Corporate Holiday Gifting
It’s that time of the year again! The holiday season is officially here, and it’s a perfect time to get a head start on gifts for your clients and employees. While the traditional route may be to gift cookies, chocolates, wine, or general gift cards from major retailers, there are other ways you can get creative this year.
At Rethink, our tools empower BCBAs and RBTs to provide care to the autism community. That had us thinking, what if this year we take things a step further and consider purchasing from organizations that employ individuals with disabilities? By doing this, we are helping the adult autism community that creates employment opportunities.
The best part is that you can do this too! We’re here to help you pick out some fun gifts for your business to send out this season to either clients or employees. These gifts are creative, show that you give back to worthy causes, and will make you feel good about the money you’re spending.
Businesses Hiring Employees With Autism
For this corporate gift guide, we’re going to introduce you to businesses that hire people who have autism. Some of the organizations listed were even founded by people who have autism, which is inspiring to see. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know more about each business’ history, what exactly they specialize in selling, and how they may be an option for your holiday gift this year.
Luv Michael
Luv Michael is dedicated to training, educating, and employing autistic adults and improving the lives of the autistic community beyond the lives of their parents.
To prepare the team for the world of work in a real environment, the organization produces high-quality organic, gluten-free, and nut-free granola in its state-of-the-art bakery.
Beloved Bath
Beloved Bath in Maplewood, NJ was founded by two mothers who each had sons with autism. After they each discovered their boys enjoyed relaxing salt and lavender baths, they got the idea to sell bath salts. This led to employing the boys, as they realized opportunities weren’t widely available to people with autism.
They’ve since expanded their operation to sell candles, bar soaps, and autism awareness products.
The Chocolate Spectrum
The Chocolate Spectrum is a family owned business in Jupiter, FL that was founded by a mother and son, who is on the autism spectrum. Over the years, they’ve employed over 15 individuals who also have autism, and provided apprenticeships for adults and teens with disabilities.
Whether you are looking for a box of chocolates, truffles, or chocolate pretzels, you can find some tasty treats here!
Ethan and the Bean
Ethan and the Bean in Little Falls, NJ is a non-profit coffee shop looking to increase the rate of employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. They provide a workplace where individuals can thrive as they develop new skills.
Besides a physical coffee shop that people can visit in Little Falls, they also sell coffee, gift boxes, and merchandise from their website, so people can show support and enjoy their product no matter where they live!
SMILE Biscotti
SMILE Biscotti was founded in Phoenix, AZ, but can be purchased in stores as far as New Jersey. It all started when Matt Resnick started his own bakery business after graduating from high school. Matt created SMILE, which stands for Supporting My Independent Living Enterprise, to help himself and others like him living with autism.
In addition to selling the product in stores, if you live near one that sells them, you can also purchase their biscotti directly from the SMILE website.
Popcorn for the People
Popcorn for the People is a non-profit organization proudly employing individuals with autism and other disabilities. When Samuel Bier, a 30-year-old with autism, spotted a popcorn shop for sale in East Brunswick, NJ, it changed everything for him. No longer were career options limited as he opened Popcorn for the People with his family!
Sam has appeared on various programs, including The Today Show, to share his journey and spread awareness of autism. If you’re looking to pre-order something for the holidays, their holiday box is now available!
Make a Difference This Holiday Season
In summary, each of these organizations sell unique items that your clients or employees would likely be happy to receive this holiday season. Granola, soap, chocolate, coffee, biscotti, or popcorn don’t have to be the only gift you give them. Perhaps you can make a gift basket out of all of them all, or you can gift one with another item you already had in mind for this year.
What matters is that you support organizations that give back because there is no more important time of the year to do so than the holiday season. If you have questions regarding the employment of people with autism, and why this is as meaningful as we say, please reach out. We would be happy to discuss statistics and how organizations like these are making an impact.
Thank you, and happy holidays from Rethink!