Holiday Gift Guide: Shopping On a Budget

No one has ever said that it's difficult to find a gift in Millburn-Short Hills. The perception, though, is items can be a little pricey.

But visits to many gift stores in the township prove there are gifts to be bought for under $50.

This is the first Millburn holiday season for Linda Costa's Accents in Silver.  She stocks many beautiful items that fall in the under-$50 price range — including picture frames and jewelry. Most are sterling, and free gift wrap is included.  Pretty sterling stretch rings that are studded with Swarovski crystals and beads cost in the $30 range. The baby items such as piggy banks cost $20 and pink and blue accented sterling frames cost $48.

Curate owners Mary Litterman and Debra Camitta said, "We've been seeing a holiday uptick in sales." They suggest picking up some fingerless gloves, mini-speakers or Bucky balls.  "We have things you can't find elsewhere" Litterman said. "And they're at all price points from under $50 to as high as $3,000."

Beatrice Wandelmer, owner of the gourmet speciality store Epicerie Fine, showed some of the unusual (and delicious-looking) gift baskets she puts together at no extra charge. There was a tea basket with a charming cup and saucer packed along with cookies, candies and a tin of fare-trade tea for $30. Also for $30 was a dramatic "black" package containing black truffle oil, black garlic and Hawaiian black sea salt.

People usually visit The Garden Path during its busy season — from April through August. Proprietor Becky Greenberg said holiday season business has been steady with shoppers snapping up indoor-outdoor thermometers, unique ornaments and birdhouses. "We have items that decorate the outdoors," she said, "So much of our business is in the warmer months, but winter is a great time for birdhouses and they make a great gift."

It's the last holiday season for Netef Gallery, whose owners are moving back to Israel. Their liquidation sale is an opportunity to pick up a luxe item at a big discount.  Joe Gonzales said owner Guy Netef is selling out inventory with many items priced at 75 percent off. 

Recently opened Seed 387 has an impressive selection of gifts. There are Emma Bridgewater mugs that would make stupendous teacher gifts and Sabre serving pieces that would please any hostess. Although it was difficult to not want one of everything, co-owners Andrea Gabay and Nancy Levy (Judy Rudman was elsewhere during the visit) showed off initial wine stoppers ($16.25), hand-knit hats and gloves ($38-$44) and salad sets ($37.50) that were well within the $50 limit. 

Shala co-owners Vicki and Shala Powell showed off various handmade and artisan decorative objects within the $50 — and under limit —  including some very pretty tin trays ($40) and compact mirrors and business card holders ($22-$27).  "Ninety percent of our stock is made in America," they said. "With the rest from places like Canada, France and England. We will never stock knock-offs."  Shala offers a free local delivery service.