With the holiday season in high gear, shopping is on everyone’s mind. While it’s tempting to click through online catalogs, there’s something truly special about exploring small shops. Plus, it’s so much more personal and fun! Metuchen is a prime destination for unique gifts, showcasing talented local creators, and charming boutiques. You can find gifts that are as one-of-a-kind as the people you’re shopping for.
I recently enjoyed exploring Metuchen’s shops where I found an incredible selection of fantastic gifts. From cozy handmade items to posh jewels and clothing, there are dazzling and thoughtful presents that capture the spirit of the season. Of course, the extra bonus is that you’ll be supporting the community.
One of the best things about shopping in Metuchen is the ease of it all. You can skip the crowds, as the shops are all within walking distance of the Metuchen train station, and parking is free at the Pearl Street Garage from Friday at 5 p.m. to Sunday at 11:59 p.m. for up to three hours.
My first stop was New Market on Main Street, where I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse selection. They offer gifts for everyone—young children, teens, and adults alike. I spotted a lovely pair of silver half-hoop earrings and charming gold heart-shaped earrings. There were adorable wooden milestone markers for snapping monthly photos of a new baby, alongside a variety of Taylor Swift tumblers. Candle lovers will appreciate scents like “Calm & Cozy” and “Grandma’s Kitchen”—who could resist? Pair these with Tilly’s Tropical Earl Grey tea leaves for a warm and sentimental gift.
For those with an eye for elegance, Rose & Root is a must-visit. Their clothing and jewelry selection is sleek and refined, with bracelets and necklaces both gold-plated and gold-filled. One of their best sellers jumped out at me before I even walked inside, a red rust and white poncho, incredibly soft and light enough to layer under a jacket. It’s the perfect blend of elegance and comfort, making it an ideal gift for nearly anyone.
If you’re looking for carefully curated gift items, head to Papillon & Company, on the same block. This cozy shop offers handpicked items that change monthly, from sophisticated clothing and jewelry to ceramics and locally inspired sweatshirts. Visiting this cozy gift shop is like stepping into a scene from a holiday movie.
For the little ones, Genus Boni has you covered with nostalgic favorites like classic Legos, Pokémon games, and K’nex models, alongside a variety of toddler toys and books. Plus, they have a delightful two-foot toy pony that’s sure to be a hit.
If you’re a longtime Metuchenite, you know that you can count on Boyt Drugs for everything from medication to makeup, but you might not know that they have one of the most spirited sets of Metuchen-focused gifts in town. It includes blue, white, and gray T-shirts, sweatshirts, winter hats with pompoms, baseball caps, and cozy thick socks, proudly displaying Metuchen across the front. Boyt also has everyone’s favorite board game which has been customized into Metuchen-oply! It’s perfect for those who have left the town but keep Metuchen in their hearts.
As an animal lover, I couldn’t pass up an adorable ceramic cat bowl that read, “Feed me, pet me, leave me alone.” It was right next to festive ceramic cat and dog frames and mugs. Then I turned to see a bevy of handmade soaps and lotions designed by Michel Design Works (whose products are never animal tested) complete with festive red, white, and green labels displaying The Nutcracker and Christmas tree scenes. My favorite was the mini hand soap with a sparkly green or red nail file sticking out of it — the ideal stocking stuffer for nail and beauty enthusiasts! Plus, there were glittering ceramic silver and white or glazed red lovebird figurines, and red and white printed holiday dish towels. You can also purchase cards and wrapping paper to make it a one-stop trip. Boyt is a hidden gem for gift-giving.
If you have a foodie on your gift list, many local restaurants offer gift cards. Meximodo, Mangia Toscano, The Greek on Main, Torino, and Wood Stack Pizza Kitchen provide a range of options. Wood Stack goes a bit further and offers festive holiday drink kits that can be ordered online or picked up—complete with all the ingredients for making Manhattan, Martini, or Old Fashioned cocktails. The Manhattan kit features Bulleit Rye Bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, garnishes, and more—all beautifully packaged in a festive basket.
Spending a day shopping in Metuchen is always a treat. Besides the convenience and uniqueness of having many small shops, you can make it a day and grab lunch at the favorite pizza place La Rosa, check out Che Pizza in the square, enjoy hot chicken at Namkeen, or gather friends and shop together after a nice brunch at Hatch 44, Brewed Awakening, or Café Paris.
Besides the shops, the annual Winter Market was held on Dec. 7 at the Metuchen Town Plaza in the square from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last year’s market had handcrafts, gourmet food options, crochet items, and various other tailored gift ideas.
With such a tailored collection of old-school yet modern gifts, there is no need to holiday shop out of town. The shopping experience in Metuchen is just like the town itself: high-quality, carefully made, and filled with a whole lot of heart and even more love.
