Holiday gifts that give back

After School Matters

Support the artistic talents of Chicago’s teens by doing your holiday gift shopping at the After School Matters Gift Shop, 66 E. Randolph St. Winter Wonderland cards featured, 10 for $20. (afterschoolmatters.org) Gift purchases support ASM's free, after-school and summer programming for the nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens each year.

Misericordia

Order holiday bakery goods and gift boxes, available with shipping, from the newly opened Misericordia Hearts & Flour Bakery and Cafe at 6130 N. Ravenswood Ave. in Rogers Park. The bakery provides jobs to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Misericordia also offers an on-site location in Chicago at 6300 N. Ridge Ave. (misericordia.com)

The Joffrey Ballet

What better way to spend the holidays than at a Joffrey Ballet performance of “The Nutcracker”? At the Lyric Opera House Dec. 3 through Dec. 27. (Joffrey.org) The Joffrey Ballet is one of the largest dance companies and dance education providers in Chicago and the greater Midwest region.

One Tail at a Time

“I Love You” and “Saturday Night with my Dog” candles benefit the animal rescue One Tail at a Time. They are available at Tortie & Co., 1468 N. Ashland Ave., for $18. (onetailatatime.square.site)

WINGS

When you purchase a do-it-yourself Sweet Home Chicago Gingerbread house kit from WINGS, you are raising money for families touched by domestic violence. $135, order by Nov. 30 for delivery no later than Dec. 9. (wingsprogram.com)

Lincoln Park Zoo

Carved wooden Lion Ornaments were created in honor of the Pepper Family Wildlife Center Lion House’s reopening. $13 (lpzoo.org) The Lincoln Park Zoo is the only privately managed, free zoo in the country and is the home to 1,100 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and thousands of fish and insects, representing approximately 200 different species of animals.

Museum of Contemporary Art

“Mouse’s Christmas Gift” book by Mindy Baker. One tiny church mouse must find a way to bring Christmas spirit to his little town. For children ages 4-8. Proceeds benefit the MCA. $17.99 (mcachicago.org)

Shedd Aquarium

“Edward and Annie” children’s book beautifully captures the adventures of penguins Edward and Annie, who soared to superstar status during the pandemic when their field trips around the closed museum went viral. A portion of book proceeds will support penguin conservation in the wild and ongoing penguin care at the Shedd. $17.99 (sheddaquarium.org)

The Chicago Lighthouse

Every Chicago Lighthouse Clock is made by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. (Shown, $59, chicagolighthouse.org) The nonprofit is the largest manufacturer of wall clocks in the country and have sold over 6 million to date.

Fumée Claire 

A portion of the proceeds from every Fumée Claire product purchased will support a yearly philanthropy fund awarded to a variety of charities that make a difference to those in need. Holiday Aspen Christmas candles come in 10.5 ounces for $35 and 26.5 ounces for $57. Reed diffusers are $38. (fumeeclaire.com)

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