Holiday Gift Ideas
The gift-giving season is here! And as much as we love to spread holiday cheer, sometimes finding the perfect present can feel more like searching for a needle in a haystack — until now!
To help you find truly special gifts for friends and family, we’ve compiled a few ideas for stocking stuffers, corporate “thank you” gifts, things to give family and friends or even ways to treat yourself.
Some items are made in Kansas and others are unique ideas for people who like to garden, cook, bake, eat, and drink — so, pretty much everyone!
Made in Kansas
Not only do locally grown and made products make thoughtful gifts, they’re also a great way to support fellow Kansans. We love the convenience of shopping online, but it’s nice when you can find something that’s a little closer to home. Here are some ways that shopping local for the holidays can be fun and convenient, too!
And each order for a small business is sure to result in a happy dance by the owner. Buying local also means money invested back into our communities and state.
From the Land of Kansas
This is the spot to find Kansas-made goods like honey, cheese, mustard, candles, pet treats and more, all year round. During the holidays, though, From the Land of Kansas also offers gift boxes packed with goodies! With nationwide shipping, you’ll be able to deliver a little love from the Sunflower State to any state that’s home to someone on your list.
Browse From the Land of Kansas
Kansas Originals
Offering a large selection of items made in Kansas, this website promotes artists, authors, winemakers and more. You’ll find a variety of options to choose from as well as seasonal gift baskets.
Shop Kansas Farms
Offering a direct-to-consumer connection with Kansas ag producers, Shop Kansas Farms lets you search by region for just about any food product you can imagine, many of which would make outstanding and unique gifts.
Farmers Markets
While winter isn’t prime farmers market season, many of them do operate during special holiday hours. Or, you can reach out directly to see if individual farms have hours of operation for retail — many do! In addition to grabbing meats, condiments and baked goods (perfect for entertaining!), you can find lots of homemade and handmade items. Gift shopping and grocery shopping in one fell swoop? Yes, please!
Find a Farmers Market Near You
Local Holiday Festivals
Discovering Kansas isn’t just for tourists. This time of year many towns have special holiday festivals with food, shopping, activities and even parades. Plan a day trip and combine sightseeing and shopping. Or, simply search for shops and products by location.
To Use in the Kitchen
For a practical present, get the cook in your life a new gizmo or gadget. If you’re lucky, they’ll invite you over for dinner for a taste-test of the gift in action!
A Meat Thermometer for the Digital Age
Want to get a gadget for the grillmaster in your life? Meet Meater. This high-tech wireless meat thermometer comes with an app that will alert your smartphone when dinner is perfectly done. Take the guesswork out of cooking the perfect steak, chicken, roast or whatever sumptuous cut of meat tickles your fancy. $69
Custom Cutting Board
Perfect for the head chef of any family, these cutting boards give the countertop a personal touch. Since chopping something is a must in most recipes, whoever is lucky enough to receive this gift will think of you as they use sharp tools (yikes?).
Air Fryer
These babies are at the top of many wish lists this year. Providing all the texture and crunch of deep-fried foods without all the oil makes this a great gift for a health-conscious foodie. To help you sort through the many shapes, sizes and price ranges out there, we’ve attached a list for you to browse.
Pasta Maker
If round-trip flights to Italy are a little out of your budget, bring the taste of Tuscany to your loved one instead! Whipping up fresh noodles will be a fun, tasty activity they can enjoy all year long.
Silicone Glove Pot Holders
Have you ever held on to a set of quilted pot holders just a bit too long? From heat getting through to pots and pans slipping, after a while they just don’t do the trick. Silicone glove pot holders are an everyday indulgence you didn’t know you needed (but you do!). Durable and non-skid, this little item can make a big difference in the kitchen — even for those who don’t love to cook!
To Be Eaten
Who doesn’t love a tasty treat? (Don’t worry, we won’t judge if you use the old “one for them, one for me” method!) Whether you want to make homemade goodies or outsource the yumminess, there are plenty of options.
Meat
The foundation of a delicious meal AND getting to skip the grocery store? This gift checks all the boxes. Choose between a variety of cuts and combos to send a mouthwatering surprise. There are options for steaks and smokehouse meats from local sources.
Chocolate
Whether you’re buying for someone who craves the bitter taste of dark chocolate or the silky texture of milk chocolate, send some holiday sugar. Based in Topeka, Hazel Hill Chocolate offers everything from geometrically shaped handcrafted truffles to the classic chocolate bar.
Indoor Cherry Tomato Kit
This organic cherry tomato plant is grown inside a mason jar and can be cared for completely indoors. Not only is this a neat gift for veggie lovers, it also adds a nice pop of color to any kitchen.
Mushroom Farm
A fun, interactive gift for all ages that’s also edible? Sign us up! Even picky eaters can’t resist trying something they’ve grown themselves. And with mushrooms, they can see — and taste — the fruits of their labor in almost no time!
To Be Sipped
Skip the overpriced drinks at restaurants and bring your special someone a more interesting drinking experience.
Grow Your Own Cocktails
Know someone who’s into gardening and mixology? This kit might be the just ticket. From counter to cocktail, you can grow and mix six different plants to add a signature touch of flavor to cocktails. It’s the perfect thing for anyone with a green thumb who also fancies a fine drink. $12
Customizable Glassware
Adding a personal touch to wine or whiskey glasses makes this practical gift even smoother. If the traditional initials seem a little ho-hum, customize using a map instead. Does your loved one have a special connection to a town or city? Maybe where you met? Decorate a glass with that city’s streets! Many websites like Etsy and Amazon have a selection of places to choose from, so you just need to select the burg — no uploading or designing required.
To Be Experienced
Local Cooking Classes
Get hands-on for a special date night or girls night, or simply foster someone’s love of cooking with a class. Whether you live near a major city with a specialized school such as the Culinary Center of Kansas City, or someplace smaller, you can likely find some fun, interactive classes nearby. Local restaurants, grocery stores and markets, community colleges and continuing education centers — these are just a few places that may offer classes. There are so many, we can’t link to just one! So, try an online search to find cooking classes near you.
Culinary MasterClass
If getting out of the house is a challenge, try virtual experiences. This program offers hundreds of hours of classes in baking, cooking, knife techniques and more. Because this is a subscription service, you could purchase a few months of the platform as a present and bring these expert teachers into someone’s home.
Craftsy Cooking Class
This is another online, interactive platform for cooking enthusiasts. Classes begin at just $10 each on this platform and include a variety of topics. Browse through lessons like Canning 101, Efficient Weeknight Cooking, Slow Cooker Made Fresh and more to find the best fit for your person.
Other Gift Ideas
Gardening Ornaments
Since December isn’t a prime time to find gardening supplies, and since the gardener in your life probably already has a set of gloves, tools and a caddy, consider giving a little something to keep gardening in their heart during the holidays. From tiny gardening tools to glass greenhouses, an ornament reminder of their favorite hobby is sure to delight!
Custom Tea Towels
We’re big fans of gifts that are useful. Who couldn’t use a dishtowel? Sure, this doesn’t sound like a very exciting gift, but get one customized and you’ve got a personal — and useful! — gift for family and friends. Simply upload a photo of grandma’s famous cinnamon roll recipe or your most-requested potluck dip on almost any custom printing website or Etsy for a truly original gift.
Paperwhite Bulbs
This is a personal favorite because it makes winter feel like spring. Plus, it’s something the whole family can enjoy! Watch the roots develop, see the plant grow and enjoy the sweet scent.
Books
Did you know there’s a tradition in Iceland of giving books on Christmas Eve? Perhaps the reader on your list would be happy to curl up with a good book about gardening or farming!
Of course, showing our family and friends every day how much we appreciate them is better than anything they can unwrap. We’re wishing you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays!
More Holiday Inspiration
