13 Milwaukee Local Shops to Support This Holiday Season

It’s time! It’s time to show up and show out for some of our favorite small businesses in the Milwaukee area. It has been quite the year and all we have is each other to get through the end of it. This holiday season, help us show these amazing local businesses support.

There are so many wonderful small businesses out there, but we gathered a list of our 13 favorite Milwaukee local shops to support this holiday season. A friendly reminder that you don’t have to make a purchase in order to support local businesses. There are free ways, too!

1. Write a review.
2. Share with your friends and family.
3. Follow the business on social media.
4. Engage with the business on social media. 
5. Offer your skills as free help.

Boswell Book Company

For the ultimate book lover….

No matter how digital the world becomes, who else prefers a good physical book versus an eBook? Books, magazines, calendars, journals, knick knacks and events with your favorite author. Before you head to Barnes & Noble, give Boswell a visit.

Bronzeville Collective MKE

For the one-of-a-kind unique find….

The Bronzeville Collective MKE is 100% Black-owned with a mission to “empower other Black, Brown, and queer creatives in Milwaukee and beyond!” It is a collaborative storefront that features over 25 local brands designed and handcrafted by Black and Brown Creatives. 

Due to COVID-19, the boutique brick and mortar location sales have decreased significantly. Consider donating to their COVID-19 Collaboration Fund to help them through this tough season!

Elizabeth E Design

For the most thoughtful custom-made gift….

Liz is a talented calligrapher born and raised in Milwaukee. She is the creator and letterer behind Elizabeth E Design and truly a beautiful woman, inside and out. Her Etsy shop is our go-to place when we’re looking for a nice custom gift for the newly engaged couple, new parents, new homeowners or someone special. And, if you’re planning a wedding, we highly recommend working with her on all of your wedding details.

Seriously, we cannot rave enough about Liz. Just look at some of the work she’s created for us! *heart eyes*

Fan Fam USA

For the fashionable sports fan….

Calling all Midwest sports fans, this woman-owned small business is where you will be buying all of your sportswear from now on. The apparel is so cute, comfortable and affordable. 

Pick a matching outfit for your whole family, custom design a cozy sweatshirt to lounge in or get you and your BFF matching Badgers Active Bras. Ship to anywhere or pick up locally!

Glass Pantry Milwaukee

For a greener Earth….

The Glass Pantry is a zero-waste, bulk grocery store with a goal “to make zero waste shopping easy, accessible, and fun.” Hey, a girl’s gotta eat after a long day of shopping, amirite? Bring your reusable containers, ditch the packaging and fill it up. 

Lake Effect Co.

For the Lake Country friend….

There is something about the atmosphere and vibe at Lake Effect Co. This is a water-loving woman-owned local shop focused on consciously-sourced clothing and accessories. We love supporting this company that cares so much about carefully curating the assortment with ethically sourced goods and donates 3% of sales back to the community.

MeandMill

For the person who likes to make a statement….

Kelsey Mui is an Asian-American Milwaukee designer that graduated with a BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). She is the Me in MeandMill and the designer behind all of the beautiful, unique hand-crafted earrings. She is a painter and pulls a lot of her earring inspirations from her painting process. And, who is Mill? Her rabbit partner in crime, of course.

ModGen

For the plant lover….

This is not your average general store. This contemporary general store stocks stylish houseware and houseplants. Yes! You won’t be able to leave this local shop without a new large houseplant. Ask Wunmi. She used to live across the street and could never walk past without a new plant. Smh.

Queen’s Closet MKE located at Sherman Phoenix

For the one who gives back….

At this Black-owned re-thread boutique, you will find a collection of gently used and new designer apparel, shoes and accessories for women. The best part about supporting this small business? They offer job training and placement to adults, high risk youth and survivors of human trafficking.

They’re always looking for apparel, shoes, accessories in all shapes and sizes, so make room in your closet by donating some items. Donate an item, buy an item. Sounds like the perfect process to us! 

Sparrow Collective

For that funny card….

This quaint boutique located in the heart of Bay View has a variety of items ranging from apparel, accessories to fun Wisconsin and Milwaukee-themed knick knacks. We can spend so much time browsing all of the funny cards made for all occasions. 

Swoon Trinkets and Doodads

For all of the trinkets and doodads….

This woman-owned local shop features a large selection of apparel, accessories, jewelry, candles, soaps and lotions made by local Milwaukee artists. You can find literally anything and everything here.

The Waxwing

For the Milwaukee activist and charm….

If you could wrap up a whole store and gift it, this would be it. The Waxwing celebrates diversity, female empowerment, equality and equity, and it’s all reflected in the assortment carefully curated by Steph Davies. We all need each other, and we need The Waxwing in our lives. 

Ursa

For that person who could use some self care (which is all of us)….

Think Anthropologie but better. Houseplants, decor, jewelry, self care items and more. The assortment is locally crafted, ethically sourced and all natural. Find the perfect gift for your loved one or for yourself!

Want to add more small businesses to your list to support? Comment below, email us or send us an Instagram DM. The list goes on beyond 13! For our Minnesota local business fans, make sure to check out our Minneapolis edition.