Every year, as the weather brings cozy sentiments and celebrations draw near, we begin plotting ways to surprise our loved ones with unique reminders of how special they are…
From guided experiences to eco-friendly goods, explore festive gift ideas that incorporate a love and celebration of our planet, too.
gifts of experience
For the sporting type:
A Memorable Round at Erin Hills
Pro tip: Reserve a date during peak foliage season to enjoy breathtaking views of the Holy Basilica
For the foodies:
Cooking Events by The Deliciouser
Don’t wait to celebrate, book an experience now to enjoy a fun way to gather with loved ones. Looking for a chic space to host your work gathering? Private Events are also a possibility:
Event Calendar
Handmade with heart
Heartfelt handmade gifts don’t always have to come from our own needles. Explore more cozy woolen heirlooms from these brands that support regenerative wool farming and the art of sustainable textile manufacturing.
Driftless Goods
A cozy and gorgeous 100% wool fleece, from a company right here in Wisconsin.
2. Artisan Woolen Goods from Babaa
Support ancient tradition, community, and sustainability with this heritage Spanish brand.
This sweater would keep you warm on a wintry dog walk, and one could also dress it up with a black skirt and low-heeled booties.
Part cardigan-part coat, and perfect for transitional Midwestern weather.
Try on the sweater vest trend with this cozy number that pairs elegantly over a cream silk blouse, or invest in this beauty that would be equally at home in a drafty art studio as it will be in the garden during the first Spring thaw…
babaa.es
Gift the unexpected
With even a little bit of thought and creativity, a gift from the heart is always the greatest. Put some effort into really thinking about the person you care about. Chances are, a flash of inspiration will probably arrive…
Essential Oils can be a beautiful way to inspire a loved one who loves soaps and scents into less endocrine-disrupting products
Beeswax Candles to light up your home naturally, from Bluecorn Beeswax
Thriftbooks for gently-used titles and rare collectible books
Plant Care A-Z : A free, online plant care guide to accompany a houseplant
A Hot Yoga membership to beat the Winter blues
Natural Chocolate, sweetened with dates, by Spring & Mulberry
An Astrological Yearly Planner, for everyday magic
VRAI sustainable lab-farmed diamonds and fine jewelry
ETSY. Let inspiration run wild…
Healing herbalist-formulated tea, from Hedge Meadow apothecary in the Driftless
Please consider a donation to any of these area non-profits that support a greener future:
The Clean Lakes Alliance
Monarch Butterfly Fund
Clean Wisconsin
Ice Age Trail
Midwest Environmental Advocates
What can be even better than a donation? Spending time. Connect with nature.
Appreciate our beautiful living space in close proximity to the healing waters of Taychopera. Honor this sacred land.
Organize a volunteer effort to maintain a segment of the Ice Age Trail, or lead an excursion to pick up litter by the shoreline. It starts with us. Change beings now.
Support Local Art & Artists
Local Craft & Christmas Markets
Art at the Wright Place : First Unitarian Society
November 22nd, 6-9pm
November 23rd, 10am-6pm
Tenney Winter Art Market : Tenney Park
November 23rd, 10am-5pm
Holiday Open House : Downtown Madison
November 29th - December 1st, 9am-4pm
Holiday Craftacular : Garver Feed Mill
November 30th, 10am-4pm
Sip and Shop at the Chazen Museum of Art
December 5th, 3-7pm
The Crafty Fair at Goodman Community Center
December 7th, 10am-4pm
December 8th 9am-2pm
Christkindlmarket in Paoli, Seven Acre Dairy
December 13th, 3-7pm
December 14th, 10am-7pm
December 15th, 10am-6pm