This Kansas City Mama: Crown Center Christmas - Your Shopping and Dining Guide

Friday, December 17, 2021

Can you believe that Christmas is in eight days? I feel like I'm so far behind! I've got a few last minute things to buy and then there's the act of wrapping them all. In eight days! I'm overwhelmed. And if you are in the same boat, I've got you covered. Or should I say, Crown Center has you covered. Here's how!

The shops at Crown Center are full of local flare. And isn't it the best when you give a gift from a local merchant? There are so many favorites too. The Crayola store is the best place to get your child's creative juices flowing. All the things you need in one shop! Crayons, markers, modeling clay, and more. I can smell the wax crayons! There was nothing more exciting than your own box of 64 crayons, with built in sharpener, and the pointed tip of the brand now colors. My favorite color was always red. Simple, I know, but it's my all time favorite color. What was yours?

McKinley's favorite store is Toy Time. Hands down, it was the store where we spent most of our time when he was little. And he often walked out with a pullback car. Didn't matter what make, model, or style. He just loved their cars. Then we updated to Bruder toys, the mega size of all toys, and there are plenty to choose from inside the store as well. And the stuffed animals are plentiful. Your child will get lost in this amazing toy store.

Hosting a party or just going to one? You will definitely find something for any party, or occasion, in Occasions. This home decor and giftable store is darling! So many amazing Christmas ideas, especially those Nutcracker pieces, and some you didn't even know you needed. I've purchased several things from here in the past and I've always had such success. You will too.

Speaking of unique gifts, you definitely need to check out The Best of Kansas City. And, if you are heading out of town, take KC with you! Bottles of local BBQ sauces, memorabilia, even Ted Lasso are all things you will find inside. Okay, maybe not the real Ted Lasso, but how cute is that tee! Show your pride for your hometown by gifting it to others.

For Christmas, McKinley get his Granddaddy a tin of Topsy's popcorn. It's an eight year old tradition for us, but Topsy's has been in KC for 60! For our out of town guests attending our wedding, we gave them small Plaza Lights tin of their butter popcorn. It's always a great gift idea. We personally love their trio of butter, caramel, and cheese. Don't think you can eat through a whole tin? That's okay, grab a couple of smaller bags. You won't be sorry! A bowl full of KC's favorite will help you get through those holiday movie nights.

There are loads of other places to shop. Just check out their shopping directory to get the 411 on all the ideas.

And when it comes to wrapping all those gifts, their Customer Service department has you covered with their custom gift wrapping. Located on the second floor, above The Coterie, they will get you all taken care of. And if you're unsure of what to get that hard to shop for loved one in your life, you can always pick up a Crown Center gift card. So many ways to shop this holiday season!

With all that talk of shopping, one gets hungry! But no worries, the eateries are plentiful as well. And I'm hungry just thinking about all of the different options. The place we spend our most time is Fritz's Railroad Restaurant. Hands down, this is our family's favorite place to dine. If you haven't been, you must! Order from a corded phone at your table and watch all the meals be delivered by trains on an overhead track! Your little ones will get a paper conductor hat and will be amazed at all the model train exhibits throughout the restaurant. It's a total immersive experience.

Another favorite is SPIN! pizza. Their menu is extensive, yet we always get the same thing! A 14" pepperoni pizza and split the Sonoma salad. McKinley always gets the kids cheese pizza that comes with a small drink and a gelato. However, Joel has branched out in the past and ordered the Italian meatballs and loved them. This definitely one for those who love pizza!

There are so many other notables like Unforked, Burnt End BBQ, which is home to an award winning and Food Network featured chef, and the new La Fuente Mexican Street restaurant, a place I'm dying to try!

And when your sweet tooth takes over, why not head into Chip's Candy Factory and take home all of your childhood favorites! McKinley and I load up on way too much, but always share the extras, with Joel and my parents. All time favorite, waxed bottles that look like soda bottles, cinnamon bears, gummy cola bottles, and Fun Dip!

Doesn't this sound like a true one stop spot for shopping and dining? Yes should be your answer. And don't forget to head outside and burn some extra energy under the Mayor's Christmas Tree or on the Ice Terrace skating rink.

And if you haven't already, get your visit in with Santa while he's still in town! He heads out Christmas Eve around 5:00. Gingerbread Station is amazing! Just see for yourself.