Kansas City gift guide for hygge hosts and foodie fiends

Courtesy Unbothered Foods

Be honest: How many times have you bought KC BBQ sauce for your foodie friend or relative? Or the same local whiskey? 

These are great gifts–consumable, local, useful. But if you’re anything like me, you’re ready to level up your gifting game and introduce your giftees to even more of the goodies that make KC special. Specifically, things from local and independent makers, bakers, etc, who each carve out a portion of our culinary scene and craft it into what it is today.

This list is comprised of things I myself have used, tested, tried, and thoroughly enjoyed. Your friends and hosts are an invaluable part of your village. Treat them well.

Edible gifts

Hot honey from H Sauce ($14)

Hot honey is no longer a fringe condiment, so I’d consider this a safe gift for anyone who is even slightly open to “spice.” This local version has been a favorite of mine. It is slightly more subtle–in sweetness and heat–than some other big-name brands I have tried.

I add it to pizza, drizzle it over chunks of manchego to recreate my favorite appetizer from Merchants Pub and Plate, and have even mixed it with vanilla Greek yogurt and nuts for a unique breakfast. It is pretty easy to find at brick and mortar shops like Made in KC, McLain’s, Billie’s Grocery, Carne Diem Fine Meats & Pantry, and many more.

Kin Seltzer // Photo by Shea McGraw

Ambrosia lemonade hard seltzer from Kin Seltzer ($14.99)

We all have a hard seltzer fanatic in our orbit. Maybe you’re the hard seltzer stan. Yes, this one is brewed locally in Crossroads, but the authentic flavor will have you coming back for Kin time and time again, regardless of whether you feel like supporting local. The mango flavor is my preference, but I’d never turn down the strawberry lemonade variety. At 4% ABV, it’s a special option for a relaxed hang or a family event where no one wants to get too wild.

I’ve picked up Kin Seltzer at Border Brewing Company, but it is also carried at Good Karma Coffee and some liquor stores. Go all out with a set of vintage glasses from Afterall Vintage or River Market Antiques, or keep it chill (literally) with a coozie.

Rosemary sea salt crackers from Unbothered Foods ($8)

Your friend who prefers to host events and curate the menu so they know exactly what food is safe for them to eat–they may appreciate this. The only issue might be that everyone else will devour these before the host can enjoy them. 

Kansas City registered dietician Moran Murdock created Unbothered Foods with a line of gut-friendly fermented dough crackers. They can be ordered online and are available locally at Salumi Rose and Hemma Hemma in Waldo, or Jody’s Market and The Merc in Lawrence. It’s the rosemary and sea salt ones I keep reaching for, and they have enough flavor oomph that I don’t even feel the need to add any cheese or dip for snacking. The sourdough really comes through with a zip. This is not your bland or basic cracker.

Take Care Coffee // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Light roast coffee from Take Care ($22)

In my own mind, I’ve created a sensory tradition, but to the rest of my family, I’m probably just bringing a bag of nice, locally-roasted coffee. Before heading to my hometown to celebrate Christmas with extended family, I pick up a bag or two of Peak (a single-origin light-roast coffee) from Take Care in Crossroads. It’s pricier than I usually buy for myself but I know we will all enjoy it. 

This makes the gift list because of the lovely bag design–and if that aspect calls to you, I suggest considering the “Home” variety as well–and the price point. When in doubt about what to gift someone, think of something they enjoy or use every day, and gift an elevated version of that. In this case, an artful and enjoyable bag of coffee at a price point that they may not frequently spend on themselves. 

Sourdough from Eb & Flo Bread Co. ($11-13)

This gift actually has two directions. Order a loaf or two online or at a pop-up event and bring it as a gift that your foodie friend or host can enjoy for breakfast the next morning. Or, go all out and set up a sourdough subscription for them! The only caveat is that they would need to pick up the bread from Shawnee on a few given Thursdays. 

Consider this option for your friend who has talked about getting into sourdough baking for years but deep down just likes the idea of it–they’ll be just as happy supporting a woman- and minority-owned small biz. Or for the host who you know is likely to have been so focused on the event that they didn’t account for regular groceries. The fresh rosemary and slow-roasted garlic loaf could be further elevated by some Green Dirt Farms sheep cheese from Green Dirt on Oak.

Courtesy Shyhop Studio

Food-adjacent gifts

Coffee keychain or spoonrest from High Noon Pottery ($10+)

If pottery could be considered a little edgy, this would be it. Consider Ashton Bethel’s work, High Noon Pottery, for your cool friend or the younger relative who seems a little alt. 

I first encountered High Noon Pottery at West Bottoms Plant Co. (Gift tip: head there for an instant gift, no shipping fees or wait time required.) Mugs that say “sad but hot” or have “Fuck ICE” written in a starry constellation are what stand out to me, but you can also play it safe with an on-trend tomato motif. This year, I bought a ceramic coffee mug keychain for my favorite barista and will pair it with a gift card to a restaurant near her home. 

Lidia’s The Art of Pasta: An Italian Cookbook ($35)

Earlier this year, I had the honor of interviewing Chef Lidia Matticchio Bastianich at a Rainy Day Books event. I spent half an hour with her backstage, just the two of us, before we sat in front of a couple hundred people, and it was a memory I’ll treasure. She was exactly the same one-on-one as she was on stage, and that grounded confidence earned from years of dedicated work was an inspiration. The audience of Kansas City readers, home cooks, restaurant lovers, and industry insiders did not take that night for granted.

A piece of her magic, this cookbook, would make a nice gift. Appropriate for beginners and intermediate home cooks, this cookbook doubles as a pretty coffee table book when not in use. I specifically like that it equalizes fresh and dried pasta, and shares best uses for both.  To take the gift to the next level, you could add in Lidia’s branded sauces or pick up some sausage or oils from one of the area’s specialty markets.

Mugs from Lila’s Clayground ($48+)

I’ve been following Priscilla Butler’s work for years and have several of her pieces. I’ve also bought some as gifts for others. In fact, I’ll give away one of my gifting tips: When you feel really stuck on to get someone, take a scroll through their Instagram “following” list and be on the lookout for local makers and shops. When you find one, check to see if your giftee has interacted with them recently or liked a post. Buying that specific item doesn’t guarantee that they’ll love the item, but it’s highly likely that they’ll be happy you supported an artist they appreciate.

The mugs and home accessories from Lila’s Clayground are lovely and have held up well for me. A search of my inbox revealed five separate purchases, starting in 2022. With her inventory, I would point you toward the more kitschy, pop-culture themed, or holiday designs rather than trying to exactly match your pal’s kitchen aesthetic. Just like with a $22 bag of coffee beans, this is an item that they may use daily, but it’s made special by being a gift from you and sourced from an independent local maker.

KC restaurant art from Shyhop Shop ($18)

This up-and-coming artist’s work is delightful. Artist Shannon Shechter is just getting started, but some of your friends’ or relatives’ favorite local spots might be represented in her work. Hand-drawn foods and iconography from places like McLain’s Bakery, Earl’s Premier, Tiki Taco, and more are executed with playfully delicious detail.

Buying art for someone is tricky, and not always a great idea, but a small print like this is a low-risk investment if you’re confident that your giftee holds a special place in their heart for the eatery. And for an extra special gift when you have time to plan ahead, Schecter does commissions for a truly personal piece of art.