Shop Small: 5 gifts that rock without screaming KC (we swear)
November 20, 2023 | Taylor Wilmore
Editor’s note: This feature is the first 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.
Effing Candle Co. is more than just wax and wicks, said Birdie Hansen. With phrases on its candles like “Festive AF,” “Josh Hawley Sucks” and “Drunken Elves,” the brand itself is designed to make you chuckle.
“Our candle labels might be cheeky (sometimes even snarky), but our hearts are big,” said Hansen, co-owner of the popular Midtown shop.
Hansen, proudly Jewish, reminisced about a cherished holiday memory that transcends religious boundaries.
“My favorite holiday memory is baking cookies with my grandma. She was very precious to me, and she always made sure that the holidays felt magical,” Hansen shared.
As the owner of a small business, Hansen acknowledged that the holiday season is a whirlwind, with Effing Candle Co. experiencing its peak during the final weeks of the year. However, amidst the chaos, Hansen sees beauty in her connection with her customers.
“To me, the reason for the season is kindness. Taking that extra few minutes to talk to our customers, listening to their stories, and holding space,” Hansen said.
The power of scents, she said, goes beyond the olfactory; it evokes nostalgia and emotions for shoppers, turning the candle shop into a sanctuary of released feelings.
“You probably wouldn’t expect people to cry at a candle shop, but scents can trigger powerful memories for people,” Hansen continued.
Birdie and David Hansen, Effing Candle Co.; photos by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
“We give out our fair share of hugs to people who are missing a loved one or feeling lonely. The holidays can be a really tough time for people. A little kindness and patience go a long way this time of year.”
Memories of one particular present — given to Hansen as a child — brings out those seasonal feelings of nostalgia, she said
“My favorite gift ever — a dollhouse that my dad built for me when I was four,” Hansen detailed. “It had elements from loved ones’ homes in it, like wallpaper and carpet from my childhood bedroom, tiles from my grandparents’ kitchen, and an astroturf roof deck.”
Keep reading for more locally made gift ideas that don’t bear the “Kansas City” label.
5 gifts that rock without screaming KC (we swear)
Processed with VSCO with c5 preset
‘Warm Hugs’ Wooden Wick Candle by Effing Candle Co. — $34
Effing Candle Co. introduces their seasonal bestseller, the “Warm Hugs” candle. The candle contains cozy notes such as almond milk, vanilla and amber.
Click here to shop Effing Candle Co. online.
Enduro-ble Hoodie by Prairie Sailor — $62.99
This durable hoodie from Mission, Kansas-based Prairie Sailor offers dependable warmth and resilience in diverse weather, making it a lasting choice for rain, wind, snow, or tornadoes.
Click here to shop Prairie Sailor online.
Noodle Bowl by Archival Designs — $32
This handcrafted, glazed deep bowl is perfect for enjoying your favorite ramen dishes. It features thoughtful cutouts on the lip, providing a convenient resting place for chopsticks.
Available at Made in KC. Click here to shop Archival Designs online.
Lavender “Everything But The Tub” Bath Kit by Yal&Yana — $38
Experience bliss with these curated kits featuring blueberry/lavender tea, a lavender tea light candle, lavender bath soak, bubble bath, handmade lavender bath bomb, “Rub-a-Dub Suga’ Scrub” cube, and a lavender body oil.
Available at Shop Local KC. Click here to shop Yal&Yana online.
Star Power Tee or Crop Top by Associated Humanity — $36/$26
You already have what it takes, now rock this heavy-weight, ultra-soft shirt in two retro-inspired styles. Each purchase directly supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of KC. Elevate your style, uplift your community.
Click here to shop Associated Humanity online.
Bonus: Stocking Stuffers
Cocktail Kit: Good Bitter Best — $24
Everything you need (sans booze) to create the perfect drink! The Black Walnut Cocktail Kit includes maple syrup, apple garnish, Black Walnut bitters, and a recipe for their Maple Walnut Old Fashioned.
Available at Shop Local KC. Click here to shop Good Bitter Best online.
Beaded Santa Hat Earrings: Eb & Co. — $22
These earrings are a subtle and festive touch to any Christmas outfit.
Available at Made in KC. Click here to shop Eb & Co. 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.
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
These makers and vendors aren’t buying the scarcity mindset: ‘There’s a way for us all to eat’
A new vendor fair aims to unite people from all corners of the city and promote collaboration among the local vendor community, said entrepreneur and event organizer Dontavious Young. “I see a lot of events in Kansas City that are geared toward a specific type of crowd, or a specific type of culture, or a…
United Way’s $2M Kauffman-backed Catalyst Fund just picked its first 22 nonprofit grantees
Leaders and organizations who are directly connected and engaged with their communities — especially communities of color — are essential to building a vibrant and inclusive Kansas City, said Gloria Jackson-Leathers, announcing a slew of grant winners from the new $2 million Nonprofit Catalyst Fund. “We are excited to see these grants begin to benefit small…
Deep tech is the indie rock of innovation: How a summer festival’s return puts it back on stage
After a successful debut in 2022, Kansas City’s Innovation Festival is returning in August with more beats, beer, and biologics, shared Sonia Hall, teasing the addition of burgeoning businesses and a berry. To industry insiders, the event — planned for Aug. 3-5 at Crown Center — is a deep tech conference (with the addition of…
World Refugee Day draws diverse mix of Kansas Citians, businesses
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. The Kansas City Public Library’s Northeast Branch parking lot was full of lively music and friendly…