Photo by Adrienne J. Romero / SOC Images.
It’s cold outside, but if you’re able to bundle up and muster up some courage to brace the weather, you might find it worthwhile.
In this gift guide, you can find a last-minute gift or make a new connection at a local business either near you or on the other side of Hudson County. So grab your coat and look around Bergenline in North Hudson, Avenue C in Bayonne or Kearny Avenue in Kearny.
There’s so much you can find.
Brewdacity – 725 Harrison Avenue, Harrison
On West Hudson you can find a community who mixes a love for gaming, collecting and coffee.
Brewdacity is a “hobby café” that offers collector and gamer goods from Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh! and more. According to their website, they mainly have new releases from Magic: The Gathering’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” Scene boxes, but if you can visit their store, you can find much more.
You might even run into one of their TCG or board game tournaments. The Hispanic, LGBTQIA+ and woman-owned shop welcomes everyone to “trade, play or just chill with friends who get it.”
They are open from Tuesdays to Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays to Sundays from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
If you have any questions, you can call them at 908-795-1994.
Get by Christmas? Give them a call to ask, or plan a visit!
Fusion De Moda – 120 Midland Avenue, Kearny
Fusion De Moda is bringing vibrant artisan clothing to Hudson County!
The shop sells blouses, dresses, ponchos and more, each designed and handcrafted by artisans in Mexico. The owner started the shop in hopes of helping families in Mexico who were struggling to sell their crafted items due to the pandemic.
She started selling items on Facebook Live and now owns the brick-and-mortar shop where she sells a variety of crafts.
Get by Christmas? Yes, if you go there soon!
Common Earth Company – 99 Monticello Avenue, Jersey City
Take a trip to the Bergen/Lafayette neighborhood of the city where you can find a treat for someone—whether it be a gift of provisions, holistic home goods, wellness service or something that shows out “Chilltown” pride.
The Common Earth Company is a Black-owned health and wellness lifestyle company. If you check out their website, you can find self-help books, home goods, personal care products and more. But by taking a trip over to the shop, you can find an even bigger range of items to choose from.
Additionally, they have community events, which are posted on their Instagram.
They are open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you need help getting there, you can ride the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to MLK Drive or No. 8 bus to Bergen and Communipaw Avenues.
Get by Christmas? Reach out to ask, or plan a visit!
Nueva Linea (Toy & Game House)– 5203 Bergenline Avenue, West New York
Nueva Linea on Bergenline Avenue has been a staple video game and collectible shop in West New York for decades.
The shop, located at 5203 Bergenline Avenue, offers a variety of gifts for any video game enthusiast in your life with their range of new and retro gaming systems and games. They also sell trading cards, figures, funko pops, vintage collectibles, hot wheels and more.
The shop is open from Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Get by Christmas? Yes, if you go there soon!
SBK On Broadway– 174 Broadway, Bayonne
If you know someone who has hometown or Hudson County pride, you can check out SBK On Broadway.
The shop sells a range of items including t-shirts, shoes, pillows, plates, candles and more. They have transformed the space to be a one-stop-shop for local artists and vendors of all mediums and crafts. If you look close enough—you can find something with “Bayonne” on it.
In addition to their inventory, they also host community events like workshops and vision board class, you can check out their upcoming events here.
They’re closed on Mondays, but are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you need help getting to the Downtown Bayonne shop, you can take the 8th Street light rail or hop on the No. 81L or No. 10 bus, and you’ll be there in no time! If you have any questions, you can call them at 843-270-5752 or email [email protected].
Get by Christmas? Give them a call to ask, or plan a visit!
Mom & Pop Shop– 185 Broadway, Bayonne
Enter a world of toys, collectibles and more to find a present for a gamer, collector or someone who just enjoys nice gifts.
Mom & Pop Shop has been in Downtown Bayonne for a little over a year. The neighborhood destination for “nostalgia” sells vintage toys, trading cards, retro treasures, figures and more. According to their website, “whether it’s your favorite superhero, a legendary ballplayer, or a memory from Saturday morning cartoons. Our shop is family-owned and dedicated to bringing a smile to collectors of all ages, from the seasoned pro to the wide-eyed child.”
Their hours are:
- Monday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You can call them at 201-354-9091 or email [email protected].
Get by Christmas? Yes, follow the same steps to get to SBK On Broadway and you can make a two-for-one trip!
Local Lore – 502 New York Avenue, Union City
Find someone special something handmade, vintage or thrifted from Local Lore. The shop is a one-stop spot for all things unique offering new and thrifted jackets, jewelry, shoes, knick-knacks and more.
They also sell metaphysical and astrological items and astrology readings. The shop is open from Tuesdays through Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Get by Christmas? Yes, stop in during their business hours or check their Depop shop for future gifts!
Cultural Shops In Hudson County
Want to get someone a gift that reminds them of home? Check out these local shops that sell imported goods.
- Made in Ecuador – 4004 Bergenline Avenue, Union City
- Tienda y Antojitos San Sivar – 5116 Bergenline Avenue, West New York
- Pinoy Kapamilya Food Mart – 1347 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, border of Jersey City/Bayonne
- Botanica Princesa – 124 Storms Avenue, Jersey City
Get by Christmas? Take a minute to stop in!
Grab A Bite: Holiday Eats Throughout Hudson County
If you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck or just need groceries, there’s so many local eateries and organizations you can get help from. Here’s some spots:
- Pompei Pizza in Jersey City
- Sal’s Pizzeria in West New York
- Stella’s Empanadas in Kearny
- Cibao Invita in Bayonne
- Mercy For My Neighbor in Jersey City
If you have more recommendations, DM us at @sliceofculture or email [email protected].
