By Shayna Mace and Katrina Simyab | Illustration by Angela Staehling; opener photo by Hillary Schave
Happy Home
GOOD DAY SHOP
Finding a thoughtful gift here is easy, thanks to owner Sarah Artz’s “curated selection of mindfully made goods from makers, artists and indie brands.” Choose from lifestyle and home items, jewelry, accessories and even pieces from a small apparel section.
1925 Monroe St. #120, gooddayshop.net
CALABASH GIFTS
One of the Monroe Street area’s oldest shops, this “year-round art fair” features traditional African housewares, jewelry and art — showcasing the handiwork from multiple tribes. A beautiful fair-trade basket makes the perfect present starting point, complemented by a striking carved stone or wood sculpture.
1831 Monroe St., calabashgiftsmadison.com
THE CENTURY HOUSE
Housed in a historic building, wander through carefully merchandised vignettes that blend old-world Scandinavian character with modern style. Find Dale of Norway’s wool knitwear, Marimekko’s cheerful textiles and more charming, yet functional, decor pieces.
3029 University Ave., centuryhouseinc.com
ART GECKO
Bring richness and character into any space with cultural adornments from China, Bali, India and Nepal. Among the bounty of original and unexpected accents you’ll find striking jewelry, unique clothing and holistic goods, each “conscientiously sourced … from around the globe.”
1725 Monroe St. & 510 State St., artgeckoshop.com
ORANGE TREE IMPORTS
Step into a home cook’s haven, where owner Carol Schroeder’s beloved boutique overflows with treasures for the kitchen — classic Le Creuset cookware, elegant glasses, clever utensils, pantry must-haves and beyond. For the aspiring chef, a gift card to their intimate upstairs cooking school is the perfect way to inspire hands-on creativity.
1721 Monroe St., orangetreeimports.com
Head to the ‘Burbs
PAGEBERRY MERCANTILE
Owned by a mother-daughter team, Pageberry Mercantile specializes in gorgeous kitchenware and many other giftable items, like Rifle Paper Co. journals, body care and kid’s things.
203 E. Main St., Ste. C, Waunakee, pageberryshop.com
NEST INTERIOR DESIGN
This Sun Prairie-based interior design firm has a storefront offering tons of gift ideas: throw blankets, candles, tableware — and the list goes on.
223 E. Main St., Sun Prairie, anestedhome.com
LINEN & CLOVE
Awash in calming neutrals, Linen & Clove’s sophisticated, yet affordable housewares beckon. Shop owners Dani Petta and Kim Schaaf can also help you create your own custom gift basket.
606 W. Verona, Ave., Verona, linenandclove.com
THE BRUCE COMPANY
Every holiday season, this garden store amps it up with themed Christmas trees throughout the shop. (It’s also got the biggest selection of holiday ornaments in the area — see our cover!)
2830 Parmenter St., Middleton, brucecompany.com
For the Book Browser
INK & IVY BOOK BOUTIQUE
This sun-filled shop is packed with multiple genres of books, all carefully selected by the mother-daughter team that owns the shop. In the back, find a cute kid’s area and a curated selection of young adult novels.
2134 Regent St., inkandivybooks.com
MYSTERY TO ME
Although “mystery” is in the name, this bookstore offers many more titles: fantasy, rom-com, graphic novels, nonfiction, fiction and beyond. The monthly personalized book subscription makes the perfect gift for your favorite reader.
1863 Monroe St., mysterytomebooks.com
LAKE CITY BOOKS
Avid readers will feel at home in this cozy downtown Madison bookstore, where shelves are lined with both new and gently loved titles — alongside creative gifts for literary lovers. You can also search their inventory online and order for in-store pickup or home delivery.
107 N. Hamilton St., lakecitybooks.com
A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN
Since 1975, this feminist bookstore has been a destination for “current and classic fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, local interest titles, gifts, toys and greeting cards.” Shopping for little bibliophiles is easy here — their children’s and young adult sections are brimming with interesting reads.
2717 Atwood Ave., roomofonesown.com
LEOPOLD’S BOOKS BAR CAFFÉ
Want to browse literary gems while sipping a coffee or a cocktail? You can do that here. Shelves are arranged by country to inspire the “armchair travelers and jetsetters alike.”
1301 Regent St., leopoldsmadison.com
Head to the ‘Burbs
GARDEN WALL BOOKSHOP
Located in a historic building, look through every nook and cranny of this lovely indie bookshop to uncover art by local artists, giftable trinkets, stationary items and of course, books!
101 N. Main St., Verona, gardenwallbookshop.com
Plant Power
Plants symbolize renewal, growth and strength — sentiments that shine especially bright during the holiday season. Surprise a coworker with a festive planter, top a teacher’s desk with a cute cactus or delight the green thumb in your life with an in-store shopping spree at Grow Greenhouse (3241 Garver Green, growinmadison.com) or MSN Plant Collective (1817 Monroe St., msnplantcollective.com). Red Square Flowers specializes in elevated floral artistry and houseplants, but also has candles, perfume and more.
Two locations, redsquareflowers.com
Dress to Impress
HIVE OF MADISON
With a focus on functional clothing, Hive has pieces you can wear on a bike ride — and then out to dinner.
1904 Monroe St., hiveofmadison.com
SUNNE BOUTIQUE
For a cool-girl vibe, head to Sunne Boutique for a curated selection of tops, jeans and accessories, ideal for your stylish teen or fashion-loving sister.
2534 Monroe St., sunneboutique.com
TWIGS
Find luxe labels here, including Staude, Veronica Beard and Vince.
570 N. Midvale Blvd., shoptwigs.com
FONTANA SPORTS
Treat any outdoorsy adventurer to new equipment, apparel or footwear — all designed to pamper your giftee on their next expedition. Everyone from casual hikers up to hard-core sport enthusiasts will find something to love at this third-generation, woman-owned business.
216 N. Henry St., fontanasports.com
Z BOUTIQUE
Feel confident in clothing and accessories that fit and flatter with curve-friendly shopping in sizes 14-24. Find designers including Judy Blue, Chalet, Fresh Produce, Oh My Gauze and SAS Shoes. You can also snag items through regular live sales on the boutique’s downloadable app.
6108 Mineral Point Rd., z.boutique
Head to the ‘Burbs
FADED ROOTS
Browse this boutique with an earthy, natural vibe and locally made jewelry and artisan goods — great for stocking stuffers!
146 Cliff St., Sun Prairie, fadedrootsboutique.com
COSA BOUTIQUE
This light-filled shop is stocked with Paige denim, Favorite Daughter pieces and even a cute charm bar.
301 S. Main St., Verona, cosaboutique.com
CHAUETTE HOME AND FASHION
Find denim, jackets, jewelry and even a small selection of dresses for those fancier occasions.
1827 Parmenter St., Middleton, shopchauette.com
CLOTH & METAL BOUTIQUE
Shop from an assortment of denim, tops, two-piece sets and even sterling silver jewelry that the owner makes herself.
7531 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, clothandmetalboutique.com
EVIE & CO. BOUTIQUE
We love a shop that’s friendly on the wallet. The prices are right here, and the fashion is fun. Teens (and you) will love their trendy pieces.
203 E. Main St., Ste. G, Waunakee, shopevieandco.com
TRADITION CHILDREN’S MARKET
Tradition Children’s Market is for the littlest loves — from newborn up to grade-school kids. At every turn, shoppers will ooh and aah over the cutest jammies, clothing and accessories. A small selection of gifts (like Jellycat stuffies!) is available here, too.
1823 Parmenter St., Middleton, tradition.market
UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE
University Book Store is your one-stop shop for all things UW-Madison and Bucky Badger. Find fan gear, Bucky-emblazoned goods, pennants, plush throws, tote bags — and even a UW-themed nutcracker (See. P 42!).
Two locations, uwbookstore.com
Great Gifts
ANTHOLOGY
Spark joy with paper goods and craft bits and bobs — including works by the Komai sisters (who own the shop), and contributions from over 100 local and indie artists. Assemble a personalized creativity kit with a funky notebook, colorful stickers, washi tapes, pretty pens and a one-of-a-kind card.
230 State St., anthologymadison.com
LITTLE LUXURIES
Step inside and revel in chic accessories, elegant jewelry, clever games, playful toys and self-care indulgences that make gift-giving a pleasure. With every corner holding a delightful surprise, it’s no wonder this local staple has charmed State Street for over 30 years.
230 State St., littleluxuriesmadison.com
HATCH ART HOUSE & HAZEL GENERAL STORE
Owner Tammy Schreiter owns these side-by-side shops that each have a different vibe. Hatch Art House features works by Madison artists (and beyond) — including wall art, pottery and jewelry. Hazel General Store stocks the coolest gift ideas, from art supplies to kitchenware to T-shirts to games.
1248 & 1250 Williamson St.; hatcharthouse.com & hazelgeneralstore.com
OLBRICH GIFT SHOP
The wares here fit three themes: fair trade, locally produced and garden accessories. Shoppers will love the great selection of unique kid’s gifts, jewelry, home goods and more.
3330 Atwood Ave., olbrich.org/visit/giftshop.cfm
ZIP-DANG
Natalie Bass’ emporium of cool stuff includes T-shirts, jewelry, Madison-themed prints and home décor.
2636 Monroe St., zip-dang.com
MIMOSA
Spiritual seekers and their loved ones can stock up on “mystical wares to nourish your soul” such as candles, crystals, apothecary items and all types of metaphysical accoutrements.
409 State St., mimosaspirit.com
THE SOAP OPERA
Old-school charm meets modern self-care at this State Street staple.
319 State St., thesoapopera.com
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY HISTORY MAKERS SPACE
For gifts that convey a love of the Badger State, peek into this gift shop with gifts, jewelry by Wisconsin artisans and books by Wisconsin authors. (It’s housed in a temporary space while the museum is under construction.)
1 S. Pinckney St., shop.wisconsinhistory.org
MADISON MODERN MARKET
Feast your eyes on a color-lover’s dream: a rainbow array of water bottles, handbags in pretty pastels and rows of candy-bright Pantone mugs dazzle visitors, alongside other design-focused lifestyle goods and gifts.
310 State St., shopmadmod.square.site
CRAFTY HAVENS
At Artsy Fartsy (1717 Monroe St., artsyfartsymadison.com) find quirky wall art, cards, kid’s stuff and art supplies. Tucked in Garver Feed Mill is The Glitter Workshop (3241 Garver Green, Ste. 111, glitterworkshop.myshopify.com), a hotspot of craftiness, boasting the creative works of Madison-area artists and beyond.
Head to the ‘Burbs
POPPY
Formerly Little Pop Color Shop, this adorable gift haven has kitchenware, home items, candles and other delightful finds.
1821 Parmenter St., Middleton, poppyhomeandgift.com
THE REGAL FIND
We guarantee that you’ll find something totally unique in here! Owner Jessica Regele has stocked her shop with gifts, candles, jewelry, body care items and vintage items.
1834 Parmenter St., Middleton, theregalfind.com
KATY’S AMERICAN INDIAN ARTS
A spectacular source of authentic Native American jewelry, folk art, blankets and pottery, each piece here carries the story of its maker.
6220 University Ave., Suite 102, Middleton, katysamericanindianarts.com
RED BARN COMPANY STORE
A combo apparel boutique and home decor shop, you can spend quite a bit of time browsing here. A huge selection of Pandora jewelry is also available.
114 E. Main St. #107, Waunakee, redbarncompanystore.com
Scent Spectacular
Kristi Moe, president of Zodica Perfumery, shares her top gift picks with us.
What I’d give to myself: Our Aquarius Hair Perfume Serum. It’s my secret for shiny, great-smelling hair.
What I’d give to my mom: The Virgo full-size perfume. She can display our newly designed, crystal-infused bottle year-round.
What I’d give to a friend: The Zodiac Perfume Palette. It’s a holiday treat with a scent for every sign and season.
133 W. Johnson St., zodicaperfumery.com
Need local gift ideas? Check out our curated gift guide here.
