NJ Foodie Gift Guide 2021!

Mugsys Made With Love
Mugsys Made With Love

It’s here! Our epic New Jersey Foodie Gift Guide for the 2021 holiday season. I had such a blast putting this together and got most of my shopping done at the same time. Check it out for your favorite foodies—and for yourself!

Fun Jersey Stuff

State Plate Signs

state plate designs
State Plate Designs

Based in Hopewell NJ, Michael Bender decided to do something “arty.” I just love this lobster for the kitchen. The retired father of four also has a crab and many other designs. State Plate Signs partners with Handmade Art Studios in Hightstown, NJ. Most of his items are currently on display and for sale at this store. If you’d like a custom piece, or can’t find that perfect item, contact Bender via email at stateplatesigns@gmail.com.
Shop here! 

Good Bottle Refill Shop

goodbottlerefillshop
Good Bottle Refill Shop

Get to know what zero waste is all about with the help of the Good Bottle Refill Shop, which may also lead to your best gift idea yet. With locations in Montclair and Maplewood, this innovative shop offers a way for you to “stop buying your trash,” and offers in-store shopping, curbside pickup, and delivery to select towns. From dish soap to cleaning products to kids’ body wash, this shop carries a wide range of products, and a brand list to ensure your decision-making process is as easy as possible. Shop here!

Jen Killeen Designs

jen killeen designs
Jen Killeen Designs

“In This Home We Call it Pork Roll.” I know I’m losing half of you here, but I’m sure you will find some fun Jersey décor in Jen’s Etsy store. Maybe she’ll make a Taylor Ham sign for you…but I’m not betting on it.  Shop here!

Pearl and Oyster

pearl and oyster
Pearl and Oyster

What an elegant way to present salt and pepper on your holiday table. This is such a unique gift for your favorite entertainer. Shop here! 

Stella e Luna

stella e luna shop
A favorite from Stella e Luna

Stella e Luna is my local gift store. They carry many Jersey Shore and New Jersey-themed gifts—including signed copies of my cookbook, aka The Jersey Shore Cookbook—and they have unique kitchen gifts available as well. Shop here! 

Just Jersey

new jersey cookie cutters

For an unbelievable collection of New Jersey-based product, Just Jersey, in Morristown, is the one and only shop that spotlights everything cool and unique created in New Jersey. Whether you need Jersey-shaped pasta or Garden State cookie cutters, you will find something perfect for your favorite Jerseyan at Just Jersey. Shop here!

Boozie Gifts

New Jersey Drink Local Beer T-shirt

NJ drink local tshirt
New Jersey Drink Local Tshirt from FreshThredz

NJ craft beer lovers will love this “Drink. Local. Beer.” T-shirt from FreshThredz. According to the seller, all orders received by December 18 will arrive in time for Christmas. Remember, most local breweries have merch! Brewery fans would love a T-shirt or sweatshirt from their favorite brewery. Shop here!

Jersey Spirits

Jersey Spirits Distilling co.
Jersey Spirits Distilling Co.

Bitters, to-go cocktails, and cutting boards are available for curbside pickup. The Fairfield brewery is also holding a book-and-bottle signing with actor Kal Penn on November 27. His book and collaboration bottles are available for presale before the event. Shop here!

Skunktown Distillery’s Best Bloody Mary Kit

Bloody mary kit
Best Bloody Mary Gift Set

Skunktown Distillery‘s Spicy Vodka and Dogwood Farms Bloody Mary Mix: this is truly the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever tasted. Unfortunately, this is not available for shipping. You must visit their location in Flemington to make the purchase. Oh, boohoo, you have to go to a distillery. While you’re there, stay for a cocktail—you earned it. Shop here!

Experiences

Cape May Salt

Oysters XO Starter Kit
The Oysters XO Starter Kit

A fun, LIVE class where you’ll learn how to shuck oysters. This oyster kit, which is easily enough for two, includes farm-fresh oysters, shucking gear, and a Zoom class. Pick up a great party trick (or gift it to a friend) while supporting your local growers. Shop here!

Taste & Technique

Taste & Technique Cooking Studio
Taste & Technique Cooking Studio

Taste & Technique Cooking Studio, in Fair Haven, NJ, offers cooking classes for children and adults alike, in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Their mission is to put the joy and creativity back into your cooking and show everyone that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Experience an entertaining class or a great night out with the benefit of a delicious meal by choosing any one of their scheduled classes. A Taste & Technique Gift Certificate also makes a perfect gift for the foodie on your list. Shop here!

South Jersey Wine & Brew Tours

Private tours, seven days a week. Book anything from a couple up to a group of 35 in one of their luxury vehicles for any occasion. They will pick up your party and deliver everyone safely back to the original location in South Jersey or Philadelphia. Shop here!

Food

Best Darn Foods

best darn foods
Best Darn Foods

Gourmet soups and dips for the everyday chef make ideal gifts. From dips and spreads to soups and even desserts, Best Darn Foods in Brielle, NJ, has great gifts for everyone in your life—including yourself. Shop here!

Mugsy’s Made with Love

Mugsys Made With Love
Mugsy’s Made With Love

The products you see above? Yes, they’re in my kitchen right now. Mugsy, aka Chef Meg LaManna, started her line of sauces, hot honey, and now jams and soups during the pandemic. I’ve known Chef Meg since she was the Chef of B2 Bistro in Point Pleasant Beach. These days, she puts out the most delicious chef inspired bottles of goodness. If you like spicy, her Mugsy’s Fire Trio is for you. I absolutely love her fra diavolo sauce. I’m lucky enough to be able to grab my jars at our local farmers market. Shop here!

Mazzella’s of Mountainside Gourmet Market

Mazzellas of Mountainside Gourmet Market
Mazzellas of Mountainside Gourmet Market

If you’re looking to make an impression, check out the beautiful gift baskets filled with all of the specialty items Mazzella’s offers in their gourmet market. Shop here! 

Nicola’s Pasta Fresca

Nicola's Pasta Fresca
Nicola’s Pasta Fresca

If you have a pasta lover in your life (and who doesn’t?) Nicola’s Pasta Fresca offers a variety of their gift sets for the holidays. Pictured here is their Vegan Lovers gift box. Shop here!

Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe

christmas platter
Christmas platter from Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe

Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe, in Middletown, NJ, ships delicious chocolate throughout the United States. From the signature chocolate covered pretzels, party platters and homemade fudge to unique gifts like chocolate covered wine bottles and “pimento olives,” aka chocolate-covered almonds, Suzi’s has something for every chocolate and candy lover. She can customize a basket or box for you, too! Shop here!

Books

The Jersey Shore Cookbook

The Jersey Shore Cookbook
The Jersey Shore Cookbook

Get a signed copy of the Jersey Shore Cookbook—it is indeed a bestselling cookbook / coffee table book where you can enjoy 50 recipes from 50 iconic Jersey Shore restaurants. Beautiful full-color photography of the Jersey Shore, chefs and dishes bring this hardcover book to life. Shop here!

Onions Etcetera

onions etcetera
Onions Etcetera

This gorgeous, hardcover cookbook is the perfect gift for anyone who adores cooking and beautiful cookbooks. You can read all about the New Jersey author and photographer, Kate Winslow and Guy Ambrosino, in the Jersey Bites article on them here. Shop here!

Stories from New Jersey Diners

Stories from New Jersey Diners
Stories from New Jersey Diners

Written by Michael Gabriele, a Jersey Bites contributor and author of The History of Diners, this thorough, engaging book documents colorful stories from the Diner Capital of the World, aka New Jersey. If you have someone in your life that enjoys NJ diners this book will make a great gift. Shop here!