Tis the season to think about what you can do for others. One way to support local businesses and local families is to Shop Small and Shop Local. Taking a little bit of extra time to find your gifts locally can help financially support a family, secure local jobs, and part of the fun of giving is the shopping experience. The hand-selected list that you will find below are businesses and products that I would certainly buy for my own family!
East Side Mags
7 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair NJ
(862) 333-4961; Tue 10-7pm, Wed - Sat 10 - 8pm, Sun 10-6pm
Is someone in your family a regular comic book collector or would they like to be? You won't miss out on any new releases with the help of this store. They have lots of local events, games and happenings which can be found here.
Jojo Maman Bebe
6 South Park Street, Montclair NJ
(862) 621-1262; Mon - Sat 9-6pm, Sun 11-5pm
This is an international store that happened to open doors in Montclair’s downtown, lucky us! They carry maternity, nursing, kids, baby, and toys. Their kid's clothes are adorable and are designed to last. They have tons of toys, nursery items, adorable rain boots (is it just my kids who love rain gear?!), and you can find bathing suits for any of the trips you will be taking this Winter. My kids love riding the micro-scooters they have in store followed by sitting down to color at a kid’s t
Kidding Around
507 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair NJ
(973) 233-9444; Mon - Sat 10-7pm, Sun 11-6pm
This local toy store is a favorite for toys you would never necessarily have heard of before. Gifts that don’t have batteries, art related presents, games, pretend play, music, infant clothes, stocking stuffers galore and if you are shopping with your children, there is a fun area in the back for them to play. They offer free gift wrapping and I always end up buying something else while waiting for my special gift; there are so many cute things!
Learning Express
643 Bloomfield Ave, Verona NJ
(973) 239-2559; Mon - Sat 10 - 6pm, Sun 10 - 5pm
596 Valley Road, Montclair NJ
(973) 746-4020; Mon - Wed 10 - 6:30pm, Thurs 10-8pm, Fri & Sat 10 - 6:30pm, Sun 11 - 5pm
Always a favorite in town, Learning Express has a huge selection of gifts up to age 12 including Legos, Melissa & Doug, DIY craft kits, puzzles, bead kits, Calico Critters, a section for items under $5, and some personalized options as well. We love that they gift wrap and the staff can point you to options for the age range you are seeking in your budget
The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair
198 Bellevue Ave, Montclair NJ
(973) 337 -2899; Tue - Fri 10:30 - 6pm, Sat 10 - 5pm, Sun 10 - 4pm
Do you remember the store Sunshine Sam once in Bloomfield and then moved onto Valley Road in Montclair? This has a similar feel! The shop has a retro style featuring a variety of specialty treats and gifts — penny candy, locally produced gifts, toys, games, housewares, jewelry, books, ice cream, novelty items — and other great things! The owner, Wendy, is a doll! She provides staff with and without disabilities oftentimes working side by side. They have some Montclair gear that my kids are in love with.
Watchung Booksellers
54 Fairfield Street, Montclair NJ
(973) 744 - 7177; Mon - Fri 10-7pm, Sat & Sun 10-5pm
One of the best gifts my kids have ever been given was their own gift card to Watchung Booksellers in Watchung Plaza. They loved being able to buy what they wanted at the store and we loved that there weren’t too many choices compared to some of the national chain stores. My kids loved picking out journals, some books that help them learn how to read, even some magnets for our fridge. Make it a fun experience and eat at the attached restaurant. If you know exactly what books you want, they are so accommodating and responsive even to an instagram message to get you what you want.
