Whatever happened to taking the time to pick out a unique gift for someone that they will truly love? Perhaps something that won’t end up in a box marked “Yard Sale” next year. Don’t tell me you don’t have the time, all of these stores are local so you don’t have to worry about it being shipped in time and I have made a wonderful slide show so you can save yourself time by window shopping virtually. Most of our local stores offer one-of-a-kind gorgeous gift wrap so, if the person you are buying for is someone who loves a beautifully wrapped gift ask the store to see how they gift wrap and if they charge for wrapping. Then factor that into the price of the gift.
First stop is Jerry Rose Floral in Maplewood — one of the most gorgeous florist gift shops I have ever found. Manhattan designs with NJ price tags and a delightful friendly staff. When I showed Barista Debbie Galant the pictures from Jerry Roses she looked like one of my kids pouring over a toy catalog. From lovely mercury glass pieces, ornaments and one of a kind floral designs to providing the service of decking the halls inside your home Jerry Rose is a full service florist.
Here are my favorites from Jerry Rose Floral:
- Gold and silver glass finials-$15/$25/$40/$60
- Glass ornaments ranging around $30 and under
- Tiny evergreen topiaries
A few doors down I found Arts Unbound. An organization that provides art education and skills to youth and adults with mental, developmental and physical disabilities. The store carries mostly gift items from $40 and 
under made by the artists in the program but they also sell original artwork (see slide show) as well. This is a store I was so happy to discover and I admit I teared up more than once reading the artists profiles. Please support this wonderful organization. They truly are an inspiration and we are lucky to have them in our community.
Here are my favorites from Arts Unbound:
- Hand blown glass ornaments-$20-25
- Peace sign cotton shirts and bags around $30
- Puzzle made from Autistic artist Ronaldo Byrd’s painting-$12
Next stop is Glen Ridge to Rock, Paper, Scissors. This store is without a doubt the most organized craft store I have ever been to. Specializing in jewelry making (rock), scrap-booking (paper), and sewing (scissors). The store also carries a whimsical selection of very reasonably priced jewelery and other handmade items all created by local artists.
Here are my favorites from Rock, Paper, Scissors:
- Monster gift card holders and change purses-$5-$15
- Crochet flower hair accessories-$15
- All the hand-made jewelery (I can’t pick just one)- $12-$35
Right next door is Olea a clothing store for women and children. The price point of the store is similar to the Gap but with a far better selection of clothing and accessories not geared to women who are a size 0-2 ( child bearing is a bitch on the body. Am I right ladies?). LOVE STYLE? WIN A $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO THE STORE IN COMMENTS.
Here are my favorites from Olea:
- Kid O wooden toys-$30 and under
- Floral purse with strap-Under$30
- Floral children’s head bands and No Slippy Clippy Christmas barrettes-$15 and under
Tell us your favorite holiday movie or special in comments and win a $25 gift certificate to Olea!
Those finials are gorgeous! I guess I should schlep to Maplewood this weekend.
I miss the Little Drummer Boy. It always made my sister cry, but I loved it. Maybe the two are related.
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.
The Snowman
animated adventure about a young English boy who makes a snowman one Christmas Eve
Directors:
Dianne Jackson, Jimmy T. Murakami
Writer:
Raymond Briggs
“Ziggy’s Gift” and “The Xmas show” from “The Judy Garland Show” it is a train-wreck but I love it!
I never get tired of A Christmas Story or It’s a Wonderful Life.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Frosty the Snowman
Little House on The Prairie Christmas memories episode
A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott
Love Actually
Oh yeah, The Christmas Story too!
A Miracle on 34th Street. The original.
Ooh, that one too!
A Miracle on 34th St.
It’s a Wonderful Life
The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Black Christmas, old version
Elf!! “Buddy the Elf, What’s your favorite color?”
“The Christmas Carol” with Alistair Sims
Holly,
While they are located very near the GR border, both Rock, Paper, Scissors & Olea are located completely within the borders of the Township of Montclair…
Man, Carl….You just harshed my mellow!
My fave holiday movie is Groundhog Day.
I post a comment, it doesn’t show up for a while….This has been happening a lot lately.
Still hasn’t shown up. Any body else having delays?
Patience, Paz. Your posts are usually pearls. Clean your cookies.
Paz, that previous post took (full confession here) the length of cigarette on the sunporch to show up. So maybe it’s not you.
But your posts are usually worth the wait.
Sorry, PAZ.
(My post took a while to post also)
A Charlie Brown Christmas..It just says it all….and please, do local shopping..help the community – Happy Holidays to All.
“Father Christmas” an animated short by Raymond Briggs.
Kit, my cookies are clean…..organic gluten-free.
Great gift ideas! I love Olea, affordable fashion, you can always find something nice to wear.
My favorite holiday movie is Home for the Holidays with Robert Downey Jr. It’s funny family drama .
Rudolf and It’s a Wonderful Life
how the grinch stole christmas
Elf. . . You smell like beef and cheese!