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It’s December and the holidays are here! If you’re anything like us, it’s time to seriously kick into gear and start prepping for all the holiday festivities. If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect gift for someone, we’ve got you covered with a few of our Milwaukee favorite spots to check out specifically for gifts. Think local makers, handmade goods, and sweet, Wisconsin-made gifts for all your loved ones. We’ve got something for each of these areas in this year’s guide: jewelry, Milwaukee clothing and specialty items, locally made pottery and art, small bites, books, and home goods. Hit those Milwaukee Metro streets and shop until you drop!
For Jewelry
Located on Milwaukee’s East side is where you’ll find this gem of a studio. Stop in to get bonded – i.e., set up with a piece of beautiful permanent jewelry – or to purchase fine jewelry or gift certificates. I got bonded at Paloma’s studio this year with a simple, thin gold colored bracelet. I haven’t stopped obsessing over my tinsel since I got it. The bonding process is painless and takes seconds. It’s the picking of the chain and charms that will take some time but don’t worry the staff at the studio will help steer you in the right direction.
You can also find Paloma at pop-ups around the city each throughout the year including the Milwaukee Maker’s Market a seasonal market held at different locations like the Deer District and Discovery Museum throughout the year. The Milwaukee Maker’s Market is the place to go if you want something made by the person selling it.
Paloma also offers private parties for the holidays so get your soiree and BONDING on at their East Side studio or even at your own home. Side note, this is also a fantastic idea for a bridal party or bachelorette (just saying!)
Milwaukee Clothing & Specialty Items
Dedicated “to increasing awareness of and commitment to Milwaukee’s architecture, history, and the built environment” this little shop in the heart of downtown Milwaukee has something for every MKE-lover in your life. You’ll find an incredible collection of apparel, beer-themed/bar things, stickers, posters, books, puzzles, and art by local Milwaukeeans. HMI also boasts an impressive Frank Lloyd Wright collection of curated items and is known for their Milwaukee neighborhood collection which includes magnets, cards, and posters of the city’s iconic neighborhoods.
You can also gift a HMI membership which comes with a host of cool, year-round benefits – one being a 10% discount off all merchandise and access to free, local walking tours regularly scheduled throughout the year. It’s a great gift idea for someone who values experiential gifts more so than material ones and is a gift that can be used all year long.
Pottery and Art by Local Artists
Give the gift of original pottery this holiday. The creativity of the talented Beth Eaton and other local artists is on full display at this little shop in Milwaukee’s eclectic neighborhood of Bay View. Peruse all sorts of ceramic, handmade wares decorated with camping motifs, astrological signs, hanging evil eyes and seasonal designs too – think little spooky ghosts and bats for Halloween. Most pieces are etched with the artist signature or initials on the bottom too certifying you’re leaving with an authentic piece. You’re sure to find a ceramic piece perfect for family and friends who appreciate handcrafted piece, showcasing Milwaukee creativity and made with attention to detail. Bonus! Beth Eaton oftentimes can be found seated at the front window hard at work making pieces, turning the shop into a neat store/studio where you can watch her artistic magic in real-time.
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) Gallery at the Ave.
Stop in to enjoy a completely free art gallery and gift shop in the same space that showcases local Milwaukee creativity. Centrally located downtown next to the 3rd Street Market Hall on Wisconsin Ave. take in the current exhibit and then peruse a wide variety of hand-crafted goods including homemade fishing lures ($50) and pendants with serious Wisco flare. Prices are on the higher end, but everything here is locally made and hand-crafted. It’s an ideal spot to find a high-quality, one-of-a-kind piece for that someone in your life who appreciates and loves to celebrate local artistic talent.
Tip: Be sure to check them out during their annual MIAD Holiday Sale for the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind art and design gifts – all created by MIAD students and alumni! Admission is free.
Small Bites and Brews
This family-owned cheese shop has been in Milwaukee for more than 80 years. It is the perfect place to shop for the foodie in your life or that friend who always shows up to a party with the most lavishly curated charcuterie board. You’ll find all things cheese here with prices that are very affordable. Not sure where to start? Ask an employee for recommendations – they know everything there is to know about each cheese and can help you create a well-rounded selection. Sample some Wisconsin-made cheeses while you shop and in case you need to pick up a foam cheese head hat for that die-hard Packers fan or to just tee-off a Bears fan, you’ll find those here too as well as gift baskets and souvenirs.
Known for small batch processing, this family-owned business is a fun spot to shop local and find kitsch gifts for friends and family. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for gifts for HIM that aren’t socks or whisky rocks. Browse a variety of items beyond just the canned pickled delicacies including flavored popcorn, locally made caramels, beer filled chocolates, Milwaukee and pickle themed ornaments, branded clothing, and gourmet coffee. We personally can’t get enough of the Pickled Spicy Carrots, and the Bloody Mary mix is a fan favorite. Fun fact: many of the canned goods sold in store are made in the back of the house, on-site!
Tip: If you subscribe to their e-newsletter, you will receive all coupon and promotion codes.
It’s impossible to not suggest at least one hot stop in Brew City for a perfect brewski gift. Enter: Ray’s. Hands down this is the best liquor store in the Milwaukee Metro area…in our humble opinion. The selection is unbeatable and that goes for craft beers, wines & all kinds of spirits. Build a 6 pack for $10 or purchase individual cans for $1.99 each for your craft brew obsessed friend. Or pick up a 50% off bottle of fancy vino from the last chance shelf or the Red X half off deals which they always have for your favorite wine enthusiast or to bring to Christmas dinner. Ray’s also sells CBD drinks in a mini fridge near the checkout counter AND local eats and treats. Highly recommend the Lumpias (they are sold frozen in the freezers at the front of the store). And for the huge Ray Converts /Enthusiasts you can even snag some Ray’s branded merch.
Books
Discover and buy books while financially supporting a local bookshop this holiday season at Downtown Books Bought & Sold.
There’s nothing quite like visiting an independent bookshop and at this offbeat, second-hand bookshop you’re sure to find a perfect something for the bookworm in your life. It’s hard to miss the shop’s sunshine yellow façade and the moment you enter this bookshop you likely won’t know where to start. At first glance there appears to be millions of titles stacked from floor to ceiling as far as the human eye can see. You’ll find every genre here. From paperback fiction, spirituality, comics, crafts, art, music, photography, architecture, children’s books and so much more. Everything is very well organized and don’t shy away from asking the passionate bookseller for a personal recommendation. The prices are incredibly fair with books ranging from new to good condition. When checking out, be sure to check out the basket of free bookmarks on the counter too!
Home Goods
Sendik’s
Lush soy candles, tea towels, florals, wreaths, fragrance and so much more is what you will find in the most unexpected of places – Sendik’s! Yes, in this grocery store you will find a well-stocked and mindfully curated collection of goods perfect for holiday gift-giving. They also have a special Wisconsin-themed gift collection only available at Sendik’s. Things like practical drinkware, hats, Wisconsin state shaped cutting boards and Up North travel themed designs makes up part of this collection.
Tip: Be sure to stop in a few times each year as the small space rotates each season as it is refreshed.
We wish you a happy holiday shopping and thoughtful giving season! Be sure to let us know about some of your favorite local shopping spots and shops in the comments below.
~ Justin + Alyssa
I am reminded of the song lyric……”what made Milwaukee famous made a first class fool outta me”….! Hmm, now let me get back to that Christmas list…
Haha, we’ve never heard this one before but definitely digging it
All my favourites! It wouldn’t be hard to find a Christmas present here (for others and myself)!
Aw, so glad to hear that! And if you have any holiday shopping left to do – we hope it goes smoothly and is a success!