The tree is glowing, the cookies are out, and the stockings are hung with care. The anticipation of the gifts carefully tucked into the stockings was (and is!) one of my most cherished holiday memories. Yummy chocolates and little treasures are such a simple way to add magic to a special morning. I look forward to picking out all the goodies for my family’s stockings all season. So much thought goes into each item. This has turned into one of the most cherished parts of our family’s holiday culture.
I am very intentional with the purchases I make during this gift-giving time, especially with my stocking stuffers. One of my favorite times of the year to shop small and support local. Choosing to spend my money on quality items from locally-owned stores makes the search for the perfect stocking stuffers even more magical.
Here’s where I am shopping for stocking stuffers in Kansas City this year!
Scraps KC
For any holiday, party, or project I always start my shopping at Scraps KC. This reuse style art supply store has everything! Find the perfect fabrics and yarns to create your own stockings. During the holiday season they offer an entire section of decor, wrapping, and gift giving items. Stock up on all the pretty packaging materials, ornaments, and more. This is also a great shop to find stocking stuffers for all those creative makers on your list. Loose markers and pencils, art kits, and all the supplies you can think of! Your purchases here benefit the local community and your money goes far. I highly recommend starting here when decking the halls.
Artist and Craftsman Supply
Between my own children, all of our school parties, and my (18) nieces and nephews, I am always on the hunt for unique small gifts that are more than just the dollar spot trends. The selection of toys, trinkets, and supplies here make it a one-stop shop. I can always find something for all ages and interests, from unique puzzles, silly games, to fun art kits and crafting supplies. My go-to items for stockings are the miniature animals and figures. Near the front desk, you’ll find hundreds of these tiny realistic creatures just waiting to be gifted. I use them for holiday countdowns and as stocking stuffers and everyone thoroughly enjoys and they remain a favorite play item all year! This is also my favorite spot to find notebooks, sketch pads, and journals.
A Thyme for Everything
Our stockings have to have chocolate! A Thyme for Everything in Downtown Lee’s Summit is home to my favorite chocolate counter in the area. You’ll find the coveted collection of Christopher Elbow chocolates here, plus an amazing assortment of other yummy treats. They offer gift wrapping so you can easily walk in, fill a box, and a have a gift ready to give. Don’t forget to check out all their kitchen tools, artisanal offerings, or a gift certificate to a gourmet cooking class. You’re sure to find something for all the foodies in your life.
Local Foundry
Hands down the best selection of locally made and sourced items is at Local Foundry. This new(ish) to Lee’s Summit shop is the place to find all your favorite KC makers. Stocking Stuffers for men, women, and kids of all styles. Strolling this shop you’ll find items from Whisky and Bone, Green Bee Tea Towels, Messner Bee Farm, KC Beard Co plus SO many more. Local Foundry also has a unique selection of vintage goods and items made in their shop at Fossil Forge.
Ivy and Sparrow
Another (newly opened) shop in Lee’s Summit is the stunning Ivy & Sparrow. It contains a beautifully curated collection of handcrafted, vintage, and modern home decor and accessories, and whimsical children’s items. The yummiest smelling candles, stylish home goods, and precious toys will make for a gorgeous stocking. I love their selection of stylish kitchenware and look forward to gifting (and treating myself…) here. Ivy and Sparrow is a wonderfully cozy shop to fill the perfect stocking and find lovely holiday decor.
Green Utopia
Sustainability is another factor I consider when choosing stocking stuffers. Choosing usable goods for stockings (and for white elephant exchanges) is a go-to theme of mine. Green Utopia has a mobile shop, offers online ordering (local delivery!), and hosts pop-ups around the area with all the best items for a green holiday: reusable kitchen storage, metal straws, and lots of great hygiene products. You can trust that their items are chosen with the earth’s interest in mind. So many great choices at their locations inside Waldo Wellness Cafe and American Dwelling. My kids love the playful collection of children’s items, and I love knowing my purchases here are eco-friendly.
With all the wonderful local choices, finding the perfect stocking stuffers can be an enjoyable part of the hustle and bustle. I encourage you to make the choice to shop locally, support small, and be intentional with your purchasing power this season.
