The secret is out: museum stores are the savviest shopping destination for unique gifts. Most shopping malls and department stores are so much of the same—let us help you find thoughtful gifts that stand out from the crowd!
The crown jewel in the Museum Store’s gift offerings this year is the wintry, yet vibrant Snowy Afternoon ornament designed by Milwaukee illustrator Christiane Grauert. This artful ornament celebrates the historic renovation of the Art Museum against a backdrop of the Milwaukee lakefront cityscape…and if you visit the Store on December 3rd (also a Member Double Discount Day), Grauert will even personalize your ornaments for truly one-of-kind gift-giving.
We all have a coffee aficionado or two on our gift list, so the Museum Store has beautifully designed gifts at every price for those who worship the bean. With several mid-century motifs to choose from, the Modern Home Porcelain Cup and Saucer sets make every morning a design moment for only $18 per set.
The Milwaukee Art Museum Store is proud to be one of the first retailers in the nation to offer Alessi’s new Pulcina (“baby chick”) stovetop espresso maker. Years of research and refinement went into achieving Michele de Lucchi’s final impeccable design.
Meticulously looped scarves are the height of sophistication—make that complicated look simple to achieve for someone on your gift list with a sumptuously colored stole that wraps around itself. Elegance made easy! The silky lining feels wonderful against the skin and peaks through to add a hint of shine.
A similarly polished gift option is the silver-plated “It’s Only Money” money clip. The engraved message helps keep priorities in order while the clip keeps the cash organized.
The hand-crafted Orbanizer wire organizer will find a perfect spot in every room of the home, studio or office. Collect and display a diversity of utensils like pens, knitting needles, paint brushes or even make-up brushes. This is truly one gift destined for many recipients.
How many toys can claim to be as attractive to adults as they are to children? These ten faceted stone-like Balancing Blocks will entertain youngsters for hours while providing an intriguing design element to their parents’ home. Stacking stone cairns is an engaging activity that knows no age—give a set for someone’s desktop or coffee table!
For more family fun, pick up a set of Walking Milwaukee cards and explore what makes downtown Milwaukee exceptional. Graphic design and architecture enthusiasts on your gift list will appreciate the aesthetic value of the set, which includes 10 bonus architectural cards. The Walking Milwaukee cards are another versatile and unique gift that won’t break the budget at only $20 for all 18 cards.
City Tins are a perennially favorite gift that is all about value while experiencing the best Milwaukee has to offer. The Restaurant Edition City Tin and the Bar & Lounge Edition City Tin each contain 20 Coaster Gift Cards (each coaster is worth $10 off) to 20 Milwaukee Original Restaurants. New this year, the Performing Arts City Tin contains 21 different buy one ticket, get one ticket free offers. Be sure to pick up a tin for yourself and for all of your friends, then meet out on the town.
To wrap up your gift list with more well-designed and artful gift options, check out the Museum Store’s online gift guide. The gift guide features items that can’t be found anywhere else, like the brand-new collection of MAM glassware and the incredible miniature sculpture ornament of Duane Hanson’s The Janitor. U.S. Shipping is free on online orders over $25 from November 30th through December 18th, so giving unique gifts couldn’t be easier!
Psst…remember, Museum Members receive shopping benefits like Double Discounts during the holiday season, free gift-wrapping and Member Shopping Rewards. With the newly renovated Museum galleries, this is the best season ever to be a Member or become a Member!
Donele Pettit-Mieding was Museum Store Marketing Manager. She organized Museum Store events, promotions, and communications and introduced visitors to art and design objects to enjoy in their daily lives.