While many believe shopping online or from big box stores is more convenient and simple Christmas shopping from local stores and businesses offers greater advantages. In an era when many people are aiming for more environmentally friendliness, keeping it local reaps sustainable benefits.
Not only is sustainable shopping easier on the planet because less driving and shipping is involved, but the focus is on Sussex County businesses, offering additional rewards for shoppers. There is less travel involved of course, because you’re not burning gas to head to the malls in counties east of Sussex. But when you shop sustainably, you’re bolstering local supply chains and businesses that get their goods from them. You’re also supporting the businesses themselves, and that really lives up to the “shop local” and sustainable philosophies.
What are some of the sustainable presents you can buy for people this year from Sussex County businesses that they’re going to use and love? Be sure to visit these small businesses below, and with some of these local farms, check store hours before you go.
Food Items: Whether you buy a gift card from a Sussex County restaurant or delicious baked goods from a store like Clove Brook Market in Wantage, you’re sure to find something someone would love to receive…and eat! Hayek’s Market in Newton is another favorite local market that, like Clove Brook, features baked goods, as well as delicious catered items. Hayek’s also offers gift cards and customized gift baskets. Garlic & Oil in Sparta is a stop as well for gift baskets, and a vast selection of gourmet foods. For holiday charcuterie and meat orders, from Christmas to New Year’s Eve, Curd & Cleaver in Newton spotlights many unique food gifts that are great for giving, without traveling far. In Sparta there’s Greene’s Beans with their regular and specialty holiday coffees, teas, and lattes, bagged and ready for gift-giving. The many farm markets throughout every corner of Sussex County are other local resources with eclectic offerings, like canned and jarred items from Green Valley Farms in Wantage. Apiaries such as HarBee Beekeeping in Andover (Newton) are stops for honey from Sussex County.
Handcrafted Gifts: Who doesn’t love to purchase one-of-a-kind items? It’s easy to find that at stores throughout Sussex County. Not only do they have character these items are sustainable when buying them because they’re made in the area. Peters Valley School of Craft Gallery in Layton offers items of all different media made by a range of regional artists, from painters to potters. Find blown glass, wooden items, jewelry, silk painted apparel, leather goods, and many more interesting things to pick. Barb’s Treasures in Lafayette has handcrafted treasures among vintage vendors with bigger-ticket finds like Amish furniture. Toiletries are gifts people use and enjoy year-round and really love to get during the holiday season too, and they’re perfect for under the tree or within stockings. This gift genre can be found at local farms and from independent vendors throughout the county. Jon’s Farm in Wantage (Sussex) features handmade soaps and lotions. Deb-Mark Farm in Hampton offers 24/7/365 shopping convenience at their indoor on-site shop and has handmade Baldwin Dairy Soap — plus among their many local produce, food, and beverage offerings, you can find Springhouse Creamery Eggnog, fresh from Fredon!
Trees, Wreaths, Plants, and More: Sussex County Strawberry Farm in Andover Township (Newton) isn’t just about u-pick farming. When you’re looking to decorate your home with a real Christmas tree, or fresh pine wreaths — or find something to give someone else — these are other sustainable and thoughtful gift options. This family-owned farm additionally has handcrafted and exquisitely made grave blankets adorned with pinecones and other items, to honor loved ones over the Christmas season. They also sell beautiful outdoor furniture! You can shop at Heaven Hill Farm & Garden Center in Vernon for these items and more, and even order holiday pies while you’re there!
Have fun keeping it local and sustainable with your shopping this holiday season in Sussex County! Tell us your favorite places to shop in our area!
Members of Life In Sussex staff have contributed to this post.
