A Very KC Christmas
We planned to give thoughtful homemade gifts this year for Christmas. We really did. But then gestures broadly all this happened. So the handcrafted gifts are a no go BUT I remain committed to something my friend Faryle introduced me to several years ago, only buying local for Christmas. A few years back I tried a month of the same thing - you can check out HERE and HERE.
It’s been a hard two years for locally-owned businesses AND shopping locally is better for the community. While we’ve definitely missed the holiday shopping window, here are some places I love that you might too:
Effing Candle Co
Looking for a super cozy gift? Look no further than Effing Candles (fka Gifts By Birdie). You can find amazing seasonals, KC collection, and Politicians We Hate.
Interested? Effing right. Get some.
KC Wineworks
I visited KC Wineworks for the first time during a friend’s bachelorette party. It’s nice for a chill patio glass of wine or a wine flight + chocolate pairing.
If you’re thinking about an afternoon in the Crossroads a stop at KC Wineworks is a good option to start or end your visit.
Christopher Elbow
If you’re already at KC Wineworks you can walk up the block for a stop at Christopher Elbow. Build you own sampler of their edible art or buy something pre-packaged. We snagged a bottle of wine at KC Wineworks and built an Elbow sampler around it for my future sister-in-law, it’s a nice way to amp up a small gift.
Random bonus - Elbow’s Instagram has the most soothing candy pouring content.
Mitch e Amaro
I’m an insufferable drinker. Not in the bad way. In the ‘I don’t do it often so I want it to be. GOOD way.’ I also prefer a cozy drink nine times out of ten, so when I saw this Hot Toddy recipe I had to make it. The recipe notes one ingredient is hard to find but if there’s a hard to source liquor I need to find - I trust Mitch e Amaro to have it. Not only do they have an extensive inventory, they have a fantastic cocktail list and knowledgable staff to help you. If you’re deep in cocktail world or curious to find something new Mitch e Amaro is your stop.
Beer Sauce
Beer. BBQ Sauce. Pickles. What more could you want? Perfect for the beer nerd or grill master in your life. They also let you sample pretty much anything. If you think you don’t want a shot of wing sauce in the middle of a Saturday - you’re wrong.
Pryde’s
The perfect shop for the cook/baker/host in your life. They have everything. EVERYTHING. We went in to snag a tortilla press and I think talked ourselves into registering for Fiesta ware. IDK. I had a housewarming brown out.
Anyway the bonus of Pryde’s stop is Ashleigh’s Bakeshop in the back of the store. A little mid-shopping pie is always clutch.
Messner Bee Farm
Ya girl loves honey and Messner’s is so dang good but they also have skin care, scents, and super cute jewelry. And you’re supporting bees! We love to see it.
Shop at the farm, online, or at Made in KC.
Made In KC
One stop shopping with a variety of options is a good thing. Made In KC has a mix of sourced and original items for the KC enthusiast in your life. Grab some snacks, clothes, candles, prints, and feel good about supporting our local economy.
Bonus: some locations have coffee and cocktails..
Shop Local KC
This super cute space houses several fun KC makers but their online shop is home to over 300 local creators. As a firm believer in treating yourself during holiday (or anytime) gift shopping, I love that Shop Local has a build your own dried bouquet station.
Cafe Corazon
Again, a firm believer in treating - and caffeinating - yourself in the midst of shopping. Not only does Cafe Corazon has delicious, unique coffee drinks you can also pick up some alfajores for a mid-morning snack or the best beef empanadas for lunch. We tend to buy our bulk coffee from local roasters as well so this is basically grocery stop. AND they have mugs, shirts, masks, candles that smell like Mexican dads. Truly everything you could need.
Second Best Coffee
Look. Caffeine and breakfast are an important part of my life and Second Best has long been a favorite stop for both - read about it HERE. It doesn’t really feel like the holiday season until I have their Winter Latte before a day of shopping. But their coffee beans or subscription is a great gift option add a bar of chocolate if you buy in store.
Land of Paws
Everyone buys their pets presents right? Right. Land of Paws has the cutest toys, treats, and accessories for cats and dogs. LP is going to be pumped for her new bow on Christmas morning.
