United Way Greater Toronto's local gift guide

United Way Greater Toronto’s local gift guide is full of examples of how our work connects our neighbours to income, good jobs and, in some cases, self-employment. Every gift on this list comes with a story: A mom in Scarborough starting her own business with support through United Way’s Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity (ILEO) initiative. A youth struggling to find a job getting the training they needed thanks to a social enterprise. Art helping someone heal and find new 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 all-natural skincare and body products by Untainted Bath & Body Care, social justice pins from Pin Ace, handcrafted Mexican-style pickled vegetables from Otomink and Roots and cultural clothing, accessories and Rasta crowns from Inity Orijahnal.

You can check out these products in their gift catalogue or in person at the One Of A Kind show, which runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 7 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto.

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 to Friday, 12 to 5 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 to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are unable to place an order online, call 647-260-9264.

Run by Addus, Smashing Good Piñatas is a United Way-supported employment social enterprise that creates training and employment opportunities for young people with developmental disabilities. They offer ready-made piñatas and custom designs based on your interests — from a beloved pet to a fun caricature of the recipient. And with their pull string option that opens a secret door, the piñata can be saved as a special memento long after the celebration ends. They also offer gift cards.  

Visit their online shop or send them an email at info@smashinggood.ca. Pick up locations are at 40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 213 or 745 Mt Pleasant Rd., Suite 303, Toronto from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

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.