Well, here we are. It's officially holiday gifting time and this year's guide includes even more amazing small businesses than 2024.

I wanted to stick with a theme for 2025 and finally decided upon 'New Jersey'. Almost all of the talented businesses and people on this list I know personally, and those that I don't know yet - I hope to meet soon because their products are so wonderful.

Please do me a little favor and share your favorite product or business with a friend - all small businesses need us now more than ever.

Thank you for reading, and happy SHOPPING! 

x Ashley

Tara Kothari

Tara Kothari specializes in botanical ceramics, created by pressing real flowers in clay. 

She also has a line of pottery with whimsical illustrations making them perfect gifts and souvenirs of places you love. Being from New Jersey she has several pieces for all the Jersey Girls, their families and friends. 

I met Tara within an artist's group back in the day when I lived in Jersey City. I love her refined, beautiful work. She created some branded dishes that I use to display my sea glass. Love them!

  

Cuvée Candles

Cuvée Candles brings European luxury to the holidays with wine-inspired fragrances crafted in Germany. As a German importer based in Monmouth County, we offer sophisticated scents that elevate any home with warmth and elegance. For the season, each candle comes with complimentary festive gift wrapping — the perfect touch for a truly refined holiday gift.

 

RobaHealth

RobaHealth brings luxurious wellness to the holiday season with foot care powered by the restorative Andiroba nut. As a German importer based locally in Monmouth County, we’re proud to offer nourishing, vegan formulas that leave feet soft, healthy, and pampered. And to make every gift even more special, we offer beautiful complimentary holiday gift wrapping — the perfect touch for a festive, feel-good present.

My friend Ines represents the above two brands via her German imports business Malexi Brands that she runs with her husband. These candles seriously smell like a fine wine - they are amazing! And the footcare products I also use before my physical therapy sessions. I highly recommend.

  

The Potting Bench

626 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach

The Potting Bench is a serene and cozy boutique specializing in houseplants, pottery, vintage goods and indoor gardening necessities. We provide custom potting services, advice and lots of unique gift ideas. Visit to check out our highly curated collection, or just stop in to chat about your green friends with other plant enthusiasts.

 The Potting Bench is a Sook & Hook retailer! Please support them and their wonderful business!

   

Alicia Seeley Photography

 

WonderLand + Sea

132 Main St. Manasquan, NJ

WonderLand + Sea is a series of small businesses within a small business. We specialize in local & handmade items. Several of our makers offer workshops that we host right inside our shop! We have previously loved items, vintage items, jewelry, bath, body, pet, & home accessories just to name a few. We also offer wellness programs and community gatherings. There’s no limit on the amount of workshops, wellness, & wonder in our WonderLand by the Sea✨ Building Community through Creativity & Joy.

WonderLand + Sea is also a Sook & Hook stockist and wonderful supporter of the Manasquan community. I have found adorable gifts and cards while shopping in their magical store.

   

Abby Miggins Art

I love Abigail's work! I just found out about her via Instagram and can't wait to follow her nautical journey!

       

Pippi Hepburn Designs

I have known Lisa for many years. In fact, she is the genius seamstress behind Sook & Hook Crazy Fish.

Lisa creates amazing vegan friendly fashions and is a talented seamstress to boot.

  

Sea & Scales

 Sea & Scales brings the art of Gyotaku, fish printing, to the Jersey Shore. It is a collaboration of Bridget Sawitsky's fine art training and Nancy Sonett's love of designing and sewing. Using fresh fish, Bridget captures the exact likeness of the fish with ink on rice paper for a unique art piece. Original and limited edition giclee's are available. Nancy then selects some of the images to have them reproduced on fabric, which she uses to create a line of handmade home accessories.

I recently came across this amazing brand - I can't wait to follow their journey on social media and beyond!

  

Christine Atrach

I am a jewelry designer located in Bergen County, Mahwah, NJ. Mom of two boys -- Creating jewelry is my Zen. My jewelry is crafted from a mix of gold plated, silver plated, sterling silver and semi-precious stones. The designs are romantic and feminine, yet contemporary and light. The orchid collection is one of my best sellers. You will find florals, filigree and lace in most of my line. My brand aesthetic is rooted in my family's business couture background.

Christine creates beautiful jewelry for any occasion - like the beautiful pieces she created for my wedding and bridal party! She is a dear friend, and I love her sense of style.

  

 

Jersey Mermaid Co. 

Amici

Amici was founded by husband and wife, Antonio (Anthony) and Melanie Fabbri.  Anthony, second generation Italian, grew up in his family pizzeria in Fair Haven,NJ where he watched his dad, mom, aunt and uncle run a small family business.  Anthony always assumed he’d take over for his dad one day but life had other plans, his father passed and the pizzeria closed.  His passion for pizza never died and through a few ups and downs, the pizza life found him once again in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. With a little money and a big dream, Anthony and Melanie made Amici, translating to friends in Italian, a staple in their community. Their goal was simple, great food, excellent customer service, & making every customer feel like family.

  

You might even find a few Sook & Hook pizza themed artworks on counter of Amici - a fabulous Italian spot that did an amazing job catering our son's birthday this year!

  

Patricia Keeler

This holiday season, delight young readers with the heartwarming story of Scoop the Ice Cream Truck. As Scoop faces the challenges of staying relevant among fancier, modern trucks, children will learn timeless lessons about finding their unique place in the world. Picture book perfect for the season, it sparks meaningful conversations while entertaining with its sweet tale. Plus, the paperback edition includes fascinating facts about the history of ice cream trucks, making it a thoughtful and educational holiday gift.

Patricia is a friend and kid lit mentor of mine. She is a generous creative artist and has written and illustrated many amazing books to explore!

   

Christmas Fish by Sook & Hook