Shop Small for Big Impact: A Holiday Gift Preview from Market House

For someone who has spent their formative years growing up in New Jersey, I am not a fan of malls. This could be attributed to my senior year of high school working as a sales associate for one of the major chains at the Garden State Plaza and witnessing the abject frenzy of shoppers. And not just shoppers, holiday shoppers. The parking. The long lines. The air of desperation that comes from digging through the crazy piles of clothing or messed up displays left behind by other shoppers to find something, anything. 

Nope, not for me. There will be no doorbusters for this gal.  

Which is why I’m really excited about Market House, a new addition to the Westwood shopping scene, offering a truly extensive range of locally sourced and mostly handmade items.  I also love the purpose of Market House: to support local artisans, to give back and foster a sense of community, a recent example being yoga classes held right in the store. Plus, they are a part of Small Business Saturday on November 29, an American Express program that will give cardholders money back on purchases when you shop “small” i.e. local, independent businesses participating in the program. (Note: you must be an American Express card member and register online to get this promotion.)

Market House's space is like a treasure box of giftable yet functional items that owners Sarah and Chelsea have carefully curated to appeal to the mix of personalities, likes and dislikes making up your shopping list. Think of those holiday outdoor markets you see in the city under one roof, replete with one-of-a-kind items that make just the perfect gift.  In some cases, the artisans they buy from are local moms who create from their own experiences with their kids, homes and appreciation for the unique and beautiful. Bonus points in that Market House offers already-made gift sets for the holidays, or you can customize your own as you peruse the store. 

Some ideas include: 

The Yogi’s Choice line of all natural body products including sugar scrubs, body butters and sprays scented with essential oils of lemongrass, basil or lavender. They all smell heavenly. 

A vast array of jewelry - ranging from pendants and rings to pottery and beaded bracelets - procured from a variety of local designers. 

Knit hats and scarves for adults and kids from Sally Ann Designs, plus handmade aprons by the Bedford Life for the chef - little or big - in your life. 

Hand-stenciled tops from Ali & Joe (one of my personal favorites) for both adults and children, as well as pretty little tutus for girls, and cool yoga wear for women.

Edibles such as Jersey Barnfire hot sauce, spoonable caramel sauce, and locally roasted coffee from Caffe Anello, a wildly popular eatery in the area. 

Java totes and pillows from Gracie Greene, where a portion of the proceeds from these items go back to the construction of schools and supporting children’s education in Cambodia. 

Another favorite of mine - the cheese knives. Made from recycled silverware and embossed with the name of a suggested cheese on each knife, they are perfect for the cheese-lover in your life. (If you know me personally and you’re reading this, don’t make me hit you over the head any harder with the hint I just dropped.)  

The list goes on and on, and they’re constantly receiving new merchandise every week. Check them out on Facebook and on Instagram to see what has just arrived. Better yet, visit the store in person - you’ll never know what else you just might discover.

Market House is located on 172 Center Avenue (next to the movie theater) in Westwood, New Jersey. For more information, call 201-666-0234.