Coming home for the holidays is just that much more charming when the town you grew up in is thriving with small businesses, every kind of restaurant, and fun experiences sure to excite.
Crafting this gift guide has been a nostalgic journey down memory lane, but also an inspiring glimpse into the future — and exploring local places old and new with my family couldn’t have gotten me in the holiday spirit any more.
It’s never too late to find that perfect present, so without further ado, here are some one-of-a-kind highlights that Metuchen has to offer during this holiday season’s shopping spree.
Unique & Boutique
Who doesn’t love a fun novelty?
New Market is a co-op home to several local vendors like Harry’s Mama’s Faves Lotions & Potions, which makes all natural skincare products, Tiny & Bubbs playdough sensory kits & party favors, which encourages exploration through themed sets ranging from ice cream to outer space, and Creative Twist Events, which hosts bracelet-making classes featuring their bead and charm bars.
New Market truly is a one-stop-shop for supporting the community and scoring winning gifts for everyone at the same time.
But if you’re looking to stroll to other stores on a bright and crisp winter day, FK Living boasts treasures spanning New Yorker-themed playing cards and Original Duckhead Umbrellas to Peanuts themed coffee mugs and Puzzle Post escape rooms (inside an envelope).
Rose & Root has both capsule basics and specialty clothing to spice up the closets of the fashionistas in your life, whether they could use a sparkly disco pant set or a stunning black jumpsuit. To add on to the elegance, dazzling adornments can be found at A&J Jewelers, Leonardo Jewelers and the Jewelry Doctor.
And don’t let Boyt Drugs fool you by name – some of the most desired Metuchen swag can be found right where you pick up your prescriptions. Pair with your choice of hundreds of cards by American Greetings and Hallmark, and trust that the Metuchenite in your life will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Another unmistakably Metuchen store that will cater to the athletes in your life is Runner’s High, where you’ll find a wide selection of sneakers, both competition and leisure apparel, various nutrition items, and must-have accessories.
The perfect oasis for a lover of retro things? Hidden upstairs above the hustle and bustle of Main Street, RAG!NGEEK Comics & Toys houses traded comics, figurines and graphic novels. And for antique finds, The Emporium is the go-to for vintage signs, second hand mid-century modern furniture, and a variety of upcycled decor.
Adventurous Activities
You can never go wrong with a group party that ends in a handmade memory. Lux Candle Lab hosts Sip and Pour candlemaking classes where you can BYOB and leave with a customized candle — and if tattoos are of interest, Fresh Ink 101, New Jersey’s first BYOB tattoo class, is taught once a month. You can also create, play, learn and take home a keepsake at Lore Ceramics, which offers pottery classes, workshops and private events.
For both young and “more seasoned” arcade enthusiasts alike — or simply someone who values experiences more than a physical item — YESTERcades is the ultimate destination for playing games like pinball, air hockey, Pac-Man and much more.
Metuchen has places for tots, too, of course, such as a “tiny town filled with dramatic play” (not unlike Metuchen). Miss Sara’s Play Place and Balloons offers open play sessions in themed areas, like a mini market and an animal hospital, as well as specialty balloon offerings to make big celebrations all the more magical.
For something to play with at home, Genus Boni provides board games, educational toys and trinkets kids will love — and a selection of freshly brewed Asian teas adults can indulge in.
And for all the self-care queens and kings out there, Metuchen has no shortage of salons and spas, including Nails By Us for a mani-pedi, the Black Door for a signature hairstyle, and Merle Norman for a nourishing HydraFacial.
For the Foodies
Whether you’re spending the holidays away or hosting, look no further for delectable additions to the table than baked goods from Pastry Lu, Italian specialties from Fresco by Jimmy, Dominican delights from Angie’s Cafe and Bakery or a cake decorated like no other from AwesomeYO.
Gift cards and planned outings are also keys to deliciousness. If you’re craving a luxurious dinner, check out the much anticipated Duke’s Steakhouse, the Chinese-inspired Ram & Rooster, or the recently renovated Terzo for contemporary Italian fare.
For the perfect pick-me-up, visit Akihi for boba, ice cream and snacks. And if you have enough time to play a boardgame and capture the moment in a photobooth, Boba Tea Time even has a karaoke room in the back of the shop.
Wrapping Up
All this shopping will probably make you hungry. Good thing Metuchen’s eateries are as frequent as they are diverse.
For a bite to eat or bev to sip to celebrate a haul well shopped, Cai’s Cafe or Brewed Awakening will have just what you need, whether that’s a berry matcha or a classic breakfast sandwich.
For a bigger meal with your friends or family, a deliciously innovative brunch awaits at tried and true favorites Hatch 44 and Meximodo, while you can grab a later lunch at Bonney’s BBQ. If a quick and easy slice is more your speed, stop by Antonio’s, La Rosa or Che Pizza.
No matter who you’re shopping for this holiday season, one thing’s for certain: you can’t go wrong with any of the gifts found in Metuchen — they’re almost as good as the journey to collect them all.
