The latest update for The Best Christening & Communion Boutiques in NJ is written by Lindsay Podolak.
It’s finally springtime in the Garden State, and you know what that means… it’s busy season for christenings! As much as we appreciate department and chain stores for their convenience, they don’t offer the same personal touch and unique inventory local indie shops provide. In fact, New Jersey is home to many adorable boutiques that sell one-of-a-kind children’s outfits for christenings, communions and other formal events. This time, the spotlight is on them!
With that in mind, we’re rounding up some wonderful spots that specialize in beautiful special-occasion attire for children. The owners and employees at these locations love helping you put together a special look for your little ones; so be sure to keep reading before you head out on your next shopping trip.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find a Christening & Communion Boutique in your area.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey Christening & Communion Boutiques
Bambi Baby
Location: 5411 Bergenline Avenue, West New York, 07093
Details: Although they ship all over the US, Bambi Baby’s showroom is in West New York. Known for their cribs, car seats, and teen bedroom furniture, it’s not surprising they also sell christening and communion outfits. Popular brands in stock include Piccolo Bacchio and Christie Helene, which are available for purchase online or in store. As for matching accessories, Bambi Baby sells christening-themed burp cloths, shoes, hats, blankets, candles and more.
Why I like it: Visit the store and mention code “CLOTHING10” to enjoy 10% off your clothing purchase.
More info: Visit www.bambibaby.com or call 201-867-7634.
Different Strokes for Little Folks
Location: 11 West 22nd Street, Bayonne, 07002
Details: A New Jersey staple, Different Strokes has been in business for almost 40 years. Patrons flock from all over NJ and NY in search of wonderful attire for special occasions. With something for everyone, Different Strokes carries a variety of styles for boys and girls; including christening, communion, and other special occasion attire. Popular brands available include Mayoral, Baby Sara, Petit Lem, Isabella & Chloe, Biscotti, Cassiani, and more. The store also sell shoes, hats, monogrammed gift items, and toys.
Why I like it: The “Communion Room” of the store focuses on dresses, veils, accessories and gifts for the occasion.
More info: Visit www.facebook.com/differentstrokes or call 201-339-4037.
Faith & Begorra
Location: 40 Broadway, Denville, 07834
Details: This Denville boutique features both baptism and communion attire. The Communion Department is open from January to June and offers hundreds of dresses in sizes 4-20, including half sizes. The shop sells Christie Helene outfits, along with brands such as Mon Cheri, Us Angels, and Sarah Louise. Owner “Grammie Sue” has been selling communion attire for 24 years. For young men, they keep it simple with navy or white two-piece suits and coordinating dress shirts. Meanwhile, the shop can embroider Baptismal Blankets in their embroidery shop upstairs.
Why I like it: Check the website to find the latest sales, like the huge 50% off communion dresses event every spring.
More info: Visit www.faithandbegorra.com or call 973-625-0070.
Little Nikki’s
Location: 618 N Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, 07423
Details: Little Nikki’s carries gifts and stylish clothes for baby boys and girls, as well as christening and communion attire. In addition, the owner is happy to help parents adorn christening and communion gowns with trim and beading; in fact, the shop’s on-site seamstress will work to create something remarkable for your child’s special day. Furthermore, the shop never sells identical dresses to girls making communion at the same time in the same church; so parents know they’re truly purchasing an exclusive garment for their child. Little Nikki’s offers a wide variety of special occasion and flower girl dresses, as well as personalized baby gifts.
Why I like it: The store also has beautiful gifts for those celebrating their Holy Communion or christening.
More info: Visit facebook.com/Little-Nikkis-Luxuries or call 201-445-7888.
Over the Moon
Location: 619 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, 07043
Details: All christening outfits at Over the Moon come with matching, insanely cute bonnets. Staffers can assist with creating beautiful beading and lace work to enhance the gowns, and recommend nearby tailors too. Not to mention, their ballet flats for girls and special-occasion shoes for boys perfectly compliment any ensemble.
Why I like it: The selection here always changes because Over the Moon stocks the latest American and European fashions.
More info: Visit overthemoonnj.com or call 973-746-1728.
Peachy Keen Kids
Location: 136 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, 07450
Details: Known for their precious monogrammed and personalized baby gift items, this is the epitome of a dream boutique. For First Communion, Peachy Keen Kids carries brands such as Joan Calabrese, Little Princess, Macis Designs, and Sarah Louise. For christenings, they offer designs from Christie Helene, L’Pety Canar, Sarah Louise, Piccolo Bacio and Macis Designs. First Communion pillows, jewelry, and other gift items are also available.
Why I like it: How about a hand-painted child’s rocking chair to gift that special someone? Peachy Keen makes those, too!
More info: Visit www.facebook.com/Peachy-Keen-Kids or call 201-444-0800.
Sara’s Children’s Boutique
Location: 88 Park Avenue, Rutherford, 07070
Details: Sara’s carries a vast selection of both boy and girl christening outfits. For girls, they offer everything from simple, short dresses to extra-long, very fancy gowns. For boys, the options range from formal looks with coats and vests to a European look in all-white knit. This boutique also sells a wide variety of accessories to match whichever look you choose for your sweet little one. Sara’s carries designs from Macis, Joan Calabrese, Sweetie Pie collection, and Elena Do Vale couture. Boys’ suits are available in various brands and styles, along with ties, hats, and vests for your dapper little guy.
Why I like it: The staff is fluent in English, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish; that is to say, don’t shy away if you’re not a native English speaker.
More info: Visit www.saraschildrensbtq.com or call 201-933-7143.
Central Jersey Christening & Communion Boutiques
Fairytales Boutique
Location: 1966 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, 08836
Details: Fairytales Boutique lives up to its name with dresses and suits fit for princes and princesses! The boutique carries heirloom-quality apparel for all the special moments in life, from christenings and communions to bar mitzvahs. Top clothing designers featured at the store include Christie Helene, Joan Calabrese and Sweetie Pie Collection. From time to time, various designers even host trunk show events at the store.
Why I like it: You can make special appointments for early morning or evening hours that are convenient for you.
More info: Visit www.fairytalesboutiquenj.com or call 732-893-8080.
Isabelle’s Bridal & Eveningwear
Location: 14 Division Street, Somerville, 08876
Details: This tiny-yet-charming bridal boutique is a hidden gem in Somerville. Although the store is great for weddings and proms, it’s perfect for younger ladies, too. Particularly, there’s a section just for kids called Little Belle; here, you’ll find boutique baby clothes for girls, as well as christening gowns and First Holy Communion dresses. In truth, only clothes for little girls are available in-store. But despite this, the staff is happy to help parents special order christening outfits for little boys.
Why I like it: Isabelle’s consistently receives five-star ratings across the board, from Yelp and Facebook to Wedding Wire.
More info: Visit www.isabellesondivision.com or call 908-864-4000.
Jersey Shore Christening & Communion Boutiques
Angel’s Gowns
Location: 71 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, 07701
Details: Angel’s owner knows there are two different trends for girls’ christening attire: The first is an “old royalty” style rich in silk with delicate beading and embroidery. On the other hand, customers like plain cotton gowns, embroidered with small flowers and smocking details. For boys, customers like silk suits with simple embroidery or rompers with a vest; add a short or long jacket, with a little bow tie or regular tie, and an Italian-style cap… voila. The other trend for boys is cotton rompers with shamrock embroidery or smocking details; in this case, the cap is very important and has to be baseball style.
Why I like it: You can view the store’s entire selection online and even have it shipped to you.
More info: Visit www.angelsgowns.com or call 732-804-1898.
Little Charmers
Location: 602 Union Avenue, Brielle, 08730
Details: If you’re looking for the largest selection of designer christening and communion dresses plus boys’ suits in all of the Jersey Shore, look no further than Little Charmers. You will find classic and trendy clothing that have one thing in common– high quality. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, taking into consideration your personal needs as they help you choose the perfect outfit for your little one. Designer outfits here include Piccolo Bacio, Sarah Louise, Will Beth, and more.
Why I like it: Little Charmers isn’t solely for baptism and communion outfits. It’s your one-stop shop for all types of infant and child clothing, as well as gifts, toys, and books.
More info: Visit www.littlecharmersbrielle.com or call 732-528-6966.
South Jersey Christening & Communion Boutiques
Joseph’s Infants and Children’s Boutique
Location: 37 Clementon Road, Berlin, 08009
Details: You can find Joseph’s Infants and Children’s Boutique in Berlin. This shop is known for exceptional customer service. The establishment carries exquisite fashions for all your kids’ needs, from newborn through the teenage years. They specialize in baptismal outfits, communion attire, party dresses, and pageantry wear.
Why I like it: Young girls shopping at the store receive a red rose and photo of themselves holding an “I said yes to the dress!” wooden sign. So adorable!
More info: Visit www.facebook.com/josephschildrensboutique or call 856-753-0933.
Nene’s Lullaby Boutique
Location: 110 Greentree Road, Suite D, Turnersville, 08012
Details: Nene’s specializes in gowns for christenings and communions, and they don’t sell any “cookie-cutter” attire. They carry high-end couture communion gowns, plus silk and lace christening gowns and outfits for girls and boys. There’s no on-site tailor, but the staff can recommend local tailors to help kids achieve a fantastic fit. They also sell all the “bells and whistles” to complete a communion outfit, including tights, shoes, crinoline and gloves.
Why I like it: The store is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on weekends; which is helpful for busy parents who can’t shop on weekdays.
More info: Visit www.neneslullabyboutique.com or call 856-302-5122.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © JFPhotoDesign/Adobe Stock
Additional Body Images (in order) Courtesy:
Different Strokes for Little Folks / Facebook
Fairytales Boutique / Facebook
Angels Gowns / Facebook
Joseph’s Infants and Children’s Boutique by Kimberly Catherine / Facebook
