Kansas City #ShopLocal Gift Guide!

How to Holiday KC Style

In June, my husband and I started a new journey in Kansas City. We began Interactive Promote KC, a local media company helping small businesses in KC with media and website services. We took a pledge to support local, building our community through www.promotekc.com and connect.promotekc.com.

I have enjoyed every minute of it and have connected with some of the most creative makers, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs that I have ever met. I have found some very unique and beautiful things in our city, things that by buying locally improves our community and increases our pride in our city.

With the holiday season upon us, I thought I would share some of the things I have found, gifts that are sure to please your friends and your family.

For The Home

FullSizeRender (6)
Soft and warm Happy Habitat throws at The Middle KC in Parkville.

Kerrie Kaneda is the super-cool designer behind Happy Habitat by Karrie Kaneda, a local maker of the softest throws, pillows, and IPad sleeves (the soft fuscia one will be under the tree for my 10 year old, who NEVER puts down her iPad.) I have my eye on the back and gold throw as well. MIZ!

FullSizeRender (10)
Custom #KansasCity Coasters by Coaster to Coaster, found on Etsy and at The Middle KC in Parkville.

Coaster to Coaster, a Kansas City-based, mother-daughter business who turn beautiful photography of the places we love into functional and fun coasters and wall decor, has unique coasters from around KC that would make great hostess gifts for any local fan! With scenes from KC, MU, KU, KState, St. Louis and Nebraska, you are bound to find a few that bring memories back to the person you give them to. At $7.00 a pop, customize a set with your favorite places. Coaster to Coaster is found on Etsy and in retails stores like The Middle KC in Parkville.

Convivial Production, Inc,  a production and design company that hand makes home decor and dinnerware products for various brick + mortar stores throughout the US is based out of KC and was started just over a year ago. Chentell Stiritz, the owner and designer, describes herself as “a studio artist. My work is that of a quiet potter. Efficient. Introverted. Gentle.” Her simple yet elegant pieces for the garden and the home are sure to make wonderful gifts!

Hand Crafted Arts

MASH Handmade (remember the game MASH? Mansion, Apartment, Shack, or Home?) is a little shop of handmade goods for the home. The mother/daughter duo work with over 30 artists, some local, some not, and bring a unique and changing collection of work under one roof. Lots of unique stalking stuffers for everyone!

Hammerpress "No Whining" Print
Hammerpress “No Whining” Print

Hammerpress sell a mix of antique magazines, typewriters and lots of modern screen printing. T shirts, holiday cards, posters and notepads. Every piece is totally unique. The designers at Hammerpress are local and have designed for Boulevard, Little Freshie, and The 18th Street Fashion Show to name a few. My favorite the “No Whining” print that I will proudly display in my classroom after the holidays!

For Her

Janesko Jewelry by Jennifer Jenesko features truly stunning jewelry influenced by monuments, nature and cityscapes. Jewelry, footwear, handbags and personal accessories can all be purchased on the website or in various retail stores in the metro area. What I am asking for? The Sterling Silver KC Necklace found here!

Ampersand Design Studio brings the dynamic duo of Carrie Kiefer & Morgan Georgie, friends at KU and former Hallmark employees who now run an Etsy shop filled with art prints, melamine platters, stationery and tech accessories featuring their zingy graphics! What busy mom would not one of these very hip and cheerful monthly planners to help with the chaos of everyday life!!

Anything from Frankly Basic! I particularly like the “Teddy Bear” infinity scarf that looks very soft and warm for the winter.

For Him

The KC sock by Sock 101
The KC sock by Sock 101

How about socks? Socks 101, a company “made in KC” focuses on styling men in colorful yet professional socks. Socks are no longer the boring old GoldToe, mismatched pair- buy your man a pair or get him a “Sock of the Month” Club membership and you will never have to answer the “where are my socks at?” question again! Bonus: They have women’s socks and “Socks for a Cause” to support local charities!

Want something creative and unique from 65 ft underground? S.D. Strong Distilling is a boutique distillery creating a brand through quality products which include S.D. Strong Vodka, Pillar 136 Gin and still aging whiskey and bourbon. They also sell pretty cool swag-rugged hats and tees from the cave!

FOOD!

Kansas City is a food town! One of my favorite things to do is to grab a friend and bite to eat at one of our many great restaurants. We also have some great restaurants/shops that could have great gift potential!

Amigoni Urban Winery– The winery is located in a historic building in the stockyards district of the West Bottoms. You can stop by for wine tastings and for $5 try any 5 wines from their bottles or tap. Take a bottle home as a gift and stop by Easy Tiger Co. that is nearby for a unique wine bag to wrap it in!

The Local Pig-Need some holiday catering? Lots of options for parties from 5 to 500. The Local Pig also does private chef dinners. Customize your local event with any combination of the local products found at The Local Pig!

Gingerbread Brigadeiro, a perfect treat for your holiday party or as a gift!
Gingerbread Brigadeiro, a perfect treat for your holiday party or as a gift!

Sweet Kiss Brigadeiro– Specializing in Handcrafted Brazilian chocolate candy, called a Brigadeiro, they are Kansas City’s Original Brigadeiro.  Right now, there are new flavors for the holiday season, like the delicious gingerbread Brigadeiro. This brigadeiro is truly a combination of a classic holiday flavor with a hint of Brazilian taste. The pecans add character to it making this brigadeiro the perfect gift for anyone!

Whatever your list holds, try and #shoplocal this season! Great way to support and give back to our wonderful community around the Heartland!

Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more #shoplocal ideas! We can also be found on Twitter and Facebook and would love your support!

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!