Wrapped in kindness: Top ten gifts that give back to charity

Dear Readers, There are so many options for charitable giving this year since all our nonprofits are in need. Here are ten of our favorite organizations that donate to charity through their holiday gift offerings - errr, I mean Santa's favorites! Ho! Ho! Ho!

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. They have a great variety of gifts including holiday cards. (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

The Misericordia Hearts & Flour Bakery (6130 N. Ravenswood Ave. in Rogers Park/ also onsite location at 6300 N. Ridge), offers a variety of bakery items online, including their famous heart shaped brownies, chocolate chip cookies and loaves of sweet breads. This organization supports the more 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who call Misericordia home. To order visit: misericordia.com/store/bakery/

The Joffrey Ballet

What better way to spend the holidays than at a Joffrey Ballet performance of “The Nutcracker”? At the Lyric Opera House now through Dec. 28. (Joffrey.org) The Joffrey Ballet is one of the largest dance companies and dance education providers in Chicago and the greater Midwest region.

PAWS Chicago

PAWS Chicago offers a wide variety of branded gifts for the holiday season, including ski caps, t-shirts, pet clothing and so much more! And, the best, part, every cent goes towards this nonprofit’s life-saving efforts. Since PAWS Chicago’s founding in 1997, the number of homeless pets killed in Chicago has been reduced by 98 percent.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo has a variety of cool gifts in its boutique including this beautiful giraffe ornament, $25.00. (lpzoo.org) The Lincoln Park Zoo is the only privately managed, free zoo in the country and is the home to 1,200 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and thousands of fish and insects, representing approximately 230 different species of animals. 

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium’s holiday gift selection is extensive, but I just love this idea! Did you know that the average emperor penguin lives 15-20 years? This set includes 429 mini blocks for only $9.00 with assembly instructions to create your own black and white masterpiece! These mini blocks offer a superior building experience with a greater challenge and detail than other full size building sets. (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 has sold over 7 million to date.

Fumee 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 $38 and 26.5 ounces for $58. Reed diffusers are $40. (fumeeclaire.com) In the last few years, this company founded by Tina Weller, has gifted or given over $32,000 to charity.

"Chicago Chefs Cook" Cookbook

There are still a few copies left of Chicago’s best cookbook! Over 50 chefs are featured from all over Chicagoland with great recipes for the home cook. All proceeds directly benefit Chi-Care, an organization fighting food insecurity in our communities. ($9.99, available at Marianos.com)

Eli's Cheesecake Company

This year, Eli's Cheesecake Company is continuing its long tradition of the Giving Tree where all their Associates personally deliver Eli’s Cheesecake & Desserts to a charity, civic organization or cause of their choice. This year over 125 donations were made that will feed over 6,500 people. Eli's is also supporting Cure Epilepsy, which was started by David and Susan Axelrod.  10% of proceeds will go to this charity for purchases of both the Holiday Sampler (Cranberry Crumble, Cinnamon Roll, Hot Chocolate and Original) and the “Eli’s Cheesecake Cookbook: Remarkable Recipes from a Chicago Legend.” This is on all purchases of these 2 items through New Year’s. (elischeesecake.com) 

(All photos are courtesy of the organizations listed) (Article updated 12/21/24)