May we suggest a Christmas palm tree instead? | Photo by KCtoday
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally-owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, check out our list of some of Newsletter Editor Maddie’s favorite small businesses in town — and some extra suggestions from our followers.
May Day Paper & Post| A thoughtful card is a great way to step up your gifting game, and the dedicated wall at this Westport stationary shop won’t disappoint. Plus, shop locally made goods, stickers, and all things snail mail while you’re there.
The Upper Crust | There’s noting like a warm slice of strawberry rhubarb pie served up à la mode, at least in Newsletter Editor Maddie’s mind.
Virgil’s Plant Shop| The boutique plant paradise is throwing a party with Café Cà Phê’s coffee camper, a free cocktail bar, pottery painting station + custom ornaments by Darcey Kei Calligraphy in tow. Plus, shop 20% plants — including the new Virgil’s Palm Springs.
Looking for more spots for your shopping spree? Check out these small businesses our followers love:
Browne’s Irish Marketplace | "[Browne’s Irish Marketplace] for stocking stuffers and an all around good time” — @justswoon
Bleach Bae | "[Bleach Bae] for all the best loungewear!!” — @quarantinecookie_
Urban Mining Vintage | "[Urban Mining Vintage] has something for everyone!” — @kc_jewel
Want to share some more small business love? Make sure to tag your favorite local businesses in the comments of our post.
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
Asked
Asked
How much did consumers spend for Small Business Saturday at retailers and restaurants in the US in 2023?
A. $10 billion B. $15 billion C. $17 billion D. $20 billion
Ice Pond Skating | Thursday, Nov. 28-Thursday, Feb. 6 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Chicken N Pickle, Overland Park | $11+ | Make magical memories as you glide underneath twinkle lights, or prepare to own the ice with KC’s only broomball league.
Friday, Nov. 29
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Event | 6:30 p.m. | Crown Center | Free | Witness the illumination of the 100-ft-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree (one of the tallest in the nation) alongside fellow festive locals.
Saturday, Nov. 30
KC Chief Potting Class Event | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | rOOTS KC, River Market | $60 | Meet Nazeeh Johnson, see his Super Bowl rings up close, and create your own Chiefs-inspired plant masterpiece.
Wicked Party | 7-11:30 p.m. | ReRoll Tavern | $7+ | Whether you’re team Glinda or team Elphaba, it will be a spellbinding night celebrating all things “Wicked” with themed activities, drinks, and a chance to sing your heart out.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Kansas City Comets vs. St. Louis Ambush | 4:05 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena, Independence | $22+ | The Comets are taking on their I-70 rivals for the first home game of the season.
Happy Thanksgiving. However you celebrate, we hope you enjoy a day of rest, reflection, and community. We here at KCtoday are thankful for our city, and the fact that there’s always plenty to talk about.
Open
Tables are set, people are hungry, and you’ve forgotten grandma’s secret ingredient. Prepare for the unexpected with this list of local stores open today in your back pocket.
Eat
We’ll take another serving of sweet potato casserole. That’s the side dish that reigns supreme in Missouri — while Kansans prefer their casseroles with green beans — according to Google search trends. Find some other great local eats for your Thanksgiving.
Number
79.9 million. That’s how many people AAA projects will travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving this year. If you’re one of the nearly 6 million plane travelers this season, don’t forget to check out our guide to KCI.
Finance
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Health
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the ‘90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Category
Culture
📍 On the map
Put your favorite spots on the map — literally. | Map via Proxi
We’re putting together a map of unofficial locations that deserve a historical marker. We can’t wait to show you the finished product, but in the meantime, we thought we’d share a submission:
“The historic Stats Hotel at 12th and Main was the location of The National Planning Conference of Homophile Organizations in February 1966... This landmark conference predates the Stonewall Riots, which are often seen as the harbinger for the modern gay rights movement.” — Chris M.
There’s still time to put your favorite location on the map. Submit your unofficial historical marker to our local map by clicking the button below. You have until Tuesday, Dec. 3.
A Black Friday sale on the No. 1 bestselling clog on Amazon: Crocs. Buy the Crocs classic clog for up to 45% off in select sizes and colors. Psst — They would make a great holiday gift, too.
Not sure what to do with friends + family visiting town this week? There’s no shame in falling back on some ol’ faithful options, like a local landmark tour or coffee crawl at KC’s best java joints.
