There is nothing like the holidays in Milwaukee. VISIT Milwaukee is here to share your top shopping destinations, must-see holiday shows, where to meet Kris Kringle and local gifts you can't resist. Tune in all month long and 'tis the season!
Holiday shopping can be downright difficult. That’s why we’ve hunted to and fro to find some of the best options for everyone on your list. Some are clever. Others are downright useful. And each of them is unique. Best of all, they’re all made locally. So, you can feel good about doing your part to support the local economy.
For the baker
She’s the one whose cookie baking skills surpass all of your other friends. So, give her a locally made piece of art that reflects her love for baking. This adorable bracelet features antiqued copper gingerbread men mounted on a fully adjustable chain augmented with pretty little details and secured with a lobster-claw clasp. $27.95
If you’re lucky to know a cupcake queen, you can be assured she’ll love these laser cut wooden cupcake earrings mounted on 8mm stainless steel posts. After all, they’re earthy and classy. And they come in a choice of either birch or oak. $20
For the coffee or tea drinker
If coffee is more their speed, this 16-ounce coffee mug from JD Wolfe Pottery is among my favorites. The polka dots are adorably placed on a rustic mottled glaze. It’s large enough to accommodate a generous pour of daily buzz and it makes an exceptional hand warmer on cold winter mornings. $34
Complete the gift with a coffee from their favorite roaster, a tin or Rishi tea or a package of hot cocoa mix and housemade marshmallows from Tre Rivali at the Journeyman Hotel. $6 each
For the classic movie lover
Know someone who loves classic films like "An American in Paris" and "The Thin Man?" Think they’d love the opportunity to delve into a book filled with perfectly paired films, cocktails and dishes? "Movie Night Menus" is a delicious read authored by sibling writers Tenaya Darlington and Madison-based food writer Andre Darlington. Explore the world of film and food – from Morrocan-themed spreads to accompany "Casablanca" to a diamond brunch to serve while watching "Breakfast at Tiffany’s." Old school movie lovers will relish this guide to creating the perfect movie night themed meals. $22
For the beard-wearing coffee lover
He’s got a beard. He loves coffee. What could be better than this caffeine-infused beard scrub containing Milwaukee coffee grounds? Rumor has it the caffeine in the coffee grounds tightens up the skin while the gritty grounds exfoliate. Coconut and jojoba oils contribute to softness and shine, keeping even a cave man’s grizzly beard soft and supple. $15 (Combine it with a bottle of Cream City Grooming beard oil with hops or mustache wax, along with a pound of coffee from his favorite local roastery)
For the cook who has everything
There are many useful gadgets in the world. But few are more essential – and overlooked – than the "muddler." These beautiful hand-carved pounders decorated with milk paint are great for a variety of tasks from making mojitos to smashing potatoes and pounding cabbage for homemade kraut of kimchi. Best of all, they’re protected with a coat of walnut oil that will last for years. $18 and up, depending on size
Serious cooking results in seriously dry hands. That’s where this handy tin of soothing Chef’s Butter comes in handy. Filled with soothing coconut and hemp seed oil, this non-greasy formula will keep your hands soft while creating a protective layer that helps keep them smooth and supple. Rosemary and orange essential oils help rid hands of smells like onion and garlic. $8
Or how about a pair of adorable towels from The Busy Bee Creations? As any cook knows, towels are a commodity that you can never have too many of. This adorable cotton flour sack towel designed by Milwaukeean Megan Baylerian is soft and absorbent, making it the perfect centerpiece for any Cream City lover’s kitchen. $8.95 each
For the beer lover
Everyone needs cool glassware in their repertoire. And what’s cooler than a view of the Milwaukee skyline with every sip? These adorable can glasses from Paper Pleasers make the perfect gift for fellow Milwaukeeans (or ex-pats who long for a bit of their Milwaukee home). Be a real hero and pair a set of glassware with a gift card to Ray’s Liquor or a six-pack of brews from one of our local breweries. $10 each
Even better, pair them with these beautiful hardwood Wisconsin coasters made from solid, long-grain, hard maple, cherry and walnut, they’re finished with a special formula that will keep them looking good for years to come. $26
If your beer-loving friend also happens to be a fan of tail-gating, we’ve got another gift you should consider. How about a drink mitten? Only in Wisconsin, right? Nonetheless, these clever tools combine the warmth of a mitten with the convenience of a beverage holder, keeping your drink cold and your hands warm. These babies are triple-knit for extra warmth, structure, and durability and sized to fit a regular 12-ounce can or bottle. $21
For those who love food … and cats
Pretty sure you know someone who should have these coasters. And if you don’t, you’re hanging around the wrong food loving cat people. Each coaster measures 4x4 and is made of natural stone tile. A layer of lacquer is applied to the top to protect the design while a piece of 100 percent recycled felt is applied to the bottom to keep surfaces safe from scratches (ha! Get that?). $22
Of course nothing says "Purr me a nice glass of Burgundy" like these black and white hand-painted beauties from Kris Poelma Arts. So, you should probably add a set of them to that gift for your favorite wine-loving cat lady of all time. Add a bottle of wine (or two) for the purrfect gift. $15 a pair
Speaking of cats, bet you can’t help but smile when you read the name of this sweet smelling candle from Big White Yeti. And that’s exactly the sort of reaction that makes the perfect gift. Kitten Toot is a warm, sweet fragrance that combines the top notes of strawberry and bergamot with a warm dry down of musk and vanilla. Sounds like the perfect kitchen – err kitten – candle to me. 6-ounce tin, $10
For more great Milwaukee gift ideas, check out our annual gift guide featuring 100 of the best gifts from the Cream City.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.