The 12 Days of KC: Present-ing a Dozen Local Gift Ideas

Looking for an item as artful as it is delicious? Thankfully, Christopher Elbow’s holiday collection has arrived, and it includes gifts for everyone on your list. Various

Mugs from The Object Enthusiast are the kind you leave out on the counter or display on open shelving to show you have great taste in design. You might drink out of it, but really, it’s a piece of art made to look at. The Object Enthusiast Speckled Neutral Stoneware Mug serves that cozy Icelandic cottage vibe, which should be your aesthetic target for the winter months. $42

The holiday light display at Country Club Plaza is one of the city’s favorite traditions and local popcorn maker Topsy’s tin paying homage to them is, the company says, the best-selling popcorn tin of all time. The tin contains six and a half gallons of caramel, cinnamon and cheese popcorn and make for great gifts—they’re also nice to have around for family snacking while decorating for the holidays. $60

Speaking of Plaza Lights, local T-shirt guru Charlie Hustle has a Plaza Lights collection. Want matching outfits for family holiday photos while repping your city? The Plaza Light KC Heart Tee brings KC holiday vibes to the classic Charlie Hustle T-shirt design. $32

Funky hair accessories are in, and in addition to hand-painted porcelain earrings, Crown & Heart KC sells hand-painted hair clips, too. The Curved Geometric Hair Clips are detailed with a 22k gold luster and are sure to make you stand out in a crowd. Plus, each one is one-of-a-kind. $19

Local perfumery For Strange Women makes its scents with essential oils and plant extracts. If you’ve used perfume oil, you know it lasts much longer than your typical fragrances, made with alcohol. Fireside Story is smokey, woody and piney with a hint of vanilla. If warm scents are your thing, this is the one. $32

Want your space to smell like the Rockies in January? Aspen Trail blends black pepper, jasmine and cardamom for the ultimate clean and crisp winter candle. Even better, Untamed Supply’s locally-made candles are non-toxic and contain no additives or dyes. Each one is hand-poured. $14

Tired of basic holiday cards? Want something a little different? Hammerpress makes unique holiday cards with their signature letterpress process housed in the West Bottoms. Plus, they have a “Merry Krampus” card for your friends and family who enjoy a little less cheer and a little more laughter during the holiday season. Better hurry—I’m about to buy this design out of stock. $6

Looking for local and affordable art to spruce up your space? We all are. Ampersand has chic and affordable fine art prints with colorful abstract designs, line drawings and more. These also make great gifts and signal to your loved ones that you’re the cool, artsy one with great taste. $27

Amber glass bottles are in, and chapped-hand season has arrived. Hand & Land’s Pepper Petal lotion comes in a bottle you’ll want to leave out on the counter for guests this holiday season. Of course, what’s on the inside matters—Peppered Petal is all-natural and filled with vitamins and plant oils. $36

The winter collection at KC’s Homesong Market offers timeless brass ornaments, enamel mini mugs, holiday wrapping paper, and more. Homesong market sells a variety of tea kettles, too, including a cast-iron one with a strainer for those who take their tea seriously. $62

Madison Stitch makes locally-sourced leather goods, including bags, wallets and backpacks. The Madison Backpack is the perfect day bag to fit everything you need to carry on any quick adventure (and everything you don’t need, but might). The backpack comes in nine colors and is designed to complement any wardrobe. $275

Access more holiday resources to find all the ways you can celebrate the season in Kansas City, from stunning displays to shopping hotspots.

Holidays in KC