Olive oil to ‘St. Taylor’ candles: Last-minute holiday gift tips from KC shoppers
Haven’t finished your holiday shopping?
Ready, set, panic.
Actually, that last-minute hustle to finish your holiday list doesn’t have to induce a panic attack because, thankfully, Kansas City shoppers and social media influencers don’t gate-keep their favorite shopping spots.
So we checked out social media — TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Reddit — and found a few places where they like to shop at Christmas and year-round.
Here are 10 places to check out.
Duet
“If I ever need to go pick up like a trinket, like a gift, a card, flowers, just something fun for anyone, never will you catch me going to like Walmart, Target ... not that there’s anything against those. I just see so much beauty in some of the local shops in K.C. So let’s go to my favorite. This — (Duet) — best gift shop in KC.” (Kansas City influencer Annie Bogart on TikTok.)
Duet is a gift shop in the Crossroads Art District created “as a space where art and design naturally meet.” The front of the store is home to a curated collection of home goods, gifts and art. A ceramics studio occupies the back of space.
Location and hours: 517 E 18th St., Kansas City. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Velvet Creme Popcorn
“Giant bag of popcorn.” Specifically, Velvet Creme. (Reddit user.)
If you’ve never been gifted a six-gallon can full of handmade popcorn, well, you haven’t lived. And, you’ve missed out on a Kansas City classic.
Velvet Creme has been hand-crafting small batches of popcorn since 1937 when Howard “Pop” White and Dona “Grammie” White started the family business to support their family.
Pick a flavor. Buttered popcorn. Cheese. Caramel. Chocolate. Habanero.
Location and hours: 4710 Belinder Ave., Westwood. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday.
Retro Vixen
“39th Street, of course, especially Retro Vixen!!!” (Facebook user.)
The retro boutique that offers new and secondhand vintage-inspired clothing in sizes XS-4XL sits along a popular shopping stretch on Kansas City’s 39th Street.
Location and hours: 1620 W 39th St, Kansas City. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The Tasteful Olive
“I love the whole downtown Overland Park area, but ESPECIALLY The Tasteful Olive. It’s the coolest little locally owned shop and they have the most delicious stuff in there!!” (Facebook user)
New among the specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars: Coffee-flavored dark balsamic created in collaboration with The Roasterie.
Location and hours: 7945 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Green Utopia KC
“Green Utopia KC is an amazing woman-owned business that is also very environmentally friendly!” Reddit user.
This independently owned store sells eco-friendly, upcycled and sustainable jewelry, pet items, kitchen and bath items and accessories for men and women.
Location and hours: 329B E. Gregory Blvd. Closed Tuesday. Open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
A Store Named STUFF
“Need a last-minute holiday present? Or not done shopping? (Haven’t started?!) Stuff in Brookside is so cute for any and all your Holiday needs. They feature KC artists and have everything to make your Christmas merry!” (KC influencer, realtor and “Christmas addict” Mandy Doull, Instagram.)
Sisters Casey Simmons and Sloan Simmons, known as “the STUFF Sisters,” opened their popular shop in 1996. It is literally stuffed with gift items, focusing on handmade items and art created by women.
Location and hours: 316 W. 63rd St., Kansas City. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
Monstera’s Books
“Monstera Books — just reopened after a devastating fire at the restaurant adjacent. Also, Smitten Booktique for women forward and romance books.” (Recommendation from member of Facebook page Kansas City Secrets.)
A fire in August at the restaurant next door to Monstera’s — an independent bookstore and plant shop — forced the small business to temporarily close until earlier this month.
Location and hours: 7930 Floyd St., Overland Park, in the old Wyldewood Cellars building. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Closed Wednesday.
Made in KC
“Last-minute holiday shopping? KC, I’ve got you covered. If you’re still hunting for gifts and want to keep it local, Made in KC is a must-stop. This place is basically a Kansas City gift cheat code.
“Da Bomb hot sauce — yes, the one from Hot Ones. Proceed with caution … you might need to change your pants later. The candles — church-style, but hilarious. St. Patrick, St. Taylor candle? Who knew?” (KC influencer Majid Ghavami on Facebook.)
Location and hours: Ten locations across the metro, including the large Made in KC Marketplace, 306 W. 47th St., on the Country Club Plaza. Marketplace hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Hours for neighborhood locations might vary.
Roots KC
“If you’re shopping for a plant lover or anybody with half of a green thumb, this is a guaranteed win. They specialize in houseplants, pots and plant accessories. It’s super aesthetic and super giftable.” (Kansas City realtor Laura Wonder, aka Kansas City Wonder on TikTok.)
Roots KC plant shop sells tropical plants suited for “plant parents” from novice to expert. The motto here is “cool plants for cool people.” There are three locations in the metro — the original store at 818 W 17th St., River Market and Zona Rosa.
Location and hours: The River Market location is closed Tuesday, open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday. The two other locations are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Made Mobb
“If you’re looking for unique KC attire, we’re talking hoodies, tees and hats, this is a place you for sure need to check out. It’s local, bold and perfect for anyone that loves repping KC.” (Laura Wonder.)
Made Mobb sells “Midwest streetwear.” No one will mistake your hometown when you wear this gear.
Sadly, the Our Lady of Guadalupe T-shirt we were coveting is sold out. We must have been on the naughty list this year.
Location and hours: 221 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday.
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