The University of Kansas Health Systems

One less thing to wrap 🎁

A guide to Kansas City’s best giftable experiences
Starlight Theatre KCtoday
Uhhh, we don’t think you can wrap this. | Photo via Starlight Theatre
We love to think our presents will be up on the mantelpiece forever. But let’s face it: some things are destined to add to our closet clutter. (Unless it’s from our KC small biz gift guide, of course.)

It’s been on-trend for a while to offer experiences, rather than things, for gifts. To help you level up your gift-giving game, check out our curated list of giftable experiences so you can sleigh the holidays.

For the foodie

  • The Culinary Center of Kansas City | Dates vary | 7920 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS | Prices vary | Have fun with other foodies while learning new techniques and recipes.
  • Corvino Tasting Room | Thursday-Sunday at 7 p.m. | 1830 Walnut St., KCMO | $150+ | Experience the theater of an open kitchen alongside a 10-course menu.
  • Tour the J. Rieger Distillery | Open daily, hours vary | 2700 Guinotte Ave., KCMO | $20+ | Purchase a tour pass here, and give the gift of tasting local spirits.

For the artist

  • Nelson Atkins Museum of Art Membership | Hours vary | 4525 Oak St., KCMO | $70+ | This year-long membership is the perfect gift for the art-lover in your life — with perks like free parking, admission to featured exhibits, and discounts on studio classes.
  • Belger Arts Pottery Class | Dates vary | 2100 Walnut Ave., KCMO | $85+ | Looking for something you can do together? Learn how to throw on the pottery wheel + take home a finished product.
  • The Tipsy Red Fox | Dates vary | 2300 Independence Ave., KCMO | Prices vary | This experience is all about having fun — hence the BYOB.

For the music lover

What local experiences will you be gifting or requesting this holiday season?
LET US KNOW
6AM City In-house

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Today, Dec. 12
  • Monday Night Jam Session | Monday, Dec. 12 | 7-10 p.m. | The Blue Room, 1600 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO | Free | Enjoy live jazz presented by the American Jazz Museum. 🎷
  • Holiday Reflections at Union Station | Monday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Union Station Kansas City, 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO | $7-$9 | Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with brilliant sights and sounds as only Kansas City’s historic home can deliver (and don’t wait to get tickets — this event typically sells out).*
Tuesday, Dec. 13
  • Community Coffee | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 10-11:15 a.m. | Heartstrings Community Foundation, 11599 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, KS | Free | Network over coffee + pastries, then tour the facility before celebrating employee achievements. ☕
  • Class: Macramé Wall Hanging | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 6-8:30 p.m. | 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS | $40-$44 | Learn braiding + knot techniques, resulting in your own custom macramé wall hanging.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
  • Holiday Stop & Shop | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 5:30-8 p.m. | 7520 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Mission, KS | $0+ | Shop exclusive offers + limited edition skincare products, and snack on delicious treats. 🛍️
Thursday, Dec. 15
  • Mid-day Meditation | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 12-12:30 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library, 14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO | Take a mid-day mind-body break with this 30-minute guided meditation session. 🧘‍♀️

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Want to see a Mayan artifact — or 300?
KC Maya Exhibition .jpg
Discover the fascinating, ancient world of the Mayan civilization. | Photo provided by Union Station Kansas City
If your answer is yes, then we have two words for you: Union Station. “MAYA: The Exhibition” (which opened in the historic train station’s Bank of America Gallery in May), features hundreds of artifacts that bring the Mayan civilization to life.

This month, one more artifact joins the collection: a stelae (read: stone slab with engraved historical text) from the Nelson Atkins Museum — so if you haven’t seen the exhibition (open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), then now is the perfect time.*
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Weather
  • 52º | Cloudy | 22% chance of rain
Civic
  • Eight out of 10. That’s home many Clean Up KC employees are no longer homeless thanks to HopeFaith KC’s local restorative programming efforts. The City of KC officially partnered with HopeFaith in September.
Open
  • Gerard’s at The Belfry, a pool bar and eatery, is officially open in the Crossroads — at 1532 Grand Blvd., KCMO. Chef Celina Tio believes combining billiards with fine food and cocktails will be a winning bank shot. 🎱 (CityScene KC)
Biz
  • New name, same vision. What you may remember as The Green Door Bookstore is now Monarch Books + Gifts after a recent rebrand. Stop by for a cup of coffee and a good book to see the store’s new look — at 7713 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS. 📚
  • Happy one year anniversary to misc. — a cocktail bar located at 1447 Gentry St., North Kansas City, MO. This spot features a taproom with cocktail flights, an event space, and pop-up themed menus. 🥂
Gallery
  • The Coolest Office Spaces competition has selected a winner + three finalists that feature the most interesting and unique work spaces in KC. BASYS Processing took home the gold thanks to their 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo turned work station table. See for yourselves. 💼 (Kansas City Business Journal)
Sports
  • The Chiefs came away with a 34-28 win against the Denver Broncos. While they didn’t clinch the AFC West yet — Travis Kelce did become the fastest tight end to reach 10,000 career receiving yards. 🏈
  • Now’s the time to buy the sports lover in your life a holiday present, because Fanatics is offering sitewide sales. Easily find licensed sportswear and collectibles like jerseys, hoodies, and outerwear for the world’s most popular sports teams and win the holidays.*
Travel

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bella.


Editor’s pick: This is my first holiday season as a Kansas City resident, which means it’s time to create new traditions. I’d love to know what y’all do every year — whether it be eating a specific restaurant on Christmas Eve or checking out a light show, let me know. Bonus: you might be featured in an upcoming story on local traditions.


Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Here’s what you need to add to the calendar this winter.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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