They say that there’s no place like home for the holidays. Sadly, for thousands upon thousands of Kansas Citians spread out across the country and beyond, coming home to Kansas City, unfortunately, just isn’t in the cards this year. But thanks to amazing makers and businesses that will ship right to their doorstep, your KC displaced family and friends can still feel that warm embrace that only Kansas City gifts can offer.
All of the following Kansas City gifts can be shipped directly from the artist or business to your loved one. Make sure you take note of shipping deadlines within the business as well as with USPS, FedEx and more.
For Their Tree
If you’re looking to deck their halls with a little hometown festivity, there are so many amazing gifts that the Kansas City lover in your life will be thrilled to don on their Tannenbaum.
The first item up is this super fun ornament from Jess Bundy, artist and owner of Beautifelt. Jess is my cousin and our Grandma’s second favorite grandchild behind me. She’s also an amazingly talented artist creating fun and colorful prints, stickers, puzzles, and Kansas City greeting cards.
Another fun ornament to add to their collection is this year’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament. Made from wood of the previous year’s tree, the 2020 ornament “Heart of Kansas City” is an adorable snow globe design featuring the iconic KC heart and the city’s skyline. Designed by Hallmark Artist Em Bronson the proceeds of this ornament go to the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund.
Honorable Mentions
Hallmark’s commemorative ornament for those amazing Super Bowl LIV Champions, Lauren Heim’s KC wood ornaments featuring her gorgeous hand lettering and Carly Rae Studio’s Heart KC ornament.
For Their Bellies
If there is one thing Kansas Citians miss more than anything when they are not here, it’s the food.
For me, I’ve successfully shipped Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbeque many times to family members, and they all commented on how well it stands up and how it tastes just like home! From their ribs to sliced meats, to those delicious sides of beans and cheesy corn bake, you can ship it all—maybe ship some napkins as well.
Another item that screams Kansas City, Topsy’s Popcorn! Shipping a tin of the best popcorn around will leave your loved ones so excited to dig in and work their way through their favorite flavor. Choosing my favorite flavor is like choosing my favorite child, it can’t be done…
Caramel.
Honorable Mentions
Joe’s KC—from their Z-Man Kits to their infamous fry seasoning, you can enjoy it all! Or combine two KC favorites of The Roasterie and our famous BBQ with their Roasterie Super Tuscan Coffee BBQ Rub. Did they love Louisburg Cider Mill as a kid? Gift them their infamous Cider Donut Mix, or continue stroking the sweet tooth with chocolates from Christopher Elbow or Andrés.
For Their Home
Whether it’s a framed print, glassware, or accents to the kitchen, your loved one will think of you and their former home every time they look at it.
Bob Holloway is a beloved artist in Kansas City; even if you may not recognize his name, you surely know his art. His piece “Plaza Lights” has been gracing Topsy’s Popcorn tins for many, many years, and his piece “The Kansas City Connection” can be seen larger than life on the side of the Kansas City Library’s parking garage. You can have many pieces of his work shipped to your loved ones to give them that memory of home through prints like “Times Tower” and “Horse and Rider Fountain.”
Tammy Smith is an artist I’ve purchased from often, both for myself and for others. Her Kansas City throw pillow cover is an adorable way to add KC flair to your gift receiver’s home. Or if a World Champs mug or a tote bag is more their speed, she has you covered there, too.
Honorable Mentions
The graphic prints of Trey Conrad Creative are hip and fun and would look amazing framed! For their bar cart ship Annie’s Barn KC retro whiskey glasses or order this chic vintage map tea towel of Kansas City from RubiaRojo. I’m also a big fan (and proud owner) of a retired Country Club Plaza Banner.
For Their Body
From cute clothing donning their favorite teams to amazing body products to relax or invigorate, KC makers have everything you need!
You can’t walk by an Indigo Wild Zum display at the store and not stop and sniff alllllll of the goods (even through a face mask) and you can blanket your loved one in the intoxicating aromas of all of Zum’s products from their skincare products to their delicious laundry soap.
Red Fridays are a lot more fun no matter where you are in the country when you have the proper gear to represent your hometown. Angie Willett of Willett Studios creates the cutest earrings and her KC earrings are the perfect nods to our home team and your gift receiver will love them!
Honorable mentions
I have shipped KC specific clothing from Love Letters KC and Charlie Hustle and have always received rave reviews! You can never go wrong with earrings from Nickel & Suede. And Messner Bee Farm products are amazing and prove even KC bees are better than other bees!
**The featured image for this piece is Bob Holloway’s “Plaza Lights” and is being used with permission.
