Buying holiday gifts for Gen Z can be difficult. Members of Generation Z were born roughly between 1997 and 2012, which means they are currently between the ages of 11 and 26. The Gen Z demographic has had access to the internet and social media for most of their lives, so everything from their knowledge and usage of technology to make-up application skills is next level. Asbury Park has no shortage of shopping opportunities that feature on-trend items that would be ideal for a Gen Z daughter, son, sibling, cousin, or family friend. Or a millennial friend who identifies as more Gen Z (we all have one…) Here is a guide to Asbury Park-specific gifts that can be picked up locally or online for the Gen Z’ers of the Jersey Shore.
A Surf Lesson from Summertime Surf Schools
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Give the gift of gnarly waves this holiday season. Summertime Surf Schools hosts surf lessons and surf camps in Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Point Pleasant, and Manasquan. Gift cards — with a value of your choosing — can be purchased on the Summertime Surf Schools website and applied towards any Summertime Surf program, merchandise, or equipment. Experience options range from a Monday through Friday surf camp to a 1-on-1 private surf lesson. Surf lessons and camps are available to students of all ages and experience levels. No equipment is required – surfboards and wetsuits are provided for the duration of the surf session.
Taylor Swift Merch from Rebel Supply Co. | 550 Cookman Avenue #107
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For those in their Taylor Swift era, swag from Rebel Supply Co. on Cookman Avenue is a must. Rebel has the absolute best selection of Taylor Swift-inspired crewnecks, hats, stickers, mugs, notepads, candles, key chains, and vinyl records. Whether putting together an entire themed gift or just looking for a few stocking stuffers, you will not leave Rebel Supply empty-handed.
Read More: Where to Donate in the Asbury Park Area
An Aura Photography Reading from Freedom Rocks | 550 Cookman Avenue #106
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An aura photography reading is a special experience for those who love New Age spirituality (crystals, tarot cards, etc.) Aura photography captures images of a person’s aura – the colored energy field surrounding the body. The Aura Photography process involves getting photographed by Freedom Rocks’ specialty aura camera which uses hand sensors to gather data via acupuncture points on each hand. The information is translated into colorful patterns or auras surrounding the subject of the photo. A Freedom Rocks staff member will deliver an aura reading to explain what the colors and placements mean in the photograph. Aura readings reveal energies at play in the present moment as well as what may be coming in the future for the individual.
A Rook Coffee Gift Card
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For those who may not know, the Jersey Shore runs on Rook Coffee. With locations all over Monmouth and Ocean County, a gift card to Rook would come in clutch for any Gen-Z’er (or anyone, truthfully.) In-store gift cards and eGift cards are available on the Rook website. eGift cards cannot be used in-store at any physical Rook Coffee location or in the Rook Coffee mobile app.
A Hamboard from Endless Waves | 550 Cookman Avenue #105
Endless Waves on Cookman Avenue is one of the only surf and skate boutiques to sell Hamboards in New Jersey. Hamboards — as seen on Shark Tank — are skateboards that look and ride like a surfboard. Hamboards are longer, wider, and sit higher off the ground than conventional skateboards and longboards. These boards are designed for cross-stepping and stand-up paddling. They also come in great designs.
Air plants and succulents from Sanctum Handmade | 601 Cookman Avenue
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For a garden gal or an earthy guy, Sanctum Handmade has a wide variety of different plants and accessories. The shop — which has two locations: one on Cookman Ave and one inside of Convention Hall — features handmade modern Bohemian home decor by Justine Hudak. From mobiles and crystals to tiny trinkets and rose water mists, there are lots of ethereal options for gifting.
Sonny Angel doll from Asbury Park Fun House | 1200 Ocean Avenue
In the simplest terms, a Sonny Angel doll is a small, collectible figurine of a naked angel with wings and a hat. The 3-inch doll is made of plastic and comes in a variety of themes and styles. The fun part about Sonny Angels is that they have blind bag packaging, meaning that the design inside is a mystery until it is opened after purchase. The quirky collectibles are a fav among Gen-Z who display the dolls on shelves, on their work desks, and as a whimsical decor fixture. Asbury Park Fun House became so popular for its selection of Sonny Angel dolls that they had to stop selling them on the online store to reserve a selection for in-store shoppers. Asbury Park Fun House has two locations, one by the beach at 1200 Ocean Avenue and another downtown at 704 Cookman Avenue.
Stone Pony Merch from The Stone Pony | 913 Ocean Avenue
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Every Jersey Shore local needs to own a piece of official Stone Pony merchandise. Visitors can stop by The Stone Pony to check out the merch selection during box office hours, which is open noon to 5PM every Thursday through Sunday and during show hours. Stone Pony merch includes t-shirts, crewnecks, zip-up jackets, long-sleeve shirts, and hats can coolers, among other items. The Stone Pony recently unveiled the 50th Anniversary Classic Collection to commemorate the legacy of the famous Asbury Park music venue.
Greetings from Asbury Park Merch at Wanderlust Land + Sea | 1300 Ocean Avenue
Wanderlust Land + Sea inside the Convention Hall has the best selection of unique Asbury Park gear. The Asbury-themed apparel features eclectic art designed by Len’s Wood Designs on brightly colored crewnecks and hoodies. These cozy sweatshirts are a must-have for the winter but will also be perfect for cooler summer nights.
See More: A Guide to Gift Shops in the Montclair Area
A Beach Badge
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Early bird beach badges are now available for our favorite Jersey Shore spots. Whether the giftee posts up in Asbury Park or frequents Belmar, discounted beach badges for the Summer 2024 season are on sale by the town for a limited time. Beach passes are required to access several beaches from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Music Lessons from Lakehouse Music Academy | 619 Lake Avenue
Lakehouse Music Academy on Lake Avenue offers classes and summer camps for students of every skill level. Students learn music theory in one-on-one private study and have the opportunity to work on original songwriting, recording, production, and engineering. LHMA students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of live performances and group programs students get to play iconic local venues such as The Stone Pony, The Wonder Bar, and Asbury Lanes.
