Matching pajamas are always a great gift during the holidays. So are gift certificates and decadent chocolate. Fruitcake? Not so much. But if you want to get something special for that someone special, you might need a little help. You’re in luck. We’ve asked some of the Gift Gurus of Bergen County NJ for their must-have (and must-give) gifts this holiday season. So go ahead, make that list. Check it twice. We’ve got ya covered.
You never know what you’ll find when you stroll into Katie Diamond’s cozy store located in one of the oldest buildings in Ridgewood. Letter press or hand painted cards, wrap or beaded bracelets, cheeky cosmetics bags, soft comfy scarves, she’s got them all in her constantly changing, accessibly priced inventory of gifts and apothecary items. Then there’s the jewelry, bohemian luxe and ranging from fashion to fine and custom work, you’ll find something for every special lady on your holiday gift list.
So what does this jewelry artisan and accessory designer recommend for the holiday season? “Initial necklaces or initial stud earrings in either 14k white or yellow gold. These are great as singles for daughters, nieces or moms, or wear them as a family necklace with initials to represent every member.”
Katie Diamond Jewelry, 570 N. Maple Road, Ridgewood. 201.857.3660
You know they’re the go-to for amazing flowers in the Cresskill area, sophisticated bouquets, creative presentations and top quality blooms, but did you know that they’re also a great place to pick up a little something for hostesses, teachers, assistants, friends and anyone else who deserves to be spoiled?
What’s popular for gifts this year? Owner Sadhna Babani says "A luxurious candle brand called Baobab. Their latest release for the holidays is a limited edition line called Disco, an ode to the disco years and the joyful, ecstatic experience they brought to the world.This collection’s hand-blown glass has a metallic sheen, the result of multiple applications that create an ombré effect, just transparent enough to let the flame shine through."
Monsoon Flowers, 15 Broadway, Cresskill. 201.250.8110
If the idea of finding a gift for the lady in your life that is fashionable and flattering but not budget busting makes you want to toss your (adorably iced) sugar cookies, look no further for help than Kristin Dahl. Her well-curated store offers a range of apparel from comfy lounge-around-the-house clothes to night on the town chic. The best part? Somehow, (and we say this from personal experience) the pieces in her store effortlessly elevate every outfit.
We asked Kristin for her go-to gift idea for the season. Her response? “Pom pom hats. We can’t keep them in the store, they sell so fast. And they look great on everyone. Some of them actually have a detachable pom-pom.” So pick up a few extras so your lucky lady can have fun choosing different looks.
Kristin Dahl Boutique, 32 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park. 201.857-3577
Okay, you need a few hostess gifts, something for your boss, your kid’s teacher and the neighbors who just moved in down the street. Oh, and you’ve got to get some holiday cocktail napkins before you host your recipe group next week. Plus, you’ve got to do it all before you pick up little Jimmy and take him for pageant rehearsal (he’s a shepherd this year). Lucky for you, you only have to make one stop. Mango Jam, the legendary gift shop located in Ridgewood, can take care of all your gifting needs AND provide you with the perfect little something that will delight Aunt Shirley, who has everything.
So what’s the hottest item in the store? Longtime owner Tony Damiano says, “Hands down, the Nora Fleming line. It’s simple white tableware with a twist. Interchangeable “minis” enable you to celebrate each season. This year there are three new holiday minis – a reindeer, a sleigh and a cardinal.” Other minis feature football team helmets, sports themes, beach themes and holiday themes. Tableware items include serving trays, bowls and condiment caddies.
Mango Jam, 41 N. Broad Street, Ridgewood. 201.493.9911
It’s one thing to shop local when the store you are patronizing is in your neighborhood. But Market House takes shopping local to a whole new level by sourcing as many products as they can from local artists and artisans as a way to bring the talent of the community all under one roof. What can you find here? Home décor including candles and wall hangings, foodie favorites, apparel, accessories and apothecary items.
Need a unique and meaningful gift for someone special? Owner Chelsea suggests one of the store’s most popular items, a “pendant created with love by Dana Leigh for Kalos and Co. Necklaces are handmade with whimsical purpose from silver, gold and rose gold and feature different precious and semi-precious stones and celebrate the unexpected majesty found hidden in seemingly ordinary moments.”
Market House, 172 Center Ave, Westwood. 201.666.0234
Meet Mary O’Reilly, former fashion commentator and event planner to the stars, turned independent stylist and personal shopper. Mary brings her eye for quality, her passion for shopping and her love of a good deal to her role as your fashion right hand. Don’t trust your significant other to pick out the perfect, unique gift for you? Send them to Mary and she’ll do the shopping for them! Or, ask for a gift certificate and she’ll help you put the finishing touches on your special occasion attire or just work with you to develop a better strategy for every day dressing.
What’s on Mary’s must-have list this season? Velvet. “Whether it’s a cross-body clutch, a cold shoulder top, a jumpsuit or socks (!), velvet comes in every color, every size and every price point. A pop of velvet immediately makes everything more festive, fun and luxurious.”
Glow by Mary O’Reilly, By Appointment, Ridgewood, 201.575.5925
Who has time after running to every toy store and Target to try and chase down one of the last two NES games or L.o.l Surprise dolls on the planet to think about the men in their lives? That’s where Society Men comes in. Famous for its hand-selected wardrobe essentials, premium merchandise and friendly, knowledgeable staff, Society Men is the place to go for the latest brands he didn’t know he needed but will be so glad he owns.
We asked owner MaryAlice Snyder Farella, also of Society Femme fame, what should be on every man’s list this year. Her picks included “anything from Monrow, the LA-based designer of comfy, easy-to-travel-in men’s and women’s tees, sweats and dresses and all things fleece, vests and half-zips in particular.” For the women, she’s seeing fur flying out the door (see what we did there?) and the Kempton leather goods are great for unique, sassy stocking stuffers.
Society Men, 256 Westwood Ave, Westwood. 201.722.9300
Candace Arslanian Rosenberg, Personal Shopper at Westfield Garden State Plaza
Imagine a shopping excursion where the clothes come to you. That’s what happens when you use Candace, Personal Shopper Extraordinaire at Westfield Garden State Plaza. With a few days’ notice, Candace can pre-shop for her clients and have her picks waiting in a private dressing room for clients to try on. Valet parking and a landing spot in “The Suite”, a beautiful, sleek space reserved for styling and consultations, located at Entrance 11 on level 1 of parking deck B complete your dream shopping experience. Now imagine a holiday shopping excursion where the gifts come to you! All you have to do is select the perfect gift for everyone on your list from the items Candace has sourced and let her handle the rest.
What are people loving this year? Says Candace, “I am obsessed with fur fingerless gloves, perfect for the tech woman, or millennial. I own 3 pairs! I just wore my colorful ones today with a navy wool cape and 6 people asked me where they could purchase them. They also have “faux fur” options for people who prefer this over real. LOVE LOVE LOVE.”
Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus. 917.864.5527.
