Alternative Gifts International

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 gift 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 New Years, Valentine's Day, Lent, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, Retirement Parties, Christmas 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 2020, market hosts raised over $110,000 providing aid to over 30 countries, including the US, during the pandemic! 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

2. Register Your Market & Order Materials

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

4. Plan & Promote Your Market

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: Arlington Food Assistance Center (Arlington, VA), Marion County Resource Center (Marion, KS), The Bridge Home (Ames, IA), Harvest Table (Washington, MO), Gunnison County Food Pantry (Gunnison, CO), Hope House / FIT (Wolfeboro, NH).

Local Market

Local markets are typically held in community spaces and feature booths where donors can “shop” and support various causes.

Learn More

Online Market

Build your own online market by using our crowdfunding tool and sharing with your social networks.