From the clap of surf on the jetty to the lacy trim of a Victorian porch, Cape May feels like a seaside postcard come to life. Salt-sweet air, the steady cry of gulls, and pastel-painted “painted ladies” line quiet streets where boutique windows brim with handcrafted goods.

Whether you hunt tide-polished pebbles at Sunset Beach or sip a ripe bottle from a nearby vineyard, the town hands you memories in tangible form, the best souvenirs from Cape May are the ones that smell of sea salt and sun.

Here’s what to buy in Cape May to bring a piece of the shore’s charm home with you.

1. Cape May Diamonds

Why pick this up: These clear quartz pebbles — locally known as Cape May diamonds — are tiny, natural gems of the Delaware Bay. They’re a simple, authentic reminder of afternoons scouring the sand and the slow, patient work of the sea.
What to look for: Polished, translucent pieces with a glassy shimmer; larger, faceted-like stones are rarer. Some vendors tumble and set them into tiny keepsake jars.
Price bracket (2025): $3–$30 (a small jar or single specimen).
Where to find it: Hunt them yourself at Sunset Beach (Cape May Point) or buy pre-collected stones from Washington Street Mall stalls and the Cape May Lighthouse gift shop.

2. Sea Glass Jewelry

Why pick this up: Sea glass necklaces and earrings translate the coast into wearable art — each piece carries the colors and textures of the shoreline.
What to look for: Handwired, sterling silver settings and sustainably sourced glass (clear, aqua, cobalt and sea-foam greens are classic).
Price bracket (2025): $25–$150 (simple pendant to artisan statement pieces).
Where to find it: Boutiques along Washington Street Mall and independent jewelers in the historic district.

3. Cape May Wine

Why pick this up: Cape May’s small coastal wineries make crisp whites and rosés that pair perfectly with seafood and sunsets — bottles are a taste of the region’s terroir.
What to look for: Estate-bottled labels from Cape May Winery & Vineyard (North Cape May) or nearby tasting-room exclusives and limited vintages.
Price bracket (2025): $18–$40 per bottle.
Where to find it: Cape May Winery tasting room, local wine shops, and many hotel gift shops in town.

4. Cape May Brewing Company Beer

Why pick this up: For craft-beer fans, a pack or can of Cape May Brewing Company’s seasonal ales captures the local flavor — often brewed with local inspiration.
What to look for: Seasonal releases, limited-edition cans, or sealed growlers from the taproom for freshness.
Price bracket (2025): $8–$20 for a 4-pack; $12–$25 for a growler fill.
Where to find it: Cape May Brewing Company taproom, select bars, and liquor stores around town.

5. Saltwater Taffy from The Candy Kitchen

Why pick this up: No Jersey Shore visit is complete without saltwater taffy — soft, chewy, and available in every bright flavor you remember from childhood.
What to look for: Freshly pulled taffy in classic flavors (vanilla, peanut butter) and seasonal specialties; gift tins for travel.
Price bracket (2025): $5–$25 depending on size/tin.
Where to find it: The Candy Kitchen on Washington Street Mall and other confectioners around the promenade.

6. Victorian Gingerbread Ornaments & Homewares

Why pick this up: Cape May’s famed Victorian houses inspire locally made ornaments, decorative trim pieces, and gingerbread-style homewares — a charming nod to the town’s architectural identity.
What to look for: Hand-painted, small-batch ornaments, brass or wooden accents that echo porch spindlework, and postcards featuring the Painted Ladies.
Price bracket (2025): $10–$75.
Where to find it: Gift shops near Congress Hall, the Emlen Physick Estate gift shop, and boutiques on Jackson Street.

7. Local Art Prints & Watercolors

Why pick this up: Paintings and prints by Cape May artists distill the town’s light, dunes, and maritime scenes into pieces that travel easily and hang well at home.
What to look for: Signed limited prints, watercolor seaside scenes, and small framed works sized for easy packing.
Price bracket (2025): $20–$400 (prints to original small works).
Where to find it: Galleries along Washington Street Mall, artist co-ops in the historic district, and seasonal art fairs.

8. Small-Batch Jams & Preserves

Why pick this up: Local preserves — often made from Jersey blueberries, cranberries, or beach-plum — are a taste of Cape May on toast or cheese plates.
What to look for: Small-batch, farm-to-jar labels, unique combos (blueberry-lavender, cranberry-orange), and wax-sealed jars for longer shelf life.
Price bracket (2025): $6–$18 per jar.
Where to find it: Cape May Farmers’ Market, specialty food shops on the Washington Street Mall, and roadside farm stands.

9. Cape May Lighthouse Memorabilia

Why pick this up: The red-and-white tower at Cape May Point is an icon — miniature replicas, postcards, and lighthouse guides make for sentimental souvenirs.
What to look for: Handcrafted models, high-quality photographs or prints, and official park booklets that include the lighthouse history.
Price bracket (2025): $5–$60.
Where to find it: Cape May Lighthouse gift shop, Sunset Beach vendor stands, and local museums.

10. Hand-Poured Candles & Sea-Scented Soaps

Why pick this up: Locally made candles and soaps capture the coastal scent profile — think sea salt, cedar, beach plum, and dune grass — and make excellent, packable gifts.
What to look for: Soy or beeswax candles, natural ingredients, and scents named for local places (Cape May Point, Sunset Beach).
Price bracket (2025): $8–$45.
Where to find it: Independent apothecaries, boutiques on Jackson Street and the Washington Street Mall, and weekend artisan markets.

Final tip: Pack delicate pieces in clothing between layers, buy a small cooler for wine or beer if flying, and always ask vendors the story behind their wares — the best souvenirs from Cape May come with a good tale. ✈️

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!