2023
ift guid
SHOP SMALL. SUPPORT LOCAL.
A T M O S P H E R E W I S C O N S I N + I L L I N O I S
SEASONS greetings As the new year starts to peek around the corner, the season of hosting and gift giving begins! For us, this holiday season is all about making up for lost time and making new memories. To help, we’ve developed this Wisconsin + Northern Illinois local gift guide, stocked with some of our favorite places and party tips + tricks. With small business Saturday this week, kick off your holiday shopping by supporting your favorite nearby maker! How can we be mindful in both gift giving + shopping? When we give gifts mindfully, we give from the heart. We think about what is meaningful to the receiver of the gift. How do we want them to feel? Giftgiving is really an act of love— a true and thoughtful gesture that shows people what they mean to you and how much you care about them!
But wait! Gifts that are purchased from locally owned shops are meaningful both to the receiver and to the shop owner. We believe our culture has a deeper hunger to slow down and connect with our children, friends and neighbors. Make a day of it— grab your crew and shop local! Enjoy perusing our top favorite gifts— we are thankful for our local businesses and for you! We hope that this guide is helpful as you enter the holiday season.
Deb, Ashley + Susan and the WI/IL Atmosphere team
ASHLEY’S FAVORITE THING
RUSTIC elegance Named for the favorite horse of the family who used to farm the land, The Blind Horse in Kohler, WI celebrates its history everywhere you turn. From the old beams in the winery and restaurant, to the delicate renovation of the granary, this destination spot provides a beautiful atmosphere to enjoy their delectable menu and award-winning wines.
The Blind Horse The Blind Horse combines a Napa Valley-style restaurant and a world class winery. With four venues on one beautifully landscaped, seven-acre property, there is something for everyone at The Blind Horse. Learn more about The Blind Horse Experience at theblindhorse.com
SUSAN’S FAVORITE THING
SWEET bloom The Cruffin noun 1: croissant pastry dough filled with flavored pastry cream and rolled in sugar. 2: pure pastry heaven!
Bloom Bake Shop This small-batch bakery believes in the power of real, good food – and that means baking in-season, sourcing locally, and following fair trade, organic practices. Each recipe is uniquely their own, baked fresh daily, by hand. Order your Cruffin (and more!) at www.bloombakeshop.com
DEB’S FAVORITE THING
FLAVOR for all Looking for a unique gift for your favorite foodie? You can’t go wrong with a handcrafted oil, vinegar, or spirit from this locally owned specialty shop. Their motto is “try before you buy”, so you may end up taking home a little something for yourself as well!
vomFass vomFASS is a European market and tasting room featuring extra virgin olive oils, true balsamic vinegars, wine, craft spirits, and more! Their Madison location on University Avenue includes Delectable restaurant, which offers additional unforgettable culinary experiences. Find the flavor at vomfassmadison-universityave.com
ARTISTIC experience Make a memory (the best kind of gift!) by taking your family and friends on a free tour of public art in downtown Eau Claire. Vote for your favorite and it may be added to the permanent collection as the People’s Choice winner!
Eau Claire Sculpture Tour This ongoing public art exhibit features original outdoor sculptures along the streets of Eau Claire. Pieces are exhibited for 11 months, and artists are paid a stipend for the use of their work. All sculptures are offered for sale. Sculpture Tour EC has grown to over 80 sculptures, making it the 2nd largest tour of this type in the nation. Chart your course at www.visiteauclaire.com/sculpture-tour
LIGHTit up Lift someone’s spirits with the gift of light – or the perfect accessory to complete their favorite room. Saltbox Lighting in De Pere has a team of experts who can help you find light fixtures, lamps, and home accents to cozy up any space.
The Saltbox Lighting In business for over 35 years, Saltbox Lighting is one of the best-kept secrets in the Green Bay area. Located in historic downtown De Pere, they can assist with all your lighting and home décor needs. Shop by room at www.saltboxlighting.com
NORTH woods Cotton + Birch has been called “a mix between Anthropologie and Magnolia Market”. Their assortment of clothing, home goods, and accessories bring a touch of boho chic to northern Wisconsin.
Cotton + Birch Locations in Eagle River and Sparta give you two opportunities to check out this adorable boutique when traveling through Wisconsin’s “North Woods”. Browse the trends at cottonbirch.com
CIDERY goodness For the cider aficionado on your list, venture to Wisconsin’s Driftless Region and check out Brix Cider. Made from locally grown apples, with no artificial flavors, these artisanal hard ciders are a true taste of Wisconsin.
Brix Cider Located in downtown Mount Horeb, Brix Cider offers a variety of ciders, a farm-to-table café menu, and regular live music at their tasting room. If you can’t make it to Mount Horeb, their ciders are also distributed throughout Wisconsin at various local shops. Find the apple of your eye at brixcider.com
HOLIDAY glow Who doesn’t need to relieve a little holiday stress? Arabella Spa and Salon offers a full range of services in a boutique environment - from massages to hair styling to body treatments. Or grab a gift basket filled with hand-picked goodies to make hearts merry and faces glow!
Arabella Spa and Salon This warm and cozy space is just blocks from Lambeau Field. Book a beauty treatment for yourself and buy a gift card to pamper someone special. Explore the serenity at www.arabellaspaandsalon.com
SHARE worthy Abreo is the perfect spot to sample an array of creative small dishes and share with friends or that special someone. Their menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest items, mostly sourced from local farmers.
Abreo In addition to their chef-inspired restaurant in the heart of downtown Rockford, IL, Abreo has multiple private event spaces and a series of mobile food and beverage trucks for all occasions. Peruse the menu at www.abreorockford.com
QUIRKY creativity For those hard-to-shop-for people, Booth 121 has you covered. This colorful shop offers upcycled pieces, home décor, jewelry, and clothing, with a healthy dose of snark, so you’re sure to find something unique.
Booth 121 90% of the makers carried at Booth 121 are from Wisconsin, and most pieces in the shop are handmade. Check back often because inventory is updated for holidays and seasons! See what’s in store at www.facebook.com/booth121
STORYtime Story time is a real thing at Dotters Books. Every Saturday, they invite children to the cozy shop to listen to two books read by special guests. Given that the shop was founded with the goal of nurturing community and encouraging literacy, creativity, and collaboration, this seems totally fitting. And of course, while you’re there with the kiddos, make sure to shop Dotters’ expansive selection!
Dotters Books This women-owned, independent bookstore in the heart of Eau Claire offers a wide range of literature, from old to new, for young and old. They also feature books about local history and by local authors, so stop in to see the latest or shop online and ship a few good reads directly to your favorite reader. Browse all the books at dottersbooks.com
LATTElove For the coffee connoisseur in your life, make a trip to Ledger Coffee Roasters. This micro-roastery produces ethically sourced, handcrafted coffee served up with intelligence and heart, making this full-service coffee shop truly special.
Ledger Coffee Roasters The main draw may be the exceptional, precisely prepared coffee – and amazing baked goods from local partners. But be sure to explore Ledger’s location in Garver Feed Mill, an historic architectural gem on Madison’s east side. Order some java goodness at www.ledgercoffee.com
FIREworks For a one-of-a-kind gift made by a local artist, Caradori Pottery is worth a stop. Offering a beautiful array of handmade pieces in a wide variety of price points, this shop is celebrating its 38th anniversary in 2023.
Caradori Pottery David Caradori was a nursing major in college whose life was changed by a ceramics class in his junior year. His shop in Eau Claire showcases his ever-changing style and multitude of products. See more woodfired creativity at www.facebook.com/caradoripottery
FRESH outlook Sift and Winnow is a jewelry studio, boutique, and workshop that presents a curated collection of lifestyle items to enrich your everyday life. Which kind of screams “one-stop shop for giftgiving”!
Sift and Winnow Located in Mount Horeb, this stylish boutique is curated by an artist who creates handmade copper enamel jewelry. In addition, the shop features gifts from candles and books to vintage items and greeting cards, and everything in between. Discover a treasure at www.siftandwinnow.com
ANOTHER round A local favorite, Blind Shot Social Club is a unique place to meet up with friends and family for a great meal, a round of (virtual) golf, and a tasty craft cocktail (or mocktail). With five golf simulators and a full menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Blind Shot offers a cozy clubhouse vibe.
Blind Shot Social Club This “hip little neighborhood hangout” on Madison’s east side offers generous portions, golf lessons, and the largest non-alcoholic drink menu in Wisconsin. Shoot for a birdie at blindshotsocialclub.com
COZYseason Whether you’re looking to revamp a room in your home or find a gift for someone on your list, design a la mode can help. Their team offers full-service interior design, and the retail store carries gifts and décor for all ages and styles.
design a la mode Just a few miles north of Green Bay in the heart of historic downtown Suamico, design a la mode is part of a complex of shops offering a warm, friendly, relaxed atmosphere for your holiday shopping. Find your design at designalamode.net/
NAME’S FAVORITE THING
ROCKstars This small-town gem is in the quaint village of Cambridge and offers unique and beautiful treasures from the earth. From crystals and gemstones to home décor items, this is more than just a “rock” shop.
Ruby Rose Gallery Specializing in gemstones, minerals, crystals, unique jewelry, home decor, and local artisan pieces, Ruby Rose Gallery is a specialty gift store in downtown Cambridge, Wisconsin. Share your love of the earth at www.facebook.com/RubyRoseGallery
VINTAGE wonder With a mix of eclectic art, jewelry, candles, and vintage items, Willy Street Treasure Shop is a perfect fit for the offbeat Williamson Street neighborhood in Madison. And it’s a great place to shop for something totally unique for the impossible-to-shop-for people on your list.
Willy Street Treasure Shop This shop specializes in providing “an affordable, eclectic collection of vintage, fun, and funky gifts”. It’s been recognized as one of the best thrift stores in Wisconsin, so you’re sure to find something special! Unearth a treasure at https://www.facebook.com/people/WillyStreet-TreasureShop/100057663961337/
MERRY everything Connecting with the WI/IL sales team, local clients, and design partners is her jam as Ashley Molbeck supports Atmosphere’s Wisconsin + Illinois region as Director of Sales. Ashley works to develop strong relationships and innovative office concepts throughout the state. She offers a new source of local finds from her dual home bases in southeastern + south-central Wisconsin! As Atmosphere’s A&D Workplace Consultant, Debra Alton has a firm foundation in design and sales built upon her history as an interior designer and her long career in several different roles at Atmosphere. Creativity, possibilities, and enjoying the journey are her fuel as she juggles life with her family in Madison. As Regional VP for WI/IL, Susan Enlow finds passion in supporting her regional team in all their projects. Whether it be a small local business or a large corporate client, Susan cares deeply about the quality of service Atmosphere provides to clients. As a longtime Madison-area resident, Susan has raised her four children here and enjoys shopping local businesses both new and old.