The Ultimate Shopping List

Would you be surprised to learn that the #1 travel expenditure among visitors to Wisconsin Dells is shopping? It’s true, which means there are a lot of folks doing a lot of shopping when they visit the Dells. For some, the intent is buying gifts for giving. Others go in pursuit of the perfect souvenir that they’ll keep for themselves. Either way, Wisconsin Dells has shoppers covered.

Gift Giving with an Artistic Flair
Kris Draper, owner of the Dandelion boutique, tells us her retail philosophy is to have items that are easy gifts to give for thoughtful gift-givers, as well as gifts to treat yourself. She changes merchandise often, staying right in step with trends. And she buys hand-made, artist-made, and fair trade items whenever possible. “It’s a way to support more than just ourselves,” Draper explained. Perennial favorites at her shop, which opened seven years ago, include jewelry of all sorts and garden art from Wisconsin artists. One of the hot new items last year that Draper said just flew off the shelves was jewelry made by local glass artist Steve Selchow. “He actually made jewelry and sculpture pieces right here in the store while people shopped, and he’ll be back for 2008,” said Draper.

We asked Draper to come up with the quintessential shopping list and here’s what she graciously offered:

For Mom -- She’d love a special piece of jewelry, or perhaps a handbag or scarf. “Artwear” reading glasses are fun to receive too.

For Grandmother -- You’ll hit the mark with grandma by buying anything that has a quote about family on it, whether it’s a piece of jewelry or a home décor item.

For Dad -- A bottle of Wisconsin wine and a barbeque how-to book would be a nice pairing.

For Teenage Son – Toss in a sports themed board game for the teenage boy on your list.

For Teenage Daughter -- Candles, charms, and posters are the must-haves for any season.

On the Search for Souvenirs
The Holzem family has been in the retail business in Wisconsin Dells going on 25 years, and many consider them experts in gifts that you buy for yourself, namely souvenirs.

We quizzed Brian Holzem on some of the best sellers at his stores, which include both gift shops and candy stores. He mentioned right off that edible treats are a perennial favorite, especially fudge, and that he sees lots of visitors returning year after year to his sweet shops. At the gift stores, many leave with a new Wisconsin Dells t-shirt or sweatshirt, great to wear around town or to save to wear in front of friends so you can talk up your great trip to the Dells. There are good bargains too, like Wisconsin Dells coffee mugs and key chains, and Brian and his team pride themselves on staying ahead of jewelry fashion trends so teenagers can find something that fits their budget as well. Brian also pointed out that “whatever the hottest toy is, we’ll have it.” That’s good news for the grade school set who inevitably want something to call their own. Merchandise changes often and, since these items won’t break the bank, it’s just good fun to stop in whenever you’re in downtown Wisconsin Dells.

View all Wisconsin Dells Shops.