Sansevieria plant
Give the gift of low-maintenance companionship to someone who lives alone. A bright green houseplant can liven any place up, and the sansevieria is tough and hearty, according to the staff at Red Square Flowers. Throw in a self-watering planter and all that’s left to do is enjoy the green.
Cost: Varies depending on size
Where: Red Square Flowers, 337 W. Mifflin St.
Wisconsin Candle Company
Wisconsin Candle Company candles
Candle scents like Brandy Old Fashioned and Kettle Moraine Forest call to mind our Wisconsin roots, and these hand-poured soy candles from the Wisconsin Candle Company are made in nearby Sun Prairie. Have a giggle using “banned books” matchbox sets from Out of Print to light them. Nothing like Fahrenheit 451 to get a fire going. Room sprays from Wisconsin Candle Company are also available.
Cost: $10-$18
Where: Madison Modern Market, 310 State St.
Lemon
“Lemon” brand cable knit knee-high slippers
This footgear will excite any homebody — part slipper, part legwarmer, all warm and cozy.
Cost: $40
Where: Little Luxuries, 230 State St.
Recycled sari throw blankets and Nepalese hand-knit sweaters
These sweaters are reminiscent of the one worn by a dear television neighbor who used to come home and slip right into his cardigan. Your recipient will feel the “Mr. Rogers effect” just by putting on this warm, cozy sweater. Plus, they’ll also feel good knowing that its purchase sustains low-income families in Nepal. Not giving to a sweater type? What about a luxurious blanket made from recycled saris? It would be great to relax under while enjoying a weekend of binge-watching.
Cost: $164.50 (sweater), $62 (blanket)
Where: SERRV store, 2701 Monroe St., 224 State St.
“No Pants, No Problem” mug, tea infuser and assorted teas
Words to live by — “no pants, no problem” is a regular homebody mantra. Tea brews through holes in the pants of silicone Mr. Tea Infuser, a guy who hangs on to the back of the mug. Choose from an assortment of Market Spice teas like Huckleberry, Emperor’s Green or signature Cinnamon-Orange. Just sit back and relax, pants optional.
Cost: $5-$21
Where: Stone Fence, 2322 Atwood Ave.
Bath supplies
Find something truly special and local at the Soap Opera, which has been sending good scents out onto State Street since 1972. Try something to drop in the bath, like a good-quality Epsom salts soak by Everyone, or handmade luxury bath blasters in scents like raspberry chocolate and cotton fresh. The Soap Opera’s house products include exfoliating body wash, bubble bath and lotion with customizable scents. Store owner Stacey Scannell maintains a card file with customers’ personal scents, so your recipient can easily reload.
Cost: $4.50-$25
Where: The Soap Opera, 319 State St.
Books and activities
Spark some time off the couch...or simply encourage creativity from the couch. The “Madison” coloring collection features outline images of Madison landmarks printed on cardstock. Or seek inspiration from Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor by local artist Lynda Barry. A quicker bedside read, Penguins Can’t Fly: + 39 Other Rules That Don’t Exist by local author and motivational speaker Jason Kotecki, may push your homebody out of his or her comfort zone.
Cost: $10-$20
Where: Orange Tree Imports, 1721 Monroe St.; Mystery to Me, 1863 Monroe St.