Gift Markets

What Is An Alternative Gift Market?

An Alternative Gift Market is a fundraiser that raises money for Causes in our Gifts Inspiring Change catalog. Traditional (local) markets are typically held in community spaces and feature booths where donors can "shop" and support causes they care about. Market shoppers choose Causes and receive handmade ornaments (created by booth hosts) that represent the Causes they donated to. Alternative Gift Markets can be held any time of the year! Host a market for Holidays, Religious celebrations, Graduations, Birthdays, Retirement Parties, or just because! Scroll down to read how you can get started.

I love doing all my holiday shopping at such a fun and inspiring event. I always find projects whose focus matches those near to the hearts of my gift recipients. It’s so easy to give a gift that honors my family and gives hope to another. - Suzi Miner

Host A World-Changing Market

Alternative Gift Markets are hosted by dedicated volunteers every year. In 2022-2023, market hosts through in person, catalog and online markets raised over $112,000. Our work cannot continue without caring individuals who come together to start a Gift Market in their community. There are several types of Alternative Gift Markets, with varying levels of commitment required. Steps to host a market include:

1. Choose Your Market Type

     A. In person at a local location

     B. Online through a Crowdfund

     C. Catalog market: give out catalogs for donors to place orders

     D. One time mailer: AGI sends catalogs to your list

2. Register Your Market & Order Materials 

     A. Go online and choose register marker under Giving (Gift Markets)

     B. Call the office and we will do all the work 1.800.842.2243

     C. Email maria@alternativegifts.org for assistance

3. Recruit Volunteers To Help Plan, Promote & Run Your Market

     A. Download helpful resources for ideas

     B. Call office for assistance

4. Plan & Promote Your Market

     A. Download helpful resources 

     B. Call office for assistance 

5. Market Day!

6. Thank Your Community

REGISTER YOUR MARKET

ORDER MARKET MATERIALS

FREE RESOURCES

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY TOO?

By hosting an Alternative Gift Market, you can also support your local food pantry or shelter program by nominating them for a grant from Alternative Gifts International. Last year's recipients include: 

A. ACCESS Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support

B. Boulder Co AIDS Project

C. Care & Share Inc.

D. Clothesline Inc.

E. Family Promise of Greater Wichita

F. Gunnison County Food Pantry