There’s just something extra special about shopping small during the holidays. You’re not only finding one-of-a-kind gifts, you’re also supporting the people who are part of our community. For this latest edition of our Ask a Local series, we turned to area residents both online and IRL for their favorite local gems and go-to recommendations for shopping small this holiday season.
And remember: Small Business Saturday is November 29th! Visit participating businesses in Downtown, the Broadway District, Olde Main, and Military Avenue, and you could win a $250 gift basket! (See Downtown Green Bay’s website for all the details.)
Cheese
Let’s start strong—with cheese, obviously. The perfect Wisconsin gift.
These folks know their dairy. Their award-winning cheese, milk, eggs, and ice cream all come straight from their herd of 13 Guernsey cows. Plus, their store in Freedom, WI, carries local meats, honey, butter, and more.
A fourth-generation, family-owned business with over 40 varieties of cheddar? Yes, please. They’re known for their squeaky-fresh cheese curds and curated Wisconsin gift boxes—aka the easiest holiday win you’ll have this year
As one local said, “Two Guernsey Girls Creamery has fantastic cheeses (the pistachio log is to DIE for). I also love Renard's Cheese for aged cheddars, and some of their blends are chef's kiss.”
Plants & Decor
If you want your home (or your gifts) to look like they stepped out of a Pinterest board, head to Ginger Birch. This woman-owned flower and gift shop was voted “Best Florist” in Green Bay two years running. “Ginger Birch in De Pere is woman-owned and operated and cute as a stinkin’ button. I wish they curated my house, but Christmas time is especially amazing there,” said one local resident.
Petal Pusher’s arrangements are inspired by everything from moss to orchids, and they even grow many of their own flowers at Petal Pusher Gardens. “I always enjoy going down to the Petal Pusher on Broadway for Christmas ornaments,” said a local Green Bay redditor.
A Suamico favorite, RoseHaus Floral creates both traditional and modern arrangements, plus carries all sorts of giftable extras.
For Nerds, Gamers, & Collectors
Edge VR Arcade & Gamers Lounge
Virtual reality, PC gaming, and virtual escape rooms all in one spot. Whether you’re shopping for a 10-year-old or a 40-year-old, a gift card here is a hit. “They do a gift card sale in-store and online. Perfect for kids 10+ and great for adults too.” – shonky111 on reddit
New comics, vintage finds, action figures—basically everything your inner nerd could want. As Macablony on the Green Bay subreddit puts it: “Go to Power’s Comic and Collectable for your nerd.”
Ashenjugg, Frost Giant, and Gnome Games
These three are Green Bay staples for tabletop gamers, trading card enthusiasts, and puzzle lovers. The stores were recommended by several game-loving locals. “I love that Gnome Games lets you play the games before you buy them,” an enthused local resident said.
Retro heaven. From NES to PS5, they’ve got all the nostalgia you could ever want. “Game Trade. The owner is a stand-up dude. I love that place.” – rexrighteous on reddit
A little bit of everything. New and pre-owned toys, collectibles, clothes, electronics, and more! “Mix Goods is the perfect place to browse if you’re not sure what to get someone. I guarantee you’ll find something cool in there,” one local told us.
Lego lovers, rejoice! The Brick Spot came highly recommended by several residents, so we clearly have a lot of Lego lovers in the city! Stop by and pick up a new set, mix and match blocks, or build your own minifig at their minifig bar.
Vintage Finds
Green Bay’s vintage scene is thriving! We got lots of recommendations for vintage shops in the area. Check out Mañana Vintage, This & That Vintage & Artisan Market, Wonderland Vintage Market, and Junk in the Trunk Antique Mall for all your retro, reclaimed, and “I can’t believe someone gave this up” treasures. Each place curates their own unique selection of items, hosting sellers and crafters throughout the area.
For the Bookworms
Green Bay also loves to read! We got so many recommendations for bookshops in the area, we’re starting to think “book browsing” should count as an official winter sport.
Pages & Pours – Books and wine? Say no more.
Book Stop – A used book haven specializing in paperbacks, with 50,000 titles (and puzzles too).
The Attic – Cozy vibes, great cafe menu, and a wide selection of used books.
Lion’s Mouth Bookstore – The heart of Green Bay’s book scene, with a fantastic kids’ section, a huge variety of genres, and, of course, great vibes.
One Redditor put it perfectly: “Go to Lion's Mouth for books…. Iceland has a tradition of giving books for Christmas called Jolabokaflod, and my family did it one year during the pandemic, and it was my favorite Christmas yet.”
For the Wellness Seekers
Yoga, dance, barre—this studio offers all kinds of ways to move your body and support local at the same time. Plus, one local told us that the studio “does a great fair for Small Business Saturday,” so keep your eyes on social media for details!
Western Racquet & Fitness Club
If you’ve got a friend who loves fitness and wellness, head over to this family-owned and operated club (a Green Bay fitness spot for over 50 years!) and grab a gift card for things like personal training, cryotherapy, massage, tennis lessons, nutrition services, group exercise classes, and more.
Herbal remedies, natural products, and a cozy café atmosphere. The perfect stop for thoughtful, wellness-centered gifts.
For the Artsy Ones
Handmade pottery, jewelry, ornaments, and more—all crafted by local artists. “Clay Studio 1242 on Main. Great people with a really good selection, and their classes are really good too!” – Hel1a on Reddit
This art hub offers classes, a holiday Gift Show (everything under $200!), and an annual holiday Maker’s Market on Small Business Saturday. As one resident tells us, “The Art Garage is hosting a Gift Show where all of the works are by local artists (themselves each a very small business). You can make a lot of potential checkmarks on your giving list in one stop.”
Everything Else!
A creative, community-oriented shop full of local artists and handmade goods, with classes, clubs, and craft nights galore. “A friend of mine runs a small shop on Mather and Ashland called "Wonders by Women." It's a craft, fabric, and consignment store with a lot of local vendors selling wares. Definitely a cool indie place to check out. Always lots going on.” – EverCuriousGeek1 on Reddit
A De Pere gem filled with Wisconsin-made gifts, clothing, candles, and even an ice cream counter. “Smith's Mercantile in De Pere always has such great Wisconsin-based products.” – LeafyMagician on Reddit
Part tea shop, part herbal wonderland, part magical experience. “I love going into Aurora’s Apothecary and just looking at everything! I always get a new gemstone when I go there, too,” one resident told us.
Over 45 local vendors offering funky art, consignment finds, and community events galore. “Soul Purpose in the mall has TONS of local artist vendors.” – AmberyCypress on Reddit
Because pets deserve holiday gifts too! “If you have pets, or know someone who does, check out Family Pet Food Center on Military Ave. They have a phenomenal selection of all things pet-related, and their prices are really good. Very nice workers! Since I discovered it, I'm probably never going back to Petco or PetSmart.” – Sea-Stage-6908 on Reddit
Green Bay UFO Museum Gift Shop and Records
Records, Garfield memorabilia, tentacle finger puppets, pop culture collectibles, and more. It’s weird in the best possible way. “Honestly, just go for the vibes,” one local told us. We can’t think of a better endorsement than that!
Locally roasted magic in a cup. “Coffee Wizardz is a perennial favorite, bag of beans and a gift card.” – Internal_Swimmer3815 on Reddit
Broadway’s cute boutique for clothing, jewelry, and accessories. “A Bag Lady boutique on Broadway, fun clothes and accessories! Great sales rack too!” – toast355 on Reddit
For the model train lover in your life or someone who’s about to become one.
Outdoor gear and expertise for every season. One local resident told us, “Scott hooks me up with every season with all the kayaking gear I need in the summer and snowboarding gear in the winter. He’s always super helpful and knows what he’s talking about.”
100+ pinball machines, all on free play, all awesome. “District 82 Pinball - get a gift card for entrance to all-you-can-play pinball. All games are set to free play. Local owner, machines in pristine condition. Great way to spend an afternoon,” said one local Green Bae (yes, STILL trying to make it happen).
