This is one of the cutest variety stores in town and it's one of those places where you want to be there to shop in person. They have all kinds of candy, puzzles, knitting materials, and it's very likely you'll find something unique for you/and or loved ones. read more

Fischberger's Variety - Nostalgic and fun candy! - Toy Stores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

A cute hidden gem! I've been looking for blind boxes (specifically sonny angels and smiskis) and so far this is the only place that has them in Milwaukee. They have a ton of other cute items as well (stickers, snacks, plushies, etc). The owner is super sweet and kind and will put items on hold for you if you ask. I'll definitely be back to check out their new miffy items (and other blind boxes of course!). read more

This is the most charming toy/gift store! I love all the vintage toys and candy, so fun. They also have really cute fabrics and fun gifts.

Very cool store in River West. Old school candy, puzzles, games, hobby supplies, crafts, jewelry, gifts, and many more cool items. Visit for unique gift ideas and treats. read more

See all

What a fun shop! My cousin and I visited recently and found ourselves in danger of spending all of our money. Fischberger's has some of everything. There is fun, retro candy, stickers of all types, funny signs, cool books, fabric, craft supplies, games, kids stuff, knickknacks you never knew you needed, cards, puzzles, Japanese figurines and so much more. This place is blast and a great place for fun gifts for others or yourself. Prepare to spend longer than you intended here and to spend more dollars than you budgeted for. The proprietor is friendly and helpful as well. Win-win-win. read more

Couldn't recommend more. I'm not usually the type to leave a review but I can't say enough good things about this place. I live over an hour away but I will happily be coming back when more Sonny Angels are in stock The person working was also so kind and helpful! read more

I consistently make a point to come here when visiting from out of town. This store opened up a few years before I moved so it's important to me to shop local whenever I can and support small business. What I love; -The cute and kitsch. Everything is unique or funny, or useful or clever. -There is something for everyone. Board games, socks, journals, kitchen stuff, you name it. -Carefully curated and displayed. Though there is so much in this store, it is carefully merchandised. You are not overwhelmed and you don't have to dig to see it all. -Service is genuine. Sarah supports the neighborhood and she's going to ensure you have a great experience. She personally gift wrapped all of my gifts on my last visit. -Surprises. Although most of the items could be considered gifts, there are also plenty of arts and crafts materials to purchase including fabric. Follow her on Facebook for fabric updates. If you are looking for a new spot for presents/souvenirs, shop Fischberger's! read more

See all

It's a unique store where I always find interesting things that make me smile. Thank you for all you do to keep things fresh and fun

How have I not reviewed this store yet? If you haven't shopped here, YOU ARE SERIOUSLY MISSING OUT! This is my all-time favorite, local shop for all my gift needs. I also think it's extremely important to shop local and support your local community. This place offers a wide variety (go figure) of unique, kitschy, and/or one-of-a-kind items. Whether it's Christmas, Mother's Day, birthdays for young and old, anniversaries, or just because, they have something that fits and stands out! If you haven't gone here yet, give it a try! Be warned though, you might get sucked in! PS The owners are really cool, friendly, and helpful. read more

Fischbergers was sort of exactly as I imagined. Someone described it as a non chain urban outfitters and that's a good way to put it. They are heavy on the toys and sewing stuff but regardless I'd say this will be my go to place in the future for gifts. Its not huge but they cram alot into the space and it was bigger than I thought once I got inside. There's definitely alot of toys and alot are educational/science-y (somethings telling me real scientists don't use the term "sciency" but whatever), but there's also kitchen items, weird little things like stickers, nail art stuff, old fashioned candies, and pet items. Yes, theres also a lot of fabric and sewing stuff if you're into that (or a book called "how to sew a button" if you're like me.) It's really nice to have a place like this so close to home in the neighborhood. Definitely check it out if you're looking for last minute gifts and hard to buy for people! read more

Fischberger's Variety - Toy Stores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Fischberger's is just plain FUN! It is the sort of variety store that used to be more common decades ago, but today qualifies as a rare retail gem. For years we had gone past Fischberger's on Holton and assumed (incorrectly) that it was like Winky's in Whitefish Bay, the other Milwaukee-area variety store. Finally on 2019's Small Business Saturday (the day after Black Friday every year), we stopped in and immediately fell in love. The store features a diverse variety of toys, games, cards, books, and even yarn/knitting supplies. Most of their items are things I have not seen for sale anywhere else. My recent purchases have included phone charger cord protectors, a set of postcards based on early NASA photos, and a book about Milwaukee's Oak Leaf Trail. In a sense, Fishberger's feels like the type of sort where Mr. Rogers would have shopped for things to share with his TV neighbors. At this point, you might be thinking to yourself, "Well, can't I find all those same items online at sites like Amazon or Etsy?" Well, yes....but it would take you hours (or more likely days) of web surfing to find these objects, plus experiencing them in person with the associated tactile impact is so much more informative than simple online photos. And as other reviewers have pointed out, buying at Fischberger's translates to supporting a local business (and in the end, Fischberger's doesn't cost anything more than purchasing online would). So if you're looking for a very unique gift of something that stands out from the everyday, check out Fischberger's Variety Store. read more

I love Fischberger's. It is a throwback to the good ole days!! They have the cutest and largest variety of items one could think of. I would recommend a stop there for anyone, adult and child. You will not be disappointed. There is something for everyone!! read more

This is a pretty cool place where you will not find many things, possibly anything, you would find at your local megamart. I went in looking for gifts for my son's second birthday. They have toys, clothes mostly for adults, and a bunch of other things. I was interested mainly in toys so that's the stuff I paid the most attention to. The prices are ok. They seemed a little high to me, but looking at similar items later in the day at Walmart, I found that they are indeed reasonable prices. In other words, you may pay about the same as you would at your local corporate megalith, but you're getting a better and more unique product. Plus, the customer service is really good. I will be back. read more

Guys, I think I'm in love. This is my new absolute favorite shop in the Milwaukee area. Everywhere you turn inside Fischberger's is surprise and delight. There is something for everyone in here! The angsty teen who's into gender politics? Check - we've got buttons that make fun of Trump. The kids who like messy science experiments? Check - we've got science experiment kits. Your crazy cat lady friend? Check - there's a "test your cat's IQ" kit. Your aunt who loves baking? Check - there's all kinds of beautiful cookware. Your cranky coworker? Check - we've got hilarious coffee mugs for the office. Your mom or your sister or your partner who loves jewelry? Check - there are loads of gorgeous and adorable earrings and necklaces. I challenge any person to come into this shop and NOT leave with a giant grin on their face! And they will gift wrap your purchase for you in beautiful colorful wrapping paper and ribbon for free! I want to be able to just come here every day and hang out. I feel like it's not possible to actually see and appreciate all the cool stuff for sale in this store at any given time, because there is just too much. I am super excited that I have another friend's birthday this week, since it's a good reason to make a trip to Fischberger's! You should find a reason to go, too. Here's one: it's a day that ends in "y". read more

I can't stop thinking about these little stickers (eyeballs, smiles, etc) they have here that are meant to put on your stapler or computer or whatever to animate the inanimate objects I stare at on my desk all the day long. I really gotta go get those. I kinda went crazy buying stuff here for xmas for the kids I wanted to buy for because they have such outstanding toys and science kits. I found a pin that says F*$@ (real word was spelled out) Cars with a picture of a figure rolling back the road. HAD to get it. It's just a funky cool store with a wide variety of really awesome stuff. read more

It's been years since my first review but I stopped in recently and the store is just as good, if not better, than before. They have so many cute things here and it was easy to find some little gifts for my mom (a woman who has everything/hard to shop for!). They also offer free gift wrap - they have dozens of different colored gift bags and ribbons to choose from. In the warmer months they have seeds and starter plants to get your garden growing. Go here for gifts and also treat yo' self! read more

Stopped in yesterday for a gift for a first birthday party. There were plenty of options available for children's toys and at a variety of prices. The woman who was working there was very helpful in determining which toys were age appropriate for a one-year old. In addition, there were fabrics, purses, books and other little trinkets. I would highly recommend this place if you are in need of a unique gift! read more

Plants and yarn and art and books and toys and fabric A wizard's closet read more

Get out of my head! I walked into the store, and at every turn I found something in my Etsy "Favorites" list. None of this order and hope you like it stuff. Nope, it's right there to pick up, turn over a few times as you ponder whether you are really going to give it to a friend vs. keep it for yourself, and then trot up to the checkout feeling like a rockstar gift-giver. The store has things fanciful, whimsical, sarcastic, earnest, and fun for just about anyone in your life. It's not a, "Here's the $300 vase I bought for your birthday" kind of place, more like a, "Here's this really neat and a bit odd thing I saw for $17.99 that reminded me of you so I had to buy it even though it's not your birthday" kind of place. I little piece of me is happier for having found this store. Thank you, store owners, for curating such neat things! read more

This is by far one of the most pleasant toy stores in existence! Owner operated and they could not have been nicer people. Imagine unique and creative toys that will last years! Guess that's what happens when everything is not plastic. They really have something for everyone, toys for all ages! Make sure to get your gifts wrapped before you leave, the bright colors and ribbons are perfect. read more

See all

This is a unique and interesting store full of all kinds of items, from kids toys to t-shirts, plants for the garden, books, notepads, you name it. It's the kind of store that you go to 2-3 times per year to pick up unique gifts for the people in your life. It's impossible to not linger in this place to explore the incredible variety of things they have for sale. read more

Fischbergers is my go-to for anytime I need a gift. Birthdays, baby showers, housewarming, etc. I head right to fischbergers. My gifts have ranged from 80s cat calendars (one month being Golden Girls themed!) to adorably cute and durable tupperware (non brand) with little printed bugs. I usually gift shop with the idea "buy something you'd want for yourself" and the options are pretty much endless there. And the best part!!! THEY GIFT WRAP. For free!! Seriously, it looks so nice and I hate dealing with gift wrap or gift bags! They have a great little section of craft supplies, with a good selection of fabric and yarn. I wish there were more craft supplies, mostly b/c there are no craft stores in the area. But understandable b/c they wouldn't have the space for much more. There's also fun throwback candy, plants and seeds seasonally, great homewares, and items you didn't know you needed. Like a calculator watch I bought there. It's such a great addition to the neighborhood. I'll be moving out next year and will greatly miss living so close to this gem. read more

My favorite place to get gifts for every occasion and every age!!! They have such a fun selection of weird, fun, beautiful, things. They have stuff for the home, for your kids, really amazing jewelry, high quality craft stuff... everything you can want! Support local!! read more

My teenage son and I visited after finding them on Yelp. The store is as cool as everyone suggested. There is indeed a variety--of gifts, novelties, toys, and even craft supplies--all lovingly curated by the store's owners. I was very pleased with the selection of gifts and books, and relieved it wasn't full of junk but rather quality items, much of it made in fair trade or in the US or by hand. The store workers didn't bother us or hover but were quite available to answer questions. Ended up getting my friend's entire birthday present there of little this and thats, and they so kindly wrapped it all in colorful colored tissue paper with grosgrain ribbon FOR FREE. Got a ceramic bowl with ninjas in it for my exchange student's ramen. Totally cool. I am totally going to be back for every gift and for my own indulgences. read more

I guess I was expecting this to be more like Drew's Variety. Small store in Riverwest. We weren't greeted when we walked in. Although there were not many people there, it was crowded and difficult to walk around. The variety of items they have is nice. You'd be able to find a gift for someone here. I bought a package of violet candies. If I'm in the area, I would stop by again. I don't think I will be making a special trip back here anytime soon. read more

To boil it down: it is a small non-mainstream version of Urban Outfitters. I like to call it UO with a Soul. Phenomenal store with so many fun things. When we stopped by, it was first thing on a Saturday morning and they were setting up an Heirloom Plant Sale. How fun. The owner was super nice and helpful, and while the store may seem like it is in the middle of nowhere, it was worth the drive. It was a really tiny store, but honestly one of the highlights of our trip. Some of our purchases include: wool roving, incense, an heirloom tomato plant, and a potato gun. read more

Very funky store, couldn't exist anywhere else in the city than Riverwest. Their stuff ranges from chintzy to chic and bizzarre to practical. I love their graphic novel and coffee table book selections. They're super fun! What's not great is that they devote so much space to fabrics and knitting supplies. All their other "departments" are smaller, and only occupy a small portion of the store, but Fischberger's whole back wall is dedicated to these two crafts. Are there really that many people making mittons? I guess so. I'm going back soon cuz I saw some things I really wanted. You're sure to find something fun and unique here for yourself or a loved one. read more

Wow, this place is freaking COOL AND AWESOME. My friend and I came in and were honestly BLOWN AWAY by the awesomeness and variety of stuff they have here. I bought two presents for friends and wanted to buy 1 billion things for myself. This shop would flourish in any large urban city, but I'm obsessed with it partly because it's on a non-descript street in Milwaukee. They wrap your stuff for free if it's a present, and they wrap it adorably and give you wrapping paper and ribbon to take home if you want some. The girl who owns it and her mother were working together when I was there, and they were both super helpful and nice. If you want to buy a unique present or find a zillion things that'll make you smile or gasp or go OH MY GOD THIS IS SO COOL!..... go to Fischberger's Variety. read more

I love to support this great local business. Part of the story of RiverWest is pioneers putting stakes down in a rough part of town and making a go of it. And Fishbergers is an extreme, and extrmely unlikely, success. When I think of the variety stores from my childhood, I think of junk food, posterboard, and yarn. Well, i this case I was right about the yarn at least! In addtion to all your knitting action you'll find tons of kid stuff, comics and graphic novels, kitchy housewares, and no small amount of gardening supplies. Oh, and unique stationary and wrapping paper to boot. Just go, you'll walk away pleased with something that you weren't expecting and that's a good thing! read more

I really love that Fischberger's is just 2 blocks from my house in Riverwest! It is always my first stop when I need to pick up a fun gift for a friend, or a card to celebrate a special occasion. They have an amazing selection of items for all ages, and will beautifully gift wrap anything you buy if needed. read more

Variety is the spice of life!! This store has so many things going on it makes me want to quote Forrest Gump and say "you never know what you're gonna get". Fischbergers allows me to keep shopping local and I even find gifts for people I wasn't shopping for. Housed in a beautiful old building, this store is a unique staple for thoughtful gift giving! read more

Such a great store! Our go to place for gifts, especially unique kids gifts, awesome cards and craft/sewing supplies. Highly recommend.

Fischberger's rules. I found the gift I wanted within about 2 minutes, but lingered for almost a half hour checking out the rest of the cool and completely random fares. This seems like the ideal place to scratch that itch of wanting to buy something but not really knowing what that something is until you see it. So if you have a few bucks or lots of bucks burning a hole in your pocket, you're sure to find a way to part with your money here and be totally okay with it. read more

You need felt in the best colors? Hand puppets and educational toys? Healthy, local seedlings and plants (in season); a journal? A good book? And lots of fun gifty stuff and sewing goods. Notions and sundries, if you will. From soup to nuts. Dang, they should sell soup, too. And nuts. They would both be cute and nice, if Fischberger's were to sell them. Great for kids. Patronize this place! read more

I love Fischberger's! Right in my neighborhood with great, colorful gifts and CRAFT supplies! Which means I don't have to drive to Cudahy or Brown Deer any time I need a yard of fabric. The fabric is nice quality which the price reflects. No burlap which is what I was looking for but they have felt and flannel. The lady who helped me was the owner's mom and she gave me a coupon for seeds or plants which they stock in the spring. I will definitely be back soon! read more

I need no other reason to shop here than the guy/husband/dad part of the ownership puts his hair in pig tails. Awesomesauce!

When I am in Milwaukee I always visit Fischberger's Variety. There are so many whimsical items to choose from and I always find great gifts, and housewares. Each item in the store has been lovingly picked by the owners. Check here before going to a big box store, you will likely find what you are looking for. Thank you Fischberger's for being there! read more

I love cool stuff shops, and this is one that really goes the extra mile to cover all the bases for a trendy, quirky, quasi-hipstery and hipster-friendly clientele. I bought a really well priced patch for my blue jeans, a smartass postcard, and a D20 button, and I almost bought a set of measuring cups shaped like Russian nesting dolls, a graphic novel, and a coloring book about dinosaurs. They really do have a little of everything, and it all has a sense of humor. I guess you can call it a gift shop, but I only found things I coveted for myself. I also saw a ton of things I'd never seen anywhere else, and all at pretty decent prices. The staff, while awesome and helpful when asked, were very laid back and hands off, not stalking the store and pressuring us like other small shops. Plus, there was a wonderful dog. A high recommend. read more

If someone knows of another toy store cooler than this one, please let me know. I love the variety and novelty aspects. I have always found great gifts here. One time a staff member actually called the owner because there was no price on the item I wanted to purchase. The owner told the clerk to give it me for price she paid. Nice and helpful! Anytime my family comes to visit, they want to stop at Fischberger's. They have a small parking lot, which I have always fond a spot in. The street parking is not the best or best area. read more

This is Sarah and River's store; reason enough to go there! Fischberger's is just what it claims to be-a variety store. It has apparel, fabric, kitchen equipment and lots of lots of fun gift ideas. I love how many original and educational kid items they have. This is definitely a place to find great birthday and Christmas gifts. read more