Ultimate KC Foodie Gift Guide

Local gifts abound for the food and drink lover in Kansas City, and food photographer (and self-proclaimed professional sampler) Anna Petrow rounded up some of her favorites to help you eat, drink and be merry this holiday season.

For the morning person

KC Coffee Subscription from Made in KC and SAP Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup. All photos by Anna Petrow

We all have that friend who somehow rises and shines at the crack of dawn, makes themselves coffee, fits in a workout and polishes off a stack of pancakes before they even head to work in the morning. I am not that person. But time has taught me to shower that person with gifts, so you can be the happy recipient of piping hot coffee and pancakes. Do yourself a favor, and gift a KC Coffee Subscription as well as some SAP Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup– all part of a balanced breakfast.

For the chocoholic

It's no secret that KC churns out some seriously good chocolate– after all, we are the homeplace of THE Christopher Elbow. Their holiday truffle box is a treat not to be missed, featuring festive flavors like Gingerbread, Mulled Wine, and my personal favorite– Egg Nog with white chocolate ganache infused with rum and nutmeg. Truly creamy and dreamy. Another personal go-to: expertly crafted Swiss chocolate from family-run André's Confiserie Suisse. While the chocolate covered almonds are a classic, the specialty box of cocktail-inspired truffles– Mai Tai, Margarita and Mint Julep to name a few– are a particularly fun treat.

For the bar master

When Rieger announced that they were putting out a retro holiday bottle inspired by an original 1911 Christmas ad for their whiskey, I had to get my hands on one. Pair it with the Boozy Botanicals gift set for the perfect present– Rieger Whiskey and Cardamom Spice syrup sounds like a match made in heaven, right?

For the heat-seeker

I put hot sauce on my hot sauce, so the wide array of locally made sauces and mustards are thrilling to me. A recent favorite: Hot Helga's Nordic mustard. Add some serious heat to your grilling routine, or simply spice your boring Monday sandwich up a bit. Really turn up the heat and make your own gift basket out of KC's best spicy sauces: Tasty Thai's Primal Cry hot sauce has the perfect touch of sweetness, Boy's Grow avocado hot sauce is great on eggs and supports a great cause, and Born With Seoul's Korean Gochugang (all available at the Sundry) is straight up addictive.

For the charcuterie enthusiast

No holiday charcuterie board will be complete this season without KC Canning Co's Red Wine Cranberry Sauce. It pair beautifully with sharp and tangy cheeses, like Green Dirt Farm's soft sheep's cheese. Also try the Rosemary Fig Spread– delicious on a cracker or straight out of the jar.

For the diner

You can't beat the gift of a great experience– especially one dining out. Pick up some of the new restaurant gift card offerings at Made in KC while you're there picking up some foodie gifts. Choose from delicious local spots like Heirloom Bakery, Classic Cup, Thou Mayest, Dolce Bakery and more.