By Katrina Simyab | Photography by Shalicia Johnson
Hobbyist Havens
At I’m Board (three Madison locations, imboardgames.com), find an extensive collection of board games, miniature sets, card games and puzzles that cater to all ages and interests. It’s hard to not feel nostalgic Capital City Comics (1910 Monroe St.), a comic haven packed with back issues, hardcovers and graphic novels spanning multiple genres and eras. Audiophiles flock to scour the forever changing new and used stacks of records, CDs and cassette tapes at Strictly Discs (1900 Monroe St., shop.strictlydiscs.com). Your favorite vinylhead will appreciate a shop.strictlydiscs.com album — or treat them with a gift card.
Local Flavors
These seven specialty food shops will tempt a tastemaker in your life.
Fromagination: Has an impressive selection of Wisconsin-made and imported cheeses with sumptuous specialty food items. 12 South Carroll St., fromagination.com
Infusion Chocolates: Offers meticulously crafted truffles with decadent flavors like honey lavender, Thai peanut butter, smoked salted caramel and more. 2503 Monroe St., infusionchocolates.com
Madison Chocolate Company: Among its artisan selection of chocolates, the gluten-free “BeTwixed” bars and Good Food Award-winning ghost pepper caramels have developed a loyal fanbase. Two locations, madisonchocolatecompany.com
Willy Street Co-op: More than just a place to grab groceries, Willy Street has a bevy of specialty food offerings, body care items and a small gift section. Three locations, willystreet.coop
Wine and Hop Shop: Support the homebrewer on your list or ignite a new hobby with this shop’s comprehensive selection of home brewing and winemaking supplies. 1919 Monroe St., wineandhop.com
Wisconsin Cheese Mart: Choose from the hundreds of local and international cheeses lining the shelves or build a custom gift basket paired with charcuterie essentials and a Wisco-themed gift item. 119 State St., wisconsincheesemart.com
On, Wisconsin!
For the sports fan in your life.
Sconnie Nation: Part of Underground Printing, celebrate your Wisconsin roots with clothing that pays tribute to the Dairy State, including Packers, Brewers and Badgers gear. 409 N Lake St., shop.undergroundshirts.com/collections/sconnie
The University Book Store: Your one-stop shop for all things Badger! Find fan gear, Bucky mugs, pennants, plush throws, tote bags and every type of red and white apparel imaginable. Ready-made for students or anyone who loves the UW spirit — its collection of dorm essentials, notebooks and classroom-ready electronics makes gift shopping outstandingly easy. 711 State St. & 454 N Midvale Blvd., uwbookstore.com
