Gifts – Michael Gortenburg

Hi everyone! Michael Gortenburg here. Mother’s Day is just around the corner on May 11^th, and finding the perfect gift to show appreciation for the special moms in your life doesn’t have to mean resorting to big-box retailers or last-minute online shopping. Kansas City is home to some of the best local boutiques, artisan shops, and specialty stores where you can find unique and thoughtful gifts that will make this Mother’s Day extra special.

From handmade jewelry to decadent chocolates, here are some of the best local shops in Kansas City to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

1. Made in KC

Multiple Locations (Plaza, Downtown, Prairie Village)

If your mom loves locally made gifts, Made in KC is the perfect place to shop. This store features a curated selection of Kansas City-themed goods, from handcrafted jewelry to home décor and artisanal foods. Pick up a locally designed mug, a bottle of KC-roasted coffee, or a cozy candle with scents inspired by the Midwest. Bonus: they even have a café where you can grab a latte while you browse!

Gift Ideas: KC-themed home goods, artisan candles, locally crafted jewelry

2. The General Store & Co.

207 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO

For the mom who loves stylish home décor, unique stationery, or self-care goodies, The General Store & Co. in Westport is a must-visit. They carry an eclectic mix of handmade bath products, beautiful kitchen accessories, and quirky gifts that will make her smile. They also have gorgeous greeting cards that will pair perfectly with your thoughtful gift.

Gift Ideas: Hand-poured candles, skincare products, Kansas City-inspired artwork

3. Messner Bee Farm

8301 Westridge Rd, Raytown, MO

If your mom appreciates natural, eco-friendly gifts, Messner Bee Farm has just what you need. This local shop specializes in handcrafted beeswax-based beauty products, including lip balms, body butter, and soaps—all made with love and local honey. Their products are beautifully packaged and perfect for pampering the queen bee in your life.

Gift Ideas: Handmade lip balms, honey gift sets, all-natural skincare

4. Hand & Land

115 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO

Self-care is always a great gift, and Hand & Land offers a wonderful selection of organic beauty products, wellness essentials, and sustainable home goods. Their focus on all-natural and eco-conscious products makes this an ideal shop for health-conscious moms who love clean beauty and wellness products.

Gift Ideas: Herbal teas, natural skincare products, essential oil gift sets

5. Kansas City Candle Company

4101 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO

If your mom loves candles, Kansas City Candle Company is the place to shop. Their locally made soy candles come in a variety of luxurious scents inspired by Kansas City and the Midwest. Whether she prefers fresh floral scents, warm vanilla tones, or earthy woods, you’ll find the perfect fragrance to brighten her day.

Gift Ideas: Hand-poured soy candles, wax melts, reed diffusers

6. Christopher Elbow Chocolates

1819 McGee St, Kansas City, MO

For the mom with a sweet tooth, Christopher Elbow Chocolates is a must-stop shop. Their gourmet chocolates are as beautiful as they are delicious, featuring artistic designs and unique flavor combinations like Venezuelan Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Balsamic. A beautifully wrapped box of these handcrafted chocolates will make her feel extra special.

Gift Ideas: Luxury chocolate boxes, hot cocoa mix, chocolate-covered nuts

7. Do Good Co.

1320 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO

If your mom loves shopping with a purpose, Do Good Co. is a fantastic option. This stylish boutique offers a mix of vintage finds, modern fashion, and home goods, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits. Every purchase gives back, making it a meaningful gift choice.

Gift Ideas: Vintage jewelry, stylish handbags, home décor

8. Nell Hill’s

4101 N Mulberry Dr, North Kansas City, MO

For the mom who loves interior decorating, Nell Hill’s is a dream come true. This upscale home décor store is filled with elegant furniture, tableware, and seasonal decorations that will make her home feel extra special. Whether she loves classic, modern, or rustic designs, there’s something here for every décor style.

Gift Ideas: Decorative throw pillows, tableware, floral arrangements

9. J’adore Home and Garden

4531 W 119th St, Leawood, KS

For moms with a green thumb, J’adore Home and Garden offers a stunning selection of indoor plants, stylish planters, and gardening accessories. Whether she loves succulents, orchids, or fresh floral arrangements, this shop has something that will brighten up her space.

Gift Ideas: Beautiful potted plants, gardening tools, decorative planters

10. Fetch

1101 Mulberry St, Kansas City, MO

If your mom enjoys quirky, fun gifts, Fetch is the place to go. This locally loved shop carries a mix of witty greeting cards, pop culture gifts, and unique home goods that make for a lighthearted yet thoughtful present. Whether she’s a fan of funny mugs, cozy socks, or unique art prints, Fetch has a gift that will make her smile.

Gift Ideas: Funny mugs, cheeky tea towels, quirky greeting cards

Shop Local, Celebrate Mom

Kansas City is filled with amazing local businesses that make finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift easy and enjoyable. Whether your mom loves sweet treats, cozy candles, stylish home décor, or unique handmade items, these shops offer plenty of thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts to make her feel loved.

Shopping local doesn’t just mean getting a great gift—it also means supporting small businesses and keeping Kansas City’s creative community thriving. So, skip the big-box stores this year and find something truly special for Mom right here in KC!

Check out my blog about the best bookstores in Kansas City, especially if your mom loves to read!

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri.

Also, follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.

Hello readers, and greetings from Kansas City!

The other day as I was thinking about some of the coolest tech gadgets that I have seen recently, I naturally thought of people that might enjoy some of the items on the list.

It led me to think of those people in our lives who are hard to buy gifts for. As we get older, it can be difficult to find gifts for people. Gifting turns into a game of trying to surprise the person with a thoughtful gesture, a funny novelty, or a handy item that they will actually use in their day-to-day.

But this can be challenging, especially if we’re pressed for time. I thought that it would be fun to share a quick list of failsafes that work for most people with any lifestyle or background.

Imported Coffee

High-end, imported coffee is a great gift for any person over the age of 25. Almost every adult lives off of coffee, and what better way to start the day than with a premium cup. A premium bag of imported, luxury coffee beans won’t cost you very much and it’s the kind of thing that most people don’t have in their home. This makes a great gift for a boss or co-worker in your office.

Exotic Wine

People often bring a bottle of wine to a dinner party or as a housewarming gift, but it also makes a great birthday, Christmas or casual gift as well. Anyone who enjoys wine will always welcome a new bottle that they haven’t tried – and if they already have a full case, they’ll never turn down another addition. Try to go for an imported wine or an exotic blend that they typically wouldn’t go for. It will give them an excuse to try it and may introduce something new that they’ll enjoy.

Travel Journal

Do you know someone who enjoys traveling and takes a lot of pictures of the places they’ve explored? If so, a travel journal is a unique and thoughtful item that they might actually use. It is a journal of sorts that they can use to document their experiences and include their favorite moments and memories from their trips. They can also include any photographs that they may have as well – but in 2019, they are probably in digital format, which also gives you the opportunity to include a disposable camera – if you can still find them.

Stylish Backpack/Shoulder Bag

Another gift to get any travelers in your life, backpacks and shoulder bags are great items that we can all use but may not necessarily take the time to purchase. A lot of times when people go on trips, they may want to opt for something more mobile than a luggage case but less formal than a briefcase. Backpacks and shoulder bags are the perfect compromise. They allow anyone to store their stuff and take it with them wherever they go. You’ll get extra points if you pick a stylish option.

Board Games

If the person you’re shopping for has a family or likes to host parties with friends – board games are a great option to pick up, and one that they’ll have fun using. You can go for the classics like “Monopoly” or “Life,” but you run the risk of them already owning those, so try to go for games that are new additions or are more unique. The great thing about gifting board games is that it can open an opportunity for you to enjoy time with the person while playing them.

Portable Speakers

For any music lovers in your friend group, you can get them a portable speaker. These have vastly improved over the last several years and can be found for a very affordable price. On top of that, they are extremely handy. People can use portable speakers when they go for a swim at the pool or beach, or grilling out with family, or even working on cars. This is another gift idea people will find themselves using more often than they think and will thank you for later.

Candles

These are a great option for anyone in a pinch. People who don’t own candles always wish they had them and will use them when they’re around. They’re a nice gesture that no one will say no to. They’re also very inexpensive and it can be useful to have when the power goes out.

Hopefully this list will give you some ideas that you can fall back on when it comes time to getting a gift for that person in your life that has it all. They’re timeless options that are practical and have real use in everyday life.

Do you have your own ideas to share? Let me know in the comments!

~ Michael Gortenburg Kansas City, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG)

Tag: Gifts

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