United Way Greater Toronto's local gift guide

Updated for 2024

United Way Greater Toronto’s local gift guide is full of examples of how our work connects our neighbours to income, to jobs and, in some cases, to self-employment. Every gift on this list comes with a story: How the Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity (ILEO) initiative helped a mom in Scarborough start her own business. How a youth struggling to find a job got the training they needed thanks to a social enterprise. How art can help someone heal and find opportunities. Each story is a testament to the power of community and our tireless, roll-up-your-sleeves commitment to a GTA where everyone can thrive.

By gifting one of these unique offerings, you won’t just be spreading joy — you’ll be investing in initiatives that fight local poverty and help us build a GTA for all. Any way we can.

Choose from a unique line of products, including shirts, mugs and totes, designed by artists and inspired by the stories and lived experiences of survivors of gender-based violence in our community. The digital storefront is run by Embrave Agency to End Violence, a United Way-funded organization providing shelter, counselling and advocacy services for women, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, trans and non-binary individuals, as well as their children, who are experiencing violence in Peel Region. All proceeds from sales directly support Embrave’s emergency shelters.

Select gifts from their online shop or contact the storefront for more information.

Operated by Frontlines, a United Way-funded agency, Frontburners Catering is a social enterprise that provides young adults aged 18 to 29 with hands-on experience preparing and, in some cases, serving food at events across the GTA. This catering experience is offered through Frontlines’ Culinary Arts program, which equips young adults with practical skills and theoretical instruction followed by a five-week work placement. Cater your holiday party with Frontburners Catering and support the next generation of culinary talent.

You can place your order online. For more information, reach out to info@frontlines.to or call 416-244-7017.

Run by SAAAC – South Asian Autism Awareness Centre, Goodness Gift is an employment social enterprise supported by United Way and dedicated to creating training and employment opportunities for people facing barriers to the labour market. Goodness Gift sells socially conscious gift boxes that directly support training and employment for people with exceptionalities. Goodness Gift Boxes include holiday gift boxes, wellness boxes and home boxes in a range of price points.

Place orders online or email goodnessgift@saaac.org for larger orders.

ILEO’s Storefront Starter Golden Mile pilot program supports up-and-coming Scarborough-based entrepreneurs to build their businesses and contribute to a vibrant local retail environment in the Greater Golden Mile. Our ILEO Storefront Starter entrepreneurs offer a variety of products, ranging from all-natural body lotion by Untainted Bath & Body Care, hand-embroidered clothing and décor from Hana and Hala, skincare and cosmetics by Nakai Skincare & Cosmetics, and Roots and cultural clothing, accessories and Rasta hats from Inity Orijahnal.

For over 27 years, hundreds of women have walked through the doors of Inspirations Studio to learn how to make pottery in a safe, supportive and transformational environment. Today the studio is part of YWCA, one of United Way’s funded agencies, and continues to improve the emotional and mental well-being of its members while providing them with the opportunity to earn supplemental income through the sale of their unique ceramics. 

Visit their storefront at 389 Church St., Toronto, Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m.; Thursdays, 12-6 p.m.

Buy a holiday card bundle from Eva’s , a full-service digital printer supporting youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This organization provides youth with training opportunities and work, preparing them for employment in the graphic design and print sectors. All their holiday cards are designed by youth working at the organization.
 
You can order cards online, and they will be printed and shipped within five to seven business days. For assistance, contact sales@evas.ca or call 647-274-0961.

United Way partners with the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto on food and mental health programs, as well as the Cedar Basket Gift Shop. This employment social enterprise offers Indigenous youth on-the-job training, helping them gain new skills and build confidence. The store carries a wide variety of one-of-a-kind First Nations, Métis and Inuit handcrafted products, each with their own special meaning and story.

Visit their online shop or store at 16 Spadina Rd., Toronto, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are unable to place an order online, call 647-260-9264.

Send a card that gives back. United Way digital and print cards are available to send for holidays, birthdays, thank-yous and more. Customizable cards are available to be mailed, e-mailed or sent as a PDF file over email should you wish to print and send them yourself. To make a donation in honour, please contact assistance@uwgt.org or 1-888-550-2279.