Storybook Land
Families can enjoy this local theme park during the holiday season! Kiddie rides, storybook encounters, and delicious food make this park worth visiting again and again. Grandparents, this gift would be perfect from you!
Cinnamon Swirl Candle,
Lil Lights Candle Co.
Mays Landing mom Rayelle Hansen handmakes these organic, soy-based candles in partnership with her three-year-old daughter Nova. The candles smell fantastic, and make for the perfect gift for anyone in your life.
