Here’s to a joyful, not stressful, season of giving
by Julie Davis
There’s nothing dreamier than the holiday season: White lights glistening in the night, snow gently kissing the limbs of trees, and the sound of Silver Bells humming softly from every store front. And then there’s shopping.
For some, searching for the perfect gift makes the season anything but dreamy. Throw in a crowded mall and long lines, and it’s an utter nightmare. To save you from transforming into Ebenezer Scrooge, we’ve done a bit of the legwork. Here, a few wonderful finds to make your spirits—and those you shop for—exceptionally bright.
Pots of Love
Fashion designer turned pottery artisan Judi Tavill of Rumson throws her heart and soul into every exquisite creation. From stunning chip and dip bowls to structural vases, every piece in her impressive collection is sure to light anyone’s fire.
Fine Wine
Wine lovers will raise their glass to this sleek carrier, equipped with a traditional waiter style corkscrew. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns—from a shimmering metallic red to this iconic plaid.
iPersonalized
The iPad continues to be a top seller, and is expected maintain its elite status through the holiday season
. For those receiving one (or those who already own the device), this chic sleeve is a perfect add on. It’s available in an assortment of leathers and colors, and can be monogrammed for a more personal touch.
Gentlemen’s Club
Step inside this menswear institution to find everything for the dapper gentlemen—from blazers to ties to fedoras. Buy this entire look—an unconstructed moleskin sports coat with a wool herringbone leather-trimmed vest—or shop for individual items that best suit his style.
Starry Nights
Give them the sky. This luminous glass lantern creates the most celestial atmosphere—inside or out. Simply hang, light and enjoy the magic of a glistening starry night.
Hanging Star Lanterns, Bain’s Outdoor Living, Rumson
Clutch Worthy
Any woman worth her Birkin knows a fashionable clutch when she sees one. This stylish evening bag, designed by Alicia Reinersten (formerly of Little Silver and now of Spring Lake), is made with beautiful embossed leather and embellished with impeccable detailing. It’s a gift any handbag aficionado is sure to hold tight.
Bar Scene
For the friend or family member who loves to entertain, this set has everything they need to play bartender. Uniquely designed with crushed mother of pearl and mosaic accents, they’ll want to keep it out on the counter long after the bar is closed.
Picture Perfect
You simply can’t go wrong with a picture frame. This one by designer Jonathan Adler—porcelain white with studded detailing—is a portrait of the perfect gift.
Wallet of Steel
Sleek, slim and made from stainless steel, this wallet protects from RFDI (radio frequency identification)—a technology that enables wireless pick-pocketing, leaving your credit card information fully exposed. It’s a safe bet for any dad, brother or uncle who commutes or travels.
Carry All
The gift to get every mom—this luxurious faux fur tote is incredibly practical. She can carry every essential (from her iPhone and iPad to diapers and wipes) and look exceptionally stylish at the same time.
Wrap Star
The scarf has become a wardrobe essential, not to mention the finishing touch to any great outfit. Drape all the women you know in this fashionable Virginia Johnson design—it’s the ideal one-size-fits-all gift.
Luxe Be A Lady
She’ll make a dazzling entrance at every holiday party with these sparkling bejeweled bags. Each one is as glamorous as the next, and includes a hidden shoulder chain and plenty of space for her primping essentials.
Olga Berg Clutches, Le Papillon, Rumson
SHOPPING GUIDE
Red Ginger Home
48 Broad St., Red Bank
(732) 345-1000 redgingerhome.com
Shelter Home
704 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park
(732) 774-7790 shelterhome.com
Cocotay
1080 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright
(732) 708-1010 cocotay.com
Northshore Menswear
1080 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright
(732) 842-9909 northshoremenswear.com
Glow
The Grove at Shrewsbury
567 Broad St., Shrewsbury
(732) 747-2262 shopglowonline.com
Esoterica Ltd.
80 Broad Street #6, Red Bank
(enter on Monmouth Street)
(732) 758-1008
Le Papillon
7 West River Rd., Rumson
732-842-6490 lepapilloninc.com
Rumson China & Glass
125 East River Rd., Rumson
(888) 800-0020 rumsonchina.com
Ink Papery (inside Cocotay)
1080 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright
Bain’s Outdoor Living
125 East River Rd., Rumson
(732) 530-3210 walpolenj.com
Judi Tavill Ceramics
(732) 539-7009 jtceramics.com