14 Unexpected KC Places to Buy Holiday Gifts
No time like the present to grab those last minute presents!
It’s the most wonderful time of year to shop local! Kansas City’s flourishing retail and small business scene gives you no shortage of opportunities to buy for everyone on your list. But sometimes, you want to dodge the crowds and find one of those best-kept secrets. We’ve rounded up 14 of them, including culinary- and cocktail-focused stockists, retail royalty’s newest location and an alleyway apothecary.
Let’s shop!
Photo by Katy Schamberger
Diebolt’s (inside Gillham House Antiques & Furnishings)
If Kansas City recognized retail royalty, Mary Carol Garrity would be Queen. You may know her from Nell Hill’s, the home décor and furnishing store she started in Atchison, Kan., before opening a second location in a sprawling two-story Briarcliff building. Her latest venture, Diebolt’s, is much cozier, tucked inside the multi-room Gillham House Antiques. Mary Carol, along with business partner Rebecca Wood, expertly curate a mix of glass and tableware, gifts and seasonal décor from estate sales, auctions and retailers. If you have someone on your gift list who loves entertaining, you’ll find something here — and likely leave with something from your own table, too. Pro tip: Gillham House Antiques offers a number of stunning showrooms, so give yourself plenty of time to browse.
Diebolt’s is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
3235 Gillham Plaza, Kansas City | Instagram: @dieboltskc
Photo by Anna Petrow
Mergers & Acquisitions
We all have that stylish, on-trend friend … yes, a little bougie. Treat them to a product from Gucci Westman’s clean beauty brand, Westman Atelier; chic cocktail glassware from Mamo; a retail-themed Christmas ornament (the staff favorite is the adult bookstore); or the latest issue from a range of niche publications like Apartmento, The Marfa Journal or Purple. Local luxury brands are featured, too, including Native Atlas skincare and milliner Amina Hood. Say hi to the shop’s sibling co-owners, Emily and Brett, who, according to Emily, had a love of style and fashion instilled in them by their mom.
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.
115 W. 18th St., Suite 100, Kansas City | Instagram: @mergers_acquisitions
Mean Mule vending machine
It’s a roll of the dice as to what you’ll find inside Mean Mule’s cheeky vending machine on any given visit, but we’ve seen some cool merch and fun gifts stocked inside, including a range of Mean Mule apparel and accessories. Consider this: if you strike out at the vending machine, you can still go home with a bottle or three of Mean Mule’s signature agave spirits — definitely a gift worth giving. Add a pair of Mean Mule’s illustrated bodega glasses (available at www.MeanMuleDistilling.co) and you’ve got all you need for someone to deck their halls … er, home bar!
Open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 2 p.m. to midnight Friday; noon to midnight Saturday; and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
1733 Locust St., Kansas City
Photo by Katy Schamberger
For Strange Women
Tucked at the end of the Crossroads’ Alley Shops, you’ll find this woman-owned fragrance boutique that strikes the perfect balance of sumptuous and a lil’ spooky. Owner Jill McKeever and her talented team prioritize sustainably sourced, plant-derived aromatics to create fragrances that evoke not just moments in time, but also landscapes and locales. Smaller, sample-size vials would make for a perfect and unexpected gift basket. Tuck in a locally made, equally aromatic lip balm, a candle, or, if you feel like splurging, a piece from the shop’s stunning collection of antique Czech perfume bottles. And if you get something for yourself, too? ‘Tis the season!
Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
115 W. 18th St., Suite 107 | www.ForStrangeWomen.com
Photo by Anna Petrow
George, A Lifestyle Store
You’ll find sophisticated wardrobe staples, timeless antiques and household gifts at George, but you’ll also discover a wonderfully curated selection of gift books and, yes, doggo-friendly gifts! The book section is an especially great browse if you’re shopping for someone who loves travel, design or cooking. Plus, you can’t not get in the holiday spirit as you stroll the charming, garland-lined shops of Crestwood, George’s home neighborhood, located between The Plaza and Brookside.
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
315 E. 55th St. | www.GeorgeLifestyle.com
Photo by Katy Schamberger
Billie’s Grocery
Books, kitchenware, specialty ingredients, bar accessories — you’ll find all of these and more at both Billie’s Grocery locations. There’s a sort of upscale general store vibe going on — Instagrammable merchandise displays peppered throughout the light, airy restaurant and coffeeshop. The whole food- and health-focused menu at Billie’s Grocery also makes the mouthwatering bakery case a must-visit if you’re shopping for a gluten-free friend. For the true Billie’s Grocery enthusiast? Snag an oakmoss and amber-scented candle, a collab between Billie’s and San Francisco-based Often Wander.
Midtown KC location open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Leawood location open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
316 Gillham Plaza, Suite 100, Kansas City & 3614 W. 95th St., Leawood, Kan.
The Pairing
Part wine bar, part liquor store, part specialty grocer — The Pairing wears a lot of hats, and they’re all delicious. It’s easy to cruise by the stocked shelves as you’re trying to grab a seat at the bar for live music and a wine flight, but if you’re shopping for cocktail lovers, The Pairing’s extraordinary array of spirits and mixers will make your gift the standout. They prioritize small businesses, including wineries and distilleries owned by women and people of color, which makes the adage “support local” even easier and more delicious. Another under-the-radar section at The Pairing? Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly charcuterie staples stocked at the front of the store. Why shouldn’t everyone savor the joy of cheese, charcuterie and wine?
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
1615 Oak St. | http://ThePairingWinebar.com
Photo by Anna Petrow
Hemma Hemma
We can’t blame you if, upon previous visits to Hemma Hemma, you’ve beelined straight to the pastry case or the hot meal bar. Just past the coffeeshop is a delightful selection of culinary-focused gifts, especially great for stocking stuffers and White Elephant exchanges. Specialty sauces and condiments provide instant pantry upgrades. Or opt for a gift card that’s good for an upcoming cooking class. How accomplished will you feel when you can grab your coffee, breakfast and cross gift shopping off your list?
Open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
7122 Wornall Rd. | www.HemmaHemma.com
Photo by Anna Petrow
Front Range Coffeehouse and Provisions
Shopping for someone who loves hiking, camping and nature? The local brand and maker-focused boutiques inside Front Range Coffee have no shortage of gift ideas, from journals and socks to camping essentials and snacks — lots of snacks. Full disclosure: Yes, Front Range is owned by MiKC Explore parent company, Made in KC. But with the emphasis on outdoor-themed merch — especially as we enter Kansas City’s cozy cabin season — makes this stop list-worthy!
Both locations open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
400 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City & 2718 W. 53rd St., Fairway, Kan.
Photo by Katy Schamberger
Various museum gift shops
As Banksy said, “Exit through the gift shop!” And for good reason. In addition to a collection of world-renowned museums that house art, artifacts, memorabilia and troves of information, Kansas City’s museums also feature well-stocked gift shops that can help you find the perfect treasure, even for that impossible-to-buy-for person. Shopping for a history lover? The National World War I Museum and Memorial’s gift shop features shelf after shelf of books examining every angle of The Great War. A poignant collection of poppy-themed art and gifts blends beauty and solemnity. At the Kansas City Museum, Wisteria boutique beckons with jewelry, home goods, accessories, games and more, including an emphasis on stocking local and regional artists and designers. Fine art aficionados will love anything from The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which features a rotating selection of gifts to coincide with traveling exhibits and also pays homage to the museum’s core collections. A can’t-miss gift for anyone on your list? A ceramic Shuttlecock ornament, a pint-sized replica of the iconic NAMES sculpture. For sports and or music lovers, the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum share space in downtown Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine District and each feature themed shops. Grab a locally made Negro Leagues T-shirt and hat, or give the gift of Kansas City’s soundtrack with a jazz album or book.
National World War I Museum and Memorial, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. | 2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City | www.TheWorldWar.org
Kansas City Museum, open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. | 3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City | www.KansasCityMuseum.org
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. | 4525 Oak St., Kansas City | www.Nelson-Atkins.org
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday | 1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City | www.NLBM.com and www.AmericanJazzMuseum.org
Katy Schamberger is Kansas City’s girl about town — part concierge, part cheerleader and part explorer. She’s writing her second book (an historic Kansas City travel guide) but taking plenty of breaks for happy hour, dining out and supporting all things local. Connect on Instagram and Threads @katywrites.
