Got a few besties who could use a lush dose of TLC? Feb. 13 (a k a Galentine’s Day) is the perfect time to remind your girl squad that friendship can be just as rewarding as romantic partnership. So no matter which you choose, each of the following Wisconsin-based gifts will signify your female tribe is stronger than ever—and deserves to be celebrated more than once a year.
Ethically-Sourced Wine from Table Wine
McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé is one of the featured wines for the remainder of Black History Month at Table Wine in Madison. “Because the wine industry is predominantly white and male, we’re always on the lookout for wines made by a more diverse group of people,” says Table Wine owner Molly Moran. “We care deeply about featuring women-led businesses, and so the McBride Sisters wines are a great fit for our shop. Most importantly, the wines are delicious. We know people will fall in love with these well-made wines that have a great story behind them.” Pictured; photo by Rachel Werner.
Mantra Mood Boost with the Tell Her Collection
A Tell Her Collection Box is perfect for the woman who sees the strength and courage in other women and isn’t afraid to celebrate it. This ocean-inspired box is filled with two packs of Tell Her cards—beautifully designed 3-in.-by-3-in. cards with inspiring messages written by Fellow Flowers founder Mel Charbonneau—that a woman can send to a friend, hand out to a coworker or even drop anonymously to a stranger who she sees being brave, strong, true or weathering one of life’s storms. There’s an incredible ripple effect that happens when women build one another up, and Tell Her believes that when a woman inspires you, #tellher.
Bestie Brunch at Everyday Kitchen
After a brief hiatus after the holiday rush, Madison’s Everyday Kitchen reopens this week for onsite dining just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend. Executive Chef Taylor Green is excited to be releasing expanded brunch and dinner menus featuring a number of new items, alongside returning customers faves like the Spitfire Roasted Chicken. Green describes the latest additions as “designed for everyone” due to dietary modifications being easy to accommodate upon request for most entrées. He also hopes guests arrive ready to sample a variety of items because the brunch quinoa bowl, salmon lox benedict, bison meatloaf and Green’s rendition of a Wisconsin-style pork chop (smothered in melted Fontina cheese accompanied by a generous dollop of Door County cherry and jalapeño compote) are robust dishes meant to be shared.
Edible Delights by Madison Chocolate Company
If looking for palatable tokens of appreciation, consider customizing a three-piece velvet heart cutie at Madison Chocolate. Creator Megan Hile recommends including the ghost pepper caramel, rose truffle (made using single-origin chocolate and organic rose oil) and the port wine (infused with local Wollersheim Winery Port) in any of the build-your-own gift boxes. The chocolate-dipped lemon peels and passion fruit caramels also come pre-packaged in classy mini tins for those friends who a purse-sized, gluten-free treat would make the perfect gift for.
Mindfulness Moments via “Ten Ways to Hear Snow”
“Everyone should read this book by Cathy Camper in the winter to remind themselves of the magic of fresh snow and the beauty of empathy and true connection,” says Eau Claire-based Dotters Books co-owner Margaret Leonard. The main character Lina ventures outdoors after it snows to visit with her Lebanese grandmother who slowly has been losing her eyesight. Lina then spends her walk imagining all of the different ways her grandmother might experience snow, by listening very carefully.