Startland’s 2017 Made in Kansas City Gift Guide: Miscellaneous
December 1, 2017 | Startland News Staff
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.”
Check out these gift ideas
• Apparel and Accessories List
• Kansas City Experiences List
• Edibles and Drinkables List
• Kansas City Tech List
Featured Business

2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
KC team leaves its mark on Superdome; How your gameday Super Bowl view could be thanks to this Lenexa firm
A five-year, $560-million renovation at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans culminates Feb. 9 in a Super Bowl rematch featuring the hometown team of an engineering firm responsible for much of the work at the massive historic arena. Henderson Engineers, a Lenexa-based building systems design firm, recently completed a wide range of renovation projects within…
K-State accelerator opens applications to startups; university dives deeper into regional K-State 105 initiative
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. MANHATTAN, Kansas — Sunflower State startups are invited to apply for Kansas State University’s entrepreneurship accelerator, which now boasts a more-than-10-year track record, as well as a refined focus on…
Prefix Coffee opens another shop in downtown KC, pulling closer to drive-thru service
Owners of the family-run Prefix Coffee hope its newest location in downtown Kansas City will make the shop — known for its in-house roasted specialty coffee and fresh pastries — the go-to spot for the nearby Power & Light District and government buildings surrounding City Hall. The Prefix Coffee space at 1125 Grand Blvd opened…
Aussie livestock tech company tags Johnson County for its new North American HQ
An Australian leader in direct-to-satellite animal monitoring technology announced its plans Wednesday to establish North American headquarters at the Aspiria Campus in Overland Park — bringing a half-dozen jobs and paving the way for more tech innovators from Australia to land in the local market. “The Kansas City region was the clear choice,” said David Smith,…
