Stocking up for the Holidays: Three places to find gifts for others this season

As a horrible gift giver, I normally default to filling stockings with Amazon gift cards, candy canes or cheesy holiday cards. This year, I decided to put an end to my days of boring gift-giving and get creative. Exploring local stores for my Christmas shopping allowed me to finally find some quality stocking stuffers while contributing to the community.

Westside storey:

My trip began at Westside Storey in downtown KC, which was the perfect place to find antiques and vintage items for my friends and family. The store screamed Kansas City with Mahomes-themed T-shirts and bumper stickers featuring the Western Auto sign.

The variety of items, from Chiefs gear to sterling silver rings, helped me find something unique for each member of my family. I didn’t have to spend a crazy amount of money. Items ranged from $10-30, making it the perfect place for anyone on a budget.

The back of the store was by far the most interesting, with dozens of simple syrups — called “boozy botanicals” — for any tea or coffee. The number of flavor options made this section perfect for all the caffeine lovers in your life.

The store has a winter section for when it gets below freezing, filled with KC merch stamped on anything from blankets to fuzzy coats. I immediately picked up the softest beanie they had with a subtle yet adorable KC emblem hidden in the corner.

One of the most creative parts of the store is the huge pile of coasters on the back wall. With different prints ranging from Kansas colleges to local barbeque restaurants, this is the perfect local gift that your mom or dad might not have had on their wishlist. I grabbed a set of four containing a shuttlecock, KC heart and photos of two local restaurants for a total of $30.

I would definitely suggest Westside Storey if you’re looking for unique and creative stocking stuffers for your KC-spirited friends or family.

Pryde’s Kitchen:

Pryde’s cooking store located near Westport was by far my favorite gift spot. With classy cooking gear and cute gadgets located all over the store, there were plenty of random trinkets perfect for all ages.

The kitchen gadgets ranged from cooking essentials like wooden spoons and spatulas to wacky items like tear-prevention, onion-slicing goggles and meme-designed aprons.

House essentials like sets of hand soaps made of shea butter and floral-scented aromas are perfect for any family member or friend. 

On my way to checkout, I grabbed the onion goggles for laughs. I personally cry every time I cut onions, so I knew the $20 price tag would be put to good use.

To go along with the Westside Storey syrup, I knew I had to get tea for my mom. With a wide selection of teas including holiday flavors like cinnamon and candy cane, Pryde’s tea was perfect — I threw two cans into my cart and was ready to check out. For any type of home gadget, this store is the perfect spot.

Little flower shop:

Heading back in from the downtown area, I stopped at the Little Flower Shop on State Line. My only previous experience there was picking up my Homecoming boutonnière, so I wanted to see what else they had to offer for the holiday season.

With ornaments and trees covering every inch of the shop, it felt like a Christmas explosion. I found simple and perfect gifts, from extremely soft reindeer socks to furry gloves and hats.

Following the scent of candy cane that filled the store, I picked up a sugar-scented candle that smelled just like the holiday season. Instead of filling stockings with regular old candy canes, I found something that will last longer, yet still give nostalgia of the holiday. 

To add to the annual fun of Christmas dinner, I decided to buy trivia games as well. Ridley’s Pop Culture Trivia set is waiting in the stockings to test our knowledge of the last four decades.

After moving past the room filled with holiday decor, I spotted a section with beauty products. I immediately grabbed the lavender orange bath salts. When used, it spreads an incredible lavender aroma with touches of orange — it was a perfect purchase. Walking out of the store, I was confident and content with all of the gifts I’m giving this year.