MONROE - Last-minute Christmas shoppers need not panic or make a special trip to Madison. Fulfilling the gift list is easier than they think possible - and closer to home.
Monroe downtown store owners have several ideas for personal and popular gifts. Many are keeping extended hours to help those who abhor the warehouse aisles of misfit gifts. Deals downtown include discounts of up to 50 percent in some cases, during pre-Christmas sales. Even before the sales, most gift ideas are in the $20 range or less.
Only in Monroe can shoppers find Monroe Mix popcorn, honoring the county's cheesemakers with a balanced blend of caramel and Cheddar flavors, or go full out cheesehead with Cheesemaker's Cheddar Corn at Rainbow Confections. But pure, caramel corn is still the most popular at the shop, said Rachel Hunt, an employee. Skip the wrapping paper and dress the corn in a one-gallon, old-fashioned tin or opt for a larger, plastic bucket that will get the receiver refills with discounts.
Lisa Park, employee at the Green Door, recommends Poppy Lids. A nice gift for the cooking enthusiast, these silicone covers will be appreciated and used by everyone in the family because they are easy and safe to use, she said. They come in different sizes, shapes and colors, and just plop on to seal practically any smooth-rimmed container, eliminating the fear of that plastic wrap box serrated cutting edge.
It is best to skip the purchases of car fresheners at the local corner gas station - as often as they are last-minute gifts, they are not often appreciated. What are more adored this year are diffusers and candles. Both Green Door and House to Home carry a variety of brands and fragrances, and some candles have wicks that make a soothing, crackling sound.
Elise Morris, an employee at House to Home, also suggests an array of Bee Bar lotions and lip butters, which come unscented for men and in mini-versions for stocking stuffers. The products are made with "pure, clean ingredients," she said, and are full of oils from natural food products.
The Orange Kitten Yarn shop suggests for knitters a gift "that they wouldn't buy for themselves" - a yarn bowl. The pottery bowls, like so many of the shop's yarns, are locally produced.
"Knitters love them," said shop owner Jocelyn Kline.
If you want to encourage a new knitter, Kline points to stocking hat kits, which come in four colors and can be knitted or crocheted. A pompom magically tops off the project when they reach the end of the yarn.
Young or old, who doesn't like superheroes?
PG Comics owner Patrick Gagliano is dropping all Star Wars ships, along with the character figures, to $5, and that includes the "Black series, and the Rebel figures and the new stuff," he said.
Other favorite sci-fi action figures will also be 50 percent off.
"All the top TV series - Arrow, Flash, Dr. Who, Walking Dead ... I can hardly keep that stuff in stock," Gagliano added.
Fantasy may be more desirable to some people. Customers of all ages at the Dilly Bean favor its glass fairies and dragons figures, according to John McKibben, employee. For those who like feeling down to earth, dream catchers and calumets (a ceremonial smoking pipe), made of natural materials and by authentic Native Americans, are available. Dilly Bean also carries a diverse selection of affordable jewelry, including inspirational and body jewelry.
Fashion is easy, if you shop the women's clothing stores downtown.
Lois Gordon, employee at Joanne's Dress Shop, made no hesitation in suggesting scarves for the women on a Christmas list. Infinity scarves have been the most popular, she added.
Joanne's has many scarves, in dressy, light polyester to heavy, Wisconsin winter woolens.
Customers of Lillian's are purchasing the leggings, which owner Jane Lee herself wears for comfort and assured modesty.
"And they are very forgiving," she said, patting her thigh.
Lillian's has "tons and tons and tons of leggings - regular, fleece-lined and prints," she added, and they'll be priced to move quickly this week before Christmas. If shoppers can't decide on what to buy, they can include the little bonus gift card that comes with the purchase of a regular gift card for all the females on their list.
Barb Gelbach, owner of das Baumhaus on the Square for 38 years, knows how to freshen the wardrobe: Accessories, accessories, accessories. It might be a bracelet, personalized with Divinci beads; or necklaces and scarves; or socks; or an armored wallet or a new handbag.
Baggallini, bags designed by flight attendants, can be a little pricey, but they could be considered an investment - ergonomically correct for comfort, and designed with slots and pockets and zippers to organize the abundance of stuff women need to carry around in their purses - including, a tablet and phone, or any combo thereof.
More than half of Christmas gift lists have a pet name on them. The Pet Spot offers toys, healthy treats, and an array of coats, beds and dishes for the beloved members of any family. Owner Amber Ingvoldstad also recommends paw wax, a "good seller," pumped full of oils and waxes to condition pads and protect paws from freezing cold or scorching hot sidewalks. Animal lovers can choose from mugs, photo frames, note cards or artwork as gifts, too.
Monroe downtown store owners have several ideas for personal and popular gifts. Many are keeping extended hours to help those who abhor the warehouse aisles of misfit gifts. Deals downtown include discounts of up to 50 percent in some cases, during pre-Christmas sales. Even before the sales, most gift ideas are in the $20 range or less.
Only in Monroe can shoppers find Monroe Mix popcorn, honoring the county's cheesemakers with a balanced blend of caramel and Cheddar flavors, or go full out cheesehead with Cheesemaker's Cheddar Corn at Rainbow Confections. But pure, caramel corn is still the most popular at the shop, said Rachel Hunt, an employee. Skip the wrapping paper and dress the corn in a one-gallon, old-fashioned tin or opt for a larger, plastic bucket that will get the receiver refills with discounts.
Lisa Park, employee at the Green Door, recommends Poppy Lids. A nice gift for the cooking enthusiast, these silicone covers will be appreciated and used by everyone in the family because they are easy and safe to use, she said. They come in different sizes, shapes and colors, and just plop on to seal practically any smooth-rimmed container, eliminating the fear of that plastic wrap box serrated cutting edge.
It is best to skip the purchases of car fresheners at the local corner gas station - as often as they are last-minute gifts, they are not often appreciated. What are more adored this year are diffusers and candles. Both Green Door and House to Home carry a variety of brands and fragrances, and some candles have wicks that make a soothing, crackling sound.
Elise Morris, an employee at House to Home, also suggests an array of Bee Bar lotions and lip butters, which come unscented for men and in mini-versions for stocking stuffers. The products are made with "pure, clean ingredients," she said, and are full of oils from natural food products.
The Orange Kitten Yarn shop suggests for knitters a gift "that they wouldn't buy for themselves" - a yarn bowl. The pottery bowls, like so many of the shop's yarns, are locally produced.
"Knitters love them," said shop owner Jocelyn Kline.
If you want to encourage a new knitter, Kline points to stocking hat kits, which come in four colors and can be knitted or crocheted. A pompom magically tops off the project when they reach the end of the yarn.
Young or old, who doesn't like superheroes?
PG Comics owner Patrick Gagliano is dropping all Star Wars ships, along with the character figures, to $5, and that includes the "Black series, and the Rebel figures and the new stuff," he said.
Other favorite sci-fi action figures will also be 50 percent off.
"All the top TV series - Arrow, Flash, Dr. Who, Walking Dead ... I can hardly keep that stuff in stock," Gagliano added.
Fantasy may be more desirable to some people. Customers of all ages at the Dilly Bean favor its glass fairies and dragons figures, according to John McKibben, employee. For those who like feeling down to earth, dream catchers and calumets (a ceremonial smoking pipe), made of natural materials and by authentic Native Americans, are available. Dilly Bean also carries a diverse selection of affordable jewelry, including inspirational and body jewelry.
Fashion is easy, if you shop the women's clothing stores downtown.
Lois Gordon, employee at Joanne's Dress Shop, made no hesitation in suggesting scarves for the women on a Christmas list. Infinity scarves have been the most popular, she added.
Joanne's has many scarves, in dressy, light polyester to heavy, Wisconsin winter woolens.
Customers of Lillian's are purchasing the leggings, which owner Jane Lee herself wears for comfort and assured modesty.
"And they are very forgiving," she said, patting her thigh.
Lillian's has "tons and tons and tons of leggings - regular, fleece-lined and prints," she added, and they'll be priced to move quickly this week before Christmas. If shoppers can't decide on what to buy, they can include the little bonus gift card that comes with the purchase of a regular gift card for all the females on their list.
Barb Gelbach, owner of das Baumhaus on the Square for 38 years, knows how to freshen the wardrobe: Accessories, accessories, accessories. It might be a bracelet, personalized with Divinci beads; or necklaces and scarves; or socks; or an armored wallet or a new handbag.
Baggallini, bags designed by flight attendants, can be a little pricey, but they could be considered an investment - ergonomically correct for comfort, and designed with slots and pockets and zippers to organize the abundance of stuff women need to carry around in their purses - including, a tablet and phone, or any combo thereof.
More than half of Christmas gift lists have a pet name on them. The Pet Spot offers toys, healthy treats, and an array of coats, beds and dishes for the beloved members of any family. Owner Amber Ingvoldstad also recommends paw wax, a "good seller," pumped full of oils and waxes to condition pads and protect paws from freezing cold or scorching hot sidewalks. Animal lovers can choose from mugs, photo frames, note cards or artwork as gifts, too.