Top Ten Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Gifts from Racine

by Kenneth Michel

There are only a few remaining days until the biggest shopping weekend of the year! No matter how you spend it, this weekend is always a big one – tackling that must-have item on your list, fulfilling shopping traditions, and getting to your favorite stores.

Between Black Friday and Small Business Saturday – you could put a real dent in your “nice” list.

We’ve been working on assembling our own list of items and places to shop. Being local small business owners, we like to focus on buying local as much as possible. We know how important these businesses are to the area. It’s estimated that 60-70% of each dollar spent at a local small business stays right in the community. 

 Here is our TOP TEN list of items that we are picking up this weekend!

  1. FCBG Six Pack Gift Cards & FCBG Legacy Club Memberships (available online) - We know, we know, we put our items first on the list. (Hey, it’s our list!) For real though, the gift cards and memberships are limited, so we actually do purchase them now for our “nice” list. Both items are an awesome deal: The “Six Pack” Gift Card gives you 6 beers for the price of 4 ($20). It’s perfect for just about anyone – the co-worker you drew from the hat, your kid’s teacher, or your brother. Just as awesome (and possibly more coveted) is the Legacy Club Membership which gives you a 2020 Legacy Club Mug, 4 Free Drinks ($20 value), Invites to two Legacy Club Tastings ($50 value), first to know information, and new this year $1 off all beers/wine purchased on Thursday Nights. The membership is available at a special rate for Black Friday Weekend for just $45.  Both items go on sale on Black Friday.
  2. Something shiny from Arts Metal Studio (Downtown Racine) – We’ve been huge fans of these guys since we can remember. In fact, so much so that they helped create Molly’s engagement ring and wedding band. They’ve been creating and selling original pieces for 15 years. Why get your loved one the same jewelry that everyone across America has when you can get something unique and handcrafted?
  3. Kringle, pies, cookies, gift cards or anything delicious from O & H Bakery (Mount Pleasant, Racine, Oak Creek) – Can you ever really go wrong with buying something from O & H? We think not! Heck, we even thought about going for some samples to help write this list…..Haha! We love shipping a kringle to family & friends that don’t live in the Racine area. Whether they moved or have never been here, they deserve a piece or two of this local delicacy!
  4. Something one-of-a-kind from Twice Baked Pottery (Downtown Racine) – We’ve heard nothing but great reviews about this place and we can’t wait to check it out. We always love a unique and original gift. Not only can you buy pottery that fits that bill, but you can purchase a private pottery class too.
  5. Classes/Membership at the Racine Art Museum (Racine) – For most in the Racine area, Wustum Museum was your first introduction to fine art. It’s even better now that you are old enough to truly appreciate everything they offer. They have a range of classes for adults or kids/families, and membership has some serious benefits.
  6. Grab a gift certificate for them and a meal for you at a locally owned Restaurant (All Over) – We haven’t decided which restaurants we are going to try this weekend but we are going to do our absolute best to try something new and/or locally owned. There are plenty of choices in the area from Italian to foodie inspired, Spanish to brunch specialists…take your pick!
  7. Something from Milaeger’s (Caledonia & Sturtevant) – We all have those people on our list that absolutely love gardening, plants, flowers and all that goes with it. You can’t go wrong picking them up something from either of the locations. Plus as a bonus, you can pick up some of your own holiday decorations while you’re there!
  8. Book a Camping Trip at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park (Caledonia) – Experiences are a great gift! This is one that our kids absolutely love to do every summer. Jellystone has so many family activities that it’s perfect for creating those childhood memories. Whether you pitch a tent, bring your camper or rent a cabin – a great time is in store! Reservations for 2020 are sure to fill up fast.
  9. Visit a Brewery for some swag (Racine, Milwaukee, Kenosha) – Breweries make a great stop this weekend – for a break and a gift. Many have special releases happening and sweet merchandise that makes great gifts. Also what’s cool about “shopping” at a brewery, especially the smaller ones - the owners and brewmasters are often there to chat, in case you decide to get yourself a well-earned pint as a reward.
  10. Make a Donation to a Good Cause (So Many Everywhere) – There are so many great organizations in Southeast Wisconsin that can always use the extra help this time of year. Everything from your local food shelter to your local park. Maybe make a donation as a gift? We strongly suggest you consider supporting groups such as Halo of Racine, SAFE Haven of Racine, Street Angels of Milwaukee, and Veteran’s Outreach. They all work with getting people off the streets, into safe environments and back on their feet.  

 

There are lots of great ways to spend your holiday weekend. We hope that no matter what you do, you get to spend some time with family and friends. A special thanks to all of those that have to work this weekend so the rest of us can enjoy it.

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