Downtown Kenosha Holiday Gift Guide

I’m not saying you should delete Amazon for the entire holiday season…well, that is what I’m saying. 

Hear me out.

 As someone who proposed small business-only gifts to my immediate family last November, I can tell you it is the best choice we could’ve made. Not only did we each hand-choose items that were unique, personal, and often one of a kind, but we had stories from everywhere we stopped. The shop owners, their staff, the conversations had, and the holiday warm fuzzies are still out there folks!  And they’re out there in our brick-and-mortar downtown businesses. The very same storefronts that bring downtown the charming, cozy, photo-worthy feeling, need our support. So if you enjoy window shopping year round I ten out of ten recommend making the conscious effort to support them this holiday season if you can. So, if you’re looking to up your white elephant game, or need a gift for everyone on your list, here are just a few recommendations. Let’s break it down. Annnnnnnd here we go. 

1. Experience it

There’s nothing like giving the gift of an experience. Take the risk, and make memories with the people you love! With a positive attitude and the courage to step out of your comfort zone, these options will be a BLAST.

• Hot Mess Studios: Book a session with Hot Mess! You can buy a gift card, or book the experience. You’ll get to create a beautiful mess and make core memories with your friends, family, kids, or partner.
• Birds of Paradox: This gift is forever! Birds of Paradox is a tattoo and photography studio. Sam and Josh Vaughn along with the rest of the crew at Birds of Paradox are here downtown ready to capture your moments through stunning photoshoots, and incredible tattoo artistry. 
• Hold My Beer: Axe throwing mode: activated. Who would be bummed to receive an evening of axe throwing, games, and fun? Stop in and get a gift card at Hold My Beer or surprise your loved one with an axe-throwing sesh!
• Lakeshore Pedal Tours: Grab your crew and have a holiday-themed adventure on the pedal tours! You’ll get to choose 2-3 stops in Downtown Kenosha and have a blast pedaling around like it’s your own Kenosha edition of a one-horse open sleigh! This is a great gift for large families, friend groups, or just to have a fun afternoon.
• Golf Simulation at Tavern on 6th: This is the REAL deal folks. Dad doesn’t just want new clubs for the holidays, he wants to golf! Real courses, real swings, and real golf are upstairs at Tavern on the 6th! With nearly 30 real courses from all over the globe at your fingertips- you’ll never get bored.

2. STAY

We call this one the stay-cation, folks. I know you know someone in need of a night away… and we happen to have a few really unique Airbnb’s and hotel rooms here in downtown Kenosha ready to have you! Surprise your loved one with one of these cozy getaway spots!

• Captain’s Quarters by Captain Mike’s- A nautical dream that sleeps up to 6! Cozy bedrooms and a full kitchen.  A private chef is available by request. 
• Anna’s Cozy Airbnb- Lakeside cozy apartment-style hideaway located right above the coffee shop! Perfect for a little getaway!
• The Coffee Pot Inn- adorable fully furnished 3 bedroom apartment nestled above the coffee pot! 
• The Stella Hotel & Ballroom- The Heritage suites are spacious and elegant while still giving you the comforts of home. These are great for a more extended stay!
• The Apis Hotel & Restaurant: There are 6 unique suites at The Apis, each hand-curated and designed to exude a different aesthetic and overall vibe! These one-of-a-kind rooms are expressive and are sure to be a memorable addition to your getaway!

3. The Gift of a New Skill 

Know someone needing to add a little spark to life, or something fun to look forward to? Give them the nudge with the gift of a new skill!

• Pacetti’s- Give the gift of a music lesson, instrument rental, or even some new sheet music over at Pacetti’s!
• Actor’s Craft-  From public speaking, beginner acting, camps, and private coaching, this could be the gift that kickstarts a whole new passion!
• Lemon Street- Classes are offered for SO many things at Leon Street! From painting and pottery to stained glass and color theory, there are so many opportunities to learn and grow! 
• Museums: Through workshops, classes, and exhibitions, our museums are always bringing something new to the table! These classes would be a perfect gift for you and a friend, family member, or partner, or to go solo and make some new friends!

Art & Crafts Enthusiast 

• Pollard Gallery: Artwork, prints, and more from local artists! 
• Alpaca Art: Paint pottery together and keep it as a memory of that experience. 
• Revision Gallery: Handmade pieces, vintage clothing, jewelry, tie-dye, and more can be found at Revision! You can also shop online at revisionemporium.com
• Lemon Street Gallery: Artistree is the annual giftable art show at Lemon Street! ​​From November 25th till Christmas Eve give the gift of unique artwork and support artists in our community at the same time! 
• ArtWorks: Find a piece you love at the Artistree event? Stop by ArtWorks and get it custom-framed! 

Wellness & Self-Care 

• Ruffolo’s Spa: Pamper someone special with the gift of a Ruffolo’s Spa service! 
• House of Nutrition: Shop all things natural wellness products, soaps, shampoos, CBD products, teas, and so much more! 
• Hot Yoga Kenosha: Get a class for you and your bestie! Calm your mind and enhance your wellness together. 
• HUSH: Know someone in need of a refresh? Not only is Hush Downtown’s newest salon, but it is also a dream team of independent stylists ready to make you feel and look your best! Pop in and say hi or check out hushbeautykenosha.com to book! 
• Perfect 10: Hair, nails, skincare, waxing, Perfect 10 will have you feeling like a 10! Give the gift of feeling your best and stop by to purchase a gift certificate.
• Salon on Sixth: Cuts, color, and hair treatments are waiting at Salon on Sixth! There are also skin treatments and waxing offered to leave you feeling silky smooth.
• G’s Barber Company: The men in your life are going to love this place! A fresh fade and beard shape-up await!
• Moda Bella: Don’t know what she wants? Moda Bella is a one-stop shop that offers services for hair, skin, nails, eyelashes, body treatments, you name it! 

Kids & Family 

Shopping for the little ones? Don’t miss these stops!

• Millie Bo Peep: Trendy quality clothing for babies, toddlers, and kiddos to size 10! You can even find matching parent and child clothing and other essentials! 

• Dinosaur Discovery Museum: Dino lovers will love the puzzles, games, and toys in the Dinosaur Discovery Museum gift shop! Or purchase a class or workshop for your kiddo!
• Scoop’s: Nothing says cool aunt like giving your parent friends the gift of a kid-free afternoon and their kiddos the gift of some ice cream!
• Studio Moonfall: Coloring books, science fiction novels, stickers, and more! 
• Em’s Dance Center: Get the kiddos up and moving at Em’s Dance Center! There are programs for competitive and non-competitive dancers, tiny tots, and adults. 

Article written by Jenna Zeihen with the Visit Kenosha team
For everything Kenosha see visitkenosha.com

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