Best of Milwaukee Finalists Offer Great Gift Ideas

Dec. 04, 2018

2:05 p.m.

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Holiday season is in full swing, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the age-old tradition of gift giving. From your standard family stocking-stuffers to company white elephant exchanges, finalists in the Shepherd Express’ 2018 Best of Milwaukee readers’ choice competition have unique, local gifts that will stand out from a gift purchased at one of those big box chains everyone was fighting over on Black Friday.

Milwaukee Beard Book

Here’s a unique holiday gift for young local hipsters, the MKE Beard Book. The title of this coffee table book by local photographer Jessica Kaminski is self-explanatory. It’s a collection of artfully posed and lit portraits of bearded Milwaukee men. They were taken, as she explains in her intro, in 2015, when “beards were everywhere.” They’re still everywhere, and you may know some of the guys pictured herein—or seen them passing by behind their furious growths.

Find something for the antique lover in your life at Alt’s, Antiques on Pierce, Farm Girl Art and Antiques or Riverview Antique Market. Bookworms would appreciate a new release or classic from Boswell Book Co., Half Price Books, Voyageur Book Shop or Woodland Pattern. Looking for something for that special someone in your life? Pick up an intimate gift from After Hours Lingerie & Gifts, Temptations or the Tool Shed.

It’s almost certain that you will give or receive clothing as a holiday gift this year. Local boutiques such as Sparrow Collective, Hyde & Chic MKE, JazzyRae’ Jewels and Accessories, SHOP and URSA offer a wide variety of styles. Little Monsters and They Grow Like Weeds sell fun threads for the kids. And between Harleys, MILWORKS, MODA3 and SayWerd, you are bound to find something for the stylish man in your life.

Music is an integral part of the holiday season, and any Milwaukee musician would appreciate a gift from Cascio Music, Cream City Music, Dave’s Guitar Shop or Wade’s Guitar Shop. If you’re more into listening to music than actually playing it, Acme Records, Bullseye Records, Rush-Mor Ltd Music & Video and The Exclusive Company have a wide range of vinyl and CDs for just about every taste.

The perfect furniture piece can be a holiday gift that is remembered for years to come. BILTRITE Furniture, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Steinhafels Furniture and West Elm are great choices for new pieces. Brew City Salvage, Cream City Restoration, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Nostalgia Home Décor all offer awesome vintage options. If you’re looking to go a bit smaller than a couch or coffee table, pick up a carpet or fine rug from Best Carpet Inc., Carpetland USA Pewaukee, Kerns Carpet One Floor & Home, Oriental Rug Gallery, Shabahang & Sons Gallery of Fine Rugs and The Loom House.

Your pets are just as much a part of the family as anyone else, so get them something from Bark N’ Scratch Outpost, Bentley’s Pet Stuff, Mac’s PET DEPOT Barkery and Pet Supplies.

Still not sure what to buy for that especially difficult friend or family member? Milwaukee has a number of unique gift shops where an idea is bound to come to you. These little-bit-of-Milwaukee-made-everything shops include KitschëCoo Unique Gifts & Classes, LOCALmke, Sparrow Collective, Tippecanoe Herbs and Apothecary, as well as The Waxwing.

The 2018 Best of Milwaukee winners will be unveiled on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. Until then, thanks to everyone who voted, and make sure to support our many local businesses when out shopping this holiday season.