Shop with heart this holiday season and be part of community impact with #GiftSocial. When you purchase from social enterprises, you’re not just buying gifts; you’re providing opportunities for community members who are facing personal and systemic barriers.

Whether you’re looking for personal gifts for family and friends, or for corporate gifts and catering in your organization, align your gift giving with the issues that matter to you.

For example, candles and other gifts from PASS Marketplace assist young autistic adults to overcome workplace barriers. Chris O, one of the young adults who works at PASS Marketplace, thrives when dedicating himself to repetitive tasks that demand focus and precision. Chris also gets the chance to satisfy his passion for painting, producing some of the beautiful art featured on PASS Marketplace’s candles, magnets, and greeting cards.

Jewelry, books and more from the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Gift Shop, owned and operated by the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation), support Indigenous economic and cultural reconciliation. All proceeds are invested into meaningful employment, training (including Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program) and cultural revitalization programs for the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.

Gift and card delivery services from A-Way Express in the Greater Toronto Area helps keep local hospital outpatients out of emergency services through inclusive employment that promotes stability and recovery for mental health survivors.

Clothing and accessories from Jonnon support newcomer women and families to thrive. Recently, they equipped a newcomer family to Canada with a new sewing machine that allowed them to deliver large scale orders for Jonnon, and simultaneously empowered them to take on additional work from other sources.

A new (to you) bike from The WRENCH in Winnipeg keeps bikes out of landfills promotes affordable and sustainable transportation, and supports youth education to build, repair, maintain and ride bicycles.

These are just a handful of examples showing that are social enterprises that make the gifts you’d like to give, while delivering additional benefit for communities.

Shop our Gift Directory to give a gift that gives back.