Driving into Collingswood on East Cuthbert Boulevard onto Haddon Avenue, my eye caught a flicker of the green and red Krispy Kreme doughnut sign.
My car literally screeched to a halt as a “sugar pick me up” was needed – original glazed of course – before I attempted to start my annual holiday shopping.
I like to pick local mom and pop shops when shopping for loved ones and my first holiday shopping excursion may be just window shopping and putting an item on a list in “Yes,” “No,” and/or “Maybe” categories.
For these excursions, not only do I get to spend a few hours by myself, but I get to appreciate the hard-working men and women of these small business shops.
Walking along Haddon Avenue, I eye the colorful – yellow, red, purple, orange – mums outside Sara’s Produce. They are beautiful! If you have a family member who loves fresh fruits and vegetables, and farmers markets – like my mom – Sara’s Produce is the place to go.
I wrote down on my list that I must come back and select items and create a special arrangement Holiday basket of all my mom’s favorite produce.
Traveling further on Haddon Avenue, I bump into The Candy Jar by 1892. Now if you couldn’t tell, I have a sweet tooth – remember the glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut, wink!
I jot down on my gift list that each person will receive something from the Candy Jar. Even my best friend’s 3-year-old son, who is unfortunately allergic to a number of food items. But he’s really loving those PEZ candy dispensers – Disney characters are his favorite – and I’ll throw in gummy sharks, which he can have. Everyone else will get a chocolate box of some sort. The only problem is keeping myself from trying each chocolate from the assortment chocolate box. Tell me I’m not the only guilty person!
Next stop Wander Boutique. I saw this crew neck bow sweatshirt that my sister-in-law would love. It’s totally her style! I’ll add a brown half-moon tote to go with the sweater.
If you haven’t been, you have to check out Extraordinary Ed – Games, Toys and Puzzles. The owners are expert play professionals. Yes, you read that right! That’s what they say on their website. They enthusiastically are committed to providing memorable experiences that help “you connect with others while you learn, play, and grow.” They don’t just sell games, toys, and puzzles, their brains never stop thinking about them, making them experts in the field of play.
My little one at home loves drawing now. I picked up 8 Twin crayons, chalk and a portable chalk board with farm animals she can color. Also, she has a thing for toy crabs so I threw in the swimming sea crab bath toy.
I stopped by Principled Pet for my pup, Kila, a mix of a Corgi and pug (we think). They have these YoPup Frozen yogurt cups in a variety of flavors – bacon and pumpkin, apple and cheddar and peanut butter and banana. Kila loves peanut butter so I picked up the peanut butter and banana flavor.
Arts Plus Gallery has these throw pillows with the definition of “Mother,” “Grandma,” and “Sister.” I put this on my gift list!
Walking and thinking about “Who would like this and/or that?” made me tired. So I stopped by Grooveground Coffeebar for an afternoon “pick me up coffee.” Oh boy, there was so much to choose from! I eventually ordered the Café Con Leche and scone and sat down to enjoy!
As I was enjoying, it was hard not to observe the number of “eclectic gift” items they have. And as their website states, “Grooveground Coffeebar is a melting pot of food, drink, music, art, ideas, and people from all walks of life looking for togetherness, quiet times, date nights, or inspiration.”
Inspiration is right! As the Café Con Leche was kicking in, I added things to my gift list. First La Colombe Coffee is just the best! So, for my coffee loving peeps, boxed coffee to go in their stockings.
At Grooveground they have vinyl records, CD/DVD/Blue-ray discs and handmade items to choose from.
And believe it or not my dad still has his record player from way back when. Sooo, he is getting a vinyl record.
Across the way, All Fired Up caught my eye. It’s a “Paint Your Own Pottery Studio.” How cool! I love making experiences, so I’m going to invite my girlfriends, significant others and their kids to the studio for a fun activity in Collingswood.
After we can enjoy a brunch/dinner (on me) at the number of eateries in town from Thai, Chinese, Japanese to Mexican, Italian, and Oooh, they have a Bobby Chez Famous Lump Crab Cakes. We’ll just see what everyone is feeling that day after painting their piece of pottery.
What a great first holiday shopping excursion! — 08108
