Last-Minute Gift Ideas from Kansas City’s Creative Puzzle Makers
It’s that special season again in Kansas City, where gift-giving can sometimes turn into a scramble at the last minute! But fear not, local businesses have you covered with some truly unique presents perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list—even those quirky “naughty and nice” folks who can be hard to buy for.
A Puzzle a Day Keeps Boredom Away
For those who appreciate the thrill of piecing together a beautiful work of art, the Kansas City Puzzle Company and its sister brand, Birdie Puzzles, provide an exciting range of options! Founded by the dynamic duo, Stefanie and Tim Ekeren, these companies are dedicated to making puzzles that are not only fun but also eco-friendly. Their products are manufactured in the U.S. with thick chipboard, 100% recycled materials, and soy-based non-toxic inks.
“We wanted to capture the essence of Kansas City and beyond, but it turns out people outside of KC were a bit confused about our original name. So, we decided to split the company,” Tim quipped. Kansas City Puzzle Company caters to local design enthusiasts, while Birdie Puzzles dives into the realm of “weirdo art” and city maps, attracting a wider audience.
Best-Sellers Flying Off The Shelves
As the holiday season has rolled around, Birdie Puzzles has struck gold with its collaboration with UK artist Emily M. Reay. Her designs, particularly “Mama Told Me” and “Party Down,” have become sensational hits in stores like Made in KC. “Just today, we sold out of ‘Mama Told Me’,” Tim shared, while adding that Emily’s unique and colorful creations have caught the eyes of puzzle enthusiasts everywhere.
Keith Bradley, co-owner of Made in KC, couldn’t be more thrilled about the partnership: “The puzzles’ quality and design fill a void our customers were looking for. They’ve quickly become top sellers!” And it’s easy to see why. These aren’t just any puzzles; they are gorgeous art pieces that people want to put together and display once completed.
Puzzles for Every Passion
Birdie Puzzles is expanding its horizons! They’re now offering artwork from various talented artists, including the renowned Mario Zucca, whose Kansas City illustrated map remains a favorite. This year, folks are also loving the retro “Matchbooks” puzzle inspired by McLain’s Bakery. It doesn’t stop there—customers are also excited about puzzles like “Road Trip” by local artist Josh Cotter and “Lawn Art” by Cooper Malin, which features a whimsical take on the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
“It’s been fantastic to incorporate local artists into our collection!” Tim remarks as he highlights the creativity flourishing within their offerings. The “Lawn Art” puzzle is a 1,000-piece homage where Lawrence-based firefighter and artist Malin lets the museum’s art spill out for a delightful picnic scenario. Who wouldn’t want to spend a winter evening piecing together such a vibrant image?
Shopping Local This Holiday Season
Even as the online shopping deadlines creep up, local makers like Birdie Puzzles ensure options for delightful gifts remain on store shelves. Don’t miss out on their irresistible selection; grab a puzzle that offers family bonding and winter fun while you can!
As Kansas City embraces all of its talented makers, those seeking thoughtful, unique gifts will surely find joy in the products offered by local businesses. Whether it’s a puzzle, cozy accessories, or handmade artworks, nothing feels quite as special as giving a gift from the heart—and you can feel good knowing you’re supporting local creators.
