Editor’s note: This feature is the third in Startland News’ five-part holiday gift guide — presented in 2023 by nbkc bank — showcasing Kansas City makers and their products. Check out the featured maker below, then keep reading for five gift ideas to get started.
Donnell Jamison’s colorful streetwear brand shares a similar retro vibe to his favorite childhood Christmas gift, the Kansas City entrepreneur shared.
Around 1996, Jamison, founder of Deep Rooted, received a Sega Genesis game console that inspired hours of gameplay, family togetherness, a spirit of perseverance and lasting memories.
“We played that thing from sunup to sundown,” he explained. “I loved playing with my brother and cousins.”
Jamison’s clothing brand — which he launched from the trunk of his car in 2018 and sells the perfect hoodies and sweats to keep you warm on a winter day while playing video games — is also all about community, he said.
In spring 2023, Deep Rooted moved into its new location in the shopping center at Troost Avenue and Emanuel Cleaver Boulevard, opening a new chapter that builds on increased economic mobility along the corridor.
“It’s important to support a local business that’s making an impact on our community by inspiring our youth with fashion and being that beacon of hope for our community,” said Jamison, whose business a grant winner from The Porter House KC.
Keep reading for more warm-hearted locally made gifts for the chilly people in your life.
5 gifts for people who are always cold
Deep Rooted sweatsuit — $90
Cozy enough to wear around the house. Stylish enough to wear to brunch with friends.
Available at Deep Rooted. Click here to shop Deep Rooted online.
John F. Malta Studio haunted skull stack knit scarf — $40
This limited edition scarf designed by the West Bottoms-based artist will keep your body warm but maybe haunt your punk soul.
Click here to shop John F. Malta Studio online.
RELATED: How skull-popping artwork time traveled into some of the nation’s biggest publications
J. Rieger & Co. holiday-edition KC whiskey — $40
Nothing warms you from the inside out like a festive holiday spirit. This whiskey distilled right here in Kansas City comes full of holiday cheer and with the seventh annual limited-edition label, designed in collaboration with Charlie Hustle.
Available at the J. Rieger Distillery and Made In KC. Click here to shop J. Rieger online.
Clever Babes Co. You’re Doing Great Babe “favorite” sweatshirt — $55
This is truly a cozy gift that keeps on giving from Clever Babes, a local small business that specializes in comfortable clothes for an uncomfortable world. Not only are you encouraging and affirming the person you gift this sweatshirt to, whenever they wear it, everyone around them will get a tiny pep talk.
Click here to stop Clever Babes online.
Bellboy Apparel waffle beanie — $25
This stylish hat that comes in neutral colors will come in handy on a blustery, winter day or just a regular day in a cold office building.
Available at Made In KC. Click here to shop Bellboy online.
Bonus stocking stuffers
Bear Soap Company bath salts — $14
Nothing warms you up quite like a hot bath and each blend from Bear Soap is made with Bokek Dead Sea salt and essential oils. Relax with lavender and lemon essential oils. Uplift your spirits with orange and grapefruit. Or gain some clarity with lavender, peppermint, and rosemary.
Available at Mid Coast Modern and Made In KC. Click here to shop Bear Soap online.
Chamoy Boi candy — $12-14
This candy is perfect for the person on your list who needs a little extra heat and has a sweet tooth. Nostalgic candies like Peach Rings, Gushers, and Nerds are covered in chamoy sauce and Asian spices.
Available at Café Cà Phê and Para Mí. Click here to shop Chamoy Boi online.
About nbkc bank
At nbkc, we’re making banking what it should be: simple, transparent, and efficient. And we’re doing it across all of our services — checking, savings, business accounts, loans, and more. Simply said, what you see is what you get. Great customer service, awesome rates, and smart technology backed by smarter people. Named the strongest large bank in the Kansas City area1 and voted a Kansas City Business Journal Best Place to Work for six consecutive years. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 409631
1 From an analysis published on April 17, 2023, by the Kansas City Business Journal, comparing all banks with a presence in Kansas City and assets of $1 billion or more. The study used 2022 year-end data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to evaluate banks on eight metrics which, together, reflect banks’ financial wherewithal.