Every year we put together some version of gift guide to share with our community and they are centered on local or small businesses. (All our past articles are linked below!)
A few years back we shared a post on local shops that we love and we thought it would be time for an updated list. This year may be the best year to shop local — yes, I say that every year… but now more than ever!
To say I’m excited is an understatement. Last night I went down a rabbit hole and I couldn’t be more in love with what I discovered.
Last night I was on the hunt for a really cute gift for my new niece. I found one I LOVED. I was seconds away from ordering when I noticed, “woah, this isn’t going to be here until after xmas!” and then, “Wait, what? This is coming from Russia?”. *Insert major sad face*
I thought to myself how much I wish I could search for something in the US and started looking around. I saw there was a filter button and I went to explore. To my surprise, there was a choice to pick Made in the United States. SCORE! But here’s the more exciting thing…
Below the US option is a custom field to choose your own location. So I tried searching for gifts in Wisconsin. IT WORKED… Then I wondered if I could get even more specific and filter for sellers in Madison, WI and that worked too!
I was insanely excited and given that it was after 11pm, I figured I should probably not message everyone I know right now. I can probably wait until the morning to share my excitement. After a couple of hours laying in bed and finding amazing things on Etsy, I’m here to tell you, it’s an amazing discovery! And here we are!
I am so elated to share what I found. I thought it would be a perfect post to share how we all could shop locally while also shopping online this year. Both very important in the 2020 climate!
I’m going to walk you through some of my favorite finds and hope they inspire some of your own holiday shopping. As an added bonus, at the end of this post, I will show you how you can shop local online too!
Madison has an incredible food scene. We might be biased, but I think food experts like Candice Wagner, Jordan and Mike @MidwestMunchers would probably agree! Of coarse its always an option to gift a loved one something like a nice dinner out or a Food Fight gift card. But what if we could go one step further and get them a food tour experience!?
You’re in luck, Madison Eats is here for you! They work exclusively with locally-owned restaurants, chefs and businesses to create memorable and delicious experiences. They have a few different tours to choose from and they all sound DE-LISH!
website | Facebook
Wow-za! Look at the time, or calendar rather… Have you started your holiday shopping? Are you planning to shop local in the Madison area?
I can’t even believe it, is Black Friday Small Business Saturday really right around the corner? Having an early Thanksgiving this year is really throwing us off.
BTW, do you know how (and why) the holiday’s date is determined? Thanksgiving is always held on the fourth Thursday of November and since this year the month started on a Thursday, it falls on it’s earliest possible date. I was reading this [actually quite interesting] article from NPR, and discovered the history behind the date chosen. Did you know that there was once a month where TWO Thanksgivings were celebrated!? Bring on all the homemade mashed potatoes ya’ll!
Anyways… back to our main focus.
If you’re not familiar with Small Business Saturday, I’m happy you’re here to learn more. It’s a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. It’s the annual holiday shopping tradition that gets communities everywhere out in support of their favorite small businesses. Because when they thrive, we all thrive. The small businesses are the ones working their butts off to make a living doing what they love and giving back to the local communities. This day was created to refrain shoppers from shopping the big box stores and encouraging them to shop small. To read our previous year’s local gift guide you can read more here for 2016 and here for 2017.
In support of this movement, we wanted to continue the tradition of feature local businesses and create this fabulous list of local shops. This way, these gifts are easy to shop for and provide a great variety for everyone, regardless of where you live in the Madison area. We are bringing you our favorite spots to find local gifts and just in time for the gift-giving season!
UPDATE 2019: The Good Day Shop and Wildewood both have new locations. See websites for details.
We’ll kick off the list with a pop-up retail experience by One-One Thousand, Red’s Mercantile and Wildewood. These three brands have joined forces (yay for #communityovercompetition!) to curate a one-of-a-kind shopping experience just off Madison’s capitol square! They are temporarily in the space to bring you the very best this shopping season, so shop now, they are only open until January 8, 2019.
In the shop, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of gifts including indoor plants and handcrafted home and lifestyle goods. They feature over 30 brands to explore! A special note from the owners: Check back often as inventory will change throughout the three-month pop-up!
Shopping small means everything to us! We know the people behind a lot of the brands that we carry, we know their story, their process. We’re experts on everything we carry, as we should be, which is something you just don’t get from big box stores. That also makes it so exciting to see someone come in and connect to something we feel so strongly about. All of us personally enjoy shopping small, too. It’s such a fun way to source unique and high quality items for your home or gifts for loved ones. And you get the added bonus of knowing you’re supporting someone who took the scary leap into the world of small business owning.
Kate Holl, Owner of Wildewood, Co-owner of the Good Day Market
A state-street favorite by many! Little Luxuries has been a part of the State Street local business community for over 25 years. They have a really fun and diverse selection of gifts for loved ones of all ages. The owner, Amy Moore, is so sweet and has brought a really fun collection of gifts. We ALSO love Little Luxuries because it is a proud supporter of the arts and local charitable programs, which we give a BIG thumbs up!
Website | Facebook | Instagram
We love the creativity and artistic talent here! Hatch Art House and Hazel General Store are the perfect 2-in-1 gift stop! While they operate as 2 separate entities, they have a joined store which gives you double the fun. They have a lot of fun treasures to find, including an expansive collection of art pieces, beautiful prints, jewelry, apparel, and more! Hazel supports over 100 USA Makers with an emphasis on makers who give back through donations, charity or good ole kindness! I always find ready great gifts every time I stop by, sometimes they’re so good I have to keep them for myself.
My first shop, Hatch Art House opened 8 years ago in 2010. I have a passion for supporting local artists and after many years of being an artist and waiting tables, I saved enough money to finally make the leap. (I moved across the country to do it!) About 5 years in, Hatch Art House was doing great with a solid community built up around it, when the neighboring space became available. I knew our neighborhood would benefit from a modern-day general store since our art gallery customers were continually asking where to find certain products nearby and for so many things I didn’t have an answer for them. That’s when Hazel General Store was born. We opened a few months later in June of 2015 and showcase US makers and artisans.
Tammy Schreiter, Owner of Hatch and Hazel
Hazel’s Website | Facebook | Instagram
Truly one of a kind! It also happens to be one of my favorite places to bring out-of-town guests. There are so many fun (and inappropriate) gifts that you could probably spend all day in there. They feature many one-of-a-kind and handmade gifts, home décor, upcycled furniture, clothing, jewelry and so much more!
If you’re looking for a place to shop local in the Madison area, I would definitely recommend this shop, it’s unlike any other.
Website | Facebook
Ubuntu Trade is a socially conscious shop that features gifts filled with unique, handcrafted items from both global and local makers and artisans. Her tagline: Trade Goods. Trade Good. couldn’t be more fitting. Her shop of truly-lovely and culturally diverse gifts aims to connect people + goods around the world in the spirit of UBUNTU. April has an incredible story and her shop was created to support the local maker whether on her travels around the world or just down the street.
“I have always loved shopping from small local makers in all of my travels around the world. After living in Uganda for 2 years and getting to know many makers personally, I wanted to give them an international platform to share their talent. Once I opened the store, I decided to add from fair trade brands along with small US-based makers. I don’t have “maker talent” myself, but if my shop can give makers a place to sell their wares, so they can keep making and earning a living, then I feel like I’m supporting and contributing to the small maker movement.”
April Joy Gulley, Owner of Ubuntu
Website | Facebook | Instagram
We all can appreciate the value in living a lake life lifestyle, where dreams are endless, time to relax is precious, and all you have to do is DIVE IN!… Lake Life Company features a nice blend of gifts for both your family AND furry friends. Amy’s company was founded by a hobby-turned-business with homemade candles and sugar-scrubs. In February 2018, Lake Life Co. opened its doors to its new home in Waunakee, WI!
They have a great collection of decor which would make a great gift for loved ones. Plus, with a wall full of clean-burning, 100% soy homemade candles in all kinds of great scents, you’ll be sure to find one that will make a perfect gift.
We started our business three years ago as a creative outlet for our kids. Our daughter started our business at age 11. We opened our shop to grow our brand, make more of an impact and help others with our Mission. #ShopSmall is supporting dreams. Hardwork, time, dedication, persistence all go into growing a business. Shopping with these businesses rewards these efforts…
Amy Bernards, Life Life Co. Owner
Website | Facebook | Instagram
“We don’t just serve local customers, and we showcase the work of local artists. Dane County is full of creative, talented people, and our shop is a celebration of that talent. It’s a cozy little circle: the better we support local artists, the more they’re able to create, which keeps us stocked with all sorts of interesting things.”
Jerina Vincent, Owner of JNJ Craftworks
Website | Facebook | Instagram
KELLA’s business is pretty much my dream come true! They have a storefront selling local products and a studio for their design business in the back. Their space is so well put together and I love everything they sell, including their own apparel line, Forward Apparel Co. Everything in their shop is so exquisitely designed that you will never have to turn down a shirt because of the poor kerning or crappy choice of font. (Sidenote: Do you ever think, “Wow, I love this, but the kerning is terrible!!” Yea… we know how you feel. You will not have that problem here!).
They created a really nice space and shopping experience that offers a space for local artists to highlight their work as well as providing an avenue for their apparel line.
“Even before we opened KELLA, we have always fully supported and participated in the #shopsmall movement. We know that small, locally-owned businesses are the heart & soul of every single community and want to make sure we support them in anyway that we can. When you shop at KELLA you can feel good knowing that your money stays in the community and is helping to support small artists from around the great state of Wisconsin.”
Kelly, co-founder of Kella Design
Website | Facebook | Instagram
We can’t forget gift-giving for our furry friends, so we had to add a bonus feature! If you’re looking for a local pet store, we’ve got you covered. Liz says she opened Nutzy Mutz & Crazy Catz to satisfy her personal motto in life — Help People, Help Animals, Build Community. What a great motto!! She offers a large variety of locally-made goods
Continuing to #shopsmall is a legit way that people can honestly support hard working store owners, artists and entrepreneurs. It means that we can have connection, talk about our issues, solve our issues, smile, cry, have eye contact, help one another, care for one another and just plain DO GOOD. You can’t get that from a computer screen. “Buying local” is not just a catch phrase.When you do it, you are helping pay a bill and keeping your neighborhood alive. And we, as small biz owners, love you for it.
Liz, co-founder of Mutzy Mutz
I hope that gives you some great ideas for you to #shoplocal this holiday season. I encourage you to add these items to your holiday wish list as well as purchase them for friends and family gifts. They provide a much more personal touch than that tempting Amazon Prime option 🙂
We are a huge advocate of shopping local this holiday season. So to celebrate the holiday season we’ve put together an incredible list of 10 ideas to put on your christmas list or to give to others. Our list is comprised of local entrepreneurs selling fantastic goods (things you’ll probably want year round). Please take some time to look at the list and if you’re interested in buying, which you probably will be, all the information is included.
Our first artist on the list is The Felt Whisperer. The name says it all! She makes the most fantastic gift bringing a new life to this childhood crafting essential. All her work is carefully crafted and looks so great. Jessica, the woman behind the brand, makes the most adorable wreaths, the white and gold “Joy” is my absolute favorite. She so makes homemade sock puppets (SO CUTE!) and these custom Pennants. I featured this “HOME” one because we’re featuring our #shoplocal theme, but she also makes colorful ones custom to your desired name. Check out her etsy shop because there’s so many cute gift ideas to purchase there.
Pottery holds a special place in my heart because I was very into ceramics in high school. And my teacher (Shout out to Mr. Losey) had a major influence on the person I am today. Mostly because he went to UW-Stevens Point and suggested it as I was looking for colleges to pursue my graphic design education… I will spare you all the details which I will save for a later post, but needless to say, I went there and it was the best thing in my life and would recommend it 150%.
But anyways!! Imago Dei Pottery is creating some gorgeous work! She’s creating these stunning pieces out of her garage! Huge props to her and her work. They have so many fun options on their etsy page. I want one of everything. How incredible is that hanging succulent planter? I also was excited to feature her ring holders which are so nice, and for the holiday they almost look like little christmas trees. Very chic.
I’m guessing that a lot of my followers are into art, well, US TOO! This gift will be perfect for you! DVINci Box is a local startup subscription box where you get everything you need for an art project in the box. An art class at the convenience of your own home? That sounds pretty fantastic! The pricing offers a few different options and you can buy based on herself, or get a group together to work on it. Ladies Night Anyone?
Okay… These tees are one of my favorites. The different designs from ReKindled will make you wanting one of each. As a continuation of the fun ReKindled spirit, these shirts not only sport unique sayings, but they were also designed to look and feel “vintage”. The cotton/poly blend provides an amazingly soft and comfy feel. I LOVE the “Dream Bigger” one, this is something I always think about with my business AND my personal lifestyle. She’s just starting out and taking orders through Facebook, so be sure to contact her today.
How great are these designs from The Tin Owl?! This is such a fun way to incorporate the vintage grudge of these old license plates with a modern chic style. I will most certainly be getting a Wisconsin design for my home. They sell all the designs in all the states, in case you’re interested in another state. The designs can also be found on different products, such as cards, pillows, magnets, tea towels, etc.
MollyKate Design is selling beautiful calligraphy pieces on wood and prints that you can frame. She has a great style and her calligraphy is beautiful. Take a look at her etsy shop and you’ll see she has some great holiday decor (although it’s selling fast!) and other decor that can be displayed year round. For example, this monogram design which she can make with whatever letter you choose. These will make a great gift for anyone into the shabby chic artistic style.
Casa & Co has the most adorable handmade heirlooms, perfect for your home or gifting. They are made in small batches by block-printing each design with vintage typography blocks. It really makes the typography nerd in me so happy. Handmade in her Madison studio, each item is truly unique and the quality is made to last. She has so many fun and witty sayings that you’ll be sure to find one for everyone on your list. I personally LOVE the “ten thousand goodnight kisses” and the “maybe later…” one. As they say, “Supes Cute”
I have been obsessed with Lovely Retro Renos since the first time I laid my eyes on these gorgeous floral masterpieces. Totally girly and totally cute! She’s well known for these wooden states with the floral over, a perfect blend of my girly side and my badger state love. She sells a variety of products featuring these floral patterns (Yes! There’s pattern options!) including little boxes, coasters, clippy frames, and more. And again, available in other states, not just Wisconsin. You can order online at her etsy shop, or she sells her art at Booth 121 in Monona, WI.
ShadeTreeNaturals is a Small Batch, Artisan Home and Body Products brought to you from Sun Prarie, Wisconsin. These handcrafted naturals by Tara will make a great gift this holiday season. Shade Tree Living is all about living a simple, natural life! They provide body and home products that promote a healthy, natural lifestyle. She has a line of snowflakes, christmas trees, and more! I for one can’t wait to get my hands on the Peppermint Snowflake Soap. What a great stocking Stuffer!
Because gift giving isn’t always about physical gifts, I wanted to add a little bonus holiday idea for you. Lady Forward Tea Celebrations is a local company that crafts a personalized tea party experience that you’ll never forget, complete with all the planning, preparations, and supplies you need. You could plan a party with a group of your closest friends that will make the holidays extra special. OR you could attend one of her pop-ups events which could easily be added to your christmas wish list. She has a New Years Eve celebration coming up that you won’t want to miss!
I hope that gives you some great ideas for you to #shoplocal this holiday season. I encourage you to add these items to your holiday wish list as well as purchase them for friends and family gifts. They provide a much more personal touch than that tempting Amazon Prime option 🙂
