A to Z: Discover Wisconsin’s Holiday Shopping Guide

Holiday shopping is right around the corner and we want to help you prepare for the season by giving you a guide to shopping at local stores around Wisconsin! From the Northwoods, all the way to the Driftless Area, and across the way to the shores of Lake Michigan, we have so many local shops and Wisconsin made products available to help you find all of the perfect gifts for friends and family. So, let’s go shopping!

A: Alpine Valley Resort Lift Tickets

A perfect gift for all of the ski and snowboard lovers is a lift ticket to Alpine Valley Resort! Right in the southeastern corner of the state lies this beautiful resort and snow sport haven. On site there is a resort hotel, making for an easy complete winter trip! While visiting, make sure to dine at the delicious Alpine Bistro. Learn more about gifting Alpine Valley Resort lift tickets here!

B: Bourbon 

If you have a bourbon connoisseur in your family, find some local, smooth-as-silk blends to share with them this holiday season! At Ledgerock Distillery, you can find some of the greatest all-natural spirits in the state. Grab the Farm Boy Bourbon, a unique single barrel offering, as a perfect holiday gift. Or, grab one of their soy-based candles scented like the Farm Boy Bourbon! Another hotspot in Wisconsin for bourbon is at the Dancing Goat Distillery. There, they are working on mastering the combination of art and science of distillation with their newer modern technology along with past experience!

C: Clutch Energy Drink

Are you looking to find the perfect gift for someone who needs the extra push to power through the holidays or maybe the following days? Grab a Wisconsin-made energy drink! This delicious fusion has great-tasting flavors and enough caffeine to tackle all of your holiday activities and the days to follow. 
Clutch has no added sugar, is low in calories, and has an incredible taste! Born and bred in Wisconsin, you don’t want to miss out on this tasty gift for all of your energy-drinking friends and family!

D: Discover Wisconsin Merch

You cannot go wrong with some Wisconsin-pride under your tree for friends and family! Shop the Discover Wisconsin merch to grab a stocking stuffer, cozy sweatshirt, or even some tees. The merch line features fan favorites like the Wisconsin Classic Crew Sweatshirt, Bubbler Tee, and the Pom Beanie. And we can’t forget to mention our Wisconsin-inspired kids line that features our Youth Lil’ Cheese Curd Tee and the newest Youth Wisconsin Kiddo Tee!
The best part? New merch is being added to the shop all the time! Check out the newest Wisconsin Hat’s in olive, wine and navy! Or, if you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, some new candles have officially hit the shop along with Wisconsin Coasters and Wallet Bottle Openers! Don’t forget to grab your 2022 Discover Wisconsin Calendar too before the new year officially starts. Shop all of our favorite Wisconsin merchandise here. 

E: Edie Boutique

Right in the heart of downtown Lake Geneva, Edie Boutique, is a one-stop shop to find the cutest jewelry, handbags, clothing, gifts, and more for that special gal in your life! With new arrivals weekly, you can always find something new which allows for a unique shopping experience with every visit. 
The Edie Boutique opened its doors in Lake Geneva in May of 2017 and now has expanded to 8 different stores throughout the Midwest. Make your way to their stores in Lake Geneva or Milwaukee and if you can’t…be sure to shop online at shopedie.com!

F: Focus on Energy Free Pack

Did someone say free? Focus on Energy did! You can’t go wrong with grabbing a free-pack for one of your closest friends or family members this holiday season. Focus on Energy offers 5 different energy-saving packs to Wisconsinites throughout the state. The 5 packs include your choice of: Focus Lightbulb Pack, Focus Decorative Light Pack, Focus Flood Light Pack, Focus Handheld Showerhead Pack, and a Focus Fixed Showerhead Pack. Learn more about these packs here. 
** Please note, limit one free pack per three years. 

G: Geronimo Hospitality

If a gift card is more your style of giving this year, the Geronimo Hospitality Group offers a plethora of experiences throughout their collection of award-winning and upscale boutique hotels, restaurants, and clubs in south central Wisconsin. If you’re not sure which location to choose – you don’t have to! You can buy a gift card directly through the Geronimo Hospitality Group that is able to be used at all of their restaurants, hotels, clubs, and fitness centers! 
So now, you’re probably wondering…which local shops would these gift cards be redeemable at? Let’s list them off! 

• Bark River Crossfit
• Be Fitness
• Beloit Club
• Bessie’s Diner
• Blue Collar Coffee Co
• Delafield Hotel
• Eclipse Event Center
• Hotel Goodwin
• I.d.
• Irontek
• Ironworks Golf Academy
• Ironworks Golf Lake
• Ironworks Hotel
• Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar
• Merril & Houston’s Steak Joint
• The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin
• Truk’t
• Velvet Buffalo! 

Phew… that was a lot! So what better gift this season than a gift card that can be used at so many different local Wisconsin hotels, restaurants, and more! 

H: Hodag Country Music Festival

Is there truly anything better in the summer than a good ol’ Wisconsin country music festival? Grab your tickets for the 2022 Hodag Country Festival in Rhinelander next July 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th! In 2022, you can expect to see artists like Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Sam Hunt, Chris Janson and more. Tickets for the 44th annual festival are now available and on sale, buy your tickets here. 

I: Ice Skating at Titletown

This winter, you can plan a trip to Titletown in Green Bay to hit the ice and go ice skating or ice biking! Titletown is west of Lambeau Field and is a fun stop to play, stay, grab a bite to eat, or even get some time to relax. At Titletown there is a large public park, skating rink in the winter, a gorgeous hotel, and the Hinterland Restaurant and Brewery.
You don’t want to miss out on this exuberant time on the ice with the family, or a group of friends, and this can make for the perfect gift and experience this holiday season. Be sure to complete your waiver prior to heading to Titletown and check out the daily admission fee here.

J: Jolly Good Soda

A true Wisconsin childhood favorite is the perfect holiday gift! Jolly Good Soda is one of Discover Wisconsin’s favorite sodas to sip and enjoy all day long while traveling our great state. Grab a 6 or 12-pack, mix and match cases, or grab a single to taste test to find your favorites!  
You can find Jolly Good Soda at a variety of stores all over Wisconsin. Check out where you can buy Jolly Good Soda here. If you don’t see your local store listed, chat with your store manager and ask them to get it in your stores! 

K: Kwik Trip

If you don’t buy your family and friends Kwik Trip gift cards for Christmas, are you really a Wisconsinite? This is the perfect gift for a road trip enthusiast to fill up their gas tank and grab some snacks for the ride! Or, if you have a family member or friend who truly loves the Glazers or their hot food options…it’s the perfect gift for them too. 
Kwik Trip opened its first store in 1965 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and has since grown to over 700 stores throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Find out more about how you can grab a Kwik Trip gift card and shop their merch here. 

L: Leinenkugel’s Beer

Ahhh…we love a cold Wisconsin brew! This holiday season, treat the ones you love with a Wisconsin favorite, Leinenkugel’s beer. Or better yet, plan a trip to head up to the brewery at the Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls to get the full experience! 
At the Leinie Lodge, you can shop their merch that features all of the Leinenkugel favorites. You can also sit back and enjoy a tasting of your favorite brews while stopping in. If you’re a beer connoisseur and want to head out on a tour, you can learn the history of the brewery to see over 150 years of beer brewing and six generations of the Leinenkugel family history!

M: Merch from Bent’s

If you haven’t heard of Bent’s Camp Resort…it’s a true Wisconsin hidden gem! In just about the most northern part of Wisconsin, you’ll land upon Bent’s in Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin. Right along the Cisco Chain is a one-stop destination for a delicious meal, getaway trip on the Chain, access to plenty of outdoor fun, and a fun merchandise store right on site!
At the shop, you can find cozy sweatshirts, branded tee’s, cute mugs, and plenty of stocking stuffers to help you complete your holiday shopping. Can’t make it up north before the holidays? Grab a gift card at their online store or better yet, shop for your favorites right online! 

N: Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats

A nationally-acclaimed Wisconsin favorite is Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats! This award-winning business was created by the Nueske family in Wittenberg, Wisconsin and has a multitude of meats from bacon and ham to poultry and sausage. You can visit Nueske’s in person for yourself at their gift shop in Wittenberg to get the true experience, or if you can’t make it in…be sure to check out their online shopping to get all of your favorites for your holiday parties or to give to a Nueske’s fan in your life!

O: Oaks Candy Corner

This Oshkosh hot-spot has been serving up sweets for over one hundred years and through five generations…it’s Oaks Candy Corner! Known for delicious hand-dipped chocolates and sweets, this tradition is one you’ll want to experience for yourself and give to someone you love this holiday season. 
If you can’t visit this delicious delight to bring home for the holidays, visit their online store where you can build your own box, grab an assortment, or choose your favorite. Every chocolate lover will appreciate this in their gift this holiday season!

P: Portesi Cheese Fries

This Wisconsin delicacy is one that could enhance your holiday party or be a great gift for the cheese fries lovers of Wisconsin! Founded originally by George Portesi, originally from Italy, Portesi’s has been a frozen pizza manufacturer for over 60 years. 
If you’ve visited Arbuckles Eatery & Pub in downtown Stevens Point and tried their cheese fries…you’ll be excited to know that those fabulous cheesy bites to eat are Portesi’s! You can now order Portesi for delivery. You can learn more about this service on their Facebook page here!

Q: Quilt Trail Tour

Now this one isn’t something physical you can give to someone, but it is an experience that one who is extremely interested in history, tourism, and barn quilts will definitely love this holiday season. It’s a trip through the Barn Quilts of Shawano County! This drive is a colorful one with more than 300 barn quilts that are on display throughout the entire county. 
If you want to grab a take-home gift as well to gift with the trip…you can grab ‘The Barn Quilts of Shawano County Wisconsin’ from the Shawano County Chamber of Commerce to help with your getaway to explore this colorful county! Learn more about the project run by Jim Leuenberger here. 

R: Rooted in Red

Wisconsin’s state fruit, the cranberry, is a must-give gift this holiday season! Whether you like them sweet and dried, tart and fresh, or maybe you’re a fan of Cranberry Honey…you can find that and more at Rooted in Red in Wisconsin Rapids! 
Rooted in Red has been harvesting cranberries for over 100 years and is known for their cranberries, decor, and natural, local products! They pride themselves on being raised fresh and home grown, so that is what they want to share with the world. You can shop at their online shop and grab a few of your favorites or pick out a holiday gift basket!

S: State Park Pass

If you have an outdoors lover in your life, you’ll want to be sure to grab them a Wisconsin State Park Pass and Vehicle Admission Sticker for the 2022 season! The state park system is home to nearly 156,000 acres of land and has beautiful scenery throughout any season in all of the state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails. 
The Wisconsin State Park System offers places to get out on the trails for biking, skiing, horseback riding, and more as well as places to go camping, learn about nature with their programs and events, as well as an educational and learning program. There are over 20 million visitors per year and the outdoor fanatic in your life definitely won’t want to miss out on seeing the best parts of Wisconsin all year long!

T: Twig’s

A fashion destination right in Wisconsin is Shop Twig’s. This boutique has shops in both Brookfield and Madison making for the perfect stops during your holiday shopping season! Twigs features designer apparel, handbags, and jewelry for women and has a little bit of flare for every woman in your life.
You can stop into one of their two stores at The Corners Of Brookfield and the Hilldale Shopping Center or you can head to their online store to find favorites there! 

U: Usinger’s Famous Sausage

For over 130 years, the Usinger family has been making sausage right in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This one of a kind family-business, Usinger’s Famous Sausage, is devoted to the craft of sausage making and range from bratwurst to authentic beerwurst. 
If you have a Usinger fan in your family or friend group, be sure to make a visit to their store and shop at the deli that has a plethora of meat to choose from. They also have gift boxes with different types of samples and the Usinger Elf Bobblehead that truly shows the history and charm of their 141 year old family sausage shop! 

V: Vern’s Cheese

A true Wisconsin staple: cheese! Vern’s Cheese began in 1964 as a one truck business and now distributes the top Wisconsin cheeses throughout the Midwest. This multi-generational family business is run by Vern and Edith along with their four children! 
You can find your favorite Wisconsin cheeses right in the heart of America’s Dairyland in Chilton, a short drive from Green Bay and Appleton and a pit-stop on your way up to the beautiful Door County! If you can’t make it to their store, shop their online store here.

W: Wine

One thing most people look past in Wisconsin is our large abundance of iconic wineries spread throughout the state! You can plan a trip to visit the hot-spot locations or grab a bottle for the wine lover in your life to enjoy from home for the holidays. Here are some of our favorites for this holiday season: Wollersheim Winery, Von Stiehl Winery, Chateau St. Croix Winery, Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery, Door Peninsula Winery, and Harbor Ridge Winery. 

X: X-Golf 

We know there is a large amount of golfers out there that are just ready to hit the course this winter! We can’t promise a course without snow…but there is another option for a day of fun! X-Golf is an indoor golf experience that is for beginners and experts alike! 
This year, you can plan a day to one of Wisconsin’s X-Golf experiences in Madison, Middleton, Kenosha, or Brookfield! Wanting to just send your golfer on their own trip? X-Golf offers gift cards as well that you can gift as the perfect golfing holiday gift!

Y: Yard Art from Wisconsin Yard Art

Get your craft-junkie new decor to decorate all year long at the Wisconsin Yard Art small craft store in Kieler! Specializing in Wisconsin Badger and seasonal decor for any home, you can be sure to add a small addition to your gift for a loved one or the entire gift! You can visit their store at 3444 County Highway HHH in Kieler, Wisconsin. Be sure to check out their website for hours they are open and to call for an appointment!

Z: Zoo Tickets

A great family gift idea is tickets to the Milwaukee County Zoo! You can visit with more than 2,200 animals making it fun for the whole family this holiday season. Learn about all of their major exhibit locations here. Be sure to snag your tickets here and get your trip planned to get the most out of your time off and spending the holidays together this year. 
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And that’s a wrap! We have uncovered the official 2021 Discover Wisconsin holiday gift guide all the way from the letter A to Z. Where are you shopping this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below!