Alexandra Cohn
It can be easy to overthink when trying to find the “perfect gift” for your brother or sister. Fortunately Madison’s local businesses boast gift ideas that should give you the edge in this unspoken rivalry once and for all (well, at least until next year).
Baubles from Bali
Both of Art Gecko’s locations house hundreds of handcrafted and imported items from around the world; even the most well-traveled sibling would be impressed. Mosaic frames, coasters and dishes in every shade of the rainbow handmade in Bali can dress up any room in the house, giving a worldly vibe without breaking your holiday budget.
Cost: $4-$40
Where: Art Gecko, 1725 Monroe St. , 507 and 510 State St.
Glass jewelry
It’s not just for lovers anymore: Pick out some jewelry this year for your smartly accessorized sibling. At Fat Pinky, glass necklaces handcrafted by owner Terry King feature everything from roses to skulls to King’s signature butterflies; there is also an array of earrings in a variety of designs and materials. Want to impress by going the customized route? Pick from a tray of glass beads and string your selection on a rubber cord or a faceted steel ball chain.
Cost: $8 and up
Where: Fat Pinky, 951 Williamson St.
Switchplate and outlet covers
Shopping for siblings prone to nostalgia? They can turn back the clock every time they turn on the lights, with switch plate and outlet covers made from vintage paper, picture books and magazines by local artisan Linnea Phillips of Naystalgia Vintage Creations. The designs feature timeless classics like Goodnight Moon and Dr. Seuss’ Big Dog Little Dog. Pick up the bonus gift of a knitted pint glass koozie on your way out, because even beer is not immune to sweater weather.
Cost: $6-$10
Where: Hatch Art House, 1248 Williamson St.
Watches and wallets
Star Wars fever will likely reach new heights this holiday season with the new installment’s Dec. 18 release, and the “Dark Side” collection of stylish, monochrome watches (from Nixon) and embossed leather wallets ($50 each) are already available. If brighter hues are called for, flashier models are also for sale.
Cost: wallets $50, watches $125 and up
Where: Jazzman, 340 State St.
Beer pride
Wisconsinite or not, any self-respecting drinker takes his or her craft (and craft beer) seriously. Zip-Dang clearly does too, offering wood panel and digital art prints in assorted sizes sporting slogans like “Damn right, it’s local beer.” If you’re looking for function over form, choose from the collection of pint glasses or a soft pullover fleece hoodie for those nights on the town. All items feature hand-drawn illustrations by shop co-owner Mike Bass.
Cost: $12-$48
Where: Zip-Dang, 2606 Monroe St.
Wine trivia and drink insulator
Drinking can bring out a thirsty and competitive spirit even during holiday downtime. Channel it more constructively with the ZinZig Wine Tasting and Trivia Game. Just don’t leave your sibling hanging post-game without hydration: the bonus gift of a S’well bottle, which claims to keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, should help fend off hangovers well past New Year’s Day.
Cost: game $40, chillers $35-$45
Where: Madison Modern Market, 310 State St.
We have noted throughout the gift guide where our shoppers located various items; however, they may be available at other area stores as well.
