Editor’s note: This feature is the first in Startland News’ five-part holiday gift guide showcasing Kansas City makers and their products. Check out the featured maker below, then keep reading for five gift ideas to get started.
A decade later, Pancho’s Blanket co-owner Jonathan Garvey is still wearing a hooded sweater his mom bought him for Christmas.
It’s among the favorite gifts he received — and one that continues keeping him warm; he still layers it under his other jackets.
“It’s started to rip open — just like clothes do — that’s what happens,” Garvey said. “But I still wear it. It still keeps me warm. It still does its job. And it’s one of my inspirations just in general. Like, ‘Oh, I love wearing this thing. I like how it makes me look, I like it makes me feel.’”
Pancho’s Blanket — which partners with artisans in Tlaxcala, Mexico, to design and make wool jackets, blankets, and sweaters — is in the business of warmth.
“We started Pancho’s Blanket with the intention of keeping others warm, whether it be the client buying our product or whether it be the people that we help clothe through the purchase of that product,” said Garvey, who started the venture with his brother, Joseph, during the pandemic.
Click here to read more about Pancho’s Blanket.
A portion of the proceeds from the business’ sales go to Feed a Family — a nonprofit the Garvey family recently started — which provides food and clothing to families in the Tlaxcala community. Pancho’s Blanket also is giving away sweaters in Kansas City to those in need.
“The truth is, if you’re not warm, then you’re uncomfortable,” he added. “That’s the actual premise of everything. You’re either warm, happy, and comfy, or you’re cold or hot. Warmth is that nice middle. That’s kind of what we all seek is just to be satisfied.”
In early October, Pancho’s Blanket opened its new space at The Bauer in the Crossroads. The store is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.
Click here to check out more gift ideas from Kansas City makers.
5 gifts for people who are always cold
Pancho’s Blanket Oso Blanket Madero – $300
Made of wool and handmade by an artisan in Mexico on a 125-year-old loom, this unisex sweater will keep anyone warm on the coldest Kansas City nights. This maroon cardigan — which is naturally dyed — is a limited edition that will be 30 percent off on Black Friday. The Oso is also available in black, silver, and beige.
Available in the Crossroads store. Click here to shop Pancho’s Blanket online.
Deep Rooted Flag Logo Set – $80
Everyone needs a cozy, coordinated set to lounge around in for the holidays. This set will keep you warm and support a KC Black-owned business.
Available in store at 1338 East Meyer Boulevard. Click here to shop Deep Rooted online.
Lela Blue Knits Beanies and Ear Warmers — $34-$89
Lela Blue — founded by Elle Saunders, who lives in Tonganoxie — is a specialty knitwear line made of the highest-quality natural fibers sourced in South America. These colorful beanies and ear warmers will keep the jack frost from nipping at your ears in style.
Lela Blue Knits is a Strawberry Swing vendor. Click here to shop Lela Blue Knits online.
Hugo Tea — $14
Nothing warms you up like a nice cup of hot tea. This North Kansas City-based tea importing company is all about transparency. Whether you choose matcha, oolong, green, black, or white, they will tell you all about the farm that your tea comes from.
Available at Made in KC stores. Click here to shop Hugo Tea online.
Wasteland Society Generic Kansas City Sweatshirt — $60
Everyone needs a warm sweatshirt to show off their KC pride. This one from Wasteland Society — a KC-based street influenced brand — is multi-purpose. Whether it’s a Chiefs game, a Mavericks game, or brunch, you’ll fit in — yet stand out.
Available at Shop Local KC. Click here to shop Wasteland Society online.
Bonus (Stocking Stuffer Idea): 1KC Pom Beanie — $35
Whether you’re braving the frigid temperatures at Arrowhead Stadium or walking around to see the Plaza lights, this beanie will keep you warm and toasty while repping your favorite city. It comes in various colors to match all your outerwear.
Available at Made in KC stores. Click here to shop 1KC online.
More ideas from the 2022 Gift Guide
5 gifts for someone who needs a little self-care — even if that’s you
5 gifts supporting creators of Color in KC
5 gifts for the KC sports fans on your ‘nice’ list
5 gifts made locally that don’t scream ‘Kansas City’
This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.
For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn
