LOCAL GIFT GUIDE 2026
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LOCAL GIFT GUIDE 2026 〰️
Some of you might remember back in December of 2020 I created a holiday gifting guide that highlighted small businesses amidst the pandemic. Lots has changed, but I felt inclined to make another gifting guide this year! Enjoy and shop small!
MILWAUKEE
ILLUSTRATORS & PRINTS
@witandco
Paper goods & small wearables designed by Whitney Nettles.
@mkelilprintshop
Tiny handmade prints in a retro vending machine.
@naomipaperco
Christian greeting cards & gifts.
@lm_illustrates
Prints by Milwaukee based illustrator Lauren Marvell.
@aaronsartroom
Apparel, prints, and more from a South Side Milwaukee kid.
@persikadesignco
Art and lifestyle designs by Christina Persika.
GIFT SHOPS & ART STUDIOS
@riverpressmke
Art studio, shop, and gallery in Riverwest exclusively featuring local Milwaukee artists.
@fischbergers
New style general store offering gifts, toys, books, home goods, game, and more.
@ebbandflowdesignco
Curated gifts and unique home goods for anyone chasing a feeling.
@goodlandhomegoods
Female-owned home and lifestyle shop with 250+ brands, all ethically sourced.
@historicmilwaukee
Curated Milwaukee gift shop that helps support all of Historic Milwaukee’s work.
@broadwaypaper
Gift shop & stationery store featuring local artists.
@swoontrinketsanddoodads
Quality and local handmade items for those of all ages.
@thewaxwing
Gift shop featuring quality handmade work from artists from the community and around the country.
@shopursa
Lifestyle gift and plant shop in Bay View.
VINTAGE TREASURES
@livedandy
An eclectic vintage shop with furniture, art, clothes, and a whole lot more.
@bcmodernmke
Milwaukee’s destination for curated mid-century modern and vintage furniture, décor, and collectibles, housed inside a repurposed 1960s credit union building
@plume_vtg
Curated vintage clothing and accessories.
@homeagainmke
Upholstery and home decor workroom featuring fabric, wallpaper, and trimmings as well as curated vintage treasures.
@third_point_of_view
Antique and gift shop on the ground floor of Clocktower Antiques.
@onandonmke
Milwaukee’s newest vintage and handmade marketplace.
BOOK STORES
BOSWELL BOOKS
@boswellbooksco
Local, independent bookstore that has a little something for everyone.
@wonderlandbookshopmke
A whimsical woman-owned bookshop for kids and young readers.
@nichebookbarllc
Black- and woman-owned bookstore and wine bar committed to showcasing Black books.
@melon.mke
New & used curated comix, art, and more.
@lionstoothmke
Books, art space, small press, and comics for all ages.
@voyageurbookshop
A delightful used book shop in Bay View and the home of two kitties. If you’re lucky, they might just follow you home!
JEWELRY
@maebeljewelry
Jewelry and artwork that celebrates bold color and shapes.
@dustypetes
Handmade acrylic jewelry and accessories.
CANDLES
@big_white_yeti
Seriously good smelling 100% soy wax candles made in Milwaukee.
@dwightcandleco
100% soy wax candles made in Milwaukee. Also seriously good smelling.
@milwaukeecandleco
100% soy wax hand-poured candles, made in Milwaukee. These, too, are seriously good smelling.
POTTERY
@covetandginger
Handmade mugs, vases, tumblers, planters, and other ceramic pieces by artist Kim Eckroth.
YARN
@fiberfever
Yarn, creativity, and a welcoming fiber community. Featuring hand-dyed yarn.
SOAP/BATH
@fern_and_nettle
Handmade soaps and other body care products using natural and organic ingredients.
RECORD STORES
@acmerecords
Record store with a large selection of used & new records.
@lilliputrecords
New and used records on the East Side.
@we_buy_records
Used vinyl record shop at affordable prices.
PLANTS & FLORAL
@414loral
Black woman-owned flower shop that also hosts workshops.
@indigo.plantco
Shop plants, pots, local art and repotting services.
@riverwestgrown
House plant and garden center.
CLASSES
@eucalyptus__co
Floral arranging, handmade ceramics, stained glass, and art classes.
@glassnotecandlebar
Speakeasy candle making cocktail bar.
Get hands-on with latte art and work alongside a Barista Trainer to build your pouring skills.
@murrayhillpottery
Ceramic studio offering classes and lots of pots.
FOOD
@poppybakery_mke
Small batch Milwaukee based bakery with a focus on on quality and seasonality.
@flourgirlandflame
Wood-fired pizzas with local ingredients.
@smallpiemke
Woman owned handmade pie shop. Winner of the Great Midwestern Pie Championship!
BEVERAGES
@nonfictionwine
Natural wine shop and bar in Bay View.
@scoutwinemerchants
Neighborhood wine shop, bar and market located in the heart of Shorewood.
@themlacarolwine
Fine wine and spirits shop and bar located in Milwaukee.
@thiefwine
Fine wine store and bar in the Public Market.
ODDITIES
@earthlyeternalwi
Handmade, ethically sourced art made of plants, bones, and insects.
@OpeMilwaukee
Milwaukee history newsletter surreptitiously placed here by the man who copy edited this gift guide.