Looking for a unique gift or an interesting accent to enhance your own home? Then check out the unusual wares at Idiosyncrazies, located at 1225 Bay Ave. in Point Pleasant Borough.
Idiosyncrazies, a gallery and gift shop, features an eclectic array of products, ranging from slumped glass bottles fashioned into kitchen spoon rests, to rubber wallets made from recycled tires.
A gift shop with a conscience, 95 percent of the items offered at Idiosyncrazies are hand-crafted, constructed from recycled materials, and/or acquired through Fair Trade practices.
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Many pieces, such as paintings produced on old typeset drawers, are created by New Jersey artists and artisans.
Colorful woven bowls constructed from recycled telephone wire, and placemats fashioned out of old candy wrappers, are sure to be conversation starters.
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The shop’s selection of individually crafted pottery pieces, glass and metal wall hangings and mosaics - along with a myriad of paintings, drawings and photographs suitable for framing - provides customers an aesthetic treat while browsing.
Only the fine organic coffees and chocolates sold are mass-produced, procured through Fair Trade practices.
Fair Trade is a system of exchange that strives to create greater equity and partnership in international trade. Supporting safe working conditions, encouraging transparent trade relationships, cultivating environmental responsibility and respecting cultural integrity in the production and trade of goods are among the chief principles of Fair Trade.
Owners Sharon Murphy and Margarita “Margie” Perez opened the shop in May 2010. Sharon runs the day-to-day operation of the store, while Margie keeps the books. The two took the leap into retail after Sharon was downsized out of her old corporate job. The store’s name reflects their mission that the store not be a typical touristy gift shop, and Sharon’s assertion that “opening a store in the current economy might be a little crazy!”
Idiosyncrazies also offers classes in several art mediums, and receptions spotlighting local artists. A “Recycled Artist Group” meets monthly at the shop to create art out of trash, which will culminate in a combined art show later this year.
