You can support diversity and, more specifically the disability community, with your purchasing power. The word ‘diversity’ has multiple meanings, including:
1: the condition of having or being composed of differing elements; or
2: the inclusion of people of different abilities, cultures, races, etc. in a group or organization.
Gift baskets feature diverse items and they can be given for all kinds of occasions, like birthdays, get well-wishes, holidays and so on. Gift baskets are a great choice because they are easy to order, customizable, sharable and diversely plentiful. For your upcoming gift-giving needs, here are gift baskets that give back to people with disabilities.
1-800-FLOWERS, Inc.
An estimated 34 million people in the United States face hunger. And according to Feeding America, there is a growing body of literature that demonstrates that living with a disability is a key risk factor for food insecurity.
To help address this alarming issue of food insecurity within the disability community and the community at large, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. launched a holiday campaign to benefit Feeding America, the nonprofit striving to ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all.
Through December 24, for each gift purchased from the company’s Season of Giving holiday collection, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM will donate 20% of the net proceeds to Feeding America. Plus, throughout this 10-week initiative, customers can also make monetary donations to support the cause. Thanks to this effort, the company will help Feeding America provide at least 500,000 meals to individuals in need, including people with disabilities.
This isn’t the first time 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has aligned with Feeding America. In 2021, the company donated nearly $6 million worth of perishable products to Feeding America-affiliated food banks, as well as other nonprofits that provide direct assistance to families facing hunger.
The Season of Giving holiday collection features a dozen curated products from across the company’s collection of brands, ranging in price from $16.99 – $99.99. Here’s a sampling of gift baskets that in back within this collection:
- Harry & David Tower of Treats Signature Holiday Gift
- PersonalizationMall.com Christmas Plaid Personalized Coffee Mug
- 1-800-Flowers.com Fields of Europe Christmas Bouquet
- Cheryl’s Cookies Holiday Village Gift Tin – Holiday Cookie Cut-Outs
- The Popcorn Factory Winter Delight 3.5 Gallon Tin
- Shari’s Berries Gourmet Christmas Dipped Strawberries
BearHug
These adorable “hug in a box” gift baskets are made by an accessibility-focused company that thrives on inclusive employment and supporting individuals with disabilities and illnesses. The founder, Faye, has Lyme disease. For every fifty BearHugs sold, one personalized ‘hug in a box’ is donated to someone affected by serious illness. There are tons of box themes to choose from but, as per the occasion, try Christmas Box Sets, Thinking of You Box Sets or Corporate Gift Box Sets. There are even options for those who follow specialty diets, like the Vegan Christmas Chocolate Gift Box. Aside from sweets, these gift baskets that give back may include cozy socks, books and more.
Collettey’s Cookies
“Changing the world one cookie at a time” may simply sound like a catchy slogan to some. But, in reality, it’s a serious business strategy addressing disability representation in the workforce. Company owner Collette Divitto shares that it pains her to know that over 80% of people with a disability that are capable of work cannot find paying jobs – a statistic she, an adult with Down syndrome, was once a part of. Described as a “tough cookie” by many, Collette began stirring cookie batter and, more importantly, stirring up the conversation surrounding workplace inclusion.
Collette has earned accolades as a disability advocate and speaker and, of course, as a baker. Her signature treat, The Amazing Cookie, is packed with chocolate chips and cinnamon (available in regular or gluten-free). Other cookie flavors, using organic ingredients, include peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and an unexpected breakfast cookie.
Collettey’s Cookies online shop features multiple cookie order options, company swag and themed gift baskets that are great for both corporate gift-giving and personal gift-giving to loved ones. Two holiday gift baskets feature Christmas décor in addition to the sweet treats, and Collettey’s sells a holiday doggie treat basket too. Plus, Collettey’s Cookies offers a Happy New Year gift basket that will surely help those craving a sweeter start to the year ahead.
Musee
Musee, an inclusive employer based in Mississippi, makes handcrafted, all-natural bath products. In an effort to provide dignified work opportunities for vulnerable community members, including people with disabilities, Musee bath products make you feel good – both inside and outside. For example, the Words of Encouragement Soap Set features six fresh soap scents, including Santal & Violet, Lavender & French Vanilla, Lily of the Valley, Wisteria & Rose and Grapefruit & Lemongrass. Best of all… the names of these soap scents are powerful, cleansing words: Kindness, Hope, Peace, Imagine, Full of Joy and Thankful.
ONEHOPE
Inspired by a friend’s battle with cancer, one of the founders started raising money for a health cause by humbly hosting wine tastings. The concept of gathering for wine to benefit an important cause took off and, so, ONEHOPE became an official, intentional winemaker.
ONEHOPE is now one of the largest direct-to-consumer wineries in the world and has proudly donated $9 million (and counting) to local and global causes, mostly centered on access to clean water, education, disability support and health research. One of ONEHOPE’s primary initiatives is aiding members of the autism community. The company has sponsored many children with autism from low-income families to attend camps, therapy programs and receive other educational scholarships. Additionally, ONEHOPE has granted holiday presents, experiences and much more to families with children who have various special needs.
Packed with Purpose
Packed with Purpose has a jolly selection of meaningful gift baskets that give back — ideal for loved ones, clients, employees or that person who is just so hard to buy for. This socially-driven company composes handpicked gift packages with diverse goods supplied by over 55 nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses, all of which strive to make a positive impact on society. Packed with Purpose has six focus areas; one of which is supporting inclusive workplace development. Some featured goods are made by companies that employ people with disabilities, such as Aspire Coffee Works, Friendship Circle Bakery, Lambs Farm, Oowee Leather Products and Spectrum Designs Foundation.