Highlights Archives
Holiday Shopping at Old World Wisconsin
If endless traipsing through crowded shopping malls in search of that elusive gift for the hard-to-buy-for people on your holiday shopping list has you stymied, consider a stop at Old World Wisconsin's museum shop. The store is stuffed with the unusual and the amusing, with a historic twist. There are loads of ornaments — most under $5. Some of the most unusual are miniature ball jar and lantern light covers, each of which fits over a bulb from a traditional strand of holiday lights, with nostalgic effect. There are also many old-time games and crafts, including a Miniature Dolls and their Quilts set, where the child can make both, or authentic dresses and sun bonnets, just like Laura Ingalls Wilder wore. And there are plenty of beguiling teddy bears, waiting for adoption.
 A gift display surrounded by Christmas-themed items You'll also find all kinds of old-fashioned Christmas cards, storybooks and cookbooks. At less than $5, they're delightful stocking stuffers that you won't find anywhere else. Civil War buffs will enjoy the section devoted just to them, which includes hats, books, even a puzzle map in a bottle. Celebrating the Serbian culture (the Serbian Holiday Dinner is our featured ethnic dinner this year), there are toys and books and ornaments that commemorate this heritage.
The museum store also has a terrific selection of vintage base ball items, honoring the 1860s game played at Old World Wisconsin. And then there are the books — books on every subject, from history to cooking to actual reproductions of schoolbooks used in the 19th century. There's also a wide selection of books autographed by Jerry Apps, winner of the 2007 Council for Wisconsin Writers' Major Achievement Award. There certainly is a reader for each of his books as he writes of days gone by — whether country wisdom, growing up on a farm or showcasing Wisconsin's one-room schoolhouses.
Don't forget the handmade! You'll find mittens made from wool spun on Old World Wisconsin's Kvaale farm or quilts stitched by hand by local artisans. Ask the museum shop staff to spread them out for you — you really have to see them to appreciate how lovely they are.
The elves have been busy this year and the museum store is a charmingly stocked testament to their work. Stop by for an old-fashioned gift. Stay for The Spirit of Christmas Past event on December 1-2 and 8-9! It's a delightful way to get into the Christmas spirit today.
The Old World Wisconsin museum store will be open for select off-season hours on Saturday and Sunday, December 1- 2 and 8-9, from 2 to 8:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 3-7 and December 10-15.
:: Posted November 29, 2007
|
