It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Kansas City. And with the snowy white season, come the gifts. Wellness Editor Amy McDaniel gives us the ultimate holiday guide to nail your gift-giving while supporting our local makers, creatives, and community.

We have so many incredible creators, small businesses, and entrepreneurs here in Kansas City and it is so important for us as consumers to support them – especially during the holidays. Shopping small creates jobs in our communities, directly supports your neighbors, improves our local economy, builds community and connection, and preserves our planet. Learn more about what it means to shop small in KC here.

Now let’s get to shoppin’.

For the Self-Care Enthusiast:

The best gift you can give? Something your loved one wouldn’t buy for themselves. And in this busy world, self-care tends to be the least prioritized. Give the gift of stillness while supporting the straight magic these healers create.

Facial + Ayurvedic Self Care Handbook

Gift your loved ones with anything under the Ayurvedic sun at Sage Center for Yoga and Healing Arts (at 1907 Wyandotte St) – chiropractic services, massage, skincare, or stroll Sage’s Apothecary for a dream of a stocking stuffer. My ideal gift? The Blooming Lotus Facial with Jen Denslow, holistic skincare aficionado and quite possibly real-life angel, plus Sarah Kucera’s, owner of Sage, newly released Ayurvedic Self Care Handbook. Find both here.

Women’s Intuitive Body Work with Chelsea Craig

Next up: my favorite body work here in Kansas City. Chelsea Craig combines acupuncture (optional), massage, intentional use of essential oils, and energetic medicine to create a total body restoration – exactly what we all need during the holidays. She has created such a special, transformative space that I would be grateful to gift to anyone.

Cupping + Massage + Yoga at Fullwheel

The Full Wheel (1600 Genessee, Suite 355) approach to bodywork is founded on the belief that good health comes from balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Stephanie, owner and founder, believes that bodywork is more than just massage – it is the integration of mindfulness, intention, and technique for treating the body as a whole unit. They offer everything from massage (cupping is my favorite!) and energy work to yoga and meditation – and conveniently sell gift cards right here.

A Morning at Sweatheory

It’s getting cold out there – but Sweatheory KC is just heating up. Give the gift of warmth with Sweatheory’s infrared saunas and yoga classes. Plus, they’re new in town! Give ‘em a Kansas City welcome at 170 E 19th St.

For the Non-Toxic Devotee:

Another invaluable gift? The gift of non-toxic, organic, and dreamy goodness from Kansas City’s local beauty creators. The energy and care put into these goodies alone make them some of the best presents a gal or guy could ask for.

Lotions Galore at Skin KC

From organic lip bombs to the best-ever-smelling grapefruit pomegranate body lotion – Skin KC has your gift-needs covered. Created by Stephanie Simkins, Skin KC is a line of natural skin care and body products made with organic ingredients and oils each with a specific healing component in mind. No harmful chemicals, parabens, or sketchy ingredients – plus everything is hand crafted and created right here in KC. Sold at Made in KC, or visit Stephanie and her team at their Brookside location at 6247 Brookside Plaza.

Organic Everything at Hand and Land

Bath and body, haircare, home goods, intuitive kits, incense, pantry goods, skincare – you name it. Hand and Land offers everything a toxin-conscious gift receiver could ever want. Plus, everything is strictly curated with high-quality ingredients that are good for you and the environment – the gift that keeps on givin’. Find them at their new location in Midtown soon!

Handmade Soap from Wild Wash Soap Co.

There’s really nothing like receiving the gift of handmade and naturally scented soaps, shampoo bars, and oils. The scent of the orange patchouli bar alone will make your potential in-laws get all warm and fuzzy. Shop here or visit Sarah at The Bauer (115 W 18th St) in the crossroads.

Wellness as Welwythn

Created by beauty and wellness expert Gina Holmberg, Welwythn is the newest skincare hotspot in town. Carrying all of the buzz-worthy non-toxic makeup, skincare, and cosmetics, this little shop is a perfect destination for gifting. Plus, their space is gorgeous. Visit them at 19 On The Mall in Prairie Village.

For the Accessory Lover:

Hand crafted jewels are my new jam. Every piece from these woman-owned companies feel so special. Perfect for that big gift your loved one has been eyeing, a simple stocking stuffer, or maybe just gifting yourself (this is me; I am gifting them to myself).

EB & Co.:

Where do I even begin with miss Emily Bordner? KC lover, supporter of all local entrepreneurs and organizations, and my favorite smile in town – Emily has created an inspiring community right here in Kansas City. And her jewels, hair accessories, and bags? Just as stunning. Visit Emily at Made in KC on the Plaza, her flagship store in Brookside at 326 W 63rd St, or shop here.

WW Collective

My most inquired-about earrings on Instagram. Whitney Williams, using polymer clay and countless hours at her kitchen counter, has developed a unique style all her own. Every piece feels like a work of art. Sold locally at Golden and Pine, EB & Co., and the Kemper Museum's Gift Shop, or online here.

Sierra Winter Jewelry

Oh, (Santa) baby. Some of my absolute favorite gems in Kansas City. The owner and founder, Sierra Winter Otto, ain’t so bad herself. Each piece is intricately designed and handcrafted by Sierra – telling a story of golden sunsets, a warm prairie breeze, and traditions re-imagined in a modern light. Shop her website here, visit her showroom in Brookside by appointment, and grab me a pair of Earlene Hoops if you’re feeling extra generous.

Whiskey and Bone

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m sporting my tortoise and gold earrings by Whiskey and Bone (115 W 18th St) every single week. Each piece is designed and handcrafted by Tarrah Anderson (a sweetheart). Her style has evolved over the years, but she remains true to her original inspiration, great music and the open road. Shop online or visit her at The Bauer– she shares a space with Wild Wash Soap Co. – two gifts, one stone!

For the Homebody:

The Holidays bring hibernation – and what better way to hibernate than in your perfectly decorated, plant-filled, cozy home. Create an oasis for your loved ones with these favorite home décor spots:

Homegoods Galore at Golden & Pine

One of the dreamiest shops in KC, Golden & Pine in Prairie Village (19 On the Mall) is an ethical home boutique that shares the story behind every design. Stephanie Agne, founder and absolute gem, makes artisan, ethical, handmade goods more accessible here in Kansas City. Find everything from kitchen and dining, garden, to home décor. Visit them at The Shops of Prairie Village or shop here.

Greenery from High and Dry Cactus Co.

Overflowing with green, prickly creatures, handcrafted terra cotta pottery, and all the Southwestern feels a botany enthusiast could want: High & Dry Cactus Co. is my newest plant-room obsession. Shop online, schedule a visit to their showroom, and check out my profile on their shop here.

Kitchen Gadgets from Pryde’s

Have a chef in the family? Pryde’s offers everything from bakeware, cookware, cutlery, tableware, gadgets, appliances, and more. Swing by this Westport icon at 115 Westport Road and treat your loved one to that blender they’ve been coveting.

Handcrafted KC Ornaments

Lettering artist, workshop instructor, and small business owner Lauren Heim is one of the sweetest in town. In addition to her lettering workshops, Lauren has created the perfect holiday gift: hand made and crafted Kansas City Wood Ornaments. Each set comes with a “Kansas City” ornament, a “KC Skyline” ornament, and a “KC Pennant” ornament. The ornaments are hand drawn by Lauren, and are locally laser cut right here Kansas City out of 1/4″ wood (the thickness of the ornament adds to their charm!). Shop here, and use code “veggiebellie” for $2 off your ornament!

For the Foodie:

Although I can’t list every restaurant, chef, and market here in Kansas City, this next round of gifts make the perfect presents for the foodie in the family:

Apothé Wellness at Unbakery and Juicery

If you know Robin Krause, you know everything that she creates magic. And if you know me – at all – you know I’m at Unbakery and Juicery in Brookside (634 E 63rd St) at least three times a week. Her newly launched line of wellness teas and apoptogenic powders and herbs, Apothé, make a great gift. And while you’re there, grab a couple of vegan Snickers bars for Santa.

Eat Fresh with CSA

Probably my favorite gift to give or receive: local, organic, farm-grown fruits and veggies. A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a subscription program that allows you to become a member and shareholder of a local, organic, free-range farm for a season. By gifting a CSA, you gift a weekly share of amazing local food directly from a farm. Find more information on Kansas City CSAs here.

Butchered Goods with Local Pig and Broadway Butcher

Speaking of fresh, local food – meet my two favorite Kansas City butchers: Local Pig (20 E 5th St) and Broadway Butcher Shop (3828 Broadway St). Perfect for gifting and hosting. This one’s for you, Dad.

Love Real Food Cookbook

We have Kathryne Taylor of Cookie and Kate to thank for this perfect gift. Filled with more than 100 approachable and delicious meatless recipes designed for everyone, it’s the perfect present for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. Grab it here.

Dinner in A Box

One of cutest ideas in my eyes – a “dinner in a box” created with local Kansas City ingredients. Authentic tomato sauce from Cupini’s, fresh parmesan and baguette from French Market, basil from a winter farmers market, house-made pasta from Bella Napoli, and a good bottle of red from Underdog in Crestwood Shops. Looking to take it to the next level? Spruce things up with a subscription to Tabletop in a Box, and serve up the whole package complete with a beautiful tablescape. Buon appetito.

For the Doer:

Last but not least? Give experiences, not stuff:

Staycation at Crossroads Hotel

For my twenty-something birthday this past summer, I gifted myself a night at the Crossroads Hotel (2101 Central St). Afternoon snacks at the Percheron Rooftop, warm shower and robe in the dreamiest room in town, pasta and red wine at Lazia, nightcap at the XR bar, and early to bed in what felt like a cloud. Book here.

Private Cooking Class or Dinner with Ashley Bare

Ashley Bare is hands-down one of my favorite gals in town – and just so happens to be one of the best chefs in the city. Ashely offers private, in home cooking classes and dinner parties to gift your foodie friends. Plus, all ingredients are hand-sourced, local, and organic when available.

Tour at Rieger Distillery

Meet Kansas City’s new adult playground. Tour J. Rieger & Co.’s 60,000 square foot development in the heart of the historic East Bottoms district (2700 Guinotte Ave), learn about the Rieger history dating back to 1887, and taste each of their locally distilled spirits. PS – there may or may not be a slide. Gift a tour here.

Give & Partake Guide to Benefit Kanbe’s

Give & Partake, the organization behind the popular “Brunch Book” passport, is teaming up with Open Belly, a podcast sharing the stories of immigrant and refugee chefs across America, to take Kansas City residents on a culinary journey around the city. The new passport will include over 20 restaurants around the metro that are immigrant owned or operated. A portion of proceeds will go to support Kanbe’s Markets, a local non-profit that brings fresh produce to food deserts across KC. Give the gift of culinary exploration while benefiting an incredible Kansas City organization!

Wine Tasting at Somerset Ridge

Somerset Ridge is the largest vineyard and winery in Kansas (29725 Somerset Rd)– they’re also local, family-owned, and creating handcrafted wines from Kansas grown grapes. Gift a guided wine tasting to your fellow wino. Every Saturday and Sunday with live music. Make a reservation at the vineyard here.

Psst! Most of these goodies plus a ton of other Kansas City creations are sold at both Made In KC’s locations. Grab a glass of wine or oat milk matcha, peruse the bounty of gift-giving opportunities, and leave happy knowing you’re supporting this beautiful community of ours.

Happy giving, Kansas City!

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Neighborhood Guide: Crestwood

Just on the edge of the Trolley Trail sits one of the most delightful blocks in all of KC– small but packed with unique, locally-owned spots to explore!

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