Once upon a time, shopping meant walking into a store, browsing, and heading home with a bag. But times have changed — and thank goodness they have. Today’s shoppers want more than just things; they want experiences. They want to create, to customize, and to connect. And that’s exactly what’s fueling the rise of DIY-style experiences, from custom hat bars to permanent jewelry stations.
Across the country, stores are transforming into playgrounds for creativity — and nowhere captures that energy better than Lake Geneva. Inside The Market of Lake Geneva, Bonded by Gigi has become the go-to spot for people who want to make memories, not just purchases.
🎀 The Hat Bar: Creativity Meets Personality
The trucker hat bar at Bonded by Gigi lets guests design their own hats from start to finish. Choose your hat color, pick from dozens of patches, and arrange them any way you like before we press them on right in front of you. Whether you want something funny (“Hot Girls Hit Curbs”), bold (“All Oopsies No Daisies”), or flirty (“Passenger Princess”), you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind accessory that’s 100% you.
It’s a hit with bachelorettes, birthday groups, and best friends who love getting creative together. Instead of everyone buying the same souvenir, they leave with personalized hats that make for perfect group photos — and even better memories.
💎 Permanent Jewelry: The Modern Bonding Moment
Permanent jewelry takes the same idea — personalization and creativity — and adds emotional meaning. The “DIY” here isn’t about crafting it yourself; it’s about choosing a chain that reflects you, a charm that represents something special, and sharing the experience with someone who means the world to you.
At Bonded by Gigi, we custom-fit every chain and give guests the option to add connector charms (which don’t dangle — so they’re comfy for everyday wear). Once you’re happy with the fit, we close the chain with a quick, sparkly weld. It’s fast, painless, and symbolic — a moment that represents connection, friendship, and self-expression.
🌸 The Future of Shopping Is Personal
What’s making DIY experiences like these so popular? It’s simple: people are craving connection. After years of online shopping and mass production, there’s something magical about making something — especially when it’s part of a shared experience.
Whether it’s crafting a custom hat, choosing a bracelet that tells your story, or snapping photos in a colorful boutique that feels like a celebration, this new wave of shopping is all about joy, creativity, and community.
Bonded by Gigi embraces that philosophy completely. Every detail — from the pink, playful aesthetic to the fun Y2K music and selfie-worthy corners — is designed to remind you that shopping should feel like a party, not an errand.
✨ Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit Bonded by Gigi inside The Market of Lake Geneva at 830 W Main St, Lake Geneva, WI. Walk-ins are welcome when time allows, or you can book your permanent jewelry appointment in advance at bondedbygigi.com/pages/permanent-jewelry.
Create, connect, and celebrate — because the future of shopping is DIY joy.