Locals know that Green Bay is home to a vibrant community of artisans and makers. People who are so talented when it comes to crafting unique, often handmade items.
With the holiday season right around the corner, we thought we would highlight some gift ideas that you can grab the next time you’re in Green Bay! After all, anyone can click “add to cart” on a megastore’s website. Why not “wow” your friends and family instead with a trinket or treasure from Titletown?
Long Rifle Soap
The Long Rifle Soap Co. specializes in small-batch bar soaps, candles, shaving, and beard products. Everything is made in Sturgeon Bay, just a short drive north of Green Bay. That means you can find their products in many locally-owned businesses throughout the area, including Sweet Willow and Smith’s Mercantile in Downtown DePere.
Honeymoon Mead
Stillmank is a big name in the local beer scene, but their artisanal Honeymoon Mead is what we want to talk about in this blog post. Made from fermented honey, mead is the oldest known alcoholic drink. Stillmank Brewing Co’s Honeymoon Mead is made with locally harvested honey and is naturally gluten-free! It would make such a thoughtful gift for someone on your list.
Erth Minerals Makeup
Does someone in your life love makeup or skincare? Erth Minerals is a clean beauty brand that is made right here in Green Bay. Snag a pretty mineral blush, some sparkling eyeshadow, or some of their popular Green Tea Exfoliating Scrub… and maybe get something for yourself, too. You can find these products in-store at Terry Naturally and Streu’s Pharmacy Bay Natural.
WI Birch Woodwares
WI Birch specializes in small-batch recycled woodwares like cheese boards, jewelry, vases, and cheese spreaders. Everything is handcrafted right here in Green Bay and to say these items are stunning would be an understatement. You can browse and buy these one-of-a-kind handmade items at local shops like Ginger Birch and Voyager’s Bakehouse.
Aurora's Apothecary
Aurora's Apothecary is a charming herb shop in Downtown Green Bay that carries hundreds of organic and handmade herbal products. They grow and wildcraft herbs locally, as well as teas, tinctures, salves, and more. It’s also a great place to stock up on crystals, books, candles, spiritual cleansing supplies, bath bombs, and pet products. Oh, and be sure to ask about their monthly specials when you visit the store!
Mister Burns Hot Sauces
Mister Burns is a sauce company based out of Green Bay that grows exotic peppers and crafts unique sauces that bring the heat and the flavor. Their Tundra Honey BBQ sauce is a favorite and perfect for those who don’t like things *too* hot. A little more adventurous? Try their Unicorn Tears “super extra hot” sauce. Stop by LoCoWisCo in Downtown Green Bay to see what’s in stock, and be sure to check out the other great locally made goods and wares they carry, too!
The Art Garage
We always recommend hopping on over to The Art Garage to see what’s on display in their gallery. But this time of year, it’s also a great idea to check out their gift shop! It’s not very large, but it is stocked full of all kinds of goodies like mugs, stickers, pins, small paintings, art prints, ornaments, books from local authors, and so much more.
Turtle Island Gifts
Turtle Island Gifts is a must-visit store if you’re looking for a unique gift or stocking stuffer. This multi-vendor space contains handmade items from dozens of Native artists and crafters, including raised beaded ornaments, jewelry, baskets, hand-carved pens, and an ever-changing rotation of other treasures. While you’re there, check out Inward Bound, located in the adjoining space. They host pop-up markets on Saturdays, as well as workshops and an art gallery.
Luna Coffee
Chances are, there’s a coffee lover on your holiday shopping list. Stop into Luna Coffee in De Pere to grab a bag of beans — personally, we love their Good Dog Blend or the Bird and Bee Friendly Blend. In addition to coffee, they also have tea, hot chocolate, granola, and even some giftable items like mugs and super cozy (and super cute) Luna Coffee apparel in store.
Soul Purpose
Soul Purpose is a consignment shop exclusively for local businesses and makers. It’s a great place to find a wide variety of gifts and stocking stuffers, all conveniently under one roof. Located inside the Bay Park Square Mall, you’ll find wares from dozens of different vendors, including Happy Hive Creations, Suamico Stained Glass, Mommy AF, and Lucy Beans.
So what do you think? Will you skip your usual online shopping and visit Green Bay instead? Supporting local artisans and makers adds a more personal touch to your gifts, and it also helps our creative community thrive! Happy shopping, and may your gifts be merry this season!
