Startland News presents its annual Made in Kansas City Gift Guide. Check out selections from the Miscellaneous KC gifts category below. Have more ideas? Leave them for readers in the comments below.
Custom Caricature by Jasur – $50 and up
Twitter profile need a creative refresh? Local artist Jasur Rakhimov is well known in the Kansas City startup community for his on-the-spot caricatures and artistic renditions of events. He offers a variety of options, including individual portraits, group photos and events. Rakhimov attended a Startland News-hosted Innovation Exchange and produced this recap.
Beer Paws Beer Biscuits for dogs – $5 and up
Finally, you can safely grab your pooch a pale ale. But instead of a buzz, Fido can nom a beer biscuit from Kansas City-based Beer Paws. The company uses recycled barley grain from craft beer makers, collaborating with a variety of Midwest breweries, including Kansas City Bier Company.
The Fishing Caddy – $50 and up
As seen on ABC’s “Funderdome,” the Fishing Caddy features built-in rod holders, a tackle box, cup holder, live well for fish and turns into a seat for the angler on your list. Created by Kansas City entrepreneur Joe Pippins, the Fishing Caddy is manufactured in Carrollton, Missouri, and sold on Amazon, Etsy and via the company’s online store.
Add local flavor and flair with a creative gift card from Hammerpress. Made with hardy paper, the downtown design firm’s cards vary from classy to snarky to adorable. Pick up some of Hammerpress’ nifty wrapping paper for extra style points.
Mayor Sly & the Magic Bow Tie by Aja James & Audrey Masoner – $19
In this colorful children’s book, Kansas City Mayor Sly James travels back in time to explore the City of Fountains thanks to an enchanted bow tie. Explore the area’s history and learn about some of James’ favorite stories and locales.
Mario Zucca’s map of Kansas City – $40
In remarkable detail, Mario Zucca’s map of Kansas City captures many the metro area’s districts, icons, shops and more in a 24 inch-by-36 inch print. Highlighting such areas as the Crossroads Arts District, Country Club Plaza, Brookside and many others, the intricately designed map stuck locally-viral success (and ire from those left out). Something new pops out each time you scrutinize it.
OYO Personal Gym – $150
Weighing only two pounds, OYO Fitness’ personal gym folds to become about the size of a loaf of bread but offers up to 25 pounds of resistance for a variety of exercises. Created by Kansas City inventor Paul Francis, the product’s technology has been used by U.S. astronauts on the International Space Station.
Tom’s Town: Kansas City and the Pendergast legend by William M. Redding – $30
Dive deep into the rise and fall of Kansas City’s most notorious mob boss, Tom Pendergast. The historical account comes recommended by Kansas City historian Monroe Dodd and Missouri Valley Special Collections manager Eli Paul. One critic finds that the book’s style “manages to combine plain city desk prose with a great deal of humor, irony, and insight.”
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