Guide to Online & In-Person Holiday Shopping

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are already dreaming of warm sweaters and winter coats, beautiful wintery scenery, and the excitement of holiday shopping for our friends and family. From outdoor equipment, clothing, and accessories to art and décor, specialty food/ingredients, toys and kids’ gear, and one-of-a-kind artisan goods, you can find a gift for just about anyone on your list up here.

For those who want to support their favorite local shops from afar this season, there’s no shortage of online-shopping options.

But late-fall and early-winter visitors looking to get some Christmas shopping done while enjoying a weekend away are in luck, too. Many Door County shops and boutiques are open for business and will stay open throughout the winter, but be ready to follow simple safety precautions such as businesses requiring face masks and limiting guest capacity.

6 Holiday-Shopping Tips

• Shop online: In this day and age, lots of local shop owners have online stores set up with at least some of their inventory available. If you’re looking to streamline your shopping this year or get your shopping done whilst social-distancing, online shopping is the way to go. 
  
  
• Make a weekend of it: Book a stay at a hotel, bed & breakfast, or cabin, bring the kids or some friends, and do some peninsula- and island-hopping to find the perfect gifts. Holiday shopping makes for a great framework for an overnight trip. As you traverse the county in search of amazing gifts, you’ll see miles and miles of gorgeous shoreline, quaint towns, and lovely rustic scenery.
  
  
• Do your research: When shopping in person this holiday season, always be sure to double-check a business’s winter hours before heading out for a shopping trip. Some shops are closed in winter or have special hours.
  
  
• Make a game plan: Make a list of the friends and family you want to get gifts for this year and think about what type of gift they might like, even if you don’t have a specific item in mind.
  
  Is your sister into clothes and fashion? Does your brother-in-law love athleisure wear? Does someone collect antiques, adore books, love outdoor recreation, or have a green thumb? There are shops for every age, gender, interest, and price point, so think ahead about how you can be efficient and strategic when shop-hopping.
  
  
• Embrace discovery: That said, don’t be afraid to throw the shopping list out the window and embrace a spirit of discovery and surprise. There are so many shops and boutiques up here selling diverse and distinctive gifts—you’re sure to find something unique for any and everyone.
  
  
• Don’t forget about gift cards: If someone you love loves Door County and gets up here regularly, look no further than the Door County gift certificate, which can be used at dozens of different local shops and stores, not to mention dining and recreation businesses too.
  
  Or, go straight to the source and snag a gift card from the person’s favorite local shop, restaurant, or attraction. Many businesses offer gift cards in their online shops as well as in person.

Where to Go Holiday Shopping in Door County

• Ephraim
  In Ephraim, shoppers can find home goods, art and home accents, garden décor, jewelry and beads, and casual clothing/accessories.
  
  
• Fish Creek
  Historic and new buildings blend in downtown Fish Creek where vendors showcase clothing, outdoor gear, jewelry, leather apparel, home accessories, olive oil, handmade moccasins, and children’s gifts. 
  
  
• Egg Harbor
  Egg Harbor is home to multiple women’s boutiques as well as shops selling clothing for men and kids, accessories like sunglasses and footwear, home décor, bath and body products, artisan food and wine, handmade art, and numerous antique stores.
  
  
• Carlsville
  In Carlsville, you’ll find the county’s first coffee roaster, plus a fruit market, candle works, and winery and distillery.
  
  
• Sturgeon Bay
  Sturgeon Bay contains three distinct shopping districts: 3rd Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Jefferson Street. 
  
  The most well known is the historic 3rd Avenue, which offers several boutiques, candy shops, and a department store. Across the bridge, on the West Side, is Madison Avenue, where you’ll find antiques and vintage stores, gourmet products, jewelry, and apparel. And Jefferson Street is home to shops and boutiques selling clothing, accessories, jewelry, home décor, kitchen wares, antiques, and gifts.
  
  
• Jacksonport
  Folk art, Amish quilts, and a renowned fiber art studio highlight this slow-paced community shopping scene.
  
  
• Baileys Harbor
  Baileys Harbor is a bustling lakeside town with plenty of year-round shopping and entertainment. Here you’ll find a premier furniture and home décor shop, antiques, art, a winery, and an organic farm.
  
  
• Washington Island
  A trip over Death’s Door to shop the island is a breathtaking experience. After 30 minutes soaking in the scene from the Washington Island Ferry, you’ll discover two lovely lavender farms offering gifts, books, souvenirs, and imported products.
  
  
• Gills Rock
  This tiny fishing village is home to Charlie’s Smokehouse, where you can buy freshly smoked fish, and Bea’s Ho-Made Products, a great stop for incredible pies, pickles, relishes, jams, and more farmstead favorites.
  
  
• Ellison Bay
  In Ellison Bay, shop for art and pottery, hand-crafted leather goods, paintings, and gifts. Just south of town, you’ll find farm markets chock full of homemade goods like local wine and spirits, jarred and pickled foods, and baked goods.
  
  
• Sister Bay
  Sister Bay is home to stores specializing in outdoor sports and apparel, holiday specialties, antiques, and home décor. Eclectic art and galleries abound as well! 

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