Does someone on your list like to drink? From start to finish, Northern Brewer has everything to brew beer and make wine or cider at home, including a grain room with 80 options, grape juices, yeasts, wine kits, boiling kettles, fermenting vessels, bottling, corking, kegging equipment and a line of its own T-shirts and pint glasses. Let the party begin. 1306 S. 108 St., West Allis, 414-935-4099, northernbrewer.com.
Right up until Christmas, Sprout gifts shoppers with holiday deals like 20 percent off all maternity on Mondays, 20 percent off all toys on Tuesdays, 20 percent off all wooden toys and games on Wednesdays, $10 off any purchase of $25 or more with a donation to Toys for Tots this Thursday and 20 percent off all plush toys this Friday. Plus, during Elf weekend (Dec. 19 & 20) shoppers will find special deals throughout the store. 320 E. Buffalo St., 414-289-0844, sproutmilwaukee.com.
Shopping for the environmentally conscientious? Check out U-Turn, a consignment shop devoted to reusing and recycling. Find skirts made out of shirts, bike inner tubes transformed into mirror frames and grocery bags shaped into purses. 6905 W. North Ave., 414-443-0143, uturnity.com.
Giving the less fortunate a fashionable lift throughout December, Luci offers 25 percent off on purchases in exchange for the donation of gently used holiday dresses for women who can’t afford the season’s finery. The shop also antes up an extra $25 for every $100 spent on holiday gift cards. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, 5724 Center Parkway, Bayshore, 414-967-7933, luciboutique.com.
Whether you’re looking to butter updads, moms, sisters, brothers, grandparents, lovers, babysitters, bosses, secretaries, teachers, in-laws or roommates, count on the cosmetic and skin care experts at Blush to come up with ideas for great stocking stuffers to full-out pampering packages. They’ll also put together a wish list that lets others know what to buy to make you happy. Receive free gift wrapping and first-class postal shipping the entire month of December.249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
As jingle bells and jewelry go hand in hand, head to 3rd Ward Jewelry for the Dec. 19 trunk show of rings, necklaces and bracelets created by Chicago silversmith Christine Simpson. Also check out the new stunningly bold collection by Petra Class, featuring raw and cut stones, brown diamonds and Tahitian pearls encased in fine gold. 241 N. Broadway St., 414-289-0886, 3rdwardjewelry.com.
Slush and snow present no problem for men wearing Norwegian Swims from Allen Edmonds. These rubber overshoes not only protect but also, given their chamois-like lining, actually polish shoes when worn. Looking for other gift ideas and stocking stuffers for the men in your life? They’ve got plenty of belts, wallets, money clips, card cases, shearling lined slippers, shoe-care kits and more. Also, check out the company’s new online “See with Pants” option to visualize how shoe styles will look paired with pant options ranging from jeans to tuxedos. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-785-6666, 11043 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, 262-241-4266, allenedmonds.com.
Have you heard about I’m Tired… bracelets? Eco-friendly, made from recycled tires and metals, they’ve been showing up on arms of celebrities as a pretty cool way to make social statements, especially because half of the $10 cost supports charities that seek to eliminate hunger, discrimination, global warning, animal cruelty, cancer, diabetes, AIDS and autism. Find out more at imtiredonline.com.
Support the Goodwill community at Retique with one-of-a-kind gifts of art, bookmarks, prints and note cards created by the organization’s clients. 190 N. Broadway, 414-273-1797, amazinggoodwill.com.
Looking for easy holiday-themed gifts? Look into Lush fizzy bath bombs, soaps and shower gels made from fine ingredients and essential oils all tucked into limited edition innovative packaging. Find beautiful tin boxes ready to double as cookie tins or storage boxes, clever snowman “paper doll” gift wrapping, gingerbread boxes waiting to be colored in and dreidel-shaped gift boxes perfect for Hanukkah. Shop online for free holiday gifts with purchases of more than $70 and $90. 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Mayfair, 414-443-1177, lushusa.com.
Got an idea for bringing bras front and forward as an expressive art medium? Now through Jan. 9, A Woman’s Touch is accepting entries for the Uplifting Art: Bras for a Causecompetition that benefits After Breast Cancer Diagnosis. Bras will be on display in the store Jan. 15-24. Shoppers are invited to vote for a people’s choice winner who will be announced at a reception Feb. 2, which will also include a silent auction. 200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400, awomanstouchonline.com.
Stock up on farm-fresh veggies, eggs, meats, poultry, artisan cheeses, baked goods, organic caramels, honey, maple syrup and more at the new Milwaukee Winter Market held every Saturday from 8 a.m. till noon. Through April 24 in the Tommy Thompson Youth Center at the Wisconsin State Fair grounds. 640 S. 84 St., mcwfm.org.
As local designer Areka Ikeler of Fashion Ninja gets ready to take a winter break before reopening at her new location in March (still to be announced), shoppers save 40 percent on all clothing, jewelry, fabric, leather, trims and sewing supplies throughout December. 315 N. Plankinton Ave., 414-481-3865, fashionninja.com.
CHECK OUT:
Dec. 16 at Gigi of Mequon: Save 10 percent on purchases made during the Caroline Herrera ready-to-wear trunk show.1552 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-1123, gigiofmequon.com.
Dec. 17 (5-10 p.m.) at Luci (Downtown location): Enjoy fab food, a variety of martinis, great music, a $100 giveaway and more during the boutique’s holiday party. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Dec. 18 at Luci (Bayshore location): Divas Night Out treats shoppers to makeovers, massages, sushi and beverages. 5724 Center Parkway, Bayshore, 414-967-7933, luciboutique.com.
Dec. 18 (7-10 p.m.) at Vieux et Nouveau Boutique: Holiday party featuring Rehorst gin and Vodka tasting, snacks, discounts and a $100 gift certificate giveaway. RSVP required. 1217 E. Brady St., 414-287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com.
Dec. 18-19 in the Historic Village of Wauwatosa: A Wrap Up Your Holiday in the Village event promises fun, food, music and, of course, savings. villageofwauwatosa.com.
Dec. 18-19 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Grotta & Co: Find tie dye, silk velvet and cashmere scarves along with loads of pillows that are perfect for gifts. Prices start at just $15. 207 E. Buffalo St., 414-273-8066, grottaco.com.
Dec. 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) at freckle face: Santa makes a visit to the store, so be sure to bring both the kids and your camera. Stick around for a day filled with holiday craft classes, a great raffle and 15 percent off toys and winter Daily Tea fashions. Gift donation is also going on with 10 percent of all the day’s sales slated for the Penfield and Ebenezer child centers. 244 N. Broadway St., 414-298-1488, frecklefaceboutique.com.
Dec. 19 (7-10 p.m.) at ReThreads: The store’s official grand opening features local handbag designer Paul Issac, live models showcasing specialty vintage fashions, food, drink and music. Cocktail attire encouraged. 2943 N. Humboldt Blvd., 414-263-1690, rethreadsclothing.com.
Dec. 19 at Artist & Display: Free demos include Glitter Ideas (1-3 p.m.), which showcases ways to add sparkle to holiday cards and ornaments, and Colored Pencils (noon-3 p.m.), which will teach you everything you need to know to express yourself beautifully. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
Dec. 20 (1-3 p.m.) at Artist & Display: An Artist Trading Cards class explores making trendy and creative 2.5” x 3.5” pieces of art. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
Through Dec. 20 at Faye’s: During the store’s Ho Ho Ho Bogo sale, shoppers who buy any one item (jeans, tees, shoes) get a second at half price.1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
Through Dec. 23 at Vieux et Nouveau Boutique: Save 15 percent daily on various fashion items during the remaining Twelve Sales of Christmas. On Dec. 16, it’s sweaters and coats, Dec. 17 is jewelry, Dec. 18 is vintage clothing, Dec. 19 is dresses, Dec. 20 is shoes and boots, Dec. 21 is shawls and belts, Dec. 22 is hats, gloves and scarves, and on Dec. 23, it’s all about handbags. 1217 E. Brady St., 414-287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com.
Until Christmas at Shop: Holiday hours mean the store is open noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. 1918 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, 414-962-4030, shop53211.com.
Through Jan. 19 at Stan’s: The semi-annual clearance sale saves shoppers up to 50 percent on well-made shoes, boots and handbags. Glendale, Brookfield and Greenfield locations, stansfootwear.com.
Through Jan. 31 at Valentina: Save while helping Hope House help the homeless. Receive 10 percent off all winter purchases when you drop donations of new winter coats, boots, snow pants, alarm clocks, single bed linens, toasters and coffee pots to Hope House. Helping the homeless will also save shoppers 5 percent when donating bath linens, deodorants, baby diapers, plain T-shirts, gift cards, backpacks, bus passes, hats, scarves, gloves, toys, shampoos and conditioners to Hope House. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-4122, evalentina.com.
SEEN AT:
Lela: Fashionistas will receive a $50 gift certificate good toward their custom order of one-of-a-kind fashions by award-winning designer Shanel Regier. 321 N. Broadway, 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
Mark Pasch Ltd.: Trendy shirts to pair with jeans, khakis and shorts from Bacchi, Tommy Bahama, Robert Graham and Arnold Zimbera. Plus, retro Brewers and Badger T-shirts, sweatshirts and caps make great gifts for guys. 333W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-351-5634, www.markpaschltd.com.
Miss Ruby: Terrific figure flattering contemporary dressy and after-six dresses perfect for the holiday season in sizes 0-28. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
