Guide to Local Holiday Shopping in Ridgewood, Glen Rock

After the rush for Black Friday big box deals, Saturday is the day to support Ridgewood and Glen Rock small businesses, and find unique gift ideas along the way.

For Small Business Saturday, Patch spoke to area merchants to find out what they have in store this holiday season to bring you a guide for shopping and gift ideas you’ll only find in the local downtowns.

Of course, our list doesn’t represent everything Ridgewood and Glen Rock in small businesses. Take it as a starting point, stroll the downtowns and let us know what else you find.

Ideas for Young Ones

The Curious Reader, 229 Rock Road, Glen Rock

The children’s bookstore, a new addition to the Glen Rock business district, carries reading for young children up to young adults. In addition to several holiday titles, a few favorites in the store are their “board books,” one-word a page picture books to introduce younger children to reading, and chapter book series for budding readers. Some of the best sellers this year are the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series; author Adam Gidwitz’s series of modern adaptations of the Grimm tales; and Allegiant, a new best-selling fantasy novel expected to hit the big screen in March. For new parents, the Curious Reader also offers wrapped gift packages of early childhood favorites.

The Grow-Cery, 190 Rock Road, Glen Rock

A 20-year-old Glen Rock establishment, this specialty toy store is full of children’s gift ideas, and aims to help customers discover the toys they won’t find in a big box chain. Some favorite items for the holiday season are Laser Pegs, a light-up building block that comes in a variety of special projects; “Squishables,” big pillow-like stuffed animals for any age; and musical instruments specially designed for young beginners.

Eat Your Spinach, 42 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood

A boutique offering infant to junior sizes, for both boys and girls, the shop is lined wall-to-wall with unique kids’ clothing. But Eat Your Spinach also carries plenty of ultra-contemporary gift ideas for preteens. “Butter” sweatshirts (that’s a brand) with cellphone lingo printed on the back, “texting” gloves that don’t interrupt an iPhone, and decorative lounge pants are some of the hot holiday items this year.

Unique Gifts and Crafts

Mango Jam, 41 North Broad Street, Ridgewood

Mango Jam is always well-stocked with seasonal décor and home goods, so you won’t have trouble there finding a gift with a holiday flair. Some favorites this season are towels customized for residents of Ridgewood and surrounding towns, Thymes-Frasier brand scented candles and soaps, and Lori C. Mitchell Christmas figures. For a gift with year-round use, the store carries Nora Fleming brand plates, which feature removable pegs that can be switched out for any holiday or season.

Secret Studio, 11 South Broad Street, Ridgewood

The store defies easy description, but offers plenty of niche gift ideas for people of any age. Known for its “Dr. Who” fan club, has plenty of collectibles for fans of the sci-fi show. Beatles ornaments and other memorabilia are also a favorite, as is “Scents of America,” a perfume line with a custom aroma for each state of the union. You’ll also find plenty of do-it-yourself craft gifts and unique stocking stuffers among Secret Studio’s eclectic collection.

Verdi Blu, 227 Rock Road, Glen Rock

Lori Craft, an 18-year resident of Glen Rock, opened the store three weeks ago with business partner Jessica Miele after a successful year of online business. The store primarily carries household, men’s and women’s accessories. Pulling from a variety of small designers, favorite gift items at the boutique are customized scarves, pillows and an ample offering of unique bracelets.

Bookends, 211 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood

In addition to the best sellers and cookbooks Bookends carries all year, the longtime village store has plenty of one-of-a-kind finds among the signed copies left over from author visits. Ridgewood apparel and Christmas ornaments are also in stock. For the kids, Legos are well-stocked and on sale, and a popular item this year, the Elf on the Shelf book, comes with a back story and a figurine to watch young Santa-expectants, a starting point for a new holiday tradition.

Make Your Own?

Creatively Yours, 254 East Ridgewood Avenue, and Color Me Mine, 210 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood