17 small South Jersey businesses to visit when finishing up your holiday shopping
Cookies for Santa? Check. Decked halls? Check. Gay apparel and yuletide glee? Check.
Crossing all those gifts off your list? Uh oh.
The holidays are basically upon us, and if you're scurrying to get some last-minute shopping done, it may be tempting to stop into one of those big box stores to raid the shelves.
But, in the spirit of giving, have you considered supporting local businesses in South Jersey?
"While there are plenty of beautiful big stores with plenty of product. We take the time to build a connection with our customers. Whether they are doing a passion project or renovations. We will walk them over to everything they need," said Tony Trotter of J&J Hardware in Mount Laurel. "We also recommend contractors for customers to use and are willing to put our name on the line for them."
"We are local. We are here. When you shop with us, you are helping grow the community. .... We want to help as many as possible and want to help you as well, which is why we stay open extended hours. So that we may serve you better and help you get what you need for your pets," said Jeff Bankert, owner of Full House Pets in Mount Laurel.
These smaller businesses also have a deeper inclination to involve themselves in the South Jersey community, whether that be helping an elderly woman change a light bulb or teaming up with smaller rescues to help local animals find fur-ever homes.
So, how about checking out some of these South Jersey spots?
Hardware stores in South Jersey
It is that time of the year where Dads' and Husbands' are dreaming of gum drop buttons and new tools for the collection. Whether starting a new project or needing something for on the job, there are plenty of shops in the community that will go above and beyond.
J&J Hardware, Mount Laurel
100 Ark Rd, Mount Laurel, 08054
Spotts Hardware, Medford
646 Stokes Road, Medford, 08055
Schwering's Hardware Store in palmyra
309 E Broad Street, Palmyra, 08065
Florence Hardware Store in Florence
322 W Front Street, Florence, 08518
LaTorre Hardware
1607 S Delsea Dr, Vineland, 08360
Book stores
Have a reader in your life? The perfect gift this season may be curling up on the couch with some hot chocolate and a new book to jump into.
Maybe you'll even find something just for you when you visit these local bookstores:
Inkwood Books, Haddonfield
106 Kings Highway E, Haddonfield, 08033
Words Matter Bookstore, Pitman
52 S Broadway, Pitman, 08071
Barrier Island Books & Art, Stone Harbor
301 95th St., Stone Harbor, 08247
Second Time Books, Mount Laurel
114 Creek Rd., Mount Laurel, 08054
Toys & Games
What's a gift for the littles without something they can play with the second they rip off all of the wrapping?
Consider these local businesses for all of the toys and games that your kids from 1 - 92 may be asking for this season.
The Nerd Mall, Woodbury
164 S Broad St., Woodbury, 08096
Mr. E's Game World, Berlin
18 Cross Keys Rd., Berlin, 08009
Happy Hippo Toys, Haddonfield
201 Kings Highway E, Haddonfield, 08033
Sweet Stuff
97 Trench Road, Building 4C, Bridgeton, 08302
Gifts for furry friends
Just because you may not have a child, doesn't make you less of a parent. The needs of one's fur babies are just as important as the needs of a human one.
Here are some shops to get all of your furry friends' needs:
Full House Pets, Mount Laurel
127 Ark Rd. Ste 22, Mount Laurel, 08054
EarthWise Pet Supply and Grooming, Voorhees
154 NJ-73, Voorhees Township, 08043
Bill's Wonderland of Pets, Magnolia
804 N White Horse Pike, Magnolia, 08049
Antique stores in South Jersey
Are you looking to give a gift that's got a story behind it? Maybe the person you're shopping for is a fan of something more eclectic. If so, consider shopping some of these South Jersey antique stores.
Woodbury Antiques
66 S Broad St., Woodbury, 08096
Old Mill Antique Mall, Mullica Hill
1 S Main St., Mullica Hill, 08062
Antiques at 9 South Main, Medford
9 S Main St., Medford, 08055
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Shopping local? Get your gifts from these South Jersey spots