Last week, someone referred to me as a micro-influencer.

I turned to my friend and said, “Wait … whut?”

Without missing a beat, my galpal snarked, “Yup, micro-influencer! Meaning you barely register as an influencer—and when you do, it’s insignificant.”

So, after I threw my drink on her, I thought about what sort of good things I could do with this newfound power. After lengthy deliberation, I decided to share all the local gifts I deem worthy of giving this year.

If you know me, you know I’m a firm believer in the shop local/buy local mantra.

So, without further ado, here are some KC-specific things you should purchase for me for your loved ones this holiday season.

10) Let the Squad at Broodmoor Bistro Cook For Your Guests
Like to eat? Hate to cook? Then put in an order and let the culinary students at Broadmoor Bistro do all the hard work for you—especially if you’re entertaining over the holidays. From drool-worthy desserts to savory sides, their extensive holiday catering menu is filled with gourmet comfort food staples. All the recipes are under the watchful eye of chef Justin Hoffman, who never met a stick of butter he didn’t like. It’s no-fuss, no-muss dining at its best. Oh, and the prices are beyond wildly reasonable.

9) Soundbathing at Seeking Solace Yoga Studio

A serene soundbathing class from Ronn McLane at Seeking Solace Yoga Studio is bliss-filled perfection. His ability to ground and soothe even the most savage soul can be a much-needed break from the stressors of daily life. And let’s face it, honey—you’re a mess right now. (Hint—he’s got one coming up on December 15th.)

8) A Gift Card to Elephant Wings

If you find yourself in a culinary rut, it’s time to shake up the ol’ tastebuds. Want to live dangerously? Try Parlor’s Elephant Wings in the Crossroads. It’s Indian food that’s off the charts on the Richter scale of flavor, heat, and spice. Rock-n-roll owner/chef Ameet Malhotra is rowdy and raucous—and so is his food.

7) Intuitive Artwork with Natosha Keefer

Intuitive artist Natosha Keefer does personal readings for people, but what sets her apart is that she creates a personalized piece of artwork during your session with her. It’s celestial and artisanal in one fell swoop. Plus, who doesn’t like a mixed-media painting made especially for them?

6) Nate Evans apparel/merch

Artist (and budding musician) Nate Evans has found a unique KC niche. He creates colorful collages—Chiefs! Royals! Wizard of Oz! Taylor Swift!—and then slaps ‘em on one-of-a-kind clothing and merchandise. You need a Kelce/Mahomes pajama onesie? A Taylor Swift backpack or carry-on? A Royals puzzle/pair of galoshes/bomber jacket? If you want to wear your heart—and the KC skyline—on your sleeve, order Nate’s loud-and-proud merch. It’s ideal for the most obnoxious, die-hard Kansas Citian you know.

5) Chef Jasper’s lemon/apple/blood orange cello

I don’t drink, but for the Boozy Suzie in your life, I’d highly suggest a bottle of house made Italian cello from Jasper’s Restaurant. Unless you’re privy to it, this magical elixir is KC’s most underrated libation. It’ll also knock you on your ass. Chef Jasper usually serves this zesty flavored cocktail as an after dinner apéritif. Think delicious butane. With its relatively high ABV, it’s not for beginners. You’ve been warned.

4) Peace Ornaments from Jenny Meyer-McCall

Because we all need a little peace in our lives right now, I’d suggest buying a metric ton of artist Jenny Meyer-McCall’s sparkly peace-heart Xmas ornaments to dole out. If you’ve seen McCall’s handiwork at the Plaza Art Fair, you know her style is whimsically ornate. These glitter-rific ornaments will be quite the conversation/statement piece as you decorate your tree.

3) 3DHQ Swag/Snowglobes

If you don’t have one of Nick Nikkhah’s KC-centric snowglobes in your collection, can you even call yourself a Kansas Citian? Nikkhah’s cornered the market on his curated designs, including replicas of our fair skyline. (His 3DHQ work is scattered at every Made In KC store in the metro and is a crowd favorite at KCI gift shops.) Whatever stocking stuffer you could possibly need/want, Nikkhah has ‘em in stock. Not only are they inexpensive, but they’re also colorfully kitschy. Oh, and he’s also the place to go if you want an action figure of yourself or your kiddos.

2) TIXEL at Plaza Aesthetics & Wellness

Lis’sen … I’m always skeptical of aesthetic services that tout themselves as revolutionary and/or state-of-the-art. That is until I tried the TIXEL at Plaza Aesthetics & Wellness. As an extremely pasty Englishman (and boy of a certain age), I’ve really started to notice how sun damage has taken a toll on my face. We’re talking age spots, blotchiness, and patchy skin tone.

After just one treatment, I’d say 95 percent of all the age spots on my face simply sloughed off. My once patchy skin tone was restored to an alabaster state I haven’t seen since my late 30s. Oh, and I defy you to see even one clogged or pronounced pore on my skin. No, I’m not kidding. Yes, I feel like the new Jan Brady.

1) Spiritual Alchemy with Angela Holmes

If you desperately need a cosmic reboot/recharge heading into 2025, there’s nobody better than a sesh with local energy practitioner Angela Holmes of Spiritual Alchemy with Angela Holmes. She’s weird. She’s woo-woo. She’s mystical. Whatever black cloud is over your head, she’ll ensure it starts to dissipate by the time you walk out her door.

So, there you go, friends. Chime in below with your favorite local must-have gifts. Heck, maybe they’ll make my upcoming list of mandatory birthday presents. (Fingers crossed!)