News

At this time of year, on a day like this, with wet, cold shorter days without many birds or even people outside it's already feeling winter-ish (even though solstice is weeks away).

As an artist I am OK with this! Working from my studio it is warm and bright inside and all the rich scents and soft, warm textures of coconut wax, shea butter, sweet almond oil, Jersey City beeswax--ingredients for all kinds of projects, it is endlessly interesting work. I get to do research, hash out ideas and come up with products I wish I had, and get to share them with family and friends and then our local community and customers.

The life of independent makers bringing their things to holiday markets is complicated and inspiring! The sadness and relief of the end of the year is a wrap up and rebirth at the same time. I have worked for many weeks on getting a winter collection together, and I get to offer them in person to my local community. It's especially great when customers are surprised and happy to find a special nostalgic candle or smooth hand salve or naturally made lip balm. These products check all the boxes: handmade, distinctive scents and packaging, a real and simple business mission, and we share our interest in these simple joyful things. I'm a big believer of good things in small packages!

As 2025 winds down, it ends with a bang of fresh new products for gifts to ourselves and our friends, passing time with our families in closer quarters, enjoying meals and having gratitude for all the luck we might have had in the past 12 months.

This Winter 2025 I'm getting the hang of seasonal trends. On top of offering our strongest line-up of best-selling fragranced coconut wax candles, I discovered the wonderful world of Winter Balms, Luxe Body Lotions, Luxury Oils for Hair and Body Oil Spray, and of course we continue with our handmade soap and lip balms.

I hope you all are having a terrific holiday season so far, and don't forget to spread the word about this small business to friends and family that love high-quality, smartly packaged personal fragrance products from this maker brand. 

Summer at the Markets: New Scents, Sunny Days, and Good Neighbors

This summer, I have to say—our farmer’s market schedule has been such a joy. I’m seriously grateful for the chance to set up shop and spend time with our local friends and neighbors on these beautiful days. Somehow, we got lucky with all the sunshine.

The article below was coverage about me, the origins of Present Day Goods and inspiration, plus a plug for our local Lincoln Park Farmer's Market, and frankly a plug for all the farmer's markets out there--these are great places to preserve through patronage. 

This week we caught up with Maureen Gallagher, founder of Present Day Goods. You can find her selling handmade candles, lip balms, sugar scrubs and other products made with natural ingredients today at the Lincoln Park Farmers Market from 10am-2pm! You can also find her at the Riverview and Hoboken Farmers Markets. And her lip balms are available at Busy Bee Organics at 451 Palisade Ave in the Heights.

Our bestselling Indigo Bar Soap is back. Handmade in Jersey City with olive oil, kaolin clay, and a soft orchid and olive scent, this vegan bar turns everyday washing into a moment of calm. Limited batch, small-batch luxury—get it while it lasts.

Ready to experience the benefits of a foaming sugar scrub for yourself? Take advantage of our special discount offer and treat yourself to a winter wake-up like no other. Start your day with a burst of energy and a touch of luxury, all while giving your skin the care it deserves.

Whether you’re celebrating with your partner or indulging in some self-love, at Present Day Goods, we believe that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic gestures — it’s about cherishing love for all of us. Find little thoughtful surprises and bigger impression gifts right here. 

To our incredible friends, family, customers, and neighbors: thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support, encouragement, and kind words have made this journey so fulfilling. Whether you stopped by our tent at a local market, placed an order online, or simply cheered us on from afar, we’re endlessly grateful.

As the summer season comes to a close, Present Day Goods is thrilled to share some exciting updates with you. We have been busy participating in various summer markets, showcasing our latest products and connecting with our community.

Thank you to all of the people who support this small business! All of you who visited the markets, liked our social media posts, and thank you to the customers who placed their trust in this business and ordered candles, soaps, balms and detergents for yourself, family and friends.

We are now moving into the creation of soap thank you to the generous citizens of the DIY movement on the internet.

We've been busy crafting something truly special at our studio, and we couldn't be more excited to present our latest creation – our Solid Lip Balms. These little tins of goodness are here to update your lip care routine and keep your lips soft, protected, and moisturized.

Present Day Candle fragrances are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. They come in charming compact gift tins and travel jars that can be added to gift baskets or pair with a fine wine gift. But what sets them apart is their staying power. Our coconut wax blend scented candles have a longer-lasting scent than your everyday soy candle, ensuring your gift will be a long lasting with cleaner burn.