December 1
...serving up your daily dish.
Tired of the same old presents every year or worse, schlepping to the mall? We've got shopping elves scoping out Baristaville's great gifts. Find this first batch of goodies at The Banyan Tree:
Give beer aficianados, (this site has more than a few) a stylish way to imbibe favorite micro-brews, with chic, colorful beer steins manufactured in the Czech Republic. Ritzenhoff comissioned Eastern European graphic artists to put one-of-a-kind designs on the steins. Glasses are hand painted, and numbered, limited edition pieces. Gift boxed individually, with 4 matching coasters, $45.
Wrap that special someone who exudes warmth and beauty in one of these exquisitely made jewel-tone shawls from India. Generously sized, in handmade silk or wool, they're adorned with glam gorgeous beading and accented with leather, tortoise shell and metal trims. Assorted colors, $155 - $370.
December 1, 2005 in Shopping With Barista | Permalink
Oooooh! I have a fetish for playing card motifs! Love that collection. Santa, are you listening? :-)
Posted by: Miss Martta | Dec 1, 2005 2:33:34 PM
One of my favorite stores is Taj Mahal in Bloomfield, 65 Washington St.
It is filled with original clothes - like those flowy skirts currently in style and tunic tops, all cotton, all good prices, and all more original then anything you can find at the mall.
They also have every kind of scent at good prices, silver jewelry, shawls, and bags.
The place is run by a very nice couple, but be warned – the husband could sell ice in the artic!
There is a parking lot down the block with metered parking, and usually has open spots.
I know I post about this place a lot – but it is a great store and I’d hate it if it went away because it’s hidden in Bloomfield redevelopment zone. The store itself isn’t part of the eminent domain issue – but when construction begins I don’t want them lost in the dust.
Posted by: hrhppg | Dec 1, 2005 2:45:53 PM
Post about all your favorite stores -- Baristanet gift elves are listening and who knows, we may get some prizes, too...
Posted by: shadled | Dec 1, 2005 3:09:33 PM
One of my current favorites is Ruby -- a great womens clothing store on Church Street. I know the building is owned by "he who shall not be named" but don't hold that against the owners. The owners, and their staff, are very helpful and will give you honest answers about how something looks on you!! They carry a variety of funky styles for a variety of ages and personalities at a variety of price ranges. (They also have a bench where husbands/boyfriends can sit -- mine has been known to fall asleep while waiting.)
Posted by: talliewoo | Dec 1, 2005 3:19:01 PM
Please keep these kinds of posts coming! The idea of finding some creative gifts and supporting local businesses at the same time excites me.
I promised myself to try to do this this year.
Posted by: drob | Dec 1, 2005 3:25:33 PM
Marc & Eric is a delightful (hardly even open yet) food specialty takeout spot on Bloomfield Ave where Indigo Smoke's smaller restaurant was. Their sample gift baskets are very beautiful looking, with fussy finery for your favorite foodie. Great sandwiches and good coffee, too.
Posted by: ginger | Dec 1, 2005 3:55:45 PM
I used to love The Banyan Tree, but it's way too pricey now. But there are many shops here that are affordable and great for Christmas shopping. These are some of my favorites :
Copabananas on Church Street - quirky, funny and stylish stock and staff that make the shopping both fun and productive. Great cards and gift wrap; gift books; and all sorts of gags and collectibles. The small items for sale by the cash register there remind me of my childhood when Mom & Dad would let each of us kids pick 1 item to buy at the 5 and 10 store. My nieces love the things I buy for them here.
Dobbs Ltd., also on Church Street, has great costume jewelry, clothing and more (picture frames, soaps, candlesticks, etc.). Good deals on the sales rack each day, too. The main problem with this store is that I am always tempted to buy for myself there, instead of for the person I'm shopping for.
Watchung Book Sellers in Watchung Plaza is a great shop - nice people, very helpful, and good stock. A nice local alternative to Barnes and Nobles.
Dem Two Hands on North Fullerton - wonderful women's clothing and accessories. Well made, with marvelous colors and designs, especially if you're looking for something dramatic (they also have a great knit shirt assortment for layering or casual wear).
Supporting the local merchants is easy when they're this good.
Posted by: Marianne | Dec 1, 2005 7:17:26 PM
Marianne- I wish I was on your holiday list- I agree with your choices-and would love to be on the receiving end.
I am an advocate of doing shopping locally and feel lucky we can-
If I may make a plug- on Saturday beginning at 9 am, St Cassain's School will be having their Holiday Fair-which not only includes food, silent auctions, raffles, and booths, but also a "table" of new items at discounted prices.
It is an AMAZING assortment of items at every price range and a chance to win some very extrvagant items.
Also, included is a craft room devoted to the young ones, for a scant charge they can make and bring home beautiful crafts while the adults shop and browse.
Posted by: cstarling | Dec 1, 2005 7:38:29 PM
Something I found interesting today, which I forgot to inquire about. And am rather surprised I hadn't heard about here is that the Montclair Woman's Club this year has an ornament that commemorates The Marlboro Inn.
I saw one hanging in the window at a new store next to Learning Exspress on Bellevue Avenue- what a nice gift to remember a piece of Montclair history.
Posted by: cstarling | Dec 1, 2005 7:47:52 PM
When you go to Dem Two Hands, be sure to pick up the Christmas CD by the Oliver Lake Steel Quartet. It is a fovorite of mine.
Posted by: Bitpusher | Dec 1, 2005 8:07:17 PM
I love those beer steins...hope my gf is taking time from law school exam to read this hint :)
For some local flair, www.MontclairWear.com
Posted by: Butch | Dec 1, 2005 8:09:52 PM
If anyone is interested also this weekend - there is a craft/art show of local artisians to benefit HoneCorp of Montclair organization that helps those less fortunate find/fix/get homes. Its @ 106 South Fullerton couple blocks in from Bloomfield Ave (look for big old house with porch festooned with ribbons)Nice things good cause
Posted by: megan | Dec 1, 2005 10:39:26 PM
Brand new ultra cool store - Dusty's Antiques on Bloomfield (down a few doors from the Clairidge Movie Theater). Great antiques, jewelry, ornaments, toys, art and tons more amazing stuff. I've been getting something there for everyone on my list. Check it out.
Posted by: janny | Dec 2, 2005 2:01:43 AM
