From childhood Christmas memories to whimsical gifts and a winter wonderland in Downtown Kenosha, Tina Warner is making the season a little more magical!
There's something special about seeing the holidays through the eyes of a child. The excitement, the traditions, the memories, and, of course, the magic of finding that perfect gift!
For Tina Warner, owner of Millie Bo Peep in Downtown Kenosha, creating those special moments is what her boutique is all about.
Named after her daughter, Millie, the locally owned children's boutique is filled with thoughtfully selected clothing, toys, books, and gifts. But beyond the shelves of adorable merchandise, Tina has created a welcoming space where families can discover something special and make memories along the way.
And when the holiday season arrives? Let's just say Millie Bo Peep doesn't waste any time getting into the Christmas spirit!
We caught up with Tina to talk about holiday traditions, childhood memories, what's new at Millie Bo Peep, and why shopping local means so much to her.
Meet Tina Warner!
Tell us a little about yourself and Millie Bo Peep. What makes your boutique special?
"I'm the proud owner of Millie Bo Peep, a locally owned children's boutique in the heart of Downtown Kenosha! Named after my daughter, Millie, our boutique was created with the dream of bringing something truly special to our community.
"We specialize in thoughtfully curated children's clothing, toys, gifts, books, and accessories for little ones and their families. But Millie Bo Peep is so much more than a children's store. We've worked hard to create a place where families feel welcomed, childhood is celebrated, and shopping feels like an experience rather than just another errand."
That dedication hasn't gone unnoticed! Millie Bo Peep was voted Best Customer Service and Best Place to Find Unique Gifts in the 2025 Best of Kenosha awards.
What can someone expect when they visit Millie Bo Peep for the first time?
"A little bit of magic!
"From the moment you walk into Millie Bo Peep, we want you to feel like you've discovered something special. Our boutique is filled with beautiful children's clothing, unique toys, whimsical gifts, and carefully selected brands you won't find just anywhere.
"We're especially known for being an authorized retailer of Jellycat and Schylling NeeDoh, two incredibly popular brands that bring customers from near and far. But beyond the products, it's the atmosphere and our team that make the experience memorable".
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!
Are you someone who starts decorating for the holidays in October, or do you wait until after Thanksgiving?
"When you're in retail, it's never too early for holiday decorating. Our team is spending Halloween together decorating the shop so it'll be a Winter Wonderland come November 1st!"
That's right! While the rest of us are still putting away the Halloween decorations, Tina and her team are already bringing Christmas magic to Downtown Kenosha!
What special gifts, products, and experiences can shoppers look forward to this holiday season?
"Absolutely! The holiday season is packed with excitement at Millie Bo Peep.
"We'll be celebrating with seasonal collections, exciting new arrivals, special holiday shopping promotions, and events throughout November and December.
"We're especially excited about our holiday Jellycat collections, festive Maileg collection, MAGNA-TILES, NeeDoh, and our selection of beautiful holiday apparel and pajamas from some of our favorite brands. We've even brought in matching family holiday pajamas this year.
"We're also planning special shopping opportunities around Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, along with festive experiences for families."
What's one gift you'd recommend for someone shopping for a special little person this Christmas?
"We have something for just about every little personality!
"Jellycat plush toys are always a favorite, especially for collectors and anyone who loves something cuddly and whimsical. NeeDoh sensory toys make fantastic stocking stuffers, while MAGNA-TILES encourage creativity and imaginative play.
"We also carry beautiful Maileg mice and accessories, thoughtfully selected books, games, puzzles, and clothing from brands like Kyte Baby, Rylee & Cru, Quincy Mae, and more.
"One of our favorite things is helping customers put together a meaningful gift, whether it's a small stocking stuffer or something extra special under the tree.
"And when you're not quite sure what to choose, a Millie Bo Peep gift card is always a wonderful option!"
A Little Christmas Nostalgia
Let's take a trip down memory lane! What's one of your favorite holiday memories from childhood?
"Baking with my Grandma. I was handed down some of her festive cookie cutters, so it takes me right back to when I was a kid, helping her in her kitchen around the holidays. We also went down Christmas Lane to look at the neighborhood's lights.”
Sometimes the simplest traditions leave the biggest impressions. And there's something especially sweet about holiday memories that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
Small Business, Big Heart!
What do you love most about owning a business in Kenosha?
"Without question, the community.
"There's something incredibly special about owning a small business in a place where people genuinely care about one another. I've watched customers become friends, families grow, and fellow business owners support one another through both the exciting moments and the challenging ones.
"I'm also passionate about supporting other small businesses. Through my involvement with the Downtown Kenosha business community and nonprofit, small business, BIG HEARTS, I've had the opportunity to see firsthand just how much heart our local entrepreneurs put into this city."
Why is shopping local especially important during the holidays?
"Because when you shop small, you're supporting so much more than a storefront, a restaurant, or what have you.
"You're supporting someone's dream, their family, their employees, and the community they call home.
"Small businesses are the ones sponsoring local events, donating to fundraisers, supporting schools and nonprofits.
"Every purchase matters, especially during the holiday season. When people choose to spend their dollars locally, they're helping ensure these businesses will be here for years to come. The only way small businesses win is if we all win."
Looking Ahead to 2027
Is there anything exciting happening at Millie Bo Peep as we head into the new year?
"We're always dreaming up something new!
"As we wrap up 2026, we're continuing to expand our selection of unique toys, gifts, and children's brands while creating even more opportunities for families to connect through events and experiences.
"We just brought on a new Events & Experiences Coordinator to the team (Kate), and we're so excited to create more magic at the shop!
"One of our biggest focuses moving into 2027 is continuing to grow Millie Bo Peep beyond traditional retail. We want to create more memorable experiences, collaborations with fellow small businesses, and opportunities for families to enjoy Downtown Kenosha."
As 2026 comes to a close, what are you most thankful for?
"Our customers, our team, and the incredible community that continues to believe in us.
"Owning a small business comes with plenty of challenges, but it also comes with moments that remind me why I started.
"Every time a customer chooses to shop with us, brings a friend into the store, shares one of our posts, attends an event, or tells a friend about us... it means the world to us.
"Kenosha has given our little boutique so much love, and I hope we continue finding meaningful ways to give that love right back!"
Make Millie Bo Peep Part of Your Holiday Shopping!
Whether you're searching for the perfect gift for a little one, picking out matching family pajamas, or simply enjoying a day of holiday shopping in Downtown Kenosha, Millie Bo Peep is a wonderful place to discover something special.
And with new collections, holiday promotions, and festive experiences planned throughout November and December, there's plenty of reason to stop in more than once!
While you're Downtown, make a day of it! Explore neighboring shops, grab a bite at a local restaurant, and experience the holiday charm of Kenosha.
Because sometimes the best gifts aren't just the ones wrapped under the tree. They're the memories made along the way.
Learn more about Millie Bo Peep • 5720 6th Avenue Kenosha, WI 53140
