21 places to shop in the Madison area for Valentine’s Day gifts

Explore cards, classes and personalized presents

February 5, 2019 10:14 PM

Mackenzie Krumme,

Posted: February 5, 2019 10:14 PM

Updated: August 31, 2021 12:43 PM

by Mackenzie Krumme

21 places to shop in the Madison area for Valentine’s Day gifts

If looking for a one of a kind Valentine’s Day gift, shop some of the city’s small businesses. We’ve outlined five shops specializing in local, handcrafted gifts to let your partner know you are thinking of them on this Hallmark holiday. If striving for traditional, we also rounded up local chocolate shops, floral boutiques, spa experiences and classes for two.

Specialized Gift Shops

Hazel General Store
A topper to any Valentine’s Day gift is a card from Hazel General Store on Williamson Street. Cards include endearing sayings like “let’s grow old and fill our house with dogs,” or pun-derful sayings like “Happy Valentine’s to a hot slice” next to a slice of pizza. Hazel’s most popular card says, “Are you a beaver? Because dam,” great for your crush, significant other or friend. While you are there, Hazel has other gifts like an edible chemistry kit, heart stud earrings, coffee mugs and fun socks. 1250 Williamson St.

Ubuntu Trade
If your partner craves a unique gift, head to Ubuntu Trade on the westside of Madison. Owner, April Gulley travels to Uganda to hand select goods made from local artisans. There are woven Tonga baskets or one-of-a kind leather totes. Ubuntu specializes in repurposed Ankole Horn jewelry, which is ethically and sustainably sourced from the meat industry in Uganda. Each is unique in color and no two items are alike. 2789 Fitchrona Road

Wisconsin Historical Museum
Museums always have the greatest gift shops and the Wisconsin Historical Museum is no exception. Buy your partner a gift that is quintessentially Wisconsin. Such as a “muddle, garnish, enjoy” brandy old-fashioned T-shirt or a skillet in the shape of America’s Dairyland. The Wisconsin Historical Museum has plenty of books about Wisconsin; everything from Milwaukee’s bowling history, the Oneida Nation, Wisconsin Latina activists and the history of polka dancing. 30 N Carroll St.

Frugal Muse
With more than 24 years in businesses The Frugal Muse has collected tens of thousands of used books. If your Valentine enjoys rar collectables or new books 25 percent off the publisher’s list price this is the place to go. Customers can also find CD’s, music on vinyl, comic books and graphic novels. 235 Junction Rd.

Brass Tacks Resale
As a custom home goods shop in Sun Prairie, you can gift your partner personalized items from Brass Tacks Resale. They have custom signs with a signature phrase or animal paintings of your special pup. They also refurbish furniture, so if your loved one inherited an old piece of furniture that deserves new life, Brass Tacks Resale can do it. The store has nice wall pictures, finished coffee tables and other unique home accents. 116 S. Thompson Road, Sun Prairie

Chocolates

There are many local quality chocolate shops in the area. Madison Chocolate Co. uses organic dairy and pure cane sugar in all their caramel chocolates. Get a box of heart-shaped, hand-painted, passionfruit-vanilla chocolates from Infusion Chocolates. Chocolaterian Cafe can send a large gift boxed stuffed with homemade cookies, chocolate bars, turtle chocolates, lime squares and truffles. Gail Ambrosius has a “beerific tasters box” which includes seven chocolates and a beer pairing guide for the best chocolate beer combinations. Don’t miss out on other specialty chocolate shops like Candinas and The Chocolate Caper in Oregon.

Floral Department

Probably one of the busiest businesses on Valentine’s day is the local flower shop. Don’t wait until the last minute for these gifts. Blooms By Brandi can make you a specialty bouquet of roses. Sweet Pea Floral in Waunakee creates plant terrariums. If you waited to the last minute, Rose Cottage Floral gives free same day delivery.

Classes for two

Spend a fun night with your significant other with a couples class so you can learn and play together. Fired Up Pottery offers glass infusion, clay sculpture and wheel pottery classes. All Through The House in Stoughton offers a wide variety of cooking classes including gluten-free desserts, intro to New Orleans style and Middle Eastern soul. Get better use out of your camera with group classes at The Camera Co.–this is also the place to get your favorite images printed on metal, stone and canvas material.

Spa Experiences

For someone who needs some hands on relaxation there are plenty of spas in the area that provide massages. Try the foot reflexology massage at Rejuvenation Spa. At The Haven Spa, you can add a steam canopy treatment to any massage. Throughout February Sundara Inn & Spa in the Dells will add a free salt treatment to any spa treatment. Try out the goddess massage at Indulge Spa, which includes hot stones for your back along with a sculpt, hand and foot massage.