Gift Guide: For The Hosts

Bringing your hosts a gift? Skip the wine and flowers, here are five thoughtful, eco-friendly options they'll actually use.

Bamboo Serving Bowls and Utensils from Frank's Market & Refillery

We won't be taking over our new store until January 1st, but if you stop in the Arcade before then, make sure to check out Frank's Market & Refillery for his remaining inventory. His bamboo serving bowls and utensils would be a lovely gift for any host. These kitchen accessories are lightweight, naturally elegant, and actually sustainable. Hand wash, and they'll last for years, making them the kind of gift hosts reach for again and again.

A Candle From Red Bank Candle Co. 

Red Bank Candle Co.'s aesthetic blends modern simplicity with vintage soul: neutral tones, natural textures, and considered details. They use 100% domestically grown soy wax and clean, phthalate-free fragrance oils, and they actively encourage reuse with instructions on their website for cleaning out the glass jars. The owner is exploring a refill program and is a regular user of Replenish's delivery service, so you know sustainability matters to her.

Specialty Olive Oil & Vinegar from Food Lube

Your hosts will easily finish this bottle and want to refill it. Consider a high-quality olive oil or vinegar from Food Lube in Asbury Park. You can even choose a custom pairing to create their new favorite salad dressing. It's a gift that keeps on giving because Food Lube offers a discount when you return or refill their bottles. Plus, they're our soon-to-be neighbor when we move into our new storefront in the Arcade on Cookman!

ZWS Essentials Dish Brushes & Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent

The not-so-fun part of hosting? The clean-up. Help ease the burden with these dish and pot scrubber brushes from ZWS Essentials. Pair them with Dirty Labs' Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent, and clean-up becomes a breeze. The ultra-concentrated 2-in-1 powder formula uses advanced bioenzymes and natural, nontoxic ingredients to break down tough messes and stubborn stuck-on food—without harsh chemicals.

Anything From FORGE

When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a gift from FORGE in Red Bank. If you want to bring your host a little something, this thoughtfully curated shop specializes in handcrafted and small-batch goods made by independent makers who prioritize craftsmanship and sustainability. My top picks? These match strikers, this handmade olive wood herb stripper, this seashell match box, and this hand-thrown salad dressing bowl.