Discover some of the coolest Wisconsin gift ideas for your loved ones!
One of the best parts of traveling is sharing a piece of your adventure with loved ones through thoughtful gifts.
So, whenever I travel Wisconsin, I always bring back something special for my friends and family in Luxembourg.
Over the years, I’ve given countless gifts from Wisconsin, and trust me, some have certainly received better responses than others.
Hence, in today’s post, let’s talk about the coolest Wisconsin gift ideas that will help you convey your love and thoughtfulness to special people in your life.
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Table of Contents
Overview: Top Wisconsin Gift Ideas
- Wisconsin Maple Syrup
- Packers Merchandise like this NFL Packers Jersey
- Handcrafted Rowe Pottery
1. Artisan Cheeses
Unsurprisingly, artisan cheeses top this tried-and-tested list of Wisconsin gift ideas.
As America’s Dairyland, the state produces over 600 varieties of cheese.
There are so many cheeses to choose from, whether you’re looking for creamy options like Brie or classic sharp options like Cheddar.
I love gifting Wisconsin’s artisan cheeses to my food-loving friends.
I often gather a selection of cheeses and present them in a simple gift bag.
But if I want to make it extra special for occasions like Christmas or birthdays, I opt for Wisconsin cheese gift baskets instead.
Sometimes, they’re filled with nothing but cheese.
Other times, I buy ones that combine cheeses with a bottle of wine, charcuterie meats, and crackers, which are proven to be some of the coolest gift ideas from Wisconsin.
2. Wisconsin Maple Syrup
It’s easy to assume that maple syrups are a bit plain or boring when given as gifts.
But that’s quite the opposite of what Wisconsin’s maple syrups offer.
See, unlike the typical maple syrups found in grocery stores, Wisconsin maple syrups are often artisanally crafted in small batches by local producers (like Running Tree Sugarhouse brand) rather than mass-produced.
Some are even aged in bourbon barrels for up to a year before being sold on shelves!
This approach gives each bottle of Wisconsin maple syrup a more unique and personalized touch, making it an excellent choice for gift-giving.
Also, Wisconsin’s maple syrups aren’t usually standalone gifts anyway.
I highly recommend including a syrup or two in gift boxes alongside other goodies like homemade bread or other artisan products on this list, such as Wisconsin cheeses and cherry products.
3. Local Craft Beers
As surprising as it may sound, I’ve already visited dozens of breweries in Wisconsin.
Nope. Not an alcoholic.
In fact, when I’m traveling in other states or countries, I don’t usually drink beer.
It’s just that Wisconsin’s craft beers are some of the best I’ve ever tasted.
Of course, I can’t simply keep all the fun and beer enjoyment to myself.
Hence, whenever I take Wisconsin road trips and pass by breweries or specialty beer stores, I always purchase some for gift-giving.
Craft beers are my go-to gift for men, but I’m living proof that beers are also a great gift for women!
Along with craft beers, I love gifting beer glasses, snacks, and maybe some coasters to create beer-themed gift baskets that are perfect for adults on virtually any occasion.
4. Packers Merchandise
The Green Bay Packers are arguably the most popular sports team in Wisconsin.
So, if you know any football fanatics or a friend who’s obsessed with the team, you can’t go wrong with grabbing authentic Packers merchandise from the team’s homeland itself.
You can easily find these types of gifts year-round from major sports retailers or even online.
Jerseys, hoodies, tumblers, and hats are classic gifting options.
I usually pair them with photos featuring Lambeau Field for an extra special touch.
5. Door County Cherry Products
Did you know that Door County, one of the best places to vacation in Wisconsin, has the perfect soil conditions and climate to yield plump and juicy cherries?
Anytime I find myself here during late summer or early Wisconsin fall getaways, I make sure to enjoy the county’s cherry-picking experience and also bring home some cherry goodies to my friends.
My go-to cherry gifts from Wisconsin are jams, cherry-infused wines, dried cherries, and cherry-infused candles.
You can often find these at farmers’ markets, local shops, and online stores.
Sometimes, I grab Wisconsin’s iconic cherry pies as well.
But since they can spoil in as fast as two days at room temperature, I usually only do so if I’m gifting a local friend of the state—not my friends back home in Luxembourg.
Feel free to gift Door County’s cherry products alone or to include them in Wisconsin gift boxes!
6. Handcrafted Pottery
If you want unique and meaningful made in Wisconsin gifts that your family and friends can keep for a lifetime, handmade pottery is the gift you’re looking for.
Wisconsin is renowned for its rich pottery culture, which dates back as far as 1836.
Though the craft has slightly phased out due to technological advancement, it’s still well preserved in Wisconsin.
When gifting pottery, you have three options: purchase ready-made pieces, ask artisans to customize something special, or create pottery pieces yourself!
I’m usually a huge fan of making my own effort, so the third option is my default choice.
But I’ve had success gifting commercial pieces and custom creations made by artisans as well.
My go-to source for handcrafted Wisconsin pottery is Rowe Pottery. I love both its DIY workshops and personalized offerings.
7. Kringle from Racine
Ask any local from Racine what the best gift you can buy from the city is.
Chances are, you’ll hear them mention Kringle—a Danish pastry filled with assorted fruits and other delicious ingredients.
Since Danish immigrants brought this pastry to Racine in the 19th century, it not only grew in popularity, but it also earned the city the title of Kringle Capitol of the World!
The most iconic bakeries to find this delicacy include O&H Danish Bakery (which has 5 locations across the state) and Bendtsen’s Bakery. Visiting them is one of my favorite weekend trips in Wisconsin.
If checking out these bakeries isn’t really an option during your trip, though, you can always order some Kringles online instead.
I typically repackage Kringles in high-quality gift bags or even cake boxes to make them more presentable, making it one of the best Wisconsin souvenirs.
8. Outdoor Gear
Just spend an hour in one of the state parks in Wisconsin, and it’ll take you no time to realize that Wisconsin is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Now, you may be unable to bring Wisconsin’s scenic views, abundant activities, and fresh air back home.
But, as an alternative, you can gift the state’s very own high-quality outdoor gear to people you love.
From camping essentials, fishing equipment, and hiking gear, there’s pretty much every outdoor need in this nature-loving state, making outdoor gear one of the best Wisconsin gift ideas all year round.
I always make sure to drop by local gear shops before visiting parks or lakes in Wisconsin.
They usually have very broad selections for men and women of all ages. So, whenever I try yoga retreats in Wisconsin, the girls and I make sure to shop for new gear as well!
9. Local Art and Prints
Wisconsin is brimming with artisans, painters, and craftspeople who are always creating unique and inspiring pieces.
This is one reason why I never skip visiting local workshops, art fairs, or art galleries when brainstorming Wisconsin vacation ideas!
They’re the perfect stopovers whenever I’m taking scenic drives in Wisconsin,
As much as possible, I recommend tailoring the art or prints you pick to the preferences of the recipient you’re buying them for.
But, if you just want to take the task of giftgiving off your hands early and choose gifts that can make anyone smile.
I recommend framed art or prints, handmade home decor, functional artistic pieces, or jewelry.
10. Wisconsin-Themed Apparel
When I looked up Wisconsin themed gift ideas years back and saw Wisconsin-inspired apparel, I knew right then that I had to gift some of these to my friends back in Luxembourg.
I gifted everyone in my circle several shirts with something related to Wisconsin.
Some had the outline of Wisconsin state’s shape, others featured icons like cheese or landmarks, and a couple of shirts had humorous memes or slogans related to Wisconsin.
Depending on which styles you choose, Wisconsin-themed apparel can appear very stylish or be very playful.
You can either enjoy a great outfit or a good laugh. That’s the uniqueness of this gift.
If you want to make Wisconsin-themed shirts more personal or relevant to your recipients, I highly recommend customizing them with the design of your choice online or in local print shops.
They’ll easily be some of the most unique gifts from Wisconsin you’ll ever buy!
11. Gourmet Sausages and Brats
If you’re gifting a foodie, one of the best Wisconsin gift ideas you should try is gourmet sausages and brats.
The state is very popular for its meat processing capabilities.
If you buy from locally yet renowned producers like Lake Geneva Country Meats and Usinger’s, you’re sure to purchase sausages and brats that are packed with flavors, very versatile, and can please any palate.
I love placing several varieties of sausages and brats in gift boxes with a card of custom messages and recipe ideas. I also loved gifting snack sticks!
The only downside of this gift idea is that it’s perishable, which limits who and where you can give it to.
12. Wisconsin Cookbooks
Last but never least, my favorite out of all the unique gifts from the state is Wisconsin cookbooks.
It’s pretty surprising how very few people mention this when talking about Wisconsin gift ideas, considering that the state has such a rich culinary tradition, including the already-mentioned delicacies like Kringles, cherry pies, and bratwurst.
Cookbooks are some of the best inclusions for gift boxes that include any type of food.
Since they’re practical and can last for another generation, recipients will likely find this thoughtful and cherish it.
My final thoughts on Wisconsin Gift Ideas
When I first saw movies set in Wisconsin, I immediately knew that I had to see the state for myself.
Then, when I saw the state in person, I knew right there and then that I had to bring at least a part of its beauty home with me to share with my friends, colleagues, and family.
If you agree with this thought, remember the best gifts from Wisconsin that I mentioned and share the state’s love with your loved ones.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
