Everyone has that friend who goes crazy in a stationary store, and I am that friend. The next time…read moreyou need a gift for that friend, go to Hammerpress! Hammerpress has a super unique collection of paper goods, candles, soaps, and cards, which makes it a great location for a niche gift. They have beautiful cards for all occasions. There are tons of fancy pens and hand-painted, recycled-paper journals. I droll over all of their carefully curated candles and unique perfumes. This is not a cheap place to shop for a gift, but it's worth it! The recipient of the gift will feel so special and artsy. There is usually plenty of parking on the streets of the West Bottoms, unless it's a First Friday weekend - then expect to have to stroll a far distance, but Hammerpress is located conveniently close to some of my favorite antique shops.

I've been a fan of Hammerpress since they opened their first print shop in the Crossroads, way back…read morein the early aughts. As a college student I'd look forward to an excuse to trek to KCMO from Lawrence to shop here and pick up some local goodies. They've been doing this so long, you could probably even make an argument that they were kind of the original shop local spot here in the city. Flash forward and Hammerpress has migrated from their OG location to further down SW BLVD, and now to this new spot in the heart of the West Bottoms. It had been a while since I visited so I wasn't sure where they had moved to, but it seems fitting that they'd end up in the West Bottoms as many of the artists that once had studios in the Crossroads have migrated that direction as well, and it seems true to both their craft as printers, and their vibe as artists to be in yet another cool, up and coming, hip neighborhood. All of this being said, this new spot is by far their coolest. From the arched entryway, to the bright interior, you're going to find everything you've come to expect from Hammerpress. Beautiful art prints? Check! Locally made greeting cards? Check! other stationary and art goodies? check and check! Next time you need a card go check them out - you won't regret it!

I always try to do something with my niece before school starts, more like an experience versus…read morebuying her something. This year I gave it a google and found Embers. We had a great time. It took less than 45 min. It was fun and the girl helping was nice but didn't hover after explaining everything. Price wise, I did feel like it was a little expensive but I also have nothing to compare it to. Two, two wick candles came out to like $87 after tax. But like I said, it was fun and all I cared about was that my niece enjoyed it. Just a note, it takes about three hours for the candles to set so you don't immediately walk out with your candle.

Made a reservation for a girls night with my sister & we had so much fun!…read more When you walk in, you are immediately greeted & walked through each step in making a candle. They allow you to take your time & smell each candle & really try to find your favorite scent. After that, they seat you at a table & explain how to fill the little container with oils until you find the right scent for you. The experience is included with the price of the candle jar you choose. They range from 20$ all the way up to around 60$ depending on the size! It was worth it. I will come back with more friends!

This is the best location, hands down. The staff is always so friendly and helpful, and the coffee…read morethey have in the cafe is always made deliciously. I haven't gotten to try their cocktails yet, but I guarantee that will happen soon! We got the banana bread latte and pothole latte in the souvenir World Cup cans and we couldn't have been happier! The drinks weren't too sweet, which I appreciated. We also got a vanilla donut for our daughter which of course was scarfed down.

Right in the middle of the beautiful Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO, The Made in Kansas City…read moreMarketplace is a great place to shop... literally something for everyone! Shop to your hearts content between the wine bar in the front and the beer & spirits bar in the back! Many KC themed items I wanted for myself, from candles to food, games, original art, apparel, and there's even a cafe in case you're hungry. Be sure to go the bar in the back where you can try some of Kansas City's best gins, including J. Rieger's, Tom's Town and Lifted Spirits. Kudos to the bartender, Coyote!

Want to donate to an organization that really is putting your gently used goods to great use for…read morechildren, families and people in need of a fresh start? Can't think of a better place or more appreciative people! No appointments necessary, just pull up with your goods, call number, and someone greets you to receive.

This is one of our favorite places to volunteer. Operation Breakthrough was started by two nuns and…read morehas grown into an organization that has helped hundreds of children and families in the Kansas City area. We have been given a brief history of the organization and it's mission each time we went. This is a great place to donate your time and other resources!

Today was my first time going to ScrapsKC. What an amazing place for teachers and educators to find…read moreresources and supplies. ScrapsKC provides a great opportunity for teachers and educators to save money. Customer service was phenomenal, if this was your first time, staff was so excited and even rang a bell. This place deserves 10 stars. Pass the word let everyone know about the Teacher's Resource, craft items and so much more.

This definitely is a great place for anyone looking for crafting supplies. Especially fabric,…read morethread, and paint. The prices are affordable and I was able to grab a few things at a good price. I was expecting more variety in supplies. But it's all donation based so why would all the good stuff be donated lol. Take a look if you're in the area!