Milwaukee North Shore Holiday Gift Guide 2025
The North Shore's best family-friendly gifts are hiding in plain sight right in your own neighborhoods. From nature memberships that inspire year-round exploration to locally-owned toy stores where staff still wrap presents by hand, this comprehensive guide showcases the businesses, experiences, and treasures that make Glendale, Whitefish Bay, Bayside, Shorewood, Fox Point, and Mequon/Thiensville exceptional places to raise families. These aren't generic gift cards to national chains—they're invitations to build memories at the brewery where Milwaukee's craft movement started, the nature center where kids meet live eagles, and the bookshop that still hosts Saturday storytimes. Supporting these local businesses means your gift dollars strengthen the community while creating experiences families will remember long after the wrapping paper is recycled.
Nature, parks, and outdoor adventures
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
This Bayside Nature Center stands as the crown jewel of North Shore outdoor experiences. This 185-acre preserve along Lake Michigan offers families unlimited year-round access through annual memberships starting at just $80 for an entire family. Members enjoy free admission to 6 miles of hiking trails, a 60-foot observation tower with stunning lake views, and the nationally-recognized raptor education program featuring 16 birds of prey including eagles, hawks, and owls. The "Raptor Encounter" weekend programs let children meet these magnificent creatures up close for free with membership or admission. Membership includes reciprocal admission to 140+ partner nature centers across North America, making this gift extend far beyond Wisconsin. Summer camps, Nature School programs, and winter activities like snowshoeing transform this membership into something families use weekly. The shops at Schlitz Audubon sell unique gifts and local artwork, and proceeds support the Center’s mission.
The perfect gift: Annual family membership ($80)
Mequon Nature Preserve offers a completely free alternative with 510 acres featuring the remarkable 40-foot observation tower, miles of dog-friendly trails, and Marty's Playspace—an all-natural outdoor play area where kids climb on logs and balance on stumps instead of plastic equipment. While admission is free, consider gifting a donation in someone's name through their Tree by Tree Program, which honors loved ones while supporting environmental education. The PieperPower Education Center hosts programs year-round, and the preserve's wheelchair-accessible trails make nature exploration inclusive for all abilities.
Families who appreciate smaller neighborhood parks will love Doctor's Park in Fox Point, a stunning 49-acre Milwaukee County park on Lake Michigan featuring a secluded beach, wild and paved hiking trails, playground, and access to the Forked Aster Trail System. Pair a park pass with quality outdoor gear from Yellow Wood in Whitefish Bay, an outfitter specializing in Wisconsin-ready winter gear—coats, boots, mittens, and camping equipment chosen by staff who genuinely listen to what families need for outdoor adventures.
Toys, games, and children's boutiques
Winkie's Toys & Variety in Whitefish Bay has occupied its basement location at the corner of Silver Spring and Lake Drive since the 1960s, making it one of Milwaukee's oldest family-owned toy stores. Third-generation owners maintain the treasure-hunt atmosphere where kids discover Spirograph sets, Fashion Plates, and Silly Putty alongside modern award-winning toys. The classic candy counter stocks both nostalgic treats parents remember and contemporary favorites. Free gift wrapping, personalized recommendations from staff who know their inventory intimately, and the loyalty bread card program make this more than a store—it's a community tradition where today's parents shop alongside their own childhood memories. Local delivery and free parking lot pickup add convenience without sacrificing the personal touch.
Just upstairs, Winkie's Hallmark & Gifts provides greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, picture frames, and seasonal decorations, creating a one-stop destination for thoughtful presents wrapped in genuine care.
Board Game Barrister at Bayshore in Glendale represents the modern evolution of play. This expert game shop carries carefully curated selections from classic family games to complex strategy titles, escape room boxes, jigsaw puzzles, and educational mind-teasers. Staff spend time understanding your family's interests and recommending games that match your specific needs—whether you're seeking something for ages 5 and up or a challenge for dedicated gamers. Prices range from $15 stocking stuffers to $150 premium titles, making this shop accessible for any budget while promoting screen-free family bonding. The Bayshore location offers convenient parking and fits easily into a day of North Shore shopping.
Bricks & Minifigs North Shore in Fox Point's RiverPoint Village specializes exclusively in LEGO—buying, selling, and trading new and used sets. The constantly-changing inventory means rare and retired sets appear regularly, while the build-your-own minifigure station lets kids customize characters. Summer camps feature stop-motion animation and creative building challenges. Birthday parties include a dedicated party room, and the store's bingo program rewards regular shoppers with in-store credit. For LEGO-obsessed families, this specialized shop offers treasures unavailable at big-box retailers, with prices on used sets making premium LEGO more affordable.
The perfect gift: ________________
BlackBear Children's Boutique in Shorewood curates exceptional quality clothing for infants through age 5, featuring organic cotton, sustainable brands, and thoughtfully-designed items. These are heirloom-quality pieces chosen to last through multiple children and special enough for milestone photos. The boutique also stocks carefully selected books, toys, and accessories. Gift certificates let parents choose exactly what fits their child's current size and their family's aesthetic.
Wonderland Bookshop on Shorewood's Downer Avenue combines children's literature with enchanting toys and gifts in a woman-owned space that hosts free storytimes (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays) as well as other free events such as author visits and kids yoga. Birthday party space rentals transform celebrations into literary adventures. Staff recommendations help families discover books perfectly matched to each child's reading level and interests, from board books for babies through young adult novels for teens. The bookshop also has books and gifts for adults so there is a little something for everyone!
The perfect gift: A non-fiction book pick paired with a related toy or activity to help bring the book to life. Some of my favorite pairings are: 12 Ways to Get a Ticket to Space by Kate Peridot paired with a Magna-Tiles Space Builder Set or DK's Anthology of Fossils by Dr. Dean Lomax paired with Eeboo's Dinosaurs Skeletal Systems Puzzles.
Experiences: Classes, camps, and creative pursuits
Goldfish Swim School at Bayshore in Glendale teaches essential water safety skills in a warm, indoor pool environment year-round. Small class sizes (maximum 4 students) with certified instructors provide personalized attention for ages 4 months through 12 years. Monthly packages ($80-150) include progressive curricula, while sibling discounts make this gift more affordable for multi-child families. The advanced Swim Force team offers competitive opportunities for skilled swimmers. Birthday party packages combine celebration with active play. In Wisconsin, where lakes and pools are central to summer life, swim lessons represent both a practical safety investment and confidence-building experience that serves children throughout their lives.
Vibez Creative Arts Space at Bayshore offers paint-and-sip events adapted for all ages, hands-on craft workshops, and art classes exploring various mediums. Operating since 2018, Vibez creates accessible art experiences for families intimidated by traditional art studios. Workshops typically run $35-65 per person, with private party bookings available for birthdays or family celebrations. Every participant leaves with finished artwork, making this gift produce both experience and tangible keepsake.
School of Rock Shorewood revolutionizes music education by combining private lessons with band rehearsals culminating in live performances at actual venues. Starting at age 3 with the Little Wing program, children progress through Rookies (ages 6-7), Rock 101 (ages 8-13), and the Performance Program. Unlike traditional lessons where students practice in isolation, School of Rock students play in bands from the beginning, learning guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals while developing stage presence and collaboration skills. Semester session gift certificates give families several months to experience this unique performance-based approach.
Fresh Coast Dance
Fresh Coast Dance in Whitefish Bay provides professional instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and musical theater for ages 2.5 through adults. The second-floor studio in downtown Whitefish Bay hosts seasonal recitals at Dominican High School and offers advanced company team opportunities for dedicated dancers. Classes make thoughtful gifts for aspiring dancers while building discipline, confidence and artistic expression.
The perfect gift: Customized Fresh Coast Dance gear
North Shore Academy of Gymnastics in Mequon offers comprehensive gymnastics programming including team competitions, tramp & tumble, rhythmic gymnastics, birthday parties, open gym times, and camps. This family-owned USA Gymnastics-certified facility welcomes all skill levels while developing strength, flexibility, and coordination through age-appropriate progression.
Glaze Pottery Studio in Thiensville combines four art mediums—pottery painting, glass fusing, and two additional options—with wine and snacks in a relaxed, all-ages environment. Projects become functional keepsakes families use daily, making the creative experience extend beyond the studio visit. Birthday parties available.
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music maintains locations in both Bayside (Audubon Court) and serves Fox Point families with individual lessons, group classes, early childhood programs (ages 0-4), Milwaukee Children's Choir (grades 2-12), and summer camps. Founded in 1899, this nonprofit community music school serves 11,000+ students annually with 100+ teaching artists. Gift certificates for lesson packages introduce children to instruments while flexible scheduling accommodates busy family calendars. Financial aid ensures music education remains accessible regardless of income.
Music Together North Shore brings research-based early childhood music education to Whitefish Bay and Shorewood locations with Mixed Ages classes (0-5 with adult) and Rhythm Kids (ages 4-8). The high-energy, hands-on approach develops pitch, rhythm, creativity, and confidence while helping families connect with other music-loving parents. Session packages (typically $150-200 for 6-week series) create structured parent-child bonding time.
Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio welcomes all ages and abilities starting at age 2 with flexible 6-week programs and drop-in options. CLRG accredited instruction in Shorewood combines cultural tradition with physical fitness and performance opportunities.
Restaurants and food experiences: Local flavor
Sprecher Brewing Company in Glendale is the perfect place to learn about Milwaukee’s brewing heritage. It was the city's first craft brewery to open post Prohibition. Known these days as much for its beer as its award-winning root beer and other craft sodas (all of which are made with local honey) the family-friendly brewery tours ($14 weekdays, $17 weekends adults 21+ yr old, $8 weekdays, $10 weekends minors) include unlimited craft soda samples, 4 beer samples for adults 21+, and a commemorative glass. The extensive gift shop sells all of its sodas, beers, logo apparel and glassware as well as and other fun root beer themed items. Private event space is perfect for events.
The perfect gift: ______________________
Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn has served German-American cuisine in its historic inn setting since 1915, making it one of Milwaukee's most enduring culinary traditions. Families gather here for Wiener schnitzel, sea bass, Friday fish fry, and steak burgers in an atmosphere rich with Americana and local history. The beautiful patio and authentic recipes create special-occasion dining perfect for milestone family celebrations. Gift certificates honor multi-generational traditions—today's grandparents likely dined here as children.
MOXIE Food + Drink in Whitefish Bay serves upscale-casual inspired American fare with standout dishes like Short Rib Bolognese, Grilled Wild Salmon, and their famous lemon blueberry cake. Weekend brunch (Sundays 10-2), full bar, and consistently excellent service make gift certificates appropriate for both family dinners and parents' date nights. This LGBT- and women-owned restaurant combines quality cuisine with welcoming atmosphere.
North Shore Boulangerie operates locations in both Shorewood and delivers authentic French bakery experiences with European pastries, croissants, quiches, sandwiches, macarons, and Café Richard coffee imported from Paris. Open daily (Mon-Sat 7am-5pm, Sun 7am-3pm) with kitchen service 11am-2:30pm weekdays and brunch 10am-3pm weekends. Gift certificates provide breakfast and brunch experiences or bread subscription boxes bringing fresh baguettes to families weekly.
Stone Creek Coffee originated in Whitefish Bay in 1993 and maintains its flagship cafe at 527 E. Silver Spring Drive. This Farm-to-Cup certified B Corp roasts coffee fresh (shipped within 24 hours), serves full breakfast and lunch from their kitchen, offers wine on tap, and maintains a curated selection of local goods. The kids menu and family-friendly renovated space make this perfect for morning coffee dates where parents caffeinate while children enjoy hot chocolate and pastries. Rewards app provides free drinks and beans. Coffee bean subscriptions extend the gift throughout the year.
Mequon Public Market at Spur 16 consolidates nine restaurants into one food hall: Santorini Grill (Greek), Screaming Tuna/Lil' Tuna (sushi), Boca Rica (Mexican), Mad Rush Pizza, Aloha Poke (Hawaiian poke bowls), Lakeside Cookie Co, Purple Door Ice Cream, Happy Dough Lucky Donuts, and Good City Brewing. The multi-vendor format means everyone in the family finds something they love. Universal market gift cards work across all vendors, simplifying gift-giving while supporting multiple local businesses. Indoor and outdoor seating creates community gathering space where neighbors connect.
Friendship Cafe & Bakery in Fox Point's RiverPoint Village operates with a powerful mission: 100% of proceeds support Friendship Circle of Wisconsin's programs helping children and adults with special needs. The nut-free, kosher cafe serves Colectivo coffee, fresh-baked goods, and breakfast/lunch/dinner with gluten-friendly and dairy-free options. Custom bakery orders include seasonal specialties like honey cakes, challah, and hamantaschen. Art studio rental accommodates birthday parties and events. Gift cards here multiply impact—treating families to excellent food while funding inclusive employment training and community support.
Hubbard Park Lodge & Beer Garden in Shorewood creates Old World beer garden atmosphere along the Milwaukee River with Friday Fish Fries (4-8pm) featuring live polka music and Sunday Brunch (9am-2pm). The rustic outdoor setting along the Oak Leaf Trail welcomes families for traditional German fare, craft beers, and soft drinks in a setting that feels like a mini-vacation without leaving the North Shore.
Additional restaurant gift certificate options span all communities: The Bay Restaurant and Benji's Deli in Whitefish Bay; Calderone Club (Italian), Lou Malnati's (Chicago deep dish), and Benji's Deli in Fox Point; Cloud Red, Crave Cafe, Camp Bar, and Three Lions Pub (authentic British) in Shorewood; Highland House (California/Caribbean/Mexican fusion) and Mequon Pizza Company in Mequon. Most accept both proprietary gift certificates and universal programs like the Mequon-Thiensville Chamber Gift Certificates accepted at 100+ local businesses.
Sweet treats: Bakeries and specialty food that delight
Indulgence Chocolatiers in Shorewood pairs handcrafted truffles and gourmet chocolate bars made in their Milwaukee kitchen with Purple Door ice cream scoop shop featuring signature toppings. Beautiful boxed chocolates ($20-60+) arrive gift-ready, while chocolate pairing classes ($50-100) teach participants to pair confections with wines, cheese, and cocktails for sophisticated date-night experiences. This local chocolatier creates artisan quality unavailable in grocery stores.
Breadsmith of Whitefish Bay bakes European-style artisan breads fresh daily using specially-milled flour and high-quality ingredients. The downtown location (420 E. Silver Spring) offers French loaves, Rustic Italian, Ciabatta, specialty breads with herbs/spices/fruits/nuts, dessert breads, and danishes ($5-7 per loaf). The loyalty program provides the 11th loaf free, and monthly email coupons offer daily loaf specials for $1 with purchase. Bread baskets make excellent hostess gifts, holiday presents, or housewarming packages.
Goody Gourmets in Shorewood serves Milwaukee's favorite gourmet popcorn in 15+ creative flavors: caramel, cheese, BBQ, banana pudding, lemonade, pizza, and chocolate-covered varieties. This Black-owned business also hand-dips chocolates, cookies, and graham crackers. Gift tins ($15-50) and sampler boxes make perfect stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, or hostess presents with fun, unique flavors you won't find elsewhere.
Blooming Lotus Bakery on Shorewood's Maryland Avenue specializes in completely allergen-friendly baking: grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, processed sugar-free, and vegan. Using nut and seed flours, they create scones, muffins, bread, cookies, and cupcakes that taste exceptional while accommodating multiple dietary restrictions. For families managing allergies or health-conscious eating, gift certificates (items $3-6, boxes available) demonstrate thoughtfulness and inclusion.
Fiddleheads Coffee in downtown Thiensville roasts coffee in-house and makes all bakery items, lunch, and breakfast from scratch with quality ingredients. This local roaster provides both cafe experience and retail coffee beans for home brewing.
Matilda Bakehouse in Fox Point offers French-inspired Midwest cottage baking with monthly rotating menus matching seasonal ingredients. Open Wed-Sat 7am-1pm and Sun 8am-1pm, this small bakehouse produces scratch-baked pastries and bread ($4-12) with beautiful presentation perfect for gift-giving.
Additional specialty food businesses include Bayside Garden Center (400 E. Brown Deer Road, Bayside) which combines plants with gift shop items and seasonal offerings; La Campagne Bakery in Mequon using all-natural ingredients, local Wisconsin honey, and pure extracts with online ordering and shipping available; and Sendik's Food Market in Whitefish Bay (500 E. Silver Spring) for custom gift baskets, wine/cheese packages, and gourmet prepared foods.
Indoor play and entertainment: Year-round family fun
Kids Empire Bayshore in Glendale provides 11,125 square feet of climate-controlled indoor playground featuring floor-to-ceiling climbing walls, ball pits, slides, dedicated toddler zone, dance room, building games, and creative play structures. Open every single day of the year (Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sun 10am-10pm), this facility charges approximately $15-25 per child while including two complimentary adult tickets. Wisconsin winters make indoor play spaces essential, and Kids Empire transforms cold months into active adventures. Birthday packages start around $300+ with various themes available. Socks required ($3 if needed).
Little Sprouts Play Cafe in Shorewood specializes in younger children (ages 0-6) with imagination-inspired play areas, Stone Creek coffee for parents, healthy snacks, and muffin tin meals. Classes include sensory programs and playgroups while drop-in play welcomes walk-ins. Membership passes include one guest pass monthly, and birthday party packages range from mini to full bloom options. This cafe creates community for parents of young children while providing safe, engaging play environments.
ACX Cinemas Entertainment Center at Bayshore replaced iPic Theaters in November 2023, maintaining Glendale's movie theater with latest films. Gift cards for movie passes and concession vouchers ($10-15 tickets) provide classic family entertainment regardless of weather.
Marcus North Shore Cinema in Mequon elevates the movie experience with 11 auditoriums including UltraScreen DLX (3 stories tall, 70 feet wide), reserved DreamLounger recliners, on-site pizzeria cafe, and cocktail lounge. Reserved seating eliminates the rush to claim good seats, while the restaurant provides dinner-and-a-movie convenience. Movie gift cards suit any family.
Family wellness and sports: Active living gifts
Elite Sports Club - Mequon operates a comprehensive family fitness center with exercise classes, tennis courts, basketball court, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, childcare (Club14 for ages 1st-4th grade), and luxury locker rooms. Family memberships provide year-round access to pools (crucial in Wisconsin where outdoor swimming lasts only 3 months), while youth programs keep kids active. Tennis lessons and guest passes make thoughtful gifts for health-focused families.
Stretch Zone at Bayshore in Glendale offers assisted stretching services ($50-100 per session) promoting flexibility and wellness. For active families managing athletic recovery or parents prioritizing self-care, session packages support physical wellbeing.
Empower Yoga Milwaukee - Whitefish Bay (155 E. Silver Spring Dr #207) provides 100+ weekly classes across three locations including infrared-heated and unheated power yoga for all experience levels. Kids yoga, outdoor lakefront classes, and workshops accommodate varied interests. The accessible $12 drop-in rate, $77 monthly membership, and $55 first-month special make yoga affordable for families. Gift cards promote wellness and stress relief with first class free for newcomers.
Shorewood Recreation and Community Services publishes activity guides three times yearly with enrichment classes for all ages, fitness classes, aquatics programs, Bright Beginnings Preschool, Community Fitness Center, and special events. Class registrations and fitness center memberships support community-based programming with financial assistance available for families needing support.
For pet-owning families, Community Bark Dog Wash & Groom in Bayside (326 W. Brown Deer) provides self-service dog washing stations ($15-25 depending on size) and professional grooming ($40-100+). Gift certificates transform pet care into family activity where kids help wash the family dog in clean, well-equipped facilities.
Seasonal and specialty retail: Unique North Shore finds
Bayshore Town Center (5800 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale) anchors North Shore shopping with 70+ stores, restaurants, and services in one walkable, open-air complex with free parking. Key family-friendly retailers include Target (Wisconsin's largest, replacing Boston Store in 2021), Barnes & Noble with extensive children's section and educational toys, Apple Store offering family coding workshops and technology education, Sur la Table with cooking classes and quality kitchen tools, and Paper Source stocking craft supplies and stationery that encourage creativity and letter-writing.
Clothing retailers span all price points: Old Navy and H&M for budget-friendly family fashion, Gap/Gap Kids for quality basics, Nike and Foot Locker for athletic gear, and Kohls for department store variety with frequent sales. Ulta Beauty and Bath & Body Works provide gifts for teen girls and moms. Gift cards from Bayshore retailers often combine convenience with supporting businesses that employ local workers.
The Navy Knot (308 E. Silver Spring, Whitefish Bay) curates classic and quality clothing, unique home brands, and outstanding gifts celebrating "good life lived with family, sport, travel, and friends." This boutique offers personalized shopping experiences and online ordering, with items ($20-150+) unavailable at chain stores.
Tobin Jewelers in Mequon operates with three generations of family diamond setters and goldsmiths since 1952. Custom-designed bridal jewelry and keepsake pieces become family heirlooms, with the personal service and craftsmanship that only multi-generational family businesses provide.
Creatively Yours at East Towne Square Mall in Mequon specializes in children's gifts, hostess gifts, bridal items, jewelry, and entertaining items with personalized presentations. Helping customers since 1987, this specialty gift shop maintains the personal service increasingly rare in retail.
Chickory Wood Products (11946 N. Ridgeway Ave, Mequon) handcrafts wooden toys—trucks, trains, airplanes, boats—individually from hardwoods like Cherry and Black Walnut. These heirloom-quality toys promote screen-free play, last through multiple generations, and support a local artisan maintaining 40+ years of craftsmanship. Limited production makes each piece unique.
Bayside Floral Design (333 W. Brown Deer Road, Bayside) creates custom arrangements, wedding/event florals, and home décor with local and national delivery. This division of Bayside Garden Center (family-owned 50+ years) brightens homes year-round with arrangements ($40-150+).
Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. in Mequon produces plant-based, chemical-free, locally handmade bath, beauty, and household items. Classes teaching soap-making, candle-creation, and bath bomb crafting combine gifting with experiential learning about natural products.
Memberships and passes: Gifts that keep giving
The most valuable gifts often provide repeated experiences throughout the year rather than single-use products:
Under $50:
Schlitz Audubon individual membership ($65)
Music Together North Shore 6-week session
Little Sprouts Play Cafe drop-in passes
Mequon Nature Preserve donation (any amount, tax-deductible)
Restaurant gift certificates for family dinners
Board Game Barrister games
$50-150:
Schlitz Audubon family membership ($80)
Goldfish Swim School monthly lesson package
Fresh Coast Dance class session
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music lesson packages
School of Rock program enrollment
Empower Yoga Milwaukee monthly membership ($77)
$150-300:
Kids Empire multi-visit passes or birthday party package
North Shore Academy of Gymnastics class packages
Vibez Creative Arts private party booking
Elite Sports Club guest passes
Multi-month swim lesson commitments
Season tickets to Lakeshore Chinooks baseball (Mequon)
Premium gifts ($300+):
Goldfish Swim School full session with birthday party
School of Rock full semester plus summer camp
Elite Sports Club family membership
Multiple-child gymnastics class packages
Private events at Sprecher Brewing or restaurant catering
Milwaukee Ballet summer camp sessions
Making the most of North Shore gift-giving
The Mequon-Thiensville Chamber offers universal gift certificates accepted at 100+ local businesses including restaurants, spas, retail stores, groceries, and gas stations. Available in any denomination with no cost to purchaser or merchant, these certificates let recipients choose where to spend while supporting the entire local business community. Perfect for teachers, coaches, and employee appreciation when you want to give local options without restricting choice.
Many communities host seasonal events perfect for family gift experiences: Whitefish Bay's July 4th Parade and Fireworks at Klode Park, Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting the Friday after Thanksgiving, Whitefish Bay Art Fest in July (free admission), ice cream socials hosted by Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation, and the Thiensville Farmers Market featuring locally-sourced produce and crafts.
Klode Park in Whitefish Bay and Atwater Park & Beach in Shorewood provide Lake Michigan beach access with summer concerts, while Cahill Park in Whitefish Bay offers free ice skating in winter. Pair park visits with picnic baskets, beach toys, ice skates, or outdoor games.
Free programs through Frank L. Weyenberg Library serving Mequon-Thiensville include Storytime, Music & Movement, Little Scientists, Art Exploration, Tiny Dancers, Book Explorers (ages 8-12), Chess Club, LEGO Club (ages 5+), Family BINGO, movie matinees, and Summer Reading Program. Support through Friends of Weyenberg Library donations helps sustain these valuable community resources.
Whitefish Bay Public Library (5420 N. Marlborough) and Shorewood Library similarly offer free activities while accepting donations and Friends memberships.
Price point shopping guide
Stocking stuffers and small gifts (under $25):
Goody Gourmets popcorn bags
Breadsmith fresh-baked bread
Indulgence Chocolatiers single truffles or small boxes
Board Game Barrister card games
Paper Source craft supplies
Sprecher root beer 4-packs
Stone Creek Coffee beans
Matilda Bakehouse pastries
Wonderland Bookshop children's books
Bath & Body Works items
Mid-range family gifts ($25-75):
Restaurant gift certificates (most North Shore restaurants)
Barnes & Noble book bundles
Clothing from Gap/Old Navy/H&M
Kids Empire single admission passes
Movie theater gift cards
Glaze Pottery Studio class session
Farmers Market vendor baskets
BlackBear Children's Boutique baby items
Music Together single class
Breadsmith bread baskets
Substantial gifts ($75-200):
Schlitz Audubon family membership ($80)
Goldfish Swim School monthly package ($80-150)
School of Rock or Fresh Coast Dance session
Wisconsin Conservatory music lessons (4-pack)
Board Game Barrister premium games
Yellow Wood outdoor gear
Indulgence Chocolatiers large gift boxes
Multiple restaurant gift certificates
Nike or Foot Locker athletic shoes
Bricks & Minifigs LEGO sets
Sur la Table cooking classes
Premium experiences ($200-500+):
Kids Empire birthday party packages ($300+)
Goldfish Swim School full session plus party
School of Rock semester enrollment
Milwaukee Ballet summer camp ($328-389)
North Shore Academy of Gymnastics multi-month packages
Multiple dance/music class registrations
Sprecher Brewing private event bookings
Elite Sports Club extended guest passes
Apple Store products with workshops
Lakeshore Chinooks season tickets
Custom jewelry from Tobin Jewelers or Pandora
Investment gifts ($500+):
Elite Sports Club family annual membership
Full year of weekly music or dance lessons
Multiple children enrolled in swim, gymnastics, or arts programs
Sur la Table full cooking class series
Marcus North Shore Cinema annual passes
Combination packages (swim lessons + gymnastics + art classes)
Community-by-community quick reference
Glendale: Bayshore Town Center (70+ stores/restaurants), Sprecher Brewing, Board Game Barrister, Kids Empire, Goldfish Swim School, Vibez Creative Arts, ACX Cinemas, Barnes & Noble, Richard E. Maslowski Glendale Community Park
Whitefish Bay: Winkie's Toys & Variety, Winkie's Hallmark, Fresh Coast Dance, MOXIE Food + Drink, Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn, Stone Creek Coffee, North Shore Boulangerie, Breadsmith, Sendik's, The Bay Restaurant, The Navy Knot, Yellow Wood, Empower Yoga, Klode Park, Cahill Park
Bayside: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (premier attraction), Bayside Garden Center, Bayside Floral Design, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Community Bark Dog Wash & Groom
Shorewood: Wonderland Bookshop, BlackBear Children's Boutique, Little Sprouts Play Cafe, School of Rock, Indulgence Chocolatiers, North Shore Boulangerie, Goody Gourmets, Blooming Lotus Bakery, Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio, Hubbard Park Lodge & Beer Garden, Cloud Red, Crave Cafe, Three Lions Pub, Atwater Park & Beach
Fox Point: Bricks & Minifigs, Friendship Cafe & Bakery, Matilda Bakehouse, Benji's Deli, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Calderone Club, QDOBA, Doctor's Park, RiverPoint Village Shopping Center, Milwaukee Ballet summer camps, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Mequon/Thiensville: Mequon Nature Preserve, Mequon Public Market (9 restaurants), Glaze Pottery Studio, Interior Garden Art Studio, Fiddleheads Coffee, North Shore Academy of Gymnastics, Elite Sports Club, Infinite Gymnastics, Marcus North Shore Cinema, Mequon Pizza Company, Highland House Restaurant, La Campagne Bakery, Frenz Garden Center/Brush and Blooms, Chickory Wood Products, Mequon-Thiensville Chamber Gift Certificates (100+ businesses), Frank L. Weyenberg Library, Lakeshore Chinooks Baseball
Why local gifts matter more than ever
Every gift certificate to Jack Pandl's keeps a 109-year Milwaukee tradition alive. Every membership to Schlitz Audubon funds environmental education for thousands of students. Every toy purchased at Winkie's supports the third generation of a family business where staff still know customers by name. Every pottery class at Glaze Studio employs local artists. Every swim lesson at Goldfish teaches Wisconsin children essential water safety. Every meal at Friendship Cafe funds vocational training for adults with special needs.
National retailers extract profit from communities. Local businesses recirculate dollars through employment, sponsorships of youth sports teams, donations to school fundraisers, and patronage of other local services. The woman who teaches dance at Fresh Coast buys coffee at Stone Creek. The baker at Breadsmith shops at Sendik's. The yoga instructor at Empower gets dinner at MOXIE. This interconnected economy strengthens when residents consciously choose local.
These North Shore communities distinguish themselves through commitment to quality of life, excellent schools, preserved green spaces, and thriving small business districts. The walkable downtown areas of Whitefish Bay's Silver Spring Drive, Shorewood's Oakland Avenue, and Thiensville's Green Bay Road create genuine village atmosphere increasingly rare in suburban America. Supporting these businesses preserves the character that makes these communities exceptional places to raise families.
Conclusion: Experiences over things, community over convenience
The most memorable gifts aren't necessarily the most expensive—they're the ones that create lasting memories and strengthen community bonds. A membership to Schlitz Audubon becomes weekly nature adventures where children meet their first eagle. Swim lessons at Goldfish transform into confidence in the water that lasts a lifetime. A paint night at Vibez produces artwork displayed proudly on refrigerators for years. Dance classes at Fresh Coast build discipline, artistry, and friendships that extend beyond the studio.
Gift certificates to North Shore restaurants fund celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, and ordinary Tuesdays that deserve recognition. Books from Wonderland introduce children to stories that shape their worldviews. Toys from Winkie's become beloved companions in imaginative play. Classes at School of Rock give teenagers the transformative experience of performing original music in front of supportive audiences.
This holiday season, skip the generic Amazon gift card. Instead, give experiences that support the businesses making Milwaukee's North Shore an extraordinary place to live. Your gift dollars build the community while creating memories families treasure long after the holidays end. That's the true spirit of North Shore family adventures.
All businesses listed operate physical locations within their designated North Shore communities as of October 2024. Pricing and hours subject to change; contact businesses directly for current information. Most businesses offer gift certificates available for purchase online or in-person.