By Matt Cordio Special to OnMilwaukee Published Dec 21, 2018 at 9:01 AM

Looking for a unique gift idea for someone you care about this holiday season? I’ve compiled a list of eight local tech startups in the Milwaukee area with wonderful gift ideas.

1. Bright Cellars

Bright Cellars is a monthly wine subscription that pairs members with wine based on their individual tastes. Bright Cellars gift recipients receive a unique gift code that allows them to take the company’s taste palate quiz, which asks questions like, "What’s your favorite type of chocolate?" The quiz will match your recipient with four bottles of wine, based on their quiz responses, and send new matches directly to their door each month.

Gift subscriptions from Bright Cellars are completely customizable. You select the number of months in your recipient’s subscription (four bottles per month) and you choose the delivery method. Gift codes can be sent via email (instant!) or via mail in a unique gift box. Each option provides an experience unlike any other for your friends and loved ones. Cheers and happy holidays!

2. HaloVino

HaloVino is the shatterproof, stackable, stemless wine glass you are seeing all over town – including at Miller Park, the BMO Bradley Center, Wisconsin State Fair and the Milwaukee Rep. Invented by a local sommelier and wine school owner, HaloVino's unique patented design makes wine taste better with none of the splatter. One-hundred percent dishwasher safe, HaloVino is a gift your wine-loving friends and family will love! Great for parties, picnics, pools, camping and boating. Even better, HaloVino is manufactured right here in Wisconsin. Purchase some HaloVino glasses for the wine lover on your list today on Amazon. Cheers!

3. GenoPalate

Give your beloved one a gift that can last for a life-time! GenoPalate’s proprietary algorithm analyzes your genetics, health and lifestyle information to deliver your personal food map and nutrition guide to help you eat healthy and optimize your nutrition and wellness. So help a loved one transform the way they eat through the analysis of their DNA with GenoPalate!

4. MobCraft Beer

In 2011, MobCraft founders Henry Schwartz and Andrew Gierczak dreamed up an idea for a crowd-sourced brewery where the people decide what’s brewed. The result now is the perfect gift for the beer lover in your life, near or far: subscribe them to MobCraft's crowdsourced beer releases! Three, six, twelve and ongoing beer release options available! Not located in Wisconsin? That’s fine; MobCraft ships beer to your door.

Does the beer lover in your life prefer to visit MobCraft’s taproom located in Walker’s Point? Gift them a membership to the MobCraft Mug Club. Members enjoy limited beer releases, parties, discounts and more! For a limited time, only enjoy $5 off your 2018 membership, so sign-up today!

5. Moral Code

A Milwaukee startup founded in January 2017, Moral Code offers superlative quality footwear and accessories at exceptional value, sold exclusively online. Its handcrafted products use the finest materials available. Some gift ideas include the Desmond Premium Leather Backpack, Reporter Tech Bag, Turner Leather Billfold Wallet, Lucas Leather Dopp or Atticus Leather Briefcase. All items are available exclusively through the eCommerce shop.

6. Small Shops United

Whether you're a bar hopper, coffee chugger, burger enthusiast or family-fun seeker, Small Shops United is the bridge between you and fantastic deals at a wide variety of stores, shops, attractions and eateries. With a Small Shops United gift pack, you can access exclusive deals and discounts at favorite local businesses using a single, wallet-sized card, or just your phone number. It is like "knowing a guy" at local spots all over town, so pick one up today!

7. The Tasting Board

The Tasting Board is a personalized monthly cheese subscription that pairs its members with unique artisanal cheeses, curated to their individual tastes. Gift recipients receive a unique gift code that allows them to take the company’s cheese quiz and view their results. The custom algorithm will match them with four artisanal cheeses, removing all the guesswork, and send them straight to their door.

Gift subscriptions from The Tasting Board are completely customizable. You select the number of months in your recipient’s subscription, and you choose the delivery method. Gift codes can be sent via email (instant!) or via mail in a unique gift box. Give your loved ones what they really want this year: personalized cheese matches they’re guaranteed to love.

8. Wantable

Give the gift of personal style from Wantable. Select a gift card value to send instantly via email. The recipient can then choose between StyleFitness, or Men's Fitness apparel, take a brief lifestyle quiz and an expert stylist will ship a selection of handpicked pieces for them to try before they buy. It's the perfect-fit gift for everyone on your list.

Now I hope you have some great gift ideas which also support the local community of entrepreneurs who are growing the region’s next generation of businesses. Happy holidays!

9. ZYN

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have used Turmeric for its amazing healing power. ZYN harnesses Turmeric’s bio-active ingredient, CURCUMIN, and combines it with Piperine (black pepper fruit extract) to create a delicious and healthy beverage. ZYN is available online and in many local Sendik's stores. 

Matt Cordio is co-founder and CEO of Startup Milwaukee, which is organizing the inaugural Milwaukee Startup Week event. Startup Milwaukee’s mission is to build and network Southeast Wisconsin’s startup community. Cordio is also co-founder of Skills Pipeline, a firm that helps growth-focused companies attract top technology talent.

Matt Cordio Special to OnMilwaukee

Matt Cordio is co-founder and CEO of Startup Milwaukee, which is organizing the inaugural Milwaukee Startup Week event. Startup Milwaukee’s mission is to build and network Southeast Wisconsin’s startup community. Cordio is also co-founder of Skills Pipeline, a firm that helps growth-focused companies attract top technology talent.