By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Dec 10, 2022 at 8:30 AM

Snuggle up with some holiday cheer as OnMilwaukee shares stories of everything merry and bright in the spirit of the season.

The OnMilwaukee Ho Ho Holiday Guide is brought to you by Educators Credit Union, Harley-Davidson Museum and MillerCoors

We all have so much "stuff," so if we're gonna receive more, we want it to be items we truly appreciate and resonate with our personalities, values and quirks. This is one reason why shopping local in indie shops is the best way to buy, both during the holiday season and all year 'round.

Milwaukee is filled with hidden retail gems boasting unique collections of housewares, clothing, jewelry and one-of-a-kind gift items that friends and family will truly cherish. Plus, by shopping local, support goes directly to the artists and makers in your community. #winwin

Barcelona
5708 W. Vliet St., (414) 345-7494
studiobarcelonamke.com
[Read more]

barcelonaX

A quaint shop chock full of locally made items, vintage finds and vintage-inspired new items like art, housewares, jewelry and more.

BC Modern
3116 S. Chase St.
, (414) 737-3745
bcmodern.online
[Read more]

bcmodernX

An artistically arranged space in Bay View with vintage items from the '50s, '60s and '70s or anything else that's weird and eclectic. The spic-and-span shop is open one weekend a month and will be open next Dec. 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow on Facebook to stay informed.

Beard MKE
1812 E. North Ave.
beardmke.com
[Read more]

Beard MKEX

A new, one-stop shop for men with barber services and a retail space selling apparel, grooming products, fun gift items and accessories.

Partner Gift Pick

The Flannel Fox

Let us help transform your space and style into your own cozy den this holiday season. Shop The Flannel Fox to experience a sense of style, decor, and gifts unique to this urban northwoods boutique. Find out more The Flannel Fox - 7602 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, WI

Dandy
5020 W. Vliet St., (414) 982-5020
livedandy.com
[Read more]

DandyX

Dandy describes itself as “Midventurous Modern,” which means there’s vintage fare like furniture, clothing, home decor, oddities and much more in an alluring setting.

Fischberger’s Variety Store
2445 N. Holton St., (414) 263-1991
fischbergers.com
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fischbergersX

The owners describe the store as a "gift shop masquerading as an old time variety store" selling quirky, useful and local gifts for all ages. They also have fabric, yarn and sewing notions.

Partner Gift Pick

Make the ‘greenest’ part of your Christmas Tree what’s underneath it. Shop sustainable at IL Bosco. Find out more Il Bosco -  225 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI

The Flannel Fox
7602 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, (414)810-1984
[Read more

flannel foxX

The Flannel Fox was inspired by the tranquility and adventure of "up north" and sells clothing, homegoods gifts and more to enhance a classy, cozy lifestyle.

Goodland Home & Goods
2565 N. Downer Ave.
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goodlandX

New shop featuring “cheerful, colorful homegoods along with artwork and some dry goods. Everything needed for entertaining, whether you’re a UWM student with your first apartment or the owner of a home on Lake Drive."

Partner Gift Pick

Shop local. Shop the Ward.

The Historic Third Ward offers tons of options for last-minute, local gifts, like art and décor, health and wellness, food and fashion and so much more. Follow @historicthirdward on Instagram and Facebook and catch daily gift card giveaways, now through December 23. More info

Il Bosco
25 S. 2nd St., (414) 212-8723
[Read more]

il boscoX

Il Bosco, which means "the forest" in Italian, is an upscale eco boutique that sells primarily handmade, sustainable goods created by artists and craftspeople. 

Just Goods
4451 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood
facebook.com/justgoodsmke
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Just GoodsX

Super cute shop featuring Fair Trade, vegan and local gifts made by Wisconsin artisans for humans of all ages.

Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative
Inside the Sherman Phoenix building, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave.
(414) 687-0122
[Read more]

Unique BoutiqueX

Kujichagulia is the second of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and means "self determination" in Swahili. The shop offers jewelry, soap, candles, wellness products, hot sauces, art therapy kits and more. 

Mainstream Boutique
159 N. Broadway, (414) 273-1720

https://www.facebook.com/mainstreamboutiquemke

Unique BoutiqueX

A neighborhood boutique in the Historic Third Ward featuring trend-forward and affordable clothing. The shop's mission is to "lift customers up and make them feel beautiful."

Marn Art + Culture Hub
191 N. Broadway, (414) 485-0033
marnarts.org
[Read more]

MARNX

The longstanding Milwaukee Artists Resource Network (MARN) moved into gorgeous new digs in 2021 and supports local artists in myriad ways, including a retail space with one-of-a-kind items created by local creatives.

Mod Gen
211 N. Broadway St., (414) 963-1657
mod-gen.shoplightspeed.com
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Mod GenX

Mod Gen's mission is to support the local community and promote creative living. The store has over 600 plants as well as an array of items such as local crafts, home goods and more.

MyOm
7963 N. Port Washington Road, (414) 405-3556
myomwellbeing.com/
[Read more]

MyOmX

This empowering North Shore boutique sells crystals, candles, clothes, skincare, tea, jewelry and a whole lot more in a peaceful, stress-free and harmonious space.

Oniomania
6430 W. National Ave., West Allis, (414) 727-9797
facebook.com/Oniomania
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oniomaniaX

Oniomania – which is loosely translated to mean "insane shopping" in Greek – consigns the work of more than 25 artists. A few items purchased from small and / or Fair Trade businesses around the world are also available.

Riverwest Co-op
733 E. Clarke St., (414) 264-7933
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riverwest coopX

The Riverwest Coop has a pop-up Holiday Market featuring handcrafted items including cards, jewelry, art, household items and more.

Sparrow Collective / Sparrow Boutique & Gift
2224 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 747-9229
sparrowcollective.com
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sparrowX

Sparrow Collective is primarily a DIY, local gift shop and Sparrow Boutique, just a few doors to the south, is a cute and trendy women's clothing store with designers from Milwaukee and beyond.

Swoon Trinkets & Doodads
5422 W. Vliet St., (414) 204-9479
swoonllc.com
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SwoonX

This adorable shop sells a large variety of gifts for all ages including handmade clothing, art, jewelry, soaps, lotions, cards, patches, toys and more from local and national artists.

Ursa
2534 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 312-7188
shopursa.com
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UrsaX

Ursa offers a variety of products including home goods, plants, jewelry, men and women's apparel, and more. It also has its own apothecary line.

The Waxwing
thewaxwing.com
[Read more]

This now-entirely-online boutique showcases the work of carefully-chosen Great Lakes artists. Local delivery is free and The Waxwing also ships worldwide. New items are added daily.

Winkie's Hallmark & Gifts
629 E. Silver Spring Dr., (414) 964-2130
[Read more]

 

Winkie's in Whitefish Bay is family-owned and operated and offers two floors of carefully curated candy, gifts, ornaments, retro items and more. It's also a licensed Hallmark shop.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.