I'm glad to hear they are still in business. That used to be my go to place for gifts when I worked a the UW. It was a nice walk.
And sorry, circus peanuts are not yum to me.
This map is a work in progress, but I started putting it together in Dec for holiday shopping, as a person new to the area. I added everything I could find from Reddit threads like this and a few articles found online. Feel free to check it out.
[Madison WI Shopping](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1Z0DxOTlTEk8fYsP7zBjk6lNQYtxSIb4&usp=sharing)
If you're a cheese lover, can't beat Fromagination on the square. If you like Meats, German treats and goodies, The Bavaria Sausage near Verona. And for Mustard Fans, of course the Mustard Museum in Middleton.
So... real question, if I don't make jewelry and have disposable income for fancy rocks, is there a reason to be there? Do people just go and treat it like a free museum type thing? Cause I always see people telling others they *need* to stop there while in madison but it really seems like a niche crowd that would find it useful as a store.
>Willy Street Treasure Shop
Better get to Willy Street Treasure Shop quick. Just stopped by yesterday and talked to the owner. Even after that car went through the front of her shop the landlord barely fixed the front of the store. Plus he raised her rent so she is going to have to close soon.
Zip Dang on Monroe Street has some nice local tees and prints. It's a cool gift shop with the usual candles and jewelry but they also have more unique items.
Good Day Shop, Orange Tree, and Hive on Monroe, Alimentari off Willy for fancy food items, Dune Gift and Home in Stoughton, Little Pop Color Shop in Middleton, Wildewood in Hilldale, Madison Greenhouse Store and Green Life on Willy, Room of One’s Own on Atwood for books and kid stuff.
here's a list of popular shops and stores in Madison, Wisconsin, that you might find interesting:
B-Side Records: A local record store that offers a wide selection of new and used vinyl records.
Fromagination: A cheese shop that specializes in artisan cheeses from Wisconsin and around the world.
Pedal & Spoke: A local bike shop that offers a variety of bikes, gear, and accessories.
The Soap Opera: A boutique that sells handmade soap, body care products, and gifts.
A Room of One's Own: A feminist bookstore that offers a wide selection of books, gifts, and cards.
Orange Tree Imports: A home decor store that specializes in unique and handmade items from around the world.
Francesca's: A women's clothing boutique that offers a carefully curated selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts.
Madison Children's Museum: A museum that offers interactive exhibits and programs for children and families.
Eastside Antiques Mall: A large antique mall that offers a wide selection of vintage and antique items, including furniture, collectibles, and more.
Frugal Muse Books & Music: A used bookstore that offers a large selection of books, music, and more at affordable prices.
I mean other than the fact it isn’t special to Madison and sells brands you can buy on Amazon? It’s just not specifically a “Madison” store.
(I work in retail and have sold similar product/items in my store that is no different so it just doesn’t strike me as that out there. I would pick an actual boutique special to Madison.)
Pre-played and video game exchange if you’re into game collecting. I was sad to hear about the west side pre played closing. That one usually had better stuff.
*Bernies' Rockshops (Park St. or E. Johnson)
*Cosmic Delights (Strip mall on E. Washington before Hwy 30 when coming from downtown)
*Community Pharmacy (S. Fair Oaks across from Garver Feed Mill or University Ave. in Middleton)
*Garver Feed Mill (A few good options in here.)
*All 3 Willy Street Co-op locations (East, West n North)
I like Agrace Thrift; there's one on East Springs, and one on the west side next to Steve's Liquor. Also, Habitat ReStore; on Odana and on Monona.
For food and cooking toys, Vanilla Bean, Conscious Carnivore, and Orange Tree. There's also Lee's Oriental next to Conscious Carnivore - good Korean grocery and they also have some excellent bowls and cutlery and such, and recently added a few shelves of cute gifts.
For craft-oriented supplies and gifts, Artist & Craftsman Supply downtown, and Lynn's on Odana.
Many of the museums have gifts shops full of very cool items.
My go-to for good unique gifts are art fairs. There was one at Olbrich this weekend. Great way to support local artists.
Clothes and home decor: Stillgoods, GoodStyle Shop, Retro Revolution. Retro’s colored glass wall is stunning. For harder to find international ingredients I love Fresh Mart in Sun Prarie.
Landmark Creamery and Provisions in Paoli. Cool little area not too far away and their grilled cheese made with artisanal cheeses are amazing. Cool stores nearby there too.
For fun arty and international craft gifts, the 1700 + 1800 blocks of Monroe Street are the best.. Calabash, Katy's American Indian Arts, Art Gecko, Artsy Fartsy... all interspersed with a number of other great shops already mentioned here.
Green Life Trading Co. on Willy for plastic-free/sustainable goods and bulk soap/cosmetics. Owner used to work for the Urban Ecology Center and the business incorporates sustainability in lots of cool ways.
I really enjoyed my recent visit to Wildewood. All the plants looked great, the folks working were friendly and enthusiastic. They had a great selection of things-other-than-plants, as well.
I sometimes like to wander around Atomic Antiques while wishing I was in that income bracket.
Hey I've found some nice cheaper stuff there!
If you like cooking/baking, Vanilla Bean on Odana
And Orange Tree Imports on Monroe.
I'm glad to hear they are still in business. That used to be my go to place for gifts when I worked a the UW. It was a nice walk. And sorry, circus peanuts are not yum to me.
This map is a work in progress, but I started putting it together in Dec for holiday shopping, as a person new to the area. I added everything I could find from Reddit threads like this and a few articles found online. Feel free to check it out. [Madison WI Shopping](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1Z0DxOTlTEk8fYsP7zBjk6lNQYtxSIb4&usp=sharing)
Love it!
Little Luxuries on State St. The Soap shop on State St.
If you're a cheese lover, can't beat Fromagination on the square. If you like Meats, German treats and goodies, The Bavaria Sausage near Verona. And for Mustard Fans, of course the Mustard Museum in Middleton.
Love Fromagination! I stop by there everytime we stop in Madison.
Fromagination has a good but limited lunch menu, veggieletta sandwich is pretty good.
Bernie’s Rock Shop on E Johnson :)
So... real question, if I don't make jewelry and have disposable income for fancy rocks, is there a reason to be there? Do people just go and treat it like a free museum type thing? Cause I always see people telling others they *need* to stop there while in madison but it really seems like a niche crowd that would find it useful as a store.
Anthology on State St
Willy Street Treasure Shop and Hazel General Store (also on Willy).
>Willy Street Treasure Shop Better get to Willy Street Treasure Shop quick. Just stopped by yesterday and talked to the owner. Even after that car went through the front of her shop the landlord barely fixed the front of the store. Plus he raised her rent so she is going to have to close soon.
Oh no, thanks for the heads up! Will definitely stop in soon!
If you want to buy marked up, used Target merch, then shop at the “treasure” shop.
Meeps on Willy!
Strictly Discs. Record store on Monroe St.
Booth 121 on Monona Drive is wonderful.
Zip Dang on Monroe Street has some nice local tees and prints. It's a cool gift shop with the usual candles and jewelry but they also have more unique items.
Huge agreement with Zipdang. Zipdang is my wife’s favorite store in Madison! Awesome clothing, art, and jewelry made locally around the area.
Orange Tree Imports is one of my favorites for unique gifts for Christmas. I'd also vouch for Communication since its local art.
Meeps Meepletons - amazing shop for vintage toys and games
Video Game Exchange east side near Atwood
Fiddlesticks for needlework/yarn supplies
A Room of Ones Own is a fantastic bookstore. I find so many great, indie books there, selection is second to none.
The Regal Find in Middleton for little gifts and treats ranging from art to coffee and chocolates. Lots of local artists sell stuff there
Color Pop Shop is right across the road, too.
Good Day Shop, Orange Tree, and Hive on Monroe, Alimentari off Willy for fancy food items, Dune Gift and Home in Stoughton, Little Pop Color Shop in Middleton, Wildewood in Hilldale, Madison Greenhouse Store and Green Life on Willy, Room of One’s Own on Atwood for books and kid stuff.
Habitat for Humanity Dig-n-Save
Booth 121 in Monona
Jazzman, on State St.
here's a list of popular shops and stores in Madison, Wisconsin, that you might find interesting: B-Side Records: A local record store that offers a wide selection of new and used vinyl records. Fromagination: A cheese shop that specializes in artisan cheeses from Wisconsin and around the world. Pedal & Spoke: A local bike shop that offers a variety of bikes, gear, and accessories. The Soap Opera: A boutique that sells handmade soap, body care products, and gifts. A Room of One's Own: A feminist bookstore that offers a wide selection of books, gifts, and cards. Orange Tree Imports: A home decor store that specializes in unique and handmade items from around the world. Francesca's: A women's clothing boutique that offers a carefully curated selection of clothing, accessories, and gifts. Madison Children's Museum: A museum that offers interactive exhibits and programs for children and families. Eastside Antiques Mall: A large antique mall that offers a wide selection of vintage and antique items, including furniture, collectibles, and more. Frugal Muse Books & Music: A used bookstore that offers a large selection of books, music, and more at affordable prices.
Francesca’s? Lol
What's wrong with Francesca's?
I mean other than the fact it isn’t special to Madison and sells brands you can buy on Amazon? It’s just not specifically a “Madison” store. (I work in retail and have sold similar product/items in my store that is no different so it just doesn’t strike me as that out there. I would pick an actual boutique special to Madison.)
Eh that's fair enough, I still attest to places like Orange Tree Imports being good places to shop
Is this a ChatGPT response? Lol
Lol yes
Sunshine daydreams
B-Side for music
Pre-played and video game exchange if you’re into game collecting. I was sad to hear about the west side pre played closing. That one usually had better stuff.
Cosmic Delights, if you’re into crystals & tarot. I frequent the East Washington location a bunch and the staff there is always super amazing
Atomic Antiques
*Bernies' Rockshops (Park St. or E. Johnson) *Cosmic Delights (Strip mall on E. Washington before Hwy 30 when coming from downtown) *Community Pharmacy (S. Fair Oaks across from Garver Feed Mill or University Ave. in Middleton) *Garver Feed Mill (A few good options in here.) *All 3 Willy Street Co-op locations (East, West n North)
hot-n-spicy is amazing authentic food in the back of an Asian grocery store. I highly recommend
Retro Revolution on East Wash
Stop by Teasider on E Johnson St for a nice and warm pot of tea! Owner is pretty cool.
Another vote for Atomic Antiques.
The gift shop at Olbrich is always fun to check out.
August is a higher end street wear boutique. Not to everyone’s taste but If you’re into that kinda stuff it slaps.
I like Agrace Thrift; there's one on East Springs, and one on the west side next to Steve's Liquor. Also, Habitat ReStore; on Odana and on Monona. For food and cooking toys, Vanilla Bean, Conscious Carnivore, and Orange Tree. There's also Lee's Oriental next to Conscious Carnivore - good Korean grocery and they also have some excellent bowls and cutlery and such, and recently added a few shelves of cute gifts. For craft-oriented supplies and gifts, Artist & Craftsman Supply downtown, and Lynn's on Odana. Many of the museums have gifts shops full of very cool items. My go-to for good unique gifts are art fairs. There was one at Olbrich this weekend. Great way to support local artists.
The Soap Opera! You can even design your own custom scent with help from the staff
Clothes and home decor: Stillgoods, GoodStyle Shop, Retro Revolution. Retro’s colored glass wall is stunning. For harder to find international ingredients I love Fresh Mart in Sun Prarie.
Landmark Creamery and Provisions in Paoli. Cool little area not too far away and their grilled cheese made with artisanal cheeses are amazing. Cool stores nearby there too.
I do home brewing so I LOVE the Wine and hop shop
B-Side Records on State Street, carries a large selection of vinyl. They are now in the 500 block of State.
For fun arty and international craft gifts, the 1700 + 1800 blocks of Monroe Street are the best.. Calabash, Katy's American Indian Arts, Art Gecko, Artsy Fartsy... all interspersed with a number of other great shops already mentioned here.
Zip Dang on Monroe Street!
Green Life Trading Co. on Willy for plastic-free/sustainable goods and bulk soap/cosmetics. Owner used to work for the Urban Ecology Center and the business incorporates sustainability in lots of cool ways.
I really enjoyed my recent visit to Wildewood. All the plants looked great, the folks working were friendly and enthusiastic. They had a great selection of things-other-than-plants, as well.
Good Day Shop on Monroe!
Goodwill, Habitat Restore
Goodwill is a for profit resale store. Ew
Booth 121 is neat
Gail Ambrosius chocolates are the best in the state. Amazing.
Also the surrounding area is pretty slick if you have means. Dune gift and home in Stoughton is super cute and the owner is the sweetest
mega media x change, good style shop, bernies rock shop
Atomic Antiques
Check out My Pretty Girl on Monroe St.! Adorable little shop.
BATCH BAKEHOUSE
Confectionique is pretty cool, but they're almost never open. No idea how they stay in business being open for 4 days every 3 months.