Local Holiday Shopping Guide, Part 3

I had a successful weekend at the Hover Craft event at Sweet Water Organics on Dec. 1 and was able to get a little holiday shopping done along the way. I mostly sold my ties, one of my pearled peter pan collars and a few button earrings. I loved that people were buying the ties as gifts and I was able to be a part of the joyous occasion in a little way. I’m a sucker for the giving season. Plus, it’s just good business.

If you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, this is the perfect weekend to check a few items off that list.

Festive Friday on Historic Downer Avenue kicks off this evening from 5 – 8 p.m. with in-store specials and winter activities for the whole family. Participants include Athletico, Downer Wine and Spirits, Olive, Paperwork, Sendik’s and more. Our friends over at VIA Downer will be slinging $1 roasted chestnuts, free cookies and hot chocolate, plus $2Gluhwein and strolling musicians.

Don’t miss the ice sculpture artists beginning around 3 p.m. and the Doggie Costume Contest in front of Cafe Hollander at 7 p.m.

The weekend fun continues with Stop, Shop and Restore on Saturday. The event features great specials and discounts at several locations including Thief Wine, Alterra, The Waxwing, Harleys, Stone Creek, The Pet Outpost and so much more!

In addition to the great specials, there will be complimentary relaxation stations, free carriage rides, a free gift wrapping station at Big Bay Brewing Company, and a few kids activities including photos with Santa from noon – 2 p.m. at the Anaba Tea Room.

I for one look forward to taking advantage of these super deals and making a few cocktail stops along the way to warm up.

In the meantime, take a look at our freshly updated shopping guide. I’m sure I’ve left out plenty of great local opportunities, so please comment below with your favorite spots. Happy holidays!

Local Holiday Shopping Guide

Festive Friday
Friday Dec. 7, 5 – 8 p.m.
Downer Avenue

Shop the streets of Historic Downer Avenue! Enjoy specials, carolers, ice sculptures, and more.

Stop, Shop & Restore
Saturday Dec. 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Shorewood

Shop local in Shorewood and receive great specials and discounts from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Farm Girl Art and Antiques
803 S. 5th St.

Gift package from Great Lakes Distillery. Courtesy: GLD Facebook page.

There are plenty of antique stores in Milwaukee and especially in the Walker’s Point area. I’m partial to Farm Girl because I don’t feel as overwhelmed as I am when I’m in the multi-story Antiques on Second, which is also great. Farm Girl also offers a variety of holiday decorations and oodles of unique antique options for holiday gifting.

Great Lakes Distillery
616 W. Virginia St.

I recently became a big fan of Great Lakes Distillery. They make tasty local spirits in a sustainable fashion and they mix up some mighty fine cocktails at the bar. Take a free tour, try a $5 flight and peruse their store for bottles, flasks, t-shirts, gift packages and more.

Shops of Grand Avenue Mall
275 W. Wisconsin Ave.

For every $100.00 that is spent at a shopping center, $55 is reinvested in the form of local jobs and tax revenue. Help support our local retailers, including the new Renaissance Books location, and restaurant owners at The Shops of Grand Avenue.

Rummage-A-Rama
Sunday Dec. 9, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th St.

You never know what you’re going to get at Rummaga-A-Rama. Sometimes you have to sort through a bit of junk before you find that treasure, but I’ve had luck in the past with some great records, old jewelry and antiques. Admission is $4 or $2 with two canned goods for the Hunger Task Force. Check it out!

Courtesy: The Waxwing website

The Waxwing
4415 N. Oakland Ave.

This place looks like quite the gem. Owner Steph Davies curated her shop with art and other sweet goodies from local talent. Have you guys been here yet?

Anaba Tea Room/Garden Room
2107 E. Capitol Dr. Shorewood

You best believe I’ll be taking advantage of the 20% off, store-wide discount on Saturday. Anaba is a lovely local spot for gift shopping—they have everything from terrariums to kitchen supplies and, of course, a wide selection of teas. They also have a huge selection of plants and tools for the avid gardener in your life.

Dragonfly
1117 E. Brady St.

You never know what you’ll end up with when you make a stop into Dragonfly on Brady Street. I always enjoy popping in to see what’s new and right now they’re totally decked out for the holidays. Take a look through their housewares, furniture, locally made candles, vintage clothing and more. If unique is what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

Annie’s 2nd Hand Chic
1668 N. Warren Ave.

Need an Ugly Christmas sweater? Look no further than Annie’s. This is one of my favorite places to buy vintage fabrics, but Annie has much more to offer including vintage shoes, jewelry and clothing. Check it!

Urban Garage Sale
Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Turner Hall Ballroom
1034 N. 4th St.

I’m hoping to make it out to this event featuring a great variety of local artists, makers and retailers. Check it out!

Fischberger’s Variety
2445 North Holton St.

Fischberger’s is a great spot for quirky books, knick knacks and games for kids, fabric, sewing notions, yarn and some of the coolest gifts you never knew you were looking for. Get lost in this classic gem.

As a volunteer with VGI, I know all about the great things they do for the community and this holiday season is the perfect opportunity for you to get in on all the fun. Check out their online store and purchase an experience for that friend who’s been looking to expand their gardening knowledge or their collection of trees. Options include a private gardening class for an intimate group of friends, a raised garden bed with soil and installation, fruit and nut trees, a VGI membership and more.

Art piece my boyfriend bought for my mom last year at the Art Bar.

Sparrow Collective
2224 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

You’ll find a great variety of jewelry, apparel, baby goods and art in this Bay View hotspot. All of the items are made from folks who live right here in Milwaukee.

Art Bar
722 East Burleigh St.

Art Bar’s “Tiny Art @ Tiny Prices” exhibit is one of my favorite places to shop during the holidays. You can find pieces from reputable local artists that are actually affordable. Plus, you get to drink a beer while you peruse.

Acme Records & Music Emporium
2341 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

Stop by Acme and pick up some treats for the music lover in your life. Acme’s Facebook page does a great job of keeping you updated on what’s new in the store, and our own Sahan Jayasuriya wrote a lovely interview piece about the store’s owner. Help support this new business!

The Board Game Barrister
Bayshore Town Center: 5738 N. Bayshore Dr., Suite D-100
Southridge Mall: 5300 S. 76th St., Space 1760

The Board Game Barrister is a unique, locally owned shop that offers toys, games and puzzles for the whole family. Who doesn’t like a good board game around the holidays?

Click here for the TCDIY archive. Follow Carly Rubach on Twitter at @JunkBoxDIY.