If you’re like us, you’re sick of the cookie cutter fashions, the one size fits all designs, and the one of a million gifts that really leave a lot lacking in the inspiration department.

Yes, those big box stores do have their place (paper towels at a discount price), but we hate depending on them for gifts and for our own style. We’re craving uniqueness with a hint of Jersey Shore and luckily we have it right in our backyard.

As you drive down the coast of Monmouth and Ocean County, you’ll find shops selling merchandise that you would never find in the Targets of the world. From handmade jewelry to driftwood furniture, there are so many stores that give you an opportunity to branch out and live the true Jersey Shore lifestyle from your wardrobe to your home.

Unique Jersey Shore Gift Shops

Gift giving. It can be difficult, especially when you’re looking for that perfect gift in that not so perfect store. Well we’ve got a solution for you. Whether you’re looking for a beach themed gift or a Nepalese flag, we’ve found some of our favorite stores that have everything you need to give a gift that’s just as unique as you!

One of our favorite places to purchase that perfect gift that everyone from your best friend to your mother will love is at Poor Cat Designs in Red Bank. Symbols become a work of art in precious metals, capturing the energy of the maker and the wearer. We guarantee that this is a present that won’t disappoint!

Candy’s Cottage in Red Bank is the perfect place to find coastal inspired goods and sophisticated seaside decorations. The owner’s own love of the ocean influences every corner of her product line from one-of-a-kind furniture pieces to dramatic wall art and stunning seaside barware. Or if you’re set on picking out a unique and quirky gift, Toad Hollow Gifts in Keyport (formerly of Red Bank) may be the place. They stock their shelves with things that you just won’t find just anywhere else, offering hand made products made by single or small group artists.

Have a friend that loves to travel? (Or do you?) Either way, take a ride to Idiosyncrazies in Point Pleasant Beach, a cultural gift store that’s stocked with eclectic gifts from fair trade vendors. You’ll find everything from jewelry made from gems found in the Pine Barrens to gifts made in Nepal. Idiosyncrazies provides a unique opportunity for Jersey Shore residents to shop globally, locally.

Spruce Up Your Spring Wardrobe

We may think that most of our local shops just offer gifts for the home, but did you know that many of them can also help you spruce up your wardrobe just in time for spring? London Rose in Forked River will help you never be caught in the same outfit as someone else. Create your own style and forget about all those pesky “style rules.” From handcrafted flower crowns to Chavez for charity bracelets and beachy dresses, London Rose will have you standing out in the crowd, not blending in.

Add even more spice to your wardrobe this spring at The Stone Hut in Pier Village in Long Branch. The Stone Hut offers a large collection of stunning jewelry from butterfly necklaces to handmade earrings. You’ll feel compelled to decorate yourself this spring, because guess what, life is too short to wear boring jewelry!

We’re also big fans of Foolish Ginger in Asbury Park and Manasquan. Not only can you find beautiful handmade jewerly there that many brides have adorned themselves with for their walk down the aisle, but you can also make sure your favorite baby is decked out in unique clothing too. It’s a one stop variety Jersey Shore shop!

Decorate Your Home with Jersey Shore Shops

As residents of the Jersey Shore, we want our homes to reflect the environment we love so much. Luckily for us there’s The Beach Home in Lavallette to steer us in the right direction. Reopening this May after closing for the season, The Beach Home in Lavallette is a local Jersey Shore shop that can help you decorate your home with everything from custom furniture to unique tablescapes.

Another great place to find alternatives to your run of the mill furniture stores is S.ALT Designs in Asbury Park where “Sarah’s alternative” will have you redecorating your house with quality furniture that reflects your style. With their access to a wide array of products and custom furniture, they can help you implement your design vision to make your home reflect you.

So the next time you’re looking for that perfect gift, that unique outfit, or that one-of-a-kind chair, visit your favorite Jersey Shore shop instead of your typical big box stores. After all, what’s better than having that one-of-a-kind item made by that one-of-a-kind person?