WAJM Gift Guide: Give Big This Holiday Season With Gifts from one of these 30 Independent Shops

Curated by Amy Lothian and Lauren Parker

‘Tis the season of giving, and we at WAJM want to make sure that you give big this year! Whether you’re shopping for your family or friends, we believe that shopping locally is the way to go. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 30 independent shops that have something special for everyone on your shopping list. Read on to find out where you can get creative, unique gifts this holiday season!

For Him:

Prosperous Drip

We all know the saying, if you look good, you’ll feel even better. Have any beard- wearers in your life? Prosperous Drip will be your go to this holiday. This online boutique offers every product needed for a beard to grow! This holiday, you can shop their all-in-one beard kit that includes a beard shampoo, shaving gel, oil, brush and comb. Each bundle includes a gift box perfect for gifting! Ready to prosper? Order online today at www.prosperousdrip.com |

Instagram @prosperious.drip 

Photo: www.prosperousdrip.com

G Styles

Tis’ the season to step into some new drip! GStyles is a luxury street sneaker company that creates the waviest kicks for men. On their online shop you will find multiple designs with vibrant colorways to choose from. If you want to surprise your special someone with comfort and style this season, don’t just walk, RUN over to their website at Gstyles.life – G.STYLESSS | Instagram : @gstylesss

Enjoy 10% off of your first order when you sign up with your email!

Photo: Gstyles.life – G.STYLESSS

For Her:

Earthy Nail Polish

There’s nothing like a fresh mani and pedi after a long week! Earthy Nail Polish sells vegan, cruelty- free nail polishes, oils and coats. Their products were made to promote healthy nail care without harming the environment. Each product comes with a bamboo cap that keeps the polishes and oils fresh for a long time.

They offer a variety of warm and vibrant nail colors to order online. Have your special someone treat themselves to a healthy in-home spa day using Earthy Nail Polish this holiday! Check out their www.earthynailpolish.com. |

Instagram : @earthynailpolish. Photo: www.earthynailpolish

NT Wear Crotchet

Get crafty this holiday with NT Crochet. This black owned business specializes in 100% handmade custom-crochet pieces. The best part about custom made clothing is - each piece is one of a kind! Literally. On their website you can request the specific item you’d like to purchase or you can become a fashion designer and create your OWN custom design. Place your order by heading over to their IG @ntwearcrochet and fill out an order form Photo: @ntwearcrotchet (link in bio)

The Wednesday Shop

Say goodbye to the same old pieces from every online boutique and pick up something truly one of a kind at The Wednesday Shop. This black-owned boutique has everything from fire bodysuits, dresses, pants and accessories for the ladies who want to look as good as they feel. Based right here in New Jersey, The Wednesday Shop has pieces for all shapes and sizes including a full plus size collection and their Shades of Brown collection. Shop online at wednesdayshopofficial.com. Instagram: @thewednesdayshop.

Photo: wednesdayshopofficial.com

The Underrated Experience

What better way to make the special lady in your life feel special than with a full face glam from The Underrated Experience. Owned and operated by Makeup artist Alexis Cali, The mission at The Underrated Experience is to give recognition to Underrated Beauty & Artistry. Enhancing your classic beauty without over-creating the ‘Luxury You’. The Underrated Experience provides products and services that mimic your natural features dismissing the present standards of beauty. With everything from makeup, hair and glam, to one-on-one classes, The Underrated Experience is the perfect gift to show the beauties in your life that you appreciate them. Book a session online at www.theunderratedexperience.com. Instagram: @theunderratedexperience.

Photo: theunderratedexperience (Instagram)

Lumije Jewelry

For the lovers of nice things. Lumije Jewelry creates fine jewelry pieces without the retail markup. Lumijé brings over 60 years of diamond and fine jewelry relationships, credibility, and expertise and gives you the buying power to find exceptional quality curated pieces without the exceptional price tag. Their line includes beautiful earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings made of high quality materials and designed with style in mind. Check out their dazzling collection at lumije.com. Instagram: @lumijenyc

Photo: lumije.com

For The Family:

Fir & Needle

Fir & Needle is your one stop shop for everything custom gifting this season. This online shop has everything from blankets and ornaments to wall decor, candles and pillows. You can add a personal message or photo to any of their products and gift something truly one of a kind for those special someones. Instagram: @firandneedle Website: www.firandneedle.com

Photo: www.firandneedle.com

Bisforblackthebrand

Books are a great gift for any occasion. Bisforblackthebrand creates children’s books for the little black and brown readers in your life. Their books define representation, boasting colorful layouts and characters with glowy skin and fluffy afros, teaching kids how to love themselves and their appearance from an early age. Grab a copy of “B is for Black Girl” or “B is for Black Boy” online at www.bisforblackgirl.com. Instagram: @bisforblackthebrand

Photo: www.bisforblackgirl.com

Pasciuto Sisters CRUSHN

Spice things up this holiday season with a gift from CRUSHN. This brand crafts red pepper blends designed to elevate the ultimate pizza and spice lover’s experience. Their products include a range of spiced pepper blends including The Original–four spice blend, Crushn Sweet–a select blend of sweet and savory flavors, or grab their bundle box which includes all three signature Crushn spices. Order online at linkpop.com/crushn or on instagram at @im_crushn. 

Photo: @im_crushn (instagram)

Bag & Bougie

Get in your bag this Christmas with a piece from Bag & Bougie. This shop sells vegan, machine washable, bags for everyone from your baby to your fur baby. Their pieces come in a variety of trendy styles including backpacks, totes, handwoven messenger bags, convertible diaper bags and more. Check out all their designs at www.bagandbougie.com.

Photo: @bagandbougieto (instagram)

For Friends & Coworkers

Ajs Candle Creations

Who doesn’t love a good smelling space?! AJs Candle Creations is your source for handmade, sustainably crafted, and yummy-smelling candles that look just as good as the scents they produce. Support these New Jersey mom-preneurs by choosing from a wide range of non-toxic, eco-friendly smell goods. Scents include Lavender & Sage, Mahogany Teakwood and Honeysuckle Jasmine. Instagram: @ajs.candlecreations.

Photo: www.ajscandlecreations.com

Sous Aromatics

Luxury, Elevated, Aromatherapy. Oh my! Sous Aromatics make luxury candles with a purpose. Founded on principles of creativity, art, and luxury these candles stimulate the senses with scents that stand out. With fragrances like ‘It’s Unbelievable’ (mint mojito and lemon verbena) and ‘Brunch on Sunday’(baked apples with high notes of maple and savory bacon) there’s something to tantalize any taste and enhance any space. Sign up for their mailing list and get 10% off a candle for you or a friend at www.sousaromatics.com. Instagram: @sousaromatics.

Photo: www.sousaromatics.com

Butter’d Body Care

If it’s one thing skin needs this season it’s moisture. Butter’d Body Care delivers with creamy, buttery goodness in the form of hand crafted creams. Their fluffy formulas include their signature All Fluff Body Cream, perfect for everyday use and sensitive skin or try the Hyper Mango Body Cream that feels like a literal dream on dry skin. Grab both signature blends for you and a friend included in their bundle deal at www.butterdbodycare.co. Instagram: @butterdbodycare.

Photo:www.butterdbodycare.co

Blakk Smoke

Ditch the bad stuff but keep the good vibes with Blakk Smoke’s no nicotine, no tobacco hookahs, hookah pens and accessories. With 10+ flavors these non-addictive alternatives can help the smoker in your life kick their habit in time for the new year. They also have everything you need to set up a hookah station in your space and we mention black-owned?. Grab one of their gift cards and go crazy at blakksmoke.com. Instagram: @blakksmoke.

Photo: www.blakksmoke.com

General Gifting

J Marie Premium Sneakers

Premium Sneakers conceived in Detroit and handcrafted in Italy- *chefs kiss*. This black owned female brand curates genuine leather footwear that are sure to turn heads. Designs come in a variety of eye-catching styles and colors including the Born in the 80s Retro Trainer and the Exotic Lifted Mules. Not only does J Marie make gorgeous shoes, the brand is intent on giving back, support their mission by donating to their National Shoe Drive at jmariepremiumsneakers.com.
Instagram: @jmarieshoes85_premiums.

Photo: www.jmariepremiumsneakers.com

RN Candy Lynn

Feel good from the inside out with products from RN Candy Lynn. This registered nurse is all about health and wellness and creates healthy sea moss gel in a variety of yummy flavors. Their lineup includes Ginger Lemonade, Apple Cinnamoss, & Elderberry. Gift the gift of health this season with one of their products at www.https://rncandylynn.com.
Instagram: @rncandylynn

Photo: rncandylynn.com

Netergold

The body is a temple, treat it as such by making sure it’s clean and moisturized from head to toe. Netergold sets the standard for black skincare and haircare with a wide range of products for the hair and skin. This shop makes products for everyone in the family and even has a baby and child line. Grab a bar of black soap for you, a bonnet for mom, and beard oil for dad at www.ntrgldshop.com.

Photo: www.ntrgldshop.com

T. Cozy

Express yourself with a custom art piece hoodie or t-shirt from T.Cozy. T.Cozy is the brainchild of artist True God who services inspiration from 90s style fashion and graphics as well as 90s cartoons with a clash of modern mashups. His designs are colorful and fun and feature characters, artists, and more. Check out their designs or create one of your own at siteid-1354205.onuniverse.com. Instagram: @t.cozyyyy

Photo: @t.cozyyy (instagram)

Salimahs Dessert Palace

It’s not the holidays without some yummy sweets on the table. Salimah’s Dessert Palace has everything to satisfy that sweet tooth from cakes, to cookies, ice cream and custom pudding pans. This New Jersey baker creates it all with flavors like Golden Oreo White Chip, strawberry cheesecake crunch, and funfetti. All their baked goods also come with the infused-optional so you can really kick your feet up and enjoy your treats. Order the best treats in New Jersey at @salimahs_dessertpalace.

Photo Credit: @salimahs_dessertpalace (instagram)

Mint and Ocean

Wellness is the name of the game for Mint and Ocean, an online shop that makes natural goodies the body and skin from the inside out. With a 5-star shop rating, it’s clear these products are not only good, but good for you! Mint and Ocean makes everything from vegan lip gloss and balms to vegan wellness supplements for hair and skin. Glow from the inside out and gift the beauties in your life with their lineup of natural organic beauty and healthcare products made right here in South Jersey. Check them out at www.etsy.com/shop/mintandocean. Instagram: @mintandocean

Honorable Mentions:

Stronghold Shop

You’re only as fly as your outfit. Put together a fit that’s sure to start a conversation with exclusive pieces from Stronghold Shop. With 2 locations in Bloomfield and Menlo Park Mall, this trendy apparel store is the place to go for the freshest pieces. A New Jersey staple, Stronghold is the shop for unique pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. Shop in-store or online at @strongholdshop.

Photo: @strongholdshop (instagram)

Haus of Spicy

Who doesn’t love a good pair of hater-blockers, aka stylish shades? This black owned shop has everything to protect you from UV rays and evil eyes at Haus of Spicy. The luxury eyewear brand caters to the fashionistas with stylish frames in a variety of colors, perfect for any outfit. Spice it up this winter with a pair from www.spicyhaircare.com. Instagram: @hausofspicy.

Photo: www.spicyhaircare.com

True Seamoss

Y’all better come get you one of these…it’s True Seamoss! This black-owned sea moss company offers a homemade fruit-infused Sea Moss gel that can be added to smoothies, fruit bowls and more. They also offer pre-made juices infused with moss that are ready to drink for our on-the-go folks! Choose from a variety of flavors such as pineapple limeade and strawberry limeade.

Fun fact: Seamoss is a sea vegetable filled with minerals that helps our body stay energized and even helps with self-esteem. Grab a bottle for you and a friend and cheers to prioritizing healthy habits this New Year at www.trusseamoss.com. Instagram @trusseamoss.

Many Beans Coffee

I said burr… it’s cold in here! What’s better than fresh coffee in the atmosphere? This black owned coffee shop sells delicious, rich instant Colombian coffee. Each uniquely designed 4 oz. bag can make up to 60 cups of coffee! Simply add water and creamer or sugar to your liking and enjoy. Have a coffee lover in your life? We can guarantee they’ll love a warm, quick and tasty cup of flavor this holiday. There’s many things to do in a day but first head over and cop a bag of ManyBeans today at .manybeanscoffee.com. | Instagram @manybeanscoffee.

Photo: www.manybeanscoffee.com

Secür

Secure the bag this holiday and shop in style with Secür. This chic shop sells the trendiest pieces for any occasion. Need help shopping? They also offer the ultimate personal styling experience at their stores located in Newark, New Jersey and Jersey City, New Jersey. Strut into the New Year new exclusive and hot pieces at www.securebykbs.com |

Instagram: @securbykbs

Photo: www.securbykbs.com 

Brown Mills

Keep it cozy this holiday in the waviest pieces from this luxury black-owned clothing brand. Founder and CEO Justis Pitt-Goodson launched Brown Mill in 2009 in honor of his grandparents' hard work and dedication. This holiday, you will find a variety of handcrafted garments from jackets, t-shirts and clean cut pants for that special man or woman in your life. Check them out online at www.brownmillcompany.com or stop by and show some love at their store located in Downtown Newark.

49 Halsey St. Newark, NJ. | Instagram @brownmillcompany

Photo: www.brownmillcompany.com

Avenue Black

The streets have spoken and Avenue Black is a stop you must make this holiday! This luxury street-wear brand offers clean-cut track jackets and pants with their trendy logo finely detailed on each set. Whether you live in the city or not, you are bound to stop traffic in these urban pieces at this shop. Did we mention they’re black owned? ***Drops mic. Check them out TODAY online at www.avenueblackshop.com or in-store

1750 Deptford Center Rd Deptford Township, New Jersey

Photo: @avenueblack.shop

Primetime

Looking for exclusive, quality or vintage designer pieces this season? Look no further than Primetime. The New Jersey-based retailer specializes in supplying North Jersey’s most fashionable with authentic pieces. Located in Menlo Park Mall, in Edison, NJ Primetime sells everything from high end designer bags, to vintage hats, and even priceless sports cards. Check out their collections at primetimemenlo.com or shop in next time you’re in the area.

Instagram: primetimevntg

Photo: primetimevntg (instagram)

Driven

Upgrade your drip with merch from Driven. With 4 locations across Jersey and New York, you can pick up a piece or create your own at Driven. The retailer supplies men’s and women’s apparel with original designs from one of their collections and gives shoppers the option to customize their pieces as well. Head over to shopdrven.com and grab a hoodie and sweats set for the cozy but fashionable. Instagram: shop_drven.

Photo: shopdrven.com