holidays Archives – Lost in Wanderland

Kansas City Holiday Festivities

December 13, 2021

Jingle bells, ho ho ho, and all that jazz … it’s time to get your holiday spirit on! We might not be at the North Pole, but if you’re in the Kansas City area, there are plenty of festivities to revel in the most wonderful time of year (no matter what winter holiday, if any, you celebrate). From shopping to lights to decor galore, check out these must-see holiday gems to make the season bright (and perhaps enjoy a holiday drink while you’re at it).

Merry Market

Ordering gifts at the click of a button may be fast and easy, but nothing beats the magic of an outdoor holiday market. While I may not be able to jet off to Germany or Switzerland to check off my holiday bucket list item at a true Christkindlmarkt, the Merry Market promises to be equally festive (minus the Alps, unfortunately). Over 90 local artisans and makers from the beloved Strawberry Swing indie craft fair are setting up shop in River Market’s City Market area every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas in an open-air European-style market. Whatever craft suits your fancy, you’re likely to find it here—ceramics, printing, painting, photography, candles, sweet treats, jewelry, clothing, and more. To set the festive mood as you peruse, there will also be musical performances by Culture House and the Kansas City Women’s Chorus, plus drinks to sip and street food to munch. Amazon who?

Union Station’s Holiday Reflections

Kansas City’s elegant 1914 train station manages to be atmospheric in pretty much any situation, and that’s especially true around the holidays. In addition to wreaths, lights, and baubles galore, the station also sets up a display in its Grand Plaza, a walk-through extravaganza of decorated trees, giant ornaments, and beloved holiday characters. The Holiday Reflections display also includes Rudy’s Wonderland, complete with a mini train for kids to ride. My favorite part, however, is the model train village. Even if you’re not a train nerd, it’s undeniably enchanting watching little model trains rumble through charming old-time villages and snowy mountains, past tiny ice skating rinks and iconic KC landmarks (and even around a few incongruous gems like a giant Hello Kitty). The display is open every day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it’s well worth the $5 ticket ($8 on weekends).

Crown Center

Not to brag, but Kansas City’s Crown Center has a taller Christmas tree than the Rockefeller Center (as far as I know, however, we do not have a hitchhiking owl). This year’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree is 100 feet tall and, of course, covered in glittering lights and ornaments. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the tree, warm up inside Crown Center, listen to live holiday choirs, and take a look at the equally festive decor inside the shopping center (including the EBT Laughing Santa, a nostalgic and vaguely creepy mechanical Santa that graced the window of the Emery, Bird, Thayer department store in the early 1900s and now counts down the days until Christmas).

The Ice Terrace

Ice skating on a quaint pond amidst glittering snow always seemed like a magical experience to me—though if you’ve ever skated on an actual pond, you know it’s not as smooth as movies would have you believe. Call me wimpy, but I’ll take a Zamboni-perfected rink any day. Luckily, Crown Center’s Ice Terrace is just as magical. With a view of the sparkling Mayor’s Christmas tree and Crown Center decorations and holiday tunes playing in the background, this outdoor rink offers a perfect dose of seasonal festivity. Tickets are $8, plus $4 for skate rental, and you can even grab a cup of hot cocoa to sip in between skating sessions.

Let There Be Light(s)!

What’s the holiday season without magical displays of twinkling holiday lights? While there are beautiful displays all around the KC area, here are a few of my favorite to get into the holiday spirit.

Plaza lights — The thousands of lights bedecking the Country Club Plaza are practically a Kansas City institution by now—and well worth the hype. While the Plaza can get a bit crazy around the holidays, it’s also undeniably festive, and the lights lining every building in the Spanish-style district are beautiful. (Hint: If you want a stellar view, take a ride on the InterContinental Hotel’s glass elevator.)

68th–70th Street & Ward Parkway — The historic gingerbread-esque houses off Ward Parkway look even more charming decked out in holiday lights. The houses along 68th, 69th, and 70th Streets in particular get into the spirit with coordinated displays of draped string lights and wrapped tree trunks. (68th–70th Street & Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO)

97th and Lee Boulevard — Though this display is only two houses, it’s still worth a drive past. The two homes on opposite sides of Lee Boulevard boast impressive (and slightly dizzying) coordinated light shows that play in sync with a local radio station. (97th Street & Lee Boulevard, Leawood, KS)

Christmas Place — In case it isn’t obvious, the residents of this close-knit neighborhood are big on the holidays. Since 1994, all twenty-three houses have banded together to festoon the area in holiday decorations. (131st Place & Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS)

Candy Cane Lane — Since 1958, the residents of this cul-de-sac off 79th Street have thrown themselves into the holiday season with gusto. Now dubbed Candy Cane Lane, the street features houses decked out in lights and decorations, complete with a candy cane (or several) in front of each house. (7900 Outlook Lane, Prairie Village, KS)

Sar-Ko Aglow — Strings of jewel-toned lights turn the trees and pond of the fifty-acre Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa into a winter wonderland. Take a walk through the park’s many trails to enjoy a bit of peaceful holiday ambience. (Lackman Road & W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS)

Festival of Lights – Bundle up and take in a winter wonderland of botanically inspired light displays as you wander the paths of Powell Gardens. The gardens are beautiful in any case, and the illumination of the Festival of Lights only adds to the magic. You can even sip on a spiked (or nonalcoholic) hot chocolate or cider as you meander. Tickets are $13.

Winter Magic – If you’re looking for a truly over-the-top explosion of holiday lights, take a drive through Swope Park’s Winter Magic display. With lighted tunnels, animated displays, and a candy blacklight area (don’t ask me what that is), it’s a trippy holiday extravaganza. Tickets are $21–27 per car.

December 13, 2021

Javaholic/ Kansas City

Holiday Drinks Around Kansas City

December 7, 2021

Photos courtesy of Monarch Cafe, the Roasterie, Martin City Coffee, Messenger Coffee, and Vested Coffee

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: seasonal coffee shop drink menus are here! To get into the spirit, I rounded up the most festive holiday drinks around Kansas City. What will it be first: a spicy gingerbread latte? A festive Candy Cane Forest Mocha? A Butterbeer latte? Better get started now—so many drinks, so little time. Happy sipping!

Messenger Coffee Co. / Black Dog Coffeehouse:

Saturnalia – A traditional latte flavored with house-made syrup made from dates, almonds, and oranges.

Pepper & Mint Mocha – A rich mocha made with Christopher Elbow dark chocolate, serrano peppers, and fresh mint.

Holiday House Soda – Italian soda made with Messenger cold brew, pomegranate, and local honey.

Charlie Brown (Messenger Grand only) – Messenger espresso with a Guinness reduction chocolate mousse and garnished with a rosemary sprig.

*Filling Station Coffee is also serving the Saturnalia and Pepper & Mint Mocha!

Monarch Café

Candy Cane Forest Mocha – Emissary espresso with milk, white chocolate, and peppermint, served with a smoked rosemary garnish in a white chocolate– and peppermint candy–rimmed hobstar glass. Hot or iced.

The Alexandria – Emissary flash brew mixed with cranberry, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and aromatic bitters, served chilled in a coupe glass with a coffee-soaked cocktail cherry garnish.

Eggnog Holiday Draft Latte – Emissary flash brew and eggnog charged with nitrogen and topped with nutmeg. Served cold.

The Dude Abides – Emissary espresso with cream, toasted walnut spice syrup, and applewood smoke, served over ice in a 6 oz. rocks glass.

Queen’s Pawn – Emissary espresso with steamed Oreo milk, cheesecake syrup, and topped with Oreo crumbles, served hot in a 6 oz. cup.

Smoked & Spiced Cider – Louisburg Honeycrisp apple cider with spiced orange oleo-saccharum and applewood smoke, served hot and dusted with cinnamon.

Phoenix Down – A 10 oz. ginger shot topped with cayenne.

Raspberry Fig Nutmeg Shrub Soda – A vinegar shrub made with raspberry, fig, and nutmeg and mixed with sparkling water. Served iced.

The Roasterie

Gingerbread Cookie Latte – A traditional latte flavored with ginger, clove, and a sweet bite of molasses.

White Peppermint Mocha – A mixture of Ghirardelli white chocolate, peppermint, and mocha topped with whipped cream.

Eggnog Latte – A traditional latte flavored with creamy eggnog and sprinkled with nutmeg.

Spiced Cranberry Cider – Louisburg Cider Mill cider combined with warm spices, cranberry sauce, and orange juice.

The Wild Way Coffee

She Sleighs – Espresso, milk, and brown sugar poached pear with vanilla and winter spices.

Winter Fog – Peppermint tea with house-made mocha topped with steamed milk and cocoa powder.

Oh Snap! – Espresso and milk with gingersnap sauce and topped with a gluten-free gingersnap by @fooddrunk.

She’s Spicy – Espresso and milk spiced with orange zest, honey, cayenne, and ginger.

Baby It’s Chai Outside – Cranberry orange and ginger spiced chai tea latte garnished with cocoa powder and fresh orange zest.

Snowcapped Cold Brew – Spiced nitro cold brew topped with a mountain of pear poached cold foam and garnished with fresh rosemary.

Martin City Coffee

Butterbeer Latte – Espresso and rich eggnog sprinkled with cinnamon. Hot or iced.

Apple Fritter Latte – Espresso and milk mixed with spiced apple syrup made in house and topped with a caramel drizzle. Hot or iced.

Eggnog Chai and Latte – Espresso or spiced chai with rich eggnog. Hot or iced.

Apple Cider – Hot or iced apple cider made in house and topped with a caramel drizzle.

Vested Coffee

Pumpkin Butternut Spice Latte – Puréed pumpkin and butternut squash with espresso and steamed milk.

Mexican Chile Mocha – Ghirardelli dark chocolate with a subtle spicy/sweet syrup, espresso, and steamed milk.

Wintermint Mocha – Dark or white Ghirardelli chocolate with subtle mint flavor, espresso, and steamed milk.

Wintermint Hot Chocolate – Dark and white Ghirardelli chocolate with subtle mint flavor and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream.

Frigid Grinch – Matcha and oat milk with subtle mint flavor, served over ice (tastes like melted mint ice cream!).

Pilgrim Coffee Company

Bourbon Brown Sugar Latte – Espresso and steamed milk with house-made whiskey and vanilla syrup.

Gingerbread Latte or Chai – Espresso or spiced chai and steamed milk with house-made ginger, cinnamon, clove, and allspice syrup.

Hazelnut Latte or Chai – Espresso or spiced chai and steamed milk with house-made hazelnut and vanilla syrups.

Peppermint Mocha – Espresso and steamed milk with house-made mint and dark chocolate syrups.

December 7, 2021

Musings

Holiday Season Bucket List

December 4, 2021

It’s 60 degrees outside, but it’s also December, which means my holiday lights are up, there’s a little silver tinsel tree set up in my room, and I have sparkling snowflakes and gingerbread on the brain. In other words, it’s time to kick off my holiday season bucket list. If there’s not a winter wonderland outside, I’ll manifest one—or at least surround myself with glitzy decor, festive tunes, and holiday sweets. Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty and festivity of the season. (I’ll be celebrating a season of coziness, glitter, excessive sugar, and goofy nostalgia.)

Go to a holiday market

Twinkling lights, stalls bustling with excited shoppers, the scent of hot chocolate and roasting nuts—nothing says seasonal cheer like a classic holiday market. The Germans and Swiss really know how to do holiday festivity, if you ask me. With snowy forests and mountains and quaint villages, a winter wonderland is practically a given. Yes, this is a bit of a stereotype, but the lovely holiday tradition of open-air winter street markets does come from Germany. A true German Christmas market is on my bucket list, but cities around the world have picked up the tradition, and you really don’t have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy one (just winter festivity and shopping). They’re also great sources for unique gifts—which reminds me that it’s about time to start my usual manic rush of holiday shopping.

Illustration by Tatiana Davidova

Watch classic holiday movies

Perhaps a controversial topic to mention at holiday get-togethers. Is Love Actually the best Christmas movie? (Please don’t hate me: I’m rather tired of it.) Is It’s a Wonderful Life too long and depressing? (Just bring the Kleenex.) I don’t pretend to be an expert, so I wouldn’t dare to suggest a be-all-end-all list of the best holiday movies. However, my holiday season isn’t complete without watching the classic Rankin/Bass animated specials from the ’60s and ’70s (especially Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman, but there are several other delightfully weird slash slightly dubious ones). Also on my must-watch list: A Charlie Brown Christmas (obviously), The Bishop’s Wife (because: Cary Grant), Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the 1966 one—don’t even talk to me about the new versions), The Polar Express (pure nostalgia), and White Christmas. Yes, I like the oldies.

Here’s my full watchlist for the season:

Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
The Polar Express (2004)
White Christmas (1954)
The Holiday (2006)
Prancer (1989)
A Christmas Story (1983)

See the holiday lights

What’s the holiday season without a little sparkle? While I shudder to think what the electric bills are for houses that go all out with holiday lights, I love to search out the best displays. From the lovably tacky (I’m looking at you, blow-up Frosty) to the picture-perfect gingerbread to the … extravagant (hello, coordinated light show), there’s a little bit of everything, and it’s always fun to see what people come up with. The Country Club Plaza lights are always a classic in the KC area, but I’m also planning to do a little sleuthing to find the top twinkle showings around KC, so stay tuned.

Bake holiday sweets

The holiday season is a playground for those of us with a sweet tooth. Or perhaps the Land of Sweets. But I love making holiday treats almost as much as eating them, so I usually make little gift bags for people—mostly as an excuse to do a lot of holiday baking. It’s the perfect reason to turn the TV to a beloved holiday special, break out the apron and cookie cutters (or at least a lot of sugar), and send the scent of spices and baking cookies wafting throughout the house. I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to holiday yummies (that sent me down a mouth-watering rabbit hole); I just have to choose which recipes to make. How many cookies is too many cookies? (And don’t forget to set some out for Santa!)

Illustration by Natalia Hubbert

Send out holiday cards

As convenient as email and texting are, I miss snail mail sometimes (plus, I love pretty stationery). While I don’t quite have the time or patience to make cards by hand like I did as a kid, I try to send out holiday cards to friends and relatives every year. I have the excuse to visit a stationery shop, and it’s a fun way to spread the seasonal spirit. After all, who doesn’t like getting (non-bill) mail?

Watch The Nutcracker ballet

This has become a holiday tradition for me and my mom, and I look forward to it every year despite the fact that I’ve seen it a billion times by now (that’s an exact number). If you’re in the Kansas City area, the KC Ballet does a wonderful performance of The Nutcracker. I realize going to the ballet isn’t necessarily accessible to everyone, but if you can swing it, it’s a delightfully festive holiday event. Based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, this whimsical fantasy has all the holiday vibes. Cozy German Christmas scenes, candy palaces, glittering costumes, giant rat kings (no?)—what’s not to love? As German literature typically is, it’s both bizarre and charming. And really, what’s Christmas without the sugarplum fairy?

Make a gingerbread house

My friends and I had a gingerbread house making competition once (circa seventh grade), and well, let’s just say our team’s creation was dubbed the “Katrina” gingerbread house (yes, the joy of thirteen-year-olds’ tasteful jokes). Turns out frosting doesn’t always make the best construction material? Anyway, I’ve since discovered the beauty of gingerbread house kits. Anyone who says that’s cheating has clearly never tried to make gingerbread from scratch. I always like the Trader Joe’s kits, which are cheap and easy, though most grocery stores carry kits of some kind. Target also has some fun and inventive options, and of course, there’s always Amazon). If you’re feeling ambitious—or masochistic—here are instructions for making everything from scratch.

Illustration by Zenina

Go ice skating (outside)

Skating on a picturesque pond, à la Charlie Brown, isn’t quite as charming as it appears in the movies. However, there’s an undeniable magic to bundling up (or not—thank you, global warming) and gliding around an outdoor ice rink with other merry souls. I personally like city rinks with eclectic people-watching and festive tunes playing, even if they do tend to get a bit crowded. So I’ll be waiting for a day when I can actually wear a cozy scarf and then hitting the ice to see if I can still skate without crashing.

Drink homemade hot chocolate

On a cold, blustery winter day, nothing tastes better than a steaming mug of hot chocolate. While I’m more of a coffee person myself, there’s no denying that hot chocolate is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit (besides: chocolate. Duh). Granted, it’s still 60 degrees outside around here, but I’ll pretend it feels like a winter wonderland. I’m usually lazy and use a premade mix, but this year I think I’ll try a homemade version, or maybe even a dairy-free option. Sip away!

Illustration by katarinochka

December 4, 2021

Kansas City/ Musings

Autumn Bucket List

September 22, 2021

It still feels like summer in Kansas City, but it’s officially fall, and I’m in full autumn mode (admittedly, I’m pretty much always in autumn mode, but now I can really go unapologetically fall-crazy). Mid-September to November for me is all about burying myself in anything and everything that conjures up that aura of crisp, misty days; brilliant fiery colors; earthy charm; and of course, all the spookiness. Even if it’s not exactly crisp outside yet, I’ll be channeling that October spirit — bring on the autumn bucket list.

Explore the fall colors

The stunning reds, yellows, and oranges of fall might be my favorite part of the season. While KC isn’t exactly known for its fall colors, there are a number of spots where the season shows off its hues in spectacular fashion. I’m going to do a full post about finding the best fall foliage around KC, so stay tuned!

Cook something pumpkin

What screams autumn more than pumpkins? There are an embarrassing number of pumpkin-related recipes saved on my Pinterest — here are a few I’m eyeing for this season (sorrynotsorry, no PSLs here):

Paleo Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes (I don’t claim these actually taste like cupcakes (news flash: no “healthy” substitute actually tastes like legit dessert) BUT they are actually quite tasty, very easy to make, and make a great sweet-yet-healthy snack. I top mine off with a poof of whipped cream.)
Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie Bites (I made these for a Thanksgiving potluck once, and they’re addictive.)
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel Frosting
Pumpkin Pie Truffles (This recipe can also be adapted for pumpkin pie fudge.)

Enjoy ye olde English autumn at the Renaissance Festival

Weekends through October 17, Bonner Springs, KS

Huzzah! It’s time for pirates, princesses, mead, jousting, and even a touch of magic. Every fall a Renaissance village comes to life in Bonner Springs, Kansas. And yes, I realize that I’m a history nerd, but honestly, there’s a little something for everyone. Food, artisans selling everything from jewelry to beauty products to real swords, costumed performers, music, games, and yes, a jousting tournament. The village looks like it was transplanted from medieval England, and it’s honestly worth a visit simply to see the colorful characters wandering around. You might even run into the queen and her retinue meandering about.

Peruse the Plaza Art Fair

September 24-26, Kansas City, MO

The Plaza Art Fair is essentially a KC institution by now (this is its 90th year!). Every September, artists take over the Country Club Plaza, displaying every type of art you can imagine — painting, sculpture, pottery, illustration, mixed media, jewelry, photography, and more. There’s a taste of everything, from traditional landscape paintings to funky found object sculpture to tongue-in-cheek graphic art. Even if you (like me), can’t afford to buy fine art, it’s worth it to peruse the beautiful array of works, and there’s always a fun crowd, plus live music and food vendors from Plaza restaurants.

Celebrate Weston Applefest

October 2-3, Weston, MO

I just got a flashback from one of my favorite childhood movies, Prancer: “We got apples. We’ll eat applesauce and apple cider and apple pie, stewed apples and baked apples and dried apples. And apple butter.” While I can’t promise Weston Applefest has all of those applecentric delights, it does offer a quintessential fall fest, with artisan vendors, live music, a parade, and food (including, obviously, lots of apples) along historic Weston Main Street. With its storied old buildings and kitschy little shops, Weston alone oozes fall charm. The town dates all the way back to 1837 and is nestled along the Missouri River, and there’s plenty to explore as you munch your apples.

Visit Louisburg Cider Mill

Apple cider donuts. Need I say more? We visit Louisburg Cider Mill every year to pick out pumpkins (usually the lazy way, from the already-picked selection, but you can also venture into the pumpkin patch to pick your own). From a charming general store with tasty local goods to a corn maze to scrumptious homemade cider and donuts, everything about Louisburg screams “fall.” You can even watch the apples going through the cider press (it’s oddly mesmerizing watching hundreds of apples tumble about).

Carve pumpkins

Halloween without jack-o-lanterns is just wrong. And to anyone who dare suggest carving pumpkins is only for kids: I’m sorry your life is so bereft of joy. (Kidding, but seriously, you’re never too old for jack-o-lanterns.) Though I don’t exactly have the patience for extremely intricate designs, I love an excuse to fall down a rabbit hole of fun designs on Pinterest (one year I did Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter). I usually pick out pumpkins at Louisburg, but you can also find them at most grocery stores, and then I put on a spooky movie to set the mood while carving my jack-o-lantern masterpiece.

Venture to a (real) haunted house

It’s that time of year again: everything is getting a bit darker, a bit colder, a bit more mysterious and uncertain, and the boundary between the living and the dead is a little hazy. Or at least, it’s the perfect time for a haunted house. I don’t mean a sensationalist horror house where people lunge out at you from the shadows. I mean a real haunted house, in the spirit of gothic horror tales. Old mansions and buildings with bizarre or tragic backstories and an eerie aura that makes you think that — just maybe — some of their residents have never quite moved on. These places probably won’t make your heart pound, but they are likely to make your spine tingle and your imagination run wild.

For my ghostly adventures, I’m heading to Vaile Mansion, an opulent Gothic-style 31-room mansion in Independence, Missouri. Built in 1881, the mansion has witnessed a family scandal, a tragic death, and a period as a sanitarium. Ghost tours take place throughout October. Let the chills commence…

A few honorable mentions near the KC area: Pythian Castle, an imposing fortress built as an orphanage in 1913 by the fraternal order the Knights of Pythias (does that sound sketchy to anyone else?) with later incarnations as a hospital for WWII veterans, a prison for German and Italian POWs, a social services agency, and a private home. Plenty of scope for ghostly goings-on there. Belvoir Winery in Liberty, MO, which was constructed from 1900 to 1923 by the fraternal organization — and self-proclaimed secret society — the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (don’t ask me how they came up with that name) and served as a residence for the elderly, indigent, and orphans; a hospital; and a school. It now hosts events, including murder mystery dinners and paranormal investigations. And Majors House, a KCMO homestead built in 1856 by entrepreneur Alexander Majors and now apparently home to the ghosts of a restless blacksmith and a caretaker who refuses to leave.

Visit a historic cemetery

Gothic spookiness doesn’t get much better than a historic graveyard. Is it a little odd that I love wandering around cemeteries and looking at old gravestones? Maybe, but in this instance it fits the Halloween spirit. One of my favorites is Union Cemetery, a beautiful hilly, tree-filled space built in 1857 and housing many famous Kansas Citians. Laurel Hill Cemetery in Weston (established circa 1840) is also gorgeous, and I might have to check out Elmwood Cemetery (est. 1872) in Northeast Kansas City as well. To really amp up the creepy vibes, the Coterie Theatre is performing live renditions of Edgar Allen Poe‘s The Pit and the Pendulum and The Tomb of Ligeia Thursday/Friday/Saturday nights amid the tombstones of Union Cemetery.

Ghost story galore!

To fully set the Halloween atmosphere, I like to go all-out on ghostly tales in October. Disclaimer: horror and gore is not my thing. As with haunted houses, the October/Halloween mood for me is all about spookiness, gothic horror, and eerie mystery. In other words, no slasher flicks or exorcisms (instead, think Dracula and haunted castles). As usual, I went a little overboard in investigating ideas here, so I’m writing a separate post in a couple of weeks with all the books, movies, and podcasts to fill your spooky gothic October.

Image credits: Evgenia Silaeva (pumpkins), Alina Osadchenko (haunted house), Marina Ermakova (Halloween icons), Anna Kuzmina (tombstone), Daria Ustiugova (apples)

September 22, 2021

Kansas City/ Wanderings

Where to Shop Local in Kansas City for Holiday Gifts

December 13, 2019

It’s that time of year — the manic dash to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Frenzied shoppers, mile-long to-do lists, packed stores … it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Ok, actually, it is my favorite time of year, and I have to admit I even love crazy holiday shopping (though my wallet doesn’t as much). But I always get stressed out trying to find that “just right” gift for each person (what can I say — I’m a perfectionist) and part of that is that so much out there is so generic. When I’m looking for a gift, I want something unique and special. Luckily, the local and craft market is booming these days, and there are an increasing number of sources to find decidedly un-basic gifts. I’ll admit it: I’m a craft market addict. In case you’re still on the prowl for gifts, I rounded up a selection of the best spots to shop local in Kansas City (some also have online stores, if you’re not in the KC area). With local and handmade items, these are the perfect places to find outside-the-box gifts for that special someone (and maybe a treat for yourself as well).

Made in Kansas City

Made in KC is essentially the Mecca of local KC goods. They now have several locations across the city, each a marketplace stuffed with local foods, clothes, accessories, and more. Each item comes from a local maker or small company, and with a variety of different makers in one market, there’s a little something there for everyone. From jewelry and clothes to candles, plants, and liquor, you can find nearly everything here. The Plaza location even has a coffeeshop, beer on tap, and an ice cream counter inside, so you can sip or munch as you shop!

A Very Cherry Holiday Pop-up

605 E. 31st St, KCMO

If you’re looking for a unique gift, Cherry Pit Collective has you covered. Cherry Pit Collective, a communal workspace for women artists, makers, and creatives in KC’s Tower East district, is getting merry this year with a special holiday pop-up shop at the nearby Objects space. Check it out weekends through December 23rd for one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, ceramics, fine art, vintage goods, and more, plus pop-up eats like Swoon Cookies and Dead Beet Tacos (hey, shopping requires fuel!).

Local Artisan Holiday Pop-up

4419 W. 119th St, Leawood, KS

Pleasant as they are, the suburbs aren’t exactly known for their unique, non-chain shopping (hey, I can say this — I grew up right in this neighborhood). That said, Leawood is getting a little extra local flair this holiday season with an artisan pop-up in the Town Center Crossing shopping center. Stop by on weekends until Christmas for fine art, jewelry, and more from a selection of local makers. If you have a creative or art lover on your list, this is the perfect stop. And don’t forget to treat yourself as well: yummies from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, and Midnight Espresso Coffee Liqueurs are available as you shop!

Strawberry Swing Maker Marketplace

Strawberry Swing leads the pack when it comes to craft fairs — each season they host a pop-up extravaganza of handmade, local, and vintage goods in a spot around Kansas City. These fairs are perfect for gift-shopping (or, ahem, treating yourself), but they only happen a few times a year. Never fear — the Internet is here. In case you missed the holiday craft fair, Strawberry Swing now has an online marketplace to shop many of its creative goodies. Clothing, jewelry, home and bath goods — you name it, they likely have it. It’s not exactly the same experience as visiting a cute little shop, I know, but it is local, handmade, and a plethora of unique gift possibilities.

CollectiveEX

519 E. 18th St., KCMO

Kansas City’s artists and makers have another home base in CollectiveEX, a workshop and store for local artisans to create and sell their work. You’ll find a host of locally made items here, from clothes and accessories to fine art. For a little extra shopping fuel, stop by Thee Outpost, the latest coffee creation from Thou Mayest’s Bo Nelson, also located inside CollectiveEX.

Westside Storey

1701 Summit St., KCMO

Venture into the eclectic Westside neighborhood for this funky little shop housed in an old 1920s dry goods building. With over 20 local artisans and makers, plus vintage goods, you never know what you’ll find in here. Cheeky enamel pin? Check. Classy handmade candle? Check. Vintage sword? Check. On top of that, Westside is its own little adventure in of itself, so it’s well worth making an afternoon of this one. Stop by the cheerful Bluebird Bistro for a scrumptious organic brunch, grab coffee at the charming Goat Hill Coffee & Soda, and wander around the wonderfully bizarre medley of houses in the area after you do your shopping.

December 13, 2019