If you're looking for the perfect holiday shopping destination, you've come to the right place. Wauwatosa is one of the best places to shop in Wisconsin, offering everything from unique boutiques to premier shopping centers. From charming small businesses to Mayfair Mall's countless shopping, dining, and entertainment options, Wauwatosa's five distinct shopping districts create an unforgettable experience for any occasion. With so many options, it's nearly impossible to explore everything in one day. Don’t fret, Wauwatosa has plenty of places to rest and recharge for a weekend of deals and fun. But for now, let’s look at (some of) the best places to shop in Wauwatosa.
68th & Wells
A quaint little district with a larger-than-life personality, 68th & Wells has quite a few hidden gems scattered throughout. Ruckus & Glee is a family-owned toy store that is a must-visit if you're shopping for children or those who are young at heart. Hyde Park MKE is woman-owned boutique featuring clothing, accessories, and gifts. They also offer tailoring and dry cleaning, tracing back to the store’s roots when it first opened in 1960. This district is filled with bakeries, a local chocolate shop, and coffee to fuel your shopping spree. We recommend a stop at Simma’s Bakery for their famous cheesecake or Ultimate Confections for hand-dipped chocolate candy.
The Village
The Village is a walkable and welcoming destination that is a paradise for shoppers and foodies alike. Fashion lovers will find a plethora of boutiques offering the latest in clothes and accessories, including Salamander, Shop Privvy, The Flannel Fox, and Mooi. If you're looking for fresh flowers or want to brighten up your living space, The Flower Lady is a must-visit. They're a one-stop shop for floral arrangements, greeting cards, and small gifts—ideal for holiday gifting. After all that shopping, you'll surely work up an appetite, and The Village is a great place to grab a bite to eat as well.
East Tosa
With local businesses, restaurants, and stunning murals, East Tosa gives classic Main Street vibes. The Little Village Play Café is a favorite of kids and parents. The café offers kids a chance to play while their parents can, sip, shop, and explore their thoughtfully curated gifts for kids and adults. Nearby, Lyss + Littles offers trendy children's apparel and a currated women's selection. If you’re in need of revitalizing your self-care routine, check out Cream City Soap Company. They offer handcrafted aromatherapy products from raw, fresh materials, making it the perfect gift for a friend, loved one…or yourself. For a taste of Hawaii, head to Ono Kine Grindz for authentic Hawaiian foods, coffee, teas, gifts and more. Before you leave East Tosa, make sure you check out the gallery of murals on North Avenue.
MidTown
If you want to feel like a local, check out MidTown Tosa. There’s no shortage of locally owned businesses and shops. Supporting local businesses AND finding great gifts for the people in your life sounds like a win-win! Ice cream is not just great for staying cool on a hot day…it also makes the perfect gift! Stop at Joy Ice Cream for a scoop, a pint, or gift card.
Beer lovers will get a kick out of Lion's Tail Brewing, a casual brewery with a must visit outdoor patio. If you can’t bring the patio to them, you can always bring the beer, with to-go cans of many of their top selling brews.
Mayfair Mall & The Mayfair Collection
Last but certainly not least is one of the biggest draws to our city: Mayfair Mall & The Mayfair Collection. Mayfair Mall is one of the most popular malls in the state and features countless national retailers for just about every need, including Apple, Barnes & Noble, Crate & Barrel, Lululemon, Macy’s, the state's only Nordstrom, and more. Located nearby is Mayfair Collection, a mixed-use development with an outdoor shopping mall that includes Nordstrom Rack, T.J. Maxx, Ulta, HomeGoods, and Old Navy. There’s also plenty of places to eat and stay in the area to help turn your shopping spree into a weekend full of fun!
