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
Hog Island to Parkville: Justus Drugstore owners docking new seafood concept in historic Parkville
The Parker Hollow builds on Chef Jonathan Justus’ mission to put small town Missouri on the menu PARKVILLE, Mo. — A bright yellow, nearly 150-year-old former Italian restaurant could become Kansas City’s go-to seafood destination with help from the world-renowned hometown culinary team behind Justus Drugstore and Black Dirt. Chef Jonathan Justus and his wife…
KC’s Enduralock secures $1.25M SpaceWERX contract to boost satellite docking tech
A Lenexa tech company has been selected by the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force to address one of the most-pressing challenges facing military operations in the skies and beyond. Enduralock just announced its selection for a $1.25 million contract aimed at using the company’s new connector system, OneLink, to enable modular in-space servicing…
You can’t plan for this: ‘Mr K’ finalists wary of another ‘wrench into the face’ from Washington
An upended national political and economic climate has rippled down to Main Street, acknowledged leaders of this year’s Top 10 Small Businesses, bringing concerns about racism, DEI backlash, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions to Kansas City’s front door. “We’ve had people come into the shop and harass our employees, our customers,” explained Dulcinea Herrera —…
Hyde Park coffee space reopens with family vibe fitting historic neighborhood’s roots, owners say
A newly opened neighborhood coffee shop in Hyde Park hopes to bring a fresh, family-friendly vibe to Kansas City’s bustling coffee scene, its owners said. “We created 1888 Coffee to be something different — not just another café, but a welcoming hub for our community,” said Christine Kehoe, co-owner and operator of 1888 Coffee with…
