Local Gift Guide: 20 Picks Recommended by Pabst Theater Group Staff

We asked our team to share their favorite small, locally-owned spots in Milwaukee to help put together this ultimate local gift guide! Whether you're scrambling for last-minute presents or just want to shop small this season, we've got a killer list of unique finds that’ll make your gift-giving stand out.

From funky boutiques to hidden gems around town, this guide’s all about supporting Milwaukee’s best while snagging something special for everyone on your list. Forget the chain stores—let’s keep it local and show some love to the businesses that make this city awesome. 

Let's get into it! 

1. Ebb & Flow - 906 E Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53212

Recommended by Lainie Harris: Ebb & Flow helps people create personalized, unique spaces through design workshops, curated home goods, and professional design services. If you like baggu, junk journaling, candles, and more, this is the spot for you! 

2. Fischbergers Variety - 2445 N Holton St, Milwaukee, WI 53212

Recommended by Bayden Dassler: A variety store offering a wide selection of gifts, books, toys, kitchenware, and fabric. If you like Sonny Angels, Puzzles, Jewelry, and more, you've gotta check 'em out! 

3. URSA - 2534 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Recommended by Taylor Bradley & Ann Lennart: A cute Boutique offering a carefully curated selection of gifts, home goods, clothing, jewelry, and plants. "URSA is my go to for the perfect gift!"

4. Downtown Books - 624 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Recommended by Kyle Burke: A charming independent bookstore where you can get lost in a good book and maybe find a hidden gem or two. If you love perusing rows an rows of books of (literally) every kind imaginable, floor to ceiling, this is the bookstore for you!

5. Boswell Books Company - 2559 N Downer Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Recommended by Harrison Dilts: A locally-owned bookstore with an impressive selection of books and a super welcoming vibe.
 

6. Scout Gallery - 2625 S Greeley St UNIT 110, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Recommended by Lizz Weier Scout Gallery is located on the main floor of the Hide House in Bay View. They're an art space focused on the exhibition, creation, promotion and sales of contemporary art made by local artists.

7. MODA3 - 320 E Buffalo St # 300, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Recommended by Lindsay Stoddard: Born in 2004, MODA3 has been a Milwaukee neighborhood staple, offering a handpicked mix of clothing, footwear, and accessories that reflects their eclectic lifestyle, with a family-oriented approach to customer service and a mission to provide a unique shopping experience that’s becoming rare in today’s world.

8. Riverwest Grown - 3379 N Pierce St, Milwaukee, WI 53212

Recommended by Margot Nielsen & Amber Solheim: If you're looking for a place to buy plants, artwork, and other curiosities, look no further than Riverwest Grown, a plant shop located in the heart of the Riverwest neighborhood in Milwaukee.

9. Rust & Bones Vintage 

Recommended by Jesse Frolik: Milwaukee-based couple with a love for vintage jewelry and the unusual.

10. Peach Beast

Recommended by Hillary Gunn: Founded in 2017 by Elly, Peach Beast started as a DIY operation with screen printed patches and hand-dyed clothes, evolving into a one-woman brand that creates unapologetic, nostalgic designs inspired by childhood memories and punk ideologies, offering handmade jewelry, original designs on stickers, pins, tees, and totes, all infused with a unique blend of colorful irreverence and dark humor.

11. May One (Body Care Clinic) - 3956 N Murray Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211

Recommended by Gary Witt: May One is a Body Care Clinic in Milwaukee focused on injury prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation. If you're looking for physical therapy, cup therapy, massage therapy, reiki, and more, 

12. Red Schafer MMA (Mixed Martial Arts Gym) - 811 E Vienna Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212

Recommended by Zak Heebsh: A spot for anyone wanting to train in MMA, whether you’re just starting or looking to compete. Red Schafer Mixed Martial Arts is Milwaukee, Wisconsin's finest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts training facility.

13. Phase 2 (Skate Shop) - 7346 W State St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213

Recommended by Charles Arpin: A local skate shop with all the gear you need, plus some killer boards and accessories for any skater.

14. Sky High (Skate Shop) - 2501 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Recommended by Charles Arpin: Another awesome skate shop with boards, apparel, and everything you need to hit the pavement in style.

15. Sip & Purr Cat Cafe - 833 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Recommended by Marcella Mary Baruzzini: The purr-fect place to grab coffee and hang out with adoptable cats. Seriously, what’s better than that?

16. Skilos - 2328 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Recommended by Tasha Anderson: A pet boutique with everything your furry friend needs, from food and toys to accessories. It’s pet heaven.

17. Lilliput Records - 1669 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202

A rad independent record store where you can dig through vinyl and find some seriously cool music.

18. Blast Radius (Records & Video) - 1625 E Irving Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Recommended by Brian Trott: By punks, for punks. 

19. Say Werd (Collectibles & Video, Vintage Clothing) - 3474 N Oakland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Recommended by Keltie Moon: A spot for vintage clothing, collectibles, and video games. Basically, a treasure trove of cool stuff.

20. The Interchange Theater (Improv Comedy) - 628 N 10th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233

Recommended by Mike Strusz: Milwaukee's first cooperatively run improv theater. Community owned and operated for comedy fans everywhere. 

Psssttt....keep in mind that this list is made up specifically of small businesses that were recommended by our staff - but there are TONS of other AWESOME local businesses in and around Milwaukee that you can support year round!

Author

By: Hillary Gunn

Hillary is the Creative Marketing Manager for the Pabst Theater Group. You'll find her behind the scenes curating content right here on our Green Room blog, dreaming up captivating social media campaigns, overseeing the PTG Street Team, and coordinating our dedicated team of house photographers.