Topsy’s Popcorn

• Think Kansas and you may think corn—but Topsy’s Popcorn is the kind you’ll want to take back home on the plane. This Kansas City institution has been making gourmet popcorn for over 50 years and offers flavors that range from classic butter to exotica such as cheddar or spicy cinnamon. Hungry for more? Don’t miss the Popcorn Peanut Delight (caramel and peanuts) or Pecan Crisp (caramel and pecans). www.topsyspopcorn.com

Jack Stack BBQ Sauces & Rubs

• Given the prominence of Kansas City-style barbecue in the nation’s culinary consciousness, it’s not surprising that the K.C. region sees stiff competition for best sauce. Jack Stack is up there on many lists, and sells original, low-carb original, spicy and hot versions of tangy sauces that are designed to complement rather than overwhelm whatever meat they’re paired with. www.jackstackbbq.com

Christopher Elbow Chocolates

• Pastry chef and chocolatier Christopher Elbow has been featured in publications such as Oprah, Food & Wine, Fine Cooking and InStyle. He’s hung his chef’s toque at high-flying restaurants and even has a store in San Francisco, but Kansas City is where he hangs his hat and produces chocolates using ingredients such as all-Venezuelan-bean, French lavender and Grand Marnier. www.elbowchocolates.com

Hammerpress

• Before laser printing or photocopying, there was old-fashioned letterpress printing. Today, Hammerpress carries on a centuries-old tradition of using lead type to create hand-made posters, stationery, wedding invitations and poster and art prints. Attendees are sure to appreciate Hammerpress’s unique note cards and notebooks. www.hammerpress.net

Kansas Sampler

• Still don’t know what to get that says "Kansas?" Kansas Sampler offers memorabilia from the state’s plentiful NCAA and professional sports teams, and has been selling University of Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State University Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and even Wizard of Oz-related gifts for the past 20 years. www.kansassampler.com

Blooming Lotus

• This "quiet little soap company" nonetheless packs a full line of soaps, aromatherapy products and even a line of papaya gingermint pedicure products, ready for when you want to give your body a little love. Available gift sets include a Bamboo Lotion Sampler Box, Fairy Sustainable Gift Basket or a simple trio of liquid hand soaps in a fair-trade bamboo box. www.bloominglotus.com