Local Stores to Shop For Gifts | Milwaukee Magazine

5 Local Stores to Shop This Holiday Season

Stumped on holiday gift ideas? Shop ’til you drop at these Milwaukee spots.

THESE BRICK-AND-MORTAR shops are loaded with those special items that make gift-openers say: “Where’d you get this?” Stop in to source great giveables while also supporting Milwaukee businesses.

1. GoodLand Home & Goods

2565 N. DOWNER AVE.

This home and lifestyle boutique opened in September, featuring a mix of goods from local and global makers and designers. Many of the pieces here, like the art and ceramics, are handmade to give your gift an extra thoughtful touch. 

Our Pick! Kayoko Miyazawa Yoko Ceramics Face Vase ($30-$34)

Kayoko Miyazawa Yoko Ceramics Face Vase; Photo courtesy of GoodLand Home & Goods

2. Il Bosco

225 S. SECOND ST.

Stepping into this Walker’s Point shop is like entering an enchanted forest. Sculptures of forest animals, botanical decor and tons of plants abound in the eco-boutique, which prioritizes ecologically conscious products. Peruse the art, fine furniture and fashion selections to find gift options that are truly one of a kind. 

Our Pick! Brass Bunny Tray ($138)

Brass bunny tray; Photo courtesy of Il Bosco

Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!

 

3. Beard MKE

1812 E. NORTH AVE.

Struggling to find something for the men on your gift list? Head over to Milwaukee’s first “brotique.” Books, home goods, apparel and all sorts of products for beards are just a few of the items you’ll find here. Take a pass through the greeting card section while you’re there – they have some funny ones. 

Our Pick! Yellow Crappie Hat ($36)

Yellow crappie hat; Photo courtesy of Beard MKE

4. URSA

2534 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE.

This airy Bay View shop is a go-to for Milwaukee shoppers. Check out the bath and apothecary selections if you are looking to pamper your recipient with spa-worthy products. Or skip to the decor section for home goods made with nature-inspired designs. Looking for something more on the romantic side? Consider the fragrance corner or some trendy jewelry items. 

Our Pick! Beach Stone Match Striker ($24)

Beach Stone Match Striker; Photo courtesy of URSA

5. Clover

2252 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE.

The newest plant store on the Bay View block is a little oasis with dozens of living gifts for the plant lover on your list. This shop’s specialty is sustainability, making use of mugs, teapots and other upcycled ceramics to house a wide variety of greenery. Have an unused pot lying around the house? Bring it in for a 10% discount on a purchase and to support the initiative.

Our Pick! A Snake Plant (Prices Vary)  

Snake plant: Photo by Getty Images

Gifts That Keep Giving

These subscriptions and memberships stretch out the joys of gift giving. 

For the animal loverMilwaukee County Zoo Pass; $140+ (annual)

For the explorer … Wisconsin State Park Sticker; $13+ (annual)

For the readerRooted MKE Lit Kits; $75+ (bimonthly)

For the culture connoisseur … Milwaukee Rep Subscription; $100+ (annual)

For the caffeine addictStone Creek Coffee Beans Subscription; $32+ (monthly)

For the museum mavenMilwaukee Public Museum Membership; $85+ (annual)

For the beer geekMilwaukee Craft Beer Passport; $25 (annual)

For the art aficionadoMilwaukee Art Museum Membership; $20+ (annual) 


 

This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s December issue.

Find it on newsstands or buy a copy at milwaukeemag.com/shop

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Alli Watters was the the digital and culture editor for Milwaukee Magazine for four years. While she's no longer on staff, she continues to write regularly for the magazine and is currently petitioning for the title of "Lead Shenanigans Correspondent."