MILWAUKEE — Black Friday used to mean the start of the holiday shopping season, but these days, that shopping season started weeks earlier.
From candlemakers to cheese shops, small businesses around Wisconsin are ready to help you find the perfect holiday gift for friends and family. And Taylor Schaefer, the 75th Alice in Dairyland, has some gift suggestions to create magical moments with your family this holiday season.
“The Something Special from Wisconsin program is a great place to go if you are looking for unique Wisconsin gifts for anyone in your life, especially for those people who are hard to shop for,” said Schaefer.
The Something Special from Wisconsin Program began in 1983 to showcase local products and businesses. Shoppers can spot the signature red logo on items from herbal tea to grass fed beef. In order to earn that red logo, a business must certify that at least 50% of its packaging, production or ingredients come from Wisconsin.
“It’s a great way to support our state’s producers and processors and drive local economies too,” said Schaefer.
Here’s your gifting guide to products harvested and created in America’s Dairyland:
For adults
Wine and chocolates from Northleaf Winery: https://northleafwinery.com/
Craft beer from Valkyrie Brewing Company: http://www.valkyriebrewery.com/products.html
Organic coffee from Bowers Lake Organic Coffee: https://www.bowerslakecoffee.com/
For kids
Knitted mittens and hats from Nana's Knits: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NanasKnits
The Jake + Jack enduring legacy bank from Small Legacies: https://smalllegacies.com/
Wisconsin themed clothes and hats from Wiki Woolz & Wares: https://www.getwikiwoolz.com/
For pet owners
Freeze-dried pet food and treats from Vital Essentials: https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/
CBD treats from Mrs. Beaster's Biskits: http://mrsbeastersbiskits.com/
Bandanas and accessories from JoJo & Sparks: jojoandsparks.com
Something sweet
Fine chocolate and candy from Driftless Chocolates: https://driftlesschocolates.com/
Ghana Style Brittle from Gold Coast Candy: https://sharaysgsb.com/
Caramels from Cream City Caramels & Confections: https://www.creamcitycaramels.com/
Something savory
Beef Jerky from Mike's Country Meats: https://mikescountrymeats.com/
Bloody Mary mix from 100 Mile Sauce Company: https://www.100milesauce.com/
For the home
Wind chimes from Ken's Copper Chimes: https://kenscopperchimes.com/
Soy candles from Fox Ridge Candles: https://foxridgecandles.com/
Room & linen sprays from Commah: https://commah.co/
Handmade wooden bowls from Bob’s Wooden Bowls: https://bobswoodenbowls.com/
Hand woven rugs from Whataview Farm & Weaver: http://www.whataviewfarmandfiber.com/
You can explore local options by clicking here.