Brooke Nuzie 
Mother’s Day in Essex County is coming up quickly, making it the perfect time to shop local and find thoughtful gifts for mom. From Montclair boutiques to unique small businesses across Essex County, there are plenty of local spots and one-of-a-kind goods to choose from. We rounded up the best local spots + local goods in Montclair to help show mom how much you love her this year. Read on for a Mother’s Day shopping guide to Essex County.
Clothing + Accessories
2nd Street USA | 10 South Park Street, Montclair
2nd Street USA is a second-hand clothing chain with origins in Japan. New to the Montclair scene as of May 2023, this spot has a huge selection of styles, from streetwear to vintage to Japanese designer and luxury accessories. 2nd Street also has online selling + shopping options as well.
Co Co an Experience | 206 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Owner Roz Connolly’s long-time passion for fashion resulted in the creation of a high-end women’s boutique that offered brands that clients could not find elsewhere. Over the years, Co Co an Experience evolved with its loyal clientele but continues to showcase emerging lines and quality staples at inviting price points. Seasonal clothing — from BOHO-type skirts and dresses, to jeans and t-shirts as well as camis, blouses, and jewelry, some made by local artisans — can be found at this Montclair boutique.
Dem Two Hands | 61 North Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
While moving to the US from Guyana as a teenager, the owner of Dem Two Hands learned her seamstress skills from her mother. With unique, crafted clothes, accessories, and housewares, Dem Two Hands’ main goal is for women to feel comfortable with who they are. This 30 year Montclair staple also offers free alterations to make sure you love the way you look in this shop’s clothing.
Read More: A List of Must-Shop Boutiques in Montclair
Dody’s Dresses | 24 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Dody’s Dresses is home to a wide selection of couture gowns and the shop is open by appointment only. Whether you are a bride in search of bridal party attire, a mother of the bride, or simply searching for a prom dress that sets you apart from everyone else, this spot is for you. Dody’s carries gowns from high-end designers, including Gemy, Mac Duggal, Feriani, and more.
Dot Reeder | 129 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
Dot Reeder was created and founded by a former New York City stylist in 2007. Needless to say, this boutique has all of the on-trend pieces you’re searching for. The store’s Instagram page is a great resource to search the inventory so when you see something you like, be sure to stop by and snag it.
Monty | 12 North Willow Street, Montclair
This clothing and accessory store features clothing by emerging and independent designers, bringing a bit of fashion to the Montclair clothing and accessory scene. Browse the store in person, or check out the website where you can search by specific designers.
Nouvelle | 629B Valley Road, Montclair
On the corner of Valley Road and Lorraine Avenue, Nouvelle shares spaces with its sister store, a consignment shop named One Savvy Design. With new and old clothing items to browse, there is sure to be something here for mom this year.
Salt Air{e} Collective | 7 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Salt Air{e} is a New Jersey-based brand featuring apparel, home, and lifestyle goods inspired by the ocean. Started by NJ native Jennifer Caramma, this brand has everything from gorgeous hand-dyed kimonos and loungewear sets, to throw pillows and luxe beach blankets for anyone craving an endless summer.
Velvet Lush | 123 Walnut Street, Montclair
Velvet Lush is a clothing store with items that look as comfortable as the name sounds. Featured in Elle Magazine and Glamour, Montclair has been home to Velvet Lush since 2017. The store features both vintage and contemporary options from international designers.
Village Vogue Barbara Eclectic | 594 Valley Road, Montclair
Featuring clothing, shoes, and accessories, Barbara Eclectic (also known online as Village Vogue), has been in Montclair since 1975. The shop also offers 30-minute private shopping appointments, which are a great gift for the fashion-conscious mom.
Desserts + Treats
Bijoux | 17 Church Street, Montclair
Bijoux is a French patisserie that serves up traditional French sweets, custom cakes, and elegant desserts. The selection here is practically endless. Some of the pastries and cakes on the menu here include peach cobbler, an individual salted caramel cake, passion fruit cheesecake, flourless chocolate cake, and flan, among others. There’s also French meringue, cookies, muffins, croissants, pound cakes, macarons, chocolates, ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and more to choose from.
Le French Dad Boulangerie | 10 Church Street, Montclair
Bringing traditions of France to the streets of Montclair, the owner takes pride in “producing daily boulanger(è)s and pâtissier(è)s handcraft bread, viennoiseries, and pastries for the community.” Menu staples range from more simple cinnamon buns and apple turnovers to pistachio escargot and fougasse cheese.
Love On Board | Online
Love On Board offers customizable charcuterie boards that can contain a variety of meats, cheeses, and desserts. Because what would mom love more than beautifully structured chocolate-covered strawberries? Dm the account on Instagram to order.
Mattarello Bakery + Café | 254 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Fan favorites at Mattarello include cannolis, sfogliatella, and lobster tails, but the extensive menu spans way beyond these top picks. This bakery also serves custom cakes, a coffee bar, breads, and regular holiday specials. Patrons can order online in advance for ultimate ease.
Neighbors | 319 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
For the mom who likes to relax by cracking open a bottle of wine at the end of the day, Neighbors has a great selection. Neighbors has a little bit of everything but specializes in craft beer, natural wines, and craft spirits. Plus, if you’re over 21, maybe she’ll share.
Nicolo’s Italian Bakery + Deli | 6 Baldwin Street, Montclair
The deli started out as a small neighborhood shop just making bread in 1967 and now has advanced to full daily menus, wholesale and retail options, catering, and more. While desserts aren’t the main specialty, Nicolo’s is still known for the Grandma Galasso Sesame Seed cookies, homemade fresh fruit pies, apple turnovers, chocolate croissants, and seasonal pastries, which mom will absolutely love this Mother’s Day.
Somedays Bakery | 18 Label Street, Montclair, NJ
Somedays Bakery has a focus on thoughtfully crafted pastries, breads, + coffee, and provides a cozy neighborhood feel for everyday treats.
She Imagined Sweets | 147 Valley Road, Montclair
At She Imagined Sweets customers can enjoy bite-sized cheesecakes + cheesecake jars are all available with vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free options. All orders may be customized. Flavors include cookies + cream, NY-style strawberry, blueberry, candy bar, and MG’s favorite, banana pudding.
The Pie Store | 100 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
Focused on sweet and savory, this shop is known for carrying a variety of imported goods from the UK. The menu, which is a tribute to traditions across the Pond, is a mix of savory classics including shepherd’s pie and turkey + stuffing pie, along with more dessert-focused dishes such as various renditions of double-crusted apple pie.
The Little Daisy Bake Shop | 622 Valley Road, Montclair
For anyone with a nut or peanut allergy, this bakeshop is a safe haven. The entire menu is peanut-free and the staff is known for producing seasonal classics to celebrate all types of holidays.
Vesta Chocolate | 598 Valley Road, Suite 2, Montclair
Those in search of a clean organic luxury bean-to-bar chocolate will find the answer at Vesta Chocolate. Vesta is a small craft chocolate company that roasts cacao beans to make chocolate and then uses its own chocolate to create a variety of confections and baked goods. Many items here are vegan. Don’t miss the hot chocolate!
Florists
Anderson’s Flowers | 602 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Located in Montclair and offering free delivery for local online orders, you can’t go wrong with Anderson’s Flowers for mom this year. The handcrafted arrangements and delivery are especially convenient if you can’t make it to celebrate with mom in person.
Blade | 129 Valley Road, Montclair
A floral + event design company, Blade also offers bouquets and a special four-week floral subscription for the gift that keeps on giving.
Blooms in Hand | 288 Claremont, Verona
Located a short distance away from Montclair, Blooms in Hand is a floral studio that will bring a smile to any mom’s face. The florist creates custom floral arrangements and can cater to mom’s favorite flowers.
Rosasphina | 74 Church Street, Montclair
Rosaphina specializes in floral event designs, but also offers bouquets that are perfect for mom. You can order online and filter by event or by flower type to make sure you get mom’s favorites.
Gifts
Culture Couture | 53 Church Street, Montclair
Since opening in Montclair in 2003, Culture Couture has sold creative and unique clothing, gifts, and accessories — all of which are ethically crafted. If mom is into crystals and incense along with accessories and home decor, then Culture Couture might be a perfect shopping destination.
Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The Eclectic Chic Boutique has been selling handmade and locally sourced goods in Montclair since 2018. With an entire gift section for Mother’s Day, including breakable chocolate hearts, cards, and jewelry, there’s something for every mom at this local shop.
Giftbar | 465 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Giftbar has a little bit of everything — including cards, accessories, candy, candles, games, and homeware — just to name a few. Whether your mom likes heartfelt mugs or sarcastic oven mitts, Giftbar is worth checking out before Mother’s Day.
Jafajems | 622 Valley Road, Montclair
Jafajems is the perfect gift destination for moms that enjoy handmade, worldly accessories and home furnishings. A staple in Montclair since 1993, Jafajems has truly unique artwork, pottery, carpets, pillows, and more.
Mind Your Beads and Seeds | 147D Valley Road, Montclair
Founded during the pandemic by a mother-daughter duo, Mind Your Beads and Seeds has just what it sounds like — beads and plants. Starting from local pop-ups, this newly founded brick-and-mortar store is ready for your Mother’s Day shopping.
Pazzazed | 11 Midland Avenue, Montclair
With an entire section of the store + website dedicated to New Jersey-themed goods, this shop is perfect for the true Jersey Girl mom. Of course, there are plenty of other options, including an entire online section dedicated to mothers day gifts which features robes, puzzles, jewelry, and so much more.
Parcel | 11 Park Street. Montclair
The allure of a store like Parcel is not only its contents but also the shopping experience. Opening the small cubbies of vintage toys, grazing through shelves of stationery, and spinning wheels of ribbon or racks of greeting cards make customers feel as though they are on a treasure hunt. The treasures include a variety of paper goods and tools for wrapping and crafting, which are sprinkled with vintage objects throughout.
Pink Bungalow | 211 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, expressing appreciation, sending congratulations, or a get-well-soon gift, Pink Bungalow has exactly what’s needed. The store carries popular brands such as Alex + Ani, Corkcicle, and Voluspa. Pink Bungalow also has monogramming, which gives any gift an extra special and personal touch. What’s not to love?
White Rabbit, Black Heart | 219 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
White Rabbit, Black Heart is filled with unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else, including Montclair-themed goods. The shop also has candles, home decor, jewelry, and plenty more. It is only open Wednesday – Saturday, so make sure to plan accordingly so you can check this shop out before May 9th.
See More: Where to Get a Massage in Montclair
Jewelry
Forever Welded | 314 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Forever Welded is the first permanent jewelry store to come to MTC. You can get luxury custom jewelry at this Montclair shop (they also do various pop-ups around NJ) like necklaces, bracelets, and more. Forever Welded is also available for private parties, girls’ nights, bridal showers, and business collabs.
Fredric’s Fine Jewelers | 233 Belleview Avenue, Montclair
A classic Mother’s Day gift is jewelry, and Fredric’s has a lot to offer. Though the store has only been open since 2019, its history goes back to 1932. The store features many different designers, types of jewelry, and services.
Noellery | 4 Church Street, Montclair
With three different locations throughout New Jersey, Noellery’s unique jewelry values creativity, precision, and community. Jewelry and accessories vary to have something for everyone — including a dog-themed collection for dog mamas.
Books
Montclair Book Center | 221 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
For the mom who is also a book nerd, and who would love nothing more than some peace and quiet to read on May 9th, surprise her with one of her favorites from Montclair Book Center.
Watchung Booksellers | 54 Fairfield Street, Montclair
Another option for a book-loving mom, Watchung Booksellers has all the books your mom would love. The shop also has a variety of book clubs and other in-store events that a gift from here might inspire mom to be a part of.
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