It’s always important to shop small, but this year, it’s more crucial than ever to support small business owners in our communities. As a small business owner in Caldwell, NJ, I wanted to share some of favorite local small shops in the area. For all your holiday shopping needs this season, here is my list of places to shop small near Caldwell, NJ.
Holiday Gift Guide: Shop Small Near Caldwell, NJ
Clothing & Jewelry
Caldwell Jewelers • Caldwell, NJ
Family-owned and operated since 1980, Caldwell Jewelers offers custom-made pieces that are sure to dazzle.
On Bloom • Caldwell, NJ
On Bloom caters to all of the fashionistas on your list with their wide range of trendy clothes and accessories, whether it be at their shop on the avenue or through online store. Not sure what to buy? No fear–gift cards are also available.
Connie’s Vintage Trunk • Montclair, NJ
Connie’s Vintage Trunk is the perfect shop for gorgeous fashion that spans the decades. Vintage shopping is a great way to find stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces that have minimal impact on the environment by creating less pollution and waste, unlike fast-fashion stores. You can even shop from the comfort of your own home via their Etsy shop!
Hobbies & Gifts
Smith & Company • Caldwell, NJ
With the motto “Gift Giving Simplified,” you are bound to find treasures for your friends and loved ones here with ease. With a large selection of unique Christmas ornaments, candies, perfumes, and stocking stuffers, Smith & Company is a great place to shop for unique gifts for everyone on your list.
Giftbar • Montclair, NJ
Run by two sisters who opened the store based on the simple belief that shopping for gifts should be fun, you’re guaranteed to check off everyone on your list. With plenty of pop-culture inspired gifts, unique cards, and quirky stocking stuffers, you’ll walk out of Giftbar (or check out of their online store) with something for all of your loved ones, plus potentially a little something for yourself too!
Montclair Book Center • Montclair, NJ
One of the largest independent bookstores in the entire state, Montclair Book Center offers both new and used books (frequently at a lower cost than the listed price) in a warm, vintage setting fit for an indie film. It spans multiple levels with books nearly from the floor to the ceiling. Next door, they also sell CDs and vinyl records for the old school music lover on your gift list.
Food, Wine, & Liquor
Calandra’s Italian Village • Caldwell, NJ
No holiday is complete without copious amounts of bread, pastries, and delicious food! Voted the best bakery in New Jersey, Calandra’s serves freshly baked, hot bread every hour and offers a wide range of Italian and French pastries, cookies, cakes, and pies. Receiving a box of fresh desserts to pair with a cappuccino or mulled wine is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Don’t forget to buy some extra pastries and bread for yourself too!
Amanti Vino • Montclair, NJ
For the aspiring sommelier in your life, Amanti Vino offers an incredible variety of artisanal wines and small-batch spirits from around the world, including some more obscure varietals and hidden gems that aren’t at your average liquor store. Known for their knowledgable staff and comprehensive selection (and ranked in Wine Enthusiast’s top 50 wine retailers in the country), you can be sure to find something that pairs with anyone on your list.
Bath, Body, & Wellness
Dolly Moo • Montclair, NJ
2020 has been hard. We deserve all of the self-care products that we can get. Always handmade and 100% cruelty-free, Dolly Moo has all of your bath and body needs–from bath bombs to candles to aromatherapy to serums to perfumes! Visit their store on Glenridge Avenue or shop online for bath-time that just got elevated.
A Touch of Wellness • Caldwell, NJ
During stressful times, give the gift of R&R with spa services from A Touch of Wellness in Caldwell, NJ. Available at a special price during the holidays, A Touch of Wellness is offering the ultimate spa experience with two hours of pure relaxation, including a 60-minute massage, CBD treatment, therapeutic hot packs, sugar foot treatment, anti-aging facial, seaweed exfoliation, hydrating mask, collagen facial massage, and a hydrating lip and neck treatment for only $170 (regularly $280).
David Chad Beauty Parlor • Caldwell, NJ
After months neglecting hair-care and most likely attempted at-home haircuts, treat yourself or special someone to the ultimate hair experience at David Chad Beauty Parlor in Caldwell, NJ. The new salon is nestled in the heart of the town and has been dubbed an “architectural masterpiece” inside the Grover House building by Jack Finn Builders. As a new client, you will get a complimentary blowout and or waxing service at the time of booking (mention that you are a new client when making your appointment).
The Lash Lady • Caldwell, NJ
The Lash Lady is a one-stop beauty shop for make-up, lashes, facials, clean-beauty products, and more. Salon services are currently closed due to COVID-19, but you can still shop the salon online for gifts, natural beauty products, and clothing too! The Skin Fuel serum is my ultimate favorite for hydration and improving my skin health. Also, try her hand-made body butters!
Goddess In Eden • Verona, NJ
Ranked in the top 20 spiritual shops in the country and voted #1 in New Jersey, Goddess In Eden offers a wide range of crystals, local and handmade jewelry, herbs, and other spiritual supplies. For the person looking to elevate their living space with crystals and candles, treat themselves to aromatherapy and natural body care, or simply get more in touch with their spirituality, Goddess In Eden fulfills all of their needs, both in-person and through their online shop!
Florals & Plants
Blooms in Hand • Verona, NJ
With the days getting shorter, bringing flowers, plants, and color into your home can make a huge difference in the energy of your space! Give the gift of brightening up a home with Blooms in Hand’s beautiful custom bouquets, arrangements, centerpieces, and wreaths.
Floral Elegance • Caldwell, NJ
For special occasions or a gift for the host, give the gift of beautiful flowers from Floral Elegance in Caldwell, NJ.
As the holidays near, I hope that you shop small near Caldwell, NJ, this season! I’d love to keep growing this list; comment below with some of your favorite small businesses in Essex County.