1. Olson House
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
Olson House in Shorewood (4326 N. Oakland Ave.)! Their focus is Scandinavian and local makers, plus some vintage blended in. I love the candles, felted ornaments, textiles and anything Marimekko. Trust me — you want something from here under your tree.
2. URSA and Ebb & Flow Design Co.
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
I write about these stores all the time (for good reason!). So you might already know that I love them. But more specifically, I love shopping at these stores for gifts. They both have unique selections of home goods and little doo-dads, from pillows to coffee mugs to taper candles – and each store has its own style and aesthetic. URSA has a lovely natural, earthy, neutrals vibe. Ebb & Flow is wonderfully funky and colorful with lots of fun patterns and designs. Both are must-stop shops this holiday season, and always.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Boswell Book Co.
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I am what some folks refer to as an insufferable little bookworm nerd boy. I’m talking, in college I had a black and white photo of James Joyce taped to my wall levels of insufferable. So when the holidays come around, I have a tendency to buy people books that I think they should read. Meaning books they do not want. Yes, I know. Awful. But I am what I am, and so this month, you’ll find me at my favorite local book shop, Boswell, scooping up copies of The Brothers Karamazov, Infinite Jest, East of Eden and Twilight of the Idols, which I will thoughtlessly foist upon people who really just wanted, like, a nice mug or some chocolate. No, I don’t have many friends – why do you ask?
4. GoodLand Home & Goods
HALEY WICHMAN, EDITORIAL INTERN
I’ve just started my holiday shopping, I recently stopped into GoodLand on Downer Avenue, and it was a great spot for unique home-good gifts! I’m also definitely planning to hit Boswell for the readers in my life and a makers market or two.
5. Beans & Barley, Mod Gen and Winkie’s Toys and Variety
SOPHIE YUFA, JUNIOR DESIGNER
When it comes to gift shopping, I’m never failed by Beans & Barley on North Ave. and Mod Gen in the Third Ward! They have lots of cute niche stuff that you wouldn’t typically find in the more mainstream/corporate stores. I’m always hard-pressed to leave either of those shops empty handed. I’d also try Winkie’s Toys and Variety in Whitefish Bay. I haven’t been there yet, but I’ve heard good things.
6. Shop Along North Ave.
CHELSEA MAMEROW, ART DIRECTOR
North Ave has a stop for everyone on my list. For the moms of littles, I’ll stop at Little Village Play Cafe. Joy Ice Cream Social has a rotating local maker pop-up in their retail space that I’m keeping my eye on. Sendiks home goods section is always filled with an eclectic selection for the home and body, and the floral department is a great stop for some hostess flowers. Vennture Brew Co. is offering coffee gift sets (along with the always-available four packs of beer or Delta 9 infused seltzers). For the last minute “Let’s get them a bottle of booze” I’ll pop into Ray’s Wine & Spirits.
