It’s back – our Madison Area 2022 Local Gift Guide and we are so excited! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which means…gift guides! We love our community and the great opportunities to shop small for the Holiday season.
Many of the businesses have online stores and good ol’ brick and mortar locations to visit as well. Make sure to check out their websites and social media accounts for upcoming sales, events, and shopping! There is a mix of clothing, home décor, treats, and experiences to make sure everyone on your list will get the perfect gift.
Finally, there are so many amazing stores in the Midwest. We would love to hear about your favorite local stops. Make sure you share with others on how to shop small this Christmas!
Creek + Elm
Creek + Elm is a handcrafted earring business located in McFarland, Wisconsin. Emily Brewer is the owner, designer, and a local Madison artisan. Inspired by the rustic-boho-chic fashion trend, Creek + Elm uses ethically sourced, sustainable materials to make gorgeous statement pieces. Emily uses materials like cork, wood, and resin making the earrings not only gorgeous and stylish, but extremely lightweight and hypoallergenic for all day wear. Emily has created a holiday inspired collection that would be a perfect gift for someone or for yourself to show off at all those holiday get-togethers.
Check out their holiday collection and many others at www.creekandelm.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook! If you are local, porch pickup is always an option. You can also find them in many great Madison area shops, like Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Farwell Gallery, The Regal Find, and Kismet Books.
Her Whole Story
Her Whole Story is a women’s empowerment brand that believes “You are a story worth telling.” Through inspiring apparel, accessories, programs, and community. They invite women to step into their full, whole and true stories, and support other women in doing the same.
Her Whole Story began with runner, writer and entrepreneur Mel Charbonneau. She created Fellow Flowers and 13 signature flowers to honor the reasons why women run. The brand expanded to Breakthrough and Begin Camp, Oceanside Retreats, and Tell Her, a line of cards that encourage women to tell another woman or girl when they see her being brave, strong or resilient. It is also the home of the popular #FFCrew, a virtual sisterhood of active women who cheer one another on through movement and life.
Visit www.herwholestory.com to explore apparel, flowers, accessories, Tell Her cards, and more to inspire yourself or a woman or girl in your life. And join the fun on Instagram and Facebook!
Sun and Lace
Founded by a mother of three, Briana was trying to find cute, neutral shoes for her baby boy. Not finding what she was looking for, she used her sewing skills to make some slip-on shoes that her babe wore everywhere. She thought she’d help other boy mommas and care givers by creating heirloom-quality leather baby shoes and accessories.
Each item at Sun and Lace is handcrafted in their studio located in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Neutral colors and premium sustainable leather allow each item to be passed down from brother to sister and from sister to brother. Make sure to follow Sun and Lace on Facebook and Instagram.
Tradition Market
Tradition Market is made up of two locally-owned boutiques, located next to each other in charming Downtown Middleton. Jen Wuebben opened Tradition in 2016 with the hope of bringing thoughtful designer fashion to the Madison area, while creating an inviting shopping environment for the entire family.
The Children’s Market features a selection of apparel, toys, and accessories for children sizes baby to 10 (select items available up to size youth 14). This year, the holiday collection showcases coordinating family pajamas, fancy dresses, holiday graphics, and unique toys. The Women’s Market consists of many classic styles with a designer twist. With brands like Varley, Pendleton, Alex Mill, The Shirt, W Cashmere, 525 America, Spanx, Dolce Vita, and NoEnd Denim, they offer a variety of styles and price points. Stop in to check out their holiday sweaters, leather boots, statement jackets, and cold weather accessories. They would love to help you find the perfect look or gift!
Unfolded
Unfolded Clothing and Home, and owners Missy Hartwig and Tatum Schroeder, will celebrate their one year anniversary this November! It is a cute little boutique nestled in the heart of Prairie du Sac on the Wisconsin River. They carry a variety of home goods, women’s clothing, local handmade jewelry, candles, soaps, leather bags, shoes, and unique refinished furniture. With new items launching weekly, Unfolded has fresh looks for young, old, and in between.
You can also visit other great attractions while shopping at Unfolded. Wollersheim Winery, bike trails, The Vintage, JayBirds Cafe, and the new C2 Juicery to name a few. Be sure to check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram for outfit inspirations, furniture piece of the week, hours, directions, sales, and special events!
Willow & Weld
Kassie, a born and raised Madison local, is the owner of Willow & Weld and proud to be Madison’s original permanent jewelry pop-up boutique. An endless chain making bracelets, anklets, and necklaces that are meant to last forever (or as long as you want)! They are custom sized and welded on for you to wear wherever, forever. No clasp getting in the way and no tarnishing. Should the day ever come when you want or need to remove it, they can be easily cut off.
Think of these as your grown up friendship bracelet. A way to celebrate a milestone: a wedding, your bridesmaids, your sister, your mom, your partner, a promotion, and the everyday.
All chains are named after her family members and hold a key spot in her heart. She has events all around Madison and surrounding areas. More information can be found on her website. Since Kassie must be present in order to do the weld, she’s offering gift cards for the holiday season. Therefore, you can still give the gift of permanent jewelry!
JNJ Gifts
Jerina is the owner of JNJ Gifts and More. It’s a Mother-Daughter run business, Jerina manages the shop and her daughter, Natania, manages their social media. They have been in business for six years, as a local, minority, women-owned shop.
After losing their brick and mortar location, they opted to go 100% online while they search for the next home of JNJ Gifts. Jerina has been through so much to take care of her business and she perseveres still. Her goal is to spread happiness to everyone who creates, buys, and receives her gifts. And she also makes sure to make it as easy as possible to get the perfect gift.
JNJ carries ready-to-go gift boxes, candles, small trinkets, wooden signs, and so much more. She carefully hand-picks each and every one, for both her customers, and her artists. She prides herself on her local artists, and her handmade, quality gifts. Make sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram page too!
Lily’s
Formerly Lily’s Mercantile & Makery in Paoli, Wisconsin, Lily’s offers shoppers a wide variety of home décor, clothing, baby accessories, gifts, jewelry, and hats. Mother and daughter team Teresa and Lily (and now daughter-in-law, Larissa) are the women behind the business and the front counter. They carefully curate unique finds from many different sources. If you are looking for something different and unique to give this holiday, Lily’s is the place to go!
They are located in the heart of Paoli. A short drive from Madison and just the cutest little town. You are also invited to celebrate “Christmas in Paoli” on Saturday, December 3!You can find them on Facebook and Instagram. There they will update you on all the fun events and wonderful gift ideas!
Linen & Clove
Linen & Clove is a home décor and lifestyle goods brand designed to provide everyone the opportunity to create thoughtfully designed interiors that are meaningful and beautiful, inspirational and uplifting, functional and inviting, and bring joy and beauty to the everyday.
They have a retail brick and mortar location at 606 West Verona Avenue, Verona, Wisconsin. They also have an online presence at www.linenandclove.com. Linen & Clove is a beautiful shop to find not only home décor, but unique gifts for everyone on your list.
In 2023, Linen & Clove is expanding to include interior design and home staging. Think stunning evergreen garlands, luxurious ribbons, adorable shelf sitters, gorgeous ornaments and so much more.
And gifts – they have a plethora of unique gifts! They have everything you need for charcuterie boards from boards, knives, bowls, to jams, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar from Italy. Need home goods? They have a curated selection of art, candles, vases, mugs, pillows and throws. If that’s not enough, they also have journals, books, shower steamers, soaps, and lotion. It is a one stop shop!
Little Pop Color Shop
Little Pop Color Shop is a holiday must! The team at Little Pop curates wonderful collections to help their customers celebrate each season. From holiday home décor, festive party goods, to the charming gift selection, you will be sure to find your holiday essentials at Little Pop Color Shop! This year, the shop is offering complimentary gift wrap with beautiful wrapping paper, and ribbon options.
Little Pop Color Shop started online in September 2020 with the dream of opening a local shop to connect with their customers in-person. In December 2021, they opened their first storefront in the heart of Downtown Middleton. They have loved being able to build relationships and friendships with their customers and are looking forward to another holiday season with the community. Follow along with them on Instagram to learn more about upcoming events and product releases or online at littlepopcolorshop.com
Signs by Caitlin and Knotted Grain
Signs by Caitlin and Knotted Grain Design Co., are two brands, one company. Located in Verona, Wisconsin, Signs by Caitlin specializes in all things DIY. She curates multiple DIY kits, featuring hundreds of designs for everyone on your list. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for events!
Recently launched Knotted Grain Design Co., specializes in laser etched and printed personalized goods. Photos on wood, handwritten custom signs, insulated cups and tumblers just to name a few. Knotted Grain Design Co. aims to provide personalized options that save gifters from generic holiday gifts. Both brands are proudly woman owned and family run!
Dragonfly Hot Yoga
Looking for more peace of mind? More movement? More time for yourself? Look no further – Dragonfly Hot Yoga has all of that and more!
Yoga is a practice; it is not meant to be perfected and it is not a competition. At Dragonfly Hot Yoga, the focus is on you and your time. They are there to guide and support you through yoga, yin, barre, and their HIIT-style fitness classes! There is something for everyone and anyone. Never tried yoga? Not sure about barre? Haven’t done a burpee in a while (or ever)? No worries! They will guide you every step of the way and encourage you to go at your own pace.
Dragonfly and their streaming platform Dragonfly on Demand have some amazing holiday deals for this season. They make for great gifts for the person who has everything, or the person who could use some time for themselves! Their best sale of the year is the 10 Class Pass Slash – 10 classes for just $99 from November 21 – November 28! Use promo code GIFT10 at checkout to get 10% off gift cards.
Pour Me
Pour Me & Co. is a mobile bar on wheels that taps craft cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and champagne out of their ‘57 Chevy Apache truck. Looking for a unique experience? Bring Pour Me & Co. to the next bridal shower, wedding, birthday party, or celebration for a cocktail experience your guests will remember!
During the Holiday season, Pour Me & Co. creates Old-Fashioned Cocktail kits packed with the highest quality ingredients to make 25+ drinks. Each kit comes in a reusable holiday box, ready to gift, making your holiday shopping less hectic with a craft cocktail kit! (I got these for my brother last year and they were great! -M) Kits are $70 and are available for shipping in the US. Alcohol not included. Local pick-up is available for anyone near Union Grove, Wisconsin. Please send them a message via email, Facebook or Instagram to order.
Wine Wallet
Wanting to discover more of the wineries that Wisconsin has to offer? Emily, the owner of The Wine Wallet LLC, created a fun way for Wisconsinites and other tourists to find new wineries to love. Use the Wine Wallet as a guide to help you find 25 Wisconsin wineries across our beautiful state. Each winery included in the Wine Wallet provides a one-time offer redeemed on your visit.
The Wine Wallet also helps identify what wineries are dog friendly so you can take your furry best friend with you. Plus, with every purchase of the Wine Wallet, $1 gets donated to the Wisconsin Humane Society.
With a value of over $200+ worth of savings, it practically pays for itself after four stops! Whether you’re planning a date night, a girls’ weekend trip, or just a casual Saturday at the winery, the Wine Wallet will help you save time and money, allowing you to share a glass and make more memories! Have a friend or family member who loves wine? Consider bundling with a Rose Gold wine tumbler or the softest Wineries of Wisconsin sweatshirt for the perfect wine-lover gift! Brides, do you want a Wisconsin Winery Bachelorette party weekend? Check out the Bach Pack or Ultimate Bach Pack! Cheers!
The Wonder Studio
Kindermusik is a love tank-filling, music and movement-based class. Free from distractions and in a supportive, welcoming environment, your family will make musical memories together and with other families. The Wonder Studio offers Kindermusik classes for children ages 0 – 7.
They have weekly in-person classes at 2nd Story in Verona to help your child’s brain grow, strengthen the bond between child and caregiver, and are a lot of fun! Give the experience gift of Kindermusik in 2022 for a child in your life.
CampHer
CampHER is owned by two hometown Wisconsin friends, Allie and Meg. They initially teamed up to renovate a vintage 1970 Pathfinder camper (or campHER, like a shed on wheels!) and decided they needed a handcrafted cocktail to bring on all of their adventures. Their cocktail infusion kits are filled with dried fruit and spices, to create a delicious cocktail at home or on the go. Each kit includes a recipe card with infusion ideas and can be infused two times for a total of 8-16 cocktails.
Here’s how they work: fill the mason jar with the alcohol of your choice, chill for 3 days in the refrigerator, strain, and mix with your favorite mixer and enjoy!
Their infusion kits encourage memory making and the gathering of friends. They make the perfect gift for those that love to host, teachers, neighbors, coworker gift exchanges, and truly, anyone who loves to sip a good cocktail.
Their collection currently includes Campfire Cider, a Blueberry and Lavender Margarita, a Citrus blend, Bloody Mary, Ope! Old Fashioned, and a limited edition Mexican Hot Chocolate for the holidays. Yum!
Rural Route 1 Popcorn
Rural Route 1 Popcorn is your favorite destination stop! Yes, they are that same nostalgic popcorn store from your childhood where the popcorn came in buckets! They have transformed an exclusive retail store that is open daily and they also have an online store with FREE SHIPPING!
If you visit the store, they allow you to sample each and every flavor of their locally grown, locally manufactured popcorn flavors with names such as K’Nuckle, SS Dunkle, Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeno. You can also shop the gift shop featuring one-of-a-kind merchandise with brands like Midwest Girl, Nora Fleming, Camp Craft Cocktails, BruMate, Stonewall Kitchen, and more! The online store is where you can get the perfect holiday gift for those hard to shop for – great for teacher gifts, neighbors, family, and friends! You can also email them if you want to customize something special!
My Tipsy Gypsy
Located in the heart of The Mill Paoli, My Tipsy Gypsy is a one-of-a-kind liquor boutique featuring a tasting bar, a touch of vintage, and gifts for all occasions. Grab a hot old fashioned or adult hot chocolate to sip on while you peruse their unique selection of holiday gifts and specialty liquor. They welcome you to try it before you buy it, offering two daily tastings to each guest (21 years old). From crafting kits to craft cocktail essentials, wearables, candles, patches and games, My Tipsy Gypsy has something for everyone on your list.
Looking for unique, unexpected stocking stuffers? You’ve come to the right place. You’ll find something new each time you visit and the best part about shopping at My Tipsy Gypsy are the “mid-shop giggles”. Visit their shop and see for yourself!
Save the date for shop local on November 26th and don’t forget to celebrate “Christmas in Paoli + Cookie Crawl ” this year Saturday, December 3 with all Paoli merchants offering cookies. Donations from this event will benefit a local charity. You can find My Tipsy Gypsy’s upcoming events on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
