Your Guide to the Best Holiday Shopping in Madison: The Very Merry Madison Gift Guide

The holiday shopping season is oh so very merrier when you spend it in Madison, Wisconsin. The 2025 Very Merry Madison Gift Guide is filled with locally-made gifts you can find only in the capital city at shops and boutiques that provide magical and laidback shopping experiences.

Inside this guide, you will find experiential holiday gifts, gift card bundles, one-of-a-kind handmade items, holiday markets, shopping events and even some can’t-miss, limited-time holiday deals and discounts. We’ve provided everything you need for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's or any winter celebration you observe.

In one shopping trip, you can see the Wisconsin State Capitol tree aglow, dine in a winter dome, discover a Miracle on King Street and still find time to get all the best gifts in Madison for your parents, children, friends, co-workers and all the other special people you will make holiday memories with this season.

Take this guide on the go by signing up for our Very Merry Madison Shopping Pass, where you can check in to local Madison shops and earn points to win an exclusive Madison shopping tote bag.

New this year: We have partnered with GiftBlazer to make it easier for you to shop for local gifts online. Browse through our GiftBlazer-powered guide for easy access to your favorite Madison items.

Jump around to find:

• Where can I buy experiential gifts?
• Where can I find gifts made by local makers?
• What local shops and boutiques should I visit in Madison?
• What food and beverage-related drinks are hot in Madison?
• How can I get someone a gift that lasts an entire year?
• What holiday markets and shopping events are happening in Madison this year?

Where can I buy experiential gifts?

Time is the one thing everyone wants more of. Gift someone you love the precious opportunity to take time to unwind, learn, be creative or have some fun.

Deals and discounts

• Children’s Theater of Madison: Enjoy the new Play, a Play and a Stay Deal—Book a stay at the Park Hotel or other participating hotels for up to 25% off and receive 50% off a Madison Children’s Museum pass and 25% off tickets to CTM’s productions of either The Hobbit or Tiara’s Hat Parade. Deal available beginning in December.
• The Curious Crafter: Find BOGO shopping deals in studio and at the Holiday Market at Breese Stevens Field on Nov. 29.
• Disorderly Conduct Rage Rooms: Buy one, gift one 50% off paint spatter tickets for the first 100 buyers through Dec. 31. Use coupon code HollyJolly25 when booking online.
• Fireside Dinner Theatre: Save 20% off almost everything during the Holiday Open House on Nov. 11.
• Hampton Inn and Suites Madison Downtown: Receive 15% off the best available rate from Dec. 1, 2025–Feb. 1, 2026 with the Winter Getaway deal.
• Kosa Spa: A flip on a classic shopping tradition, Kosa’s White Friday special will run for two weeks and offers 20% off the entire online store, including soy candles, lotions, soaps, skincare, teas and more. Add on a gift card and receive bonus cards for spending $100 or more.
• Overture Center for the Arts: Save 25% on select tickets during the Cyber Weekend Sale running Nov. 26–Dec. 1!

Relaxing experiences

Kosa Spa's oils, body and skincare products are all local and woman-made. Gift self-care through their lineup of personal care items or a gift card to book an organic Ayurvedic service. 

Book a stay at Hampton Inn and Suites Madison Downtown during their Winter Getaway Deal and enjoy a warm fireplace in the lobby, a hot chocolate station, indoor pool and hot tub and complimentary hot buffet breakfast each morning.

A gift card for Saunaday is a simple, flexible way to offer time, warmth and rest to the people you love. Gift cards can be used toward any soak, sauna, suite or retail purchase at this new spa on Madison's east side.

Let your loved one feel the relaxing dichotomy of hot and cold with Tuli Sauna and Plunge’s wood-fired sauna and natural cold plunge in the Sugar River.

If relaxation for the person you’re shopping for looks like releasing some rage, Disorderly Conduct Rage Room is a high-energy space where you can safely smash and destroy items in a controlled environment. Their Paint Splatter Room offers a similar experience with a colorful twist.

Opportunities to learn

Treat someone to a new adventure with Madison Fly Fishing Company, offering full-day, three-quarter-day and half-day guided fly fishing trips as well as fly casting lessons.

Below the surface, learn about some of the oldest preserved natural structures in the state at Cave of the Mounds. Pair tickets to this National Natural Landmark with sluice-to-go and geode-to-go gift bags or handmade scarves knitted by a local maker who pairs the scarves with items found in nature around the cave.

A tasting and tour at J. Henry and Sons Bourbon is more than a bourbon sipping, it’s a deep dive into Dane County’s agricultural history and culture through the lens of a local family’s story of passion and determination. Throw in a bottle of the 2025 Limited Edition Anniversary Blend with a tasting experience to craft a curated gift basket.

Fun for the family or friends

The Guild, a gaming lounge on State Street, is a great space for gamers to play and find community. Purchase a $15 gift certificate, used for two hours of gaming and an NA beverage, or a $17 gift certificate for two hours of gaming and an alcoholic beverage.

Eat, drink and be merry during Madison Eats Food Tours' Holiday Cocktail and Food Tours where you will taste delicious snacks and beverages and learn about the stories behind some of downtown Madison’s most festive traditions. Food tour gift cards are available and never expire!

Support your favorite home teams with a variety of gift box options from the Madison Night Mares and the Madison Mallards. Mallards and Night Mares gift boxes even include vouchers for the 2026 season! Gift box themes include Made in Madison, Super Fan, Warner Park Retro Brands, Kids Pack, Space Cows and more.

Get creative

Workshops

Make your holiday gifts yourself with help from The Curious Crafter’s Holiday Workshop Wednesdays or gift that experience to someone else with at-home craft kits and gift cards for upcoming classes.

Candle pouring, card making, succulent gardening and more is available at The Glitter Workshop where you can make a gift by hand or gift the making experience to someone else.

Performing arts

The Fireside Dinner Theatre and Overture Center for the Arts host world-class performances year-round as well as specialty holiday shows that make for great add-ons to hosting gifts or things to do when out-of-town guests are visiting.

The Fireside experience includes four gift shops and professional productions in an intimate in-the-round theatre.

Overture Center is nestled in the heart of downtown Madison and is home to several performance companies including Kanopy Dance Company, Madison Symphony Orchestra and Madison Ballet.

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Where can I find gifts made by local makers?

One reason why Madison is among the best places for holiday shopping trips is because of the community’s overflowing creative scene full of makers who are creating gifts you can’t find anywhere else. These products are made accessible with help from partnerships with local businesses who support the local art scene.

Deals and discounts

• Hazel General Store: Save 10% on Hazel General Store products in store or online with code DestinationMadison. Mention Destination Madison in-store for a discount. Available through Dec. 31.
• Little Luxuries: Shop in store during the holiday season for a chance to be entered into a raffle to win two tickets to “A Christmas Carol” at Overture Center.
• The Regal Find: Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping all year long.

Straight from the makers

Treat the children in your life with handmade leather children’s accessories from Sun and Lace. Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming make-a-gift events at Sun and Lace’s Stoughton shop.

Handmade candles from Wisco Home Goods make for a beautiful addition to any gift basket or take advantage of the shop’s grab-and-go gift boxes curated with an assortment of products made in Wisconsin.

Curated local goods

The following boutiques are proud to curate a variety of locally-made goods from the greater Madison region:

• daffodil parker: Shop beautiful flower arrangements and wreaths made with plants from local growers. Pair these arrangements with other local goods sold in store like Rusty Dog Coffee, The Wisconsin Bee Company, Bee Bella and Serenity by Han candles.
• Ethical Trade Co.: Support makers from around the world and nearby, including Haitian ornaments, handmade soap, coffee and chocolates.
• Hazel General Store: Hazel specializes in unique gifts from small-batch vendors based in the United States. Visit the sister store next door, Hatch, to find the work of more than 75 Wisconsin-based artists.
• Little Luxuries: This signature store on State Street sells an assortment of gifts from local makers including the Dane Arts Calendar, The Deliciouser spices, Bohemian Bauble jewelry, See You on the Trail National Park maps, Prairie Bakery Candle Kitchen and Covered Bridge Crafts knit hats.
• The Regal Find: More than 85 Wisconsin makers are on display at The Regal Find including The Deliciouser spices, Rusty Dog coffee, Fortune Favor pecans, EcoSense No Paper Towels, Janet Marie Felted Goods and Shade Tree Naturals.

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What local shops or boutiques should I visit?

The buzz of holiday shopping glows that much warmer when you spend your dollars with local owners.

Deals and discounts

• JNJ Gifts and More: Save 10% with code DM2025
• Taliesin: Use code DM10 at checkout in person or online to receive 10% off all purchases.

Home

Support Madison’s 270+ parks when you buy the Madison Parks 2026 wall calendar, created with images submitted to the Madison Parks department’s annual photography contest.

Lake City Books is a celebration of literacy and local love. Find national best sellers next to local up-and-comers as well as a lineup of locally-made and inspired gifts. Looking for somewhere to host your friends, family or co-workers? Rent the bookstore for a private shopping party for no rental cost as long as your group hits the shopping minimum!

In November, Pageberry Mercantile shifts into full holiday mode. Find tree decorations, holiday snacks and gift baskets galore at this family-owned shop in Waunakee.

A Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired gift is perfect for the creatives on your shopping list. Find beautifully crafted gifts like Taliesin's custom hand-poured candles, home decor and art from local Driftless region artists.

Corporate

JNJ Gifts and More is a luxury corporate gift box provider specializing in custom and ready-to-ship curated boxes for companies and individuals across Wisconsin and nationwide. Meet your clients' needs with everything from sleep kits to cheese.

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What food and beverage related drinks are hot in Madison?

Madison’s culinary culture is celebrated far and wide. Between the famous Dane County Farmers' Market and the dozens of James Beard honors, you’ll want to treat your friends and family to these specialty food gifts and experiences.

Step into a holiday wonderland for a break during your shopping trip to experience two different festive pop-ups! Miracle on King Street is a marvelous, immersive holiday experience inside downtown eatery, Lucille. Enjoy a woodfire pizza, a cocktail in a dinosaur Santa cup and get the CUTEST pics with your besties.

Walk into the mind of Tim Burton during Merchant's Christmas Nightmare, a darkly whimsical Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired holiday pop-up that turns the downtown cocktail bar into an immersive, twisted winter wonderland. Expect moody lighting, Tim Burton-style décor, eerie holiday music, and a menu of story-driven craft cocktails!

Gift card deals

• Cafe Hollander: Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus card. Buy a $100 gift card, get a $20 bonus card. Bonus Cards are redeemable Jan. 2–March 31, 2026. Add to your holiday festivities by booking a private dining experience in the Alpine domes.
• Delta Beer Lab: Purchase a gift certificate of $50 or larger and get a bonus $10 gift certificate. You’ll also save 20% on select merchandise bundles this holiday season.
• Food Fight Restaurant Group: Buy $100 in gift cards, get a $25 bonus card to use from Jan. 1–March 31, 2026.
• Parthenon Gyros: Buy $40 in gift cards and get a free $10 card.
• Thirsty Goat: Buy a $50 gift card, get a free $10 card. Buy a $100 gift card, get a free $20 card. Pair with a growler or house-made BBQ sauce.
• RED: Buy $100 in gift cards, get a $20 bonus card to use from Jan. 1–March 31, 2026.
• Starkweather Brewing Company: Buy a $100 gift card, get a bonus $25 certificate. Buy a $50 gift card, get a bonus $10 certificate. Bonus certificates are valid through June 30, 2026.
• Tavernakaya: Buy $100 in gift cards, get a $25 bonus gift card.
• Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar: Buy $100 in gift cards, get a $25 bonus gift card redeemable from Jan. 2 to March 31, 2026.
• Tricky Foods: Stay in the loop for upcoming Black Friday through NYE gift card promotions. A seasonal charcuterie board from Tricky Foods is a tasty and beautiful way to show your holiday guests you love them.

Craft food and beverage gifts

• The Deliciouser: Shop a delicious lineup of small-batch, chef-curated spice blends sourced nationally but made locally in the spice lab. Pick out a themed collection or subscribe your loved one to a quarterly spice subscription box!
• Fortune Favors: Stop by Fortune Favors' brand-new downtown pop-up shop for an exclusive holiday flavor found only in store!
• Giant Jones Brewing: Count down to the holiday with the 12 Beers of Winter Gift Boxes, including twelve (12) 500ml bottles of organic beer. A limited number of boxes are available, so get one while you can.
• Miggy’s Bakes: Up your seasonal spread with seasonal sweet treats from Miggy’s Bakes. While you’re picking up your treats, stop by the retail section to shop gifts from local women-owned businesses.
• Mock and Co.: Get all the flavors of Wisconsin’s signature beverages in one can with none of the alcohol. Mock and Co. crafts NA Wisconsin Old Fashioneds served sweet and sour. They’re a perfect hosting gift or addition to a holiday party cooler.
• The National Mustard Museum: Gift the museum’s best seller Slimm & Nunne Sweet & Nicely Hot Mustard, a sweet-hot mustard with a serious bite. Buy it on its own or in a holiday trio pack with two other house mustards.
• Old Sugar Distillery: Grab the limited-edition holiday season bottled cocktail "Gringo," a delicious blend of Mexican-style horchata and Old Sugar Factory Honey Liqueur. Pair it with Old Sugar’s two new bourbons finished in Port and Sherry barrels.
• ORIGIN Breads: Be the host (or treat the host) with the most with ORIGIN Bread’s specialty holiday menu, including specialty quiche, breads, dinner rolls, cookies, pastries, cinnamon and cardamom rolls.

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How can I get someone a gift that lasts an entire year?

The warm spirit of the holidays doesn’t have to come to an end. Gift a membership to one of these local educational and entertaining attractions.

• Madison Children’s Museum: Get a six-person membership for the price of a four-person membership throughout the month of November!
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens: Help keep the gardens gorgeous all year long by gifting a gardens membership. Memberships include access to member-only events, discounts on classes and in the gift shop and free admission to the Bolz Conservatory.
• Vitense Golfland: Memberships are a great gift for the new or experienced golfer in your life and come in individual, family and children’s options. Don’t pass up their seasonal gift card deals where you’ll get bonus cards for spending $50, $100, $250 or $500 in gift cards.
• Willy Street Co-op: During December, if you gift a paid-in-full co-op ownership, you'll receive a $5 gift card to use for yourself. Don’t forget to grab local holiday snacks like Clasen’s European Bakery holiday cookies, Uplands Cheese Company’s Rush Creek Reserve and Fortune Favors candied pecans.
• Wisconsin Union: The Union is commonly the first place a Badger falls in love with campus. Keep that love going forever with a lifetime membership which offers access to hundreds of events and activities. Pair a membership with a gift card, Badger gear or even your very own Memorial Union Terrace sunburst chair.

What holiday markets and shopping events are happening in Madison this year?

Find these and many more great shops, makers and organizations on our lineup of upcoming holiday markets and events in the Madison area including Christkindlmarket Paoli on Dec. 12–14, featuring more than 65 makers in a cozy winter wonderland, and Holiday in the Hoops at Warm Belly Farm every weekend from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21.