The Guide Project Inc.

Matthew’s Bonfire BBQ - Creator and Chef Matthew Hessburg has never let Down Syndrome stop him. As a result, he’s launched his own line of unique barbecue sauces (which all sound VERY good).

Texas Sweet Heat Jam Co. - With flavors like Mango Heat and Texas Apple Pie, these “jams with attitude” provide culinary training and competitively paid employment for adults with intellectual disabilities.

🎁Guide Project-tested! We’ve tried the Holiday Heat jam and the Texas Carrot Cake. They were both SO good and a delicious add to our holiday spreads.

Shemesh Farms - Farm Fellows with diverse abilities are an integral part of every aspect of the operation. They carry organic and kosher certified salt, pepper, spices, and herbs. Oh, and raw honey, too!

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We bought their Salt n Roses (great on my avocado toast), and while they don’t carry that currently, their Citrus Garden Salt looks like it would be perfect, too.

Purely Patrick - Dry ingredients, beautifully layered, to make everything from soups to cookies to even dog treats. They’re all made by Patrick, a young man with cerebral palsy, using assistive technology.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We tried the Dreamsicle cookies - super easy to make, super delicious to eat.

Smile Farms - We have a few family members who LOVE hot sauce. Like, love it love it. So a business whose motto is “Heat with heart” gets us. The heat AND the heart.

🎁Guide Project-tested! Tried the red AND the green - both were winners!

Common Roots Farm - An urban, organic farm where people with and without disabilities grow healthy food and build community. This is what inclusion looks like. It’s also what delicious jams, marmalades, and drink mixes look like.

Max Mix Gourmet Spice Blends - Max is a young adult from a long line of competitive BBQers. He makes a mean spice mix. He also happens to have Down syndrome. He did what any good entrepreneur would do - he started Max Mix, providing employment and independence for him and others with special abilities.

Thunderbird Ranch Gourmet Foods & Dakota Seasonings - Their mission is to make products (think soup mixes, beer bread mixes, dips, meat rubs, jams and jellies) that are delicious, convenient to prepare, fun to serve, and allow individuals with development disabilities become independent and successful people.

We Be Jammin RI - Jalapeno bacon. Cinnamon pear. Hot peach. That’s just a sampling of the huge variety of unique jam flavors you can find at this specialty jam store owned by Jason, a young man with autism. And if you’re looking for ideas for how to use those jams? Check out their cooking show!

down.right delicious - Drew is a culinary wizard, content creator, and influencer who knows how to turn up the fun in the kitchen. His cookbook makes it so you can do the same.

Collettey’s - Collette is an entrepreneur with Down syndrome who has created a global movement with her business. She’s also created some pretty amazing cookies (including gluten-free options).

Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates - While they have coffee, too, we put these under “sweet tooth” after seeing their tasty treats, like their chocolates and chocolate-covered pretzels - all made by adults with intellectual disabilities.

Carly’s Custom Cakes - Carly Feins, owner and operator of this tasty business, is a neurodivergent woman who wants to show that neurodiverse workers are more than worth employing; they’re hidden gemstones. We want to “unhide” gems like Carly!

Sunflower Bakery - Touting caring as their main ingredient, this bakery creates pathways to employment for young adults and teens with learning differences. You can find their shippable items here.

Special Kneads & Treats - They’re a nonprofit serving specialty (that is: sweet and delicious) goods and focused on providing special needs adults a place to learn a skill and develop a sense of accountability and pride.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We’ve stopped by for delicious cupcakes, and they GENEROUSLY donated cookies and brownies to the campers who attended our 2025 iCan Bike Gwinnett. They were, for sure, a crowd favorite.

The Chocolate Spectrum - Truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate-covered Oreos - and that’s just the beginning. And who are the chocolatiers creating these concoctions? Participants in their apprenticeship programs, which provide meaningful employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We chose some of their holiday boxes for teacher and parapro gifts - they were a huge hit!

South Fork Bakery - Cookies, brownies, biscotti, and of course, swag - this bakery has it all. And they’re committed to fostering meaningful and purposeful lives for their employees by immersing them in ALL aspects of the business, including mixing, baking, packaging, and selling.

The BORO Sugar Shack - This is the business on the gift guide our 12-year-old has been hoping for! It’s a candy shop that also provides young adults with special abilities the opportunity to maximize their individual potential, while sharing their skills and talents with the community. “Be sweet, give sweets.”

SpectroDolce Confectionary - Sweets with a mission. They’ve got all things chocolate-covered (think cashews, cherries, marshmallows… you get the idea!). Plus, their staff is made up almost entirely of adults with autism; when you buy here, you’re directly helping to close the employment gap and creating hope for equal opportunities for a sustainable career and higher quality of life.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We bought some of their gift boxes for teacher and para gifts. And some chocolate-covered blueberries for us.

Crispy King - On a mission to lower the unemployment rate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by 1%, while creating gourmet Crispy Treats. And talk about gourmet; they’re not your mother’s crispy treats. Check them out.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We bought these for teacher gifts one holiday season. Don’t worry, I planned ahead and bought enough so that we could try them, too. Delicious!

Lambs Farm - Helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all. And their catalog has everything from butter cookies to English toffee.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We dressed some treats up with a bow and gave these out as teacher gifts - they were perfect!

Sweet Jordan’s - More than just a bakery, Jordan wants to satisfy your sweet tooth and your spirit. He’s a young man with Down Syndrome - and he makes some of the best chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever eat.

Spectrum Fudge - Crafting chocolate, creating opportunities. Here, people with autism and other disabilities make, package, and label fudge and other treats. It’s a win/win: they gain work experience, and you enjoy diverse fudge flavors like blueberry cheesecake, birthday cake, and butter pecan.

Highland Chocolates - A non-profit chocolate factory and retail store that provides vocational training and employment for adults with disabilities. Willy Wonka would approve!

🎁 Guide Project-tested! I’d love to say we gave these out as gifts, but we bought (and devoured!) their specialty bark.

Prospector Popcorn - Strawberry ice cream. Iced gingerbread cookie. Pepper bark. These are their POPCORN flavors, and I’m obsessed. Even better? They’re made by a company creating real jobs for people with disabilities.

Popcorn for the People - Creating a neurodiverse future AND popcorn flavors that range from classic Butter to French toast. Delicious!

🎁 Guide Project-tested! Last year, we adorned bags of popcorn with gift tags and gave them to teachers, parapros, and therapists. We tried out a few in the process - SO good!

A Good Job Box - Can’t pick just one snack to gift? Get a box! Each one supports fair wages, career growth, and the belief that everyone deserves a good job.

Savor by Suzie - Snacks that leave things out (think gluten, dairy, nut, other allergens) while creating a workplace that brings everyone in. Boom. That’s exactly it. They have both sweet and savory options.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! This business generously donated their pretzels for our iCan Bike camp one year, and we fell in love immediately. We had to buy some for ourselves; the Roasted Garlic & Herb are our absolute favorite!

Poppin’ Joe’s Gourmet Kettle Korn - Operated and managed by Joe, a young adult with DS-ASD, they offer both classics and unique flavors, and for the holidays? Grinch Kettle Corn!

Bee Free - Creators of Warrior Snack Mix, gluten-free snacks everyone will actually like! Plus, they provide jobs and resources for adults with autism and other forms of neurodiversity.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We tested out their Auggy’s Original and loved it so much, we’re just trying to decide what to try next!

Moore Crunch - Pretzels, but make them bold. And make them in flavors like Maryland Crab and Smokehouse Ranch and Cinnamon Sugar. That’s all been done by Marcus Moore, an autistic entrepreneur with a talent for big flavor.

Bear Food - Inspired by the founder’s brother, Miller, who has Down syndrome, Bear Food creates real opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Their specialty is small-batch gourmet nuts and popcorn, with standout flavors like Dill Pickle and Sea Salt Truffle. We did say gourmet!

Aspire CoffeeWorks - Adults with and without disabilities work side by side to make delicious coffee. As they say, even the staff is perfectly blended! We love this business because it’s proof of the success that can happen when people of all abilities work together.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee - A human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop. Radically inclusive.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! With locations popping up everywhere (including Athens, GA), we definitely recommend paying them a visit. I also love their merch - I have the Radically Inclusive hat.

Cam’s Coffee Co. - Drink good. Do good. It’s a motto that works. And they have soooo many good coffees and teas.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We’ve tried their coffee and a few teas, and they were all delish!

Haerfest Coffee - Every aspect of this company has been intentionally created to provide a job for people with disabilities. Right down to the artwork on the bags, all commissioned by artists with disabilities.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! Because their coffee doubles as both coffee and art, we thought these made excellent teacher gifts.

Cafe Joyeux - With 25 locations in Europe, 1 in NYC, and an online shop for everyone else, they brew inclusion.

Ethan & the Bean - A business aimed at increasing the employment rate for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, they pride themselves on being a place where hope is always brewing.

Coffee for Good - It’s not your ordinary high-end coffee shop - it’s also a training platform for people with developmental disabilities.

Gabi’s Grounds - Our favorite thing here is their focus on empowerment, providing opportunities for people with special abilities to find fulfillment and their place in the world. And if you can support empowerment and get great coffee, tasty treats, and cool merch? Well, who’s going to turn that down?

DIRT Coffee - Divergent. Inclusive. Representation. Transforms. We could not say it better ourselves.

ExtraSpecialTeas - A vibrant, eclectic teahouse serving up teas, treats, and more - all while operating under the belief that: every differently-abled person has something to offer their community, deserves to be part of it, and needs to know they have value. Yes. Just yes.

Dig It! Coffee Co. - Serving kindness, coffee, and inclusion. That pretty much says it all. Oh, and they’re making some good coffee and merch while they’re at it.

Chai Ho Tea - Founder Angad Sahgal, a remarkable young man who has defied odds and shattered stereotypes, knows the right tea can help you become healthier and happier. So, he created Chai Ho Tea, which brings people together, one cup of tea at a time.

SMILE Biscotti - What’s coffee or tea without biscotti? Entrepreneur Matt started this business with the support of his parents. Together, they help those impacted by autism develop life skills, build social connections, and work toward greater independence.

Furnace Hills Coffee - Roasting naturally grown & equitably sourced coffee that sparks a moment, a conversation, a community. That sort of says it all. And they have a variety of unique coffees to choose from.

Inspired Threads - We love upcycling! This business uses high-quality, designer fabric scraps to create super cool blankets and bags. All while providing meaningful employment for people with disabilities.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! This is a Guide Project favorite. I’m admittedly a throw girl (chalk it up to my growing up in the North!). We have TWO of their blankets now, and they’re our absolute favorites.

Dance Happy Designs - Super stylish planters, bins, and bags — by a company co-founded by a woman with Down syndrome and friends who recognized her potential. One of everything, thankyouverymuch.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! I’ve got a cosmetic bag. So does my sister. So does my niece. We bought a bunch for volunteer giveaways for iCan Bike Gwinnett. They’re stylish and functional - you can’t ask for more than that.

The Grace Effect - With a mission to hire the disability community, gift options here range from candles to products from their farmstand, like honey and spice blends.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! I gifted a friend one of their candles last year, and it paired perfectly with a book and a cozy throw.

Aspire Accessories - So many cool gift ideas here - candles, wine glasses, napkin rings and other products for entertaining. They’re all beautiful, and they’re all created, packaged, and shipped by artisans with autism and similar disabilities.

This is Jacob - CEO Jacob started this business when he couldn't find a job. He wanted to show the world he can do anything he puts his mind to. And he has: Jacob and his products have been seen on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Fox News Chicago, and various magazines and print. We put this in our home goods category because his doormats are incredible - but he also has apparel that we think is pretty cool.

Be Kind to Everyone (Jordyn’s Summer Shirt Project) - This business started to help Jordyn, who has autism, develop job skills. They have a wide variety of merch, all aimed at creating a more inclusive world.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We have some of their shirts - and they’ll be the softest you own. Love them! And - they generously donated empowering stickers for the welcome bags we created for our iCan Bike Gwinnett campers!

Special Faces - For the sneakerhead in your life, check out these shoelaces. They’re a little bold, definitely cool, and the company is run by and for individuals with special needs, disabled veterans, and the disenfranchised.

H-Bomb Ties - Each purchase helps to create work training opportunities for differently abled individuals. Each purchase ALSO helps make you look cool. Seriously - the style in these ties.

John’s Crazy Socks - Socks you can color, socks that glow, socks with CAPES. What?! That’s right. These socks create happiness AND jobs for people with disabilities.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! Socks make great gifts because they can be so personalized. We’ve done NFL socks for our football-obsessed son, Starry Night socks for an art teacher friend, music socks - you name it; there’s something for everyone!

21 Pineapples - We love the funky designs. What we love even more is that CEO Nate Simon, who has Down syndrome, uses his business to change perceptions about people with different abilities.

Seanese - Owner and entrepreneur Sean may look familiar. He was featured in the A & E show Born This Way, which follows several young adults with Down syndrome as they pursue their passions and defy society’s expectations. (I highly recommend it.) Now he has his own line of “brow raisin’ tees.”

Candidly Kind - They create clothes with uplifting, positive designs, each one crafted by Grace, who was born with Down syndrome (though she prefers to call it "Up syndrome"). Grace isn’t just the designer—she’s also the painter, order entry technician, label maker, packer, wrapper, shipper, and letter writer. Every piece is a personal touch from Grace, spreading joy with each order.

Emily Rose Sews - Autistic entrepreneur Emily Rose creates everything from funky, denim hobo bags to flannels with bold vintage inserts. Definitely check this one out for anyone with style on your list.

The Awesome Company - They say it best: “Autistic adults aren’t excluded because they can’t contribute. They’re excluded because systems refuse to flex. So we built our own.” (Read the rest of their awesome manifesto here. Then grab an inclusion sweatshirt that says it all.)

Alivia - They use fashion to spotlight the creativity of people with disabilities, with dresses, sweaters, and even pajamas that are bright, bold, and expressive.

Depo Market - Pronounced deh-po, this is a business that didn’t set out to be a business; it was simply a way for Tiffany Chou to help her brother, Christian, find a job. Lucky for the world they did. I ADORE all of their jewelry (and am definitely adding from here for my holiday wish list this year - again!).

🎁Guide Project-tested. I have a pair of earrings from here, and I get compliments EVERY time I wear them.

The Spotlight Project - Bracelets with a message. All designed by their Makers, creative people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who each have their own story to tell.

🎁Guide Project-tested! I received some bracelets for Mothers’ Day a few years ago - and I love them.

Ventures ATL - They’ve partnered with Dooney & Bourke to create a beautiful collection of handbags that support autism awareness and directly provide employment to autistic adults.

Special Sparkle - Kelly is a young lady with Down syndrome - who also has a lot of style. She and her mom work together to design the jewelry, and Kelly brings it all to life.

The Upside Down Collection - For Lucy, making things for others is a source of joy. With the help of her job coach in the ClemsonLIFE Program, she started The Upside Down Collection. With each necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, The Upside Down Collection demonstrates that all people can create and contribute.

ScentsAbility - What you see on the outside: beautiful artisan scented candles. What’s happening behind the scenes: an innovative social enterprise that provides workplace opportunities adapted for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). We love this.

Beauty by Jenna - Founded by Autistic adult Jenna Grabow and her sister-in-law Anna, this business is more than a beauty brand — it’s a movement of joy, inclusion, and purpose.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We tried (and loved) their organic strawberry peach lip scrub!

Extraordinary Gifts - Candles and soaps - all beautifully handmade by artisans with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Beloved Bath - Candles, body butter, sugar scrubs, and soap - all that provide meaningful employment for people with autism. The simple, clean serene packaging is making us feel relaxed already …

Trev’s Trades - Where autism meets potential. A statement so powerful it’s almost all you need to know. But check out their story - and their fun, unique line of soaps.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We’ve bought their apricot soap (smells SO good), holiday soaps, and Halloween soaps. Can you tell we’re fans? I highly recommend them all.

Blossom Artisanal - Unique and refreshing line of soaps, candles, and bath teas created by artisans with developmental disabilities. Plus, artisans are involved in ALL phases of the business, from production to packaging, shipping, and sales. We love this.

Sammysoap - Sammysoap describes themselves as a job creation machine for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities disguised as the world’s best soap company. And they’re pretty amazing. We spent a TON of time on their site - they have great classic soaps, and we really loved their fun and sometimes funny novelty soaps.

Expedition Soap - Spencer Kelly is an entrepreneur and founder of Expedition Soap. He also has Asperger Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, and this business his platform for supporting autism awareness and acceptance. Plus, they’re super committed to high-quality products with the best, cleanest ingredients.

Brighton Launch Creations - Soaps, body scrubs, and bath bombs - in some really fun designs and scents (looking at you, vanilla chai body scrub and margarita body scrub). And everything from R & D to production to order fulfillment is handled by young adults with disabilities.

Blissful Seeds - They’re planting the seeds of blissful lives for adults with autism and other disabilities through employment and entrepreneurship. From candles to bath bombs to soaps to even jewelry and trays, they have some beautiful items for the person in your life who deserves some pampering.

Jacob’s Ladder - This was formed as a training and employment opportunity for Jacob (who has autism). The result is some great gift ideas. I have my eyes on the Grinch bath bombs.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! Their soap-and-lip-balm pairings made perfect teacher gifts last year (and they already looked so pretty, I didn’t have to do much to dress them up!)

Beaver Creek Candle Company - This business focuses on the desire of people with developmental disabilities to shine as hard workers, who are proud of the products they make, the value they bring to the workforce, and the independence they earn from a paycheck. They carry standard candles in many cool scents, but they also carry some very unique specialty candles, as well as ManCans and SheCans that use recycled soup cans (and come in some very unusual scents!).

EveryBody by Dutton Farm - Beauty in Diversity. Strength in Inclusion. We could not agree with this more. For every $20 spent on EveryBody products, 1 hour of work for individuals of all abilities is created. And for that money, you’ll find everything from bar soaps to candles to even a kids’ line of soaps, which are so fun.

BU Candles - This brand promotes self-care, wellness, and sustainability with eco-friendly products. Rooted in the message "Be Yourself," they also champion inclusive employment, celebrating the talents of people with developmental disabilities.

Sparked Candles - Sparking job opportunities for individuals with disabilities! And with scents like sweet orange & sriracha, pineapple sage, and banana nut bread, there’s something for everyone.

breathemovedivine - This is self-care expressed through art, home, and wearable design. Inspired by chakra balance, heart flame energy, and the clarity of scrying, each piece is created by Taletha, an autistic artist.

Dori Nature Farm - Inspired by their autistic co-founder, they craft pure Aloe Vera gel for soothing, hydrating, and naturally nourishing your skin.

Vichy’s Art - This teenager with autism has some serious talent. The art is absolutely gorgeous and is available in prints, greeting cards, and even calendars.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We couldn’t pick just one print (they’re all amazing), so we went with a calendar, and I highly recommend it.

Allie Art Designs - Created by Allie Guard, a young woman with Down Syndrome who is drawn to the magic of color. Her art is creative and one-of-a-kind, brightening rooms and spaces.

Nate’s Funky Pics - Photographer and artist Nate has Down syndrome and an eye for all things funky. Super fun photography. Cool locations. I’d love a few of these in our home.

Grace Place Art - Grace is a young lady with Down syndrome. With a great artistic eye. Each GracePlace Art purchase allows Grace to practice basic life skills, while also spreading awareness.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! As music lovers, we have wrapped many a present with the Music to My Ears gift wrapping set. But they have so many others to choose from, too!

Alex the Artist - Alex Schlueter is a young man with autism spectrum disorder who is quite literally illustrating that people with special needs have wonderful talents. Talents that should be shared with the world - like his artwork.

Sophiola - Sophia is a young lady with a passion for art, dancing, music, family, friends, and fun.  She also happens to have Down syndrome. And her art is beautiful - bright, joyful, and fun.

Special Arts and Cards - Ajai is the artist behind these unique handmade canvas and greeting card creations. He’s also an autistic young adult who discovered his interest (and talent) in art accidentally when he was introduced to it as a form of therapy for anxiety and emotional regulation.

Big Al’s Best - This business was created by a mom looking to create an opportunity for her son, Alex, to have meaningful work and activities to fill his adult life. Alex is a young man with autism who creates greeting cards and artwork that features his beautiful calligraphy.

downs & towns - Houston Vandergriff is a travel photographer who also happens to rock an extra 21st chromosome. He captures the world through a lens of hope and advocacy. His motto says it all: "art. adventure. advocate. repeat." We couldn’t have said it better.

Kayla Snover Studio - Kayla is a proud artist with Down Syndrome who is fascinated by color; art allows her to express herself. And it allows the people who buy her art to add splashes of beauty around them.

The Sticker Spectrum - Entrepreneur. Designer. Creator. Those are a few words that would describe founder Liam, who also has autism. His hand-drawn designs are sometimes edgy, sometimes empowering, and always eye-catching.

Finley’s - Lots of flavors for your pup! And every bag purchased helps people with disabilities gain confidence and independence through paid work experiences that will empower them for a lifetime.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! Tested by the four-legged member of our organization - and he loved it.

Doggy Delights by Allison - Allison, a young woman with Down syndrome, is Chef and CEO. She makes healthy homemade dog treats - freeze dried, so no preservatives are needed (or included)!

PawsAbilities - They provides skills training and job placement for people with disabilities. And some killer dog COOKIES, not to mention bandanas and other toys pups would love to find in their stocking.

Brent’s Pet Pizzazz - Brent is passionate about animals. He also has autism, and started this business to share his passions with the world. His snuffle mats are a great way to provide your furry friends with the mental stimulation needed to keep them happy and engaged.

Brewhaus Handcrafted Dog Bones - This business provides more than just great treats for Fido. They work with local school districts and has students with disabilities participating in all phases of work, from planning/forecasting demand, making, baking, labeling and weighing bags, processing orders, attending community sales opportunities, calculating costs, counting money, and making bank deposits.

Little Big Dog Treats - This is a small business run by Cailyn, an entrepreneur with Down syndrome. But you can just call her The Boss Lady. She makes handmade, small batch dog treats using only simple whole food ingredients.

Echo Barkery - Where compassion meets craftsmanship. Their dedicated team of talented individuals comes together to create crafted dog biscuits. Through the love of dogs and the joy of baking, friendships are formed, self-esteem is nurtured, independence is fostered, and dreams are realized.

Down Right Delicious Dog Treats - Co-founded by Calli Jo, a dedicated entrepreneur and a young woman with Down Syndrome, this business proves dog treats don’t have to be boring. Check out their mini-donuts.

Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats - It all started because of the strong bond between Arin, a young woman with microcephaly, and her “good girl” service dog, Posie. Now it’s a business that helps develop careers for individuals with disabilities that reinforce independence, resilience, and purpose. We especially love these treat ornaments.

Team Woofgang & Co. - Need a gift for the dog person in your life? Look no further. And while their product may be dog treats, their mission is to provide daily purpose for adults with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Duke’s Delites - Dog and cat food, treats, toys, health and wellness products - including CBDelites! All from a company that employs young adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

Anthony Schmidt Photography - We knew these photos would be a hit with any classic car lover when we saw them. Then we discovered HOW the photos are made - Anthony, who is on the autism spectrum, takes photos of miniature cars and makes them look life-sized. The end result is SO cool - and you can purchase prints, a calendar, shirts - a lot of options.

Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe - One look at their website and I was obsessed. Funky, edgy disability advocacy merch - and some of the coolest fidgets I’ve seen.

8480 Gifts - I LOVE a good gift box. This company has curated boxes for everyone, from the traveler to the gardener, to the “handsome devil” in your life. And … each purchase provides job training for young adults on the autism spectrum.

Seeds for Autism - Jewelry, (gorgeous) cutting boards, gifts for bath and body - they have it all. And it’s from a business that provides a path from “learning to earning” for young adults with autism.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We’ve purchased gifts here - soaps for teacher gifts and a really solid pizza cutter that my husband loved (and if you know him, that’s a high compliment).

One for All - A single store - featuring products created by people with disabilities. I only wish I lived closer, so I could visit in person. Lucky for me (and everyone else), they sell online, too. They say they’re more than a collection of items to sell; they’re a collection of stories to tell. Amazing.

The BEE Community - BEE Artisans - adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - craft high-quality products like soaps, candles, dog treats, stationery, and jewelry. They want everyone - regardless of ability and capacity - to experience the dignity and purpose that comes from employment.

Spectrum Designs - They’re a custom apparel and promotional products business dedicated to creating meaningful and inclusive employment for a neurodiverse workforce, with more than 50% of their workforce on the autism spectrum and 100% of their sales going toward their mission. AND they have a few partnerships, one with some GREAT products for New York State Parks.

🎁 Guide Project-tested! We purchased cooling towels from them when we hosted iCan Bike Gwinnett - they came out great. And our volunteers LOVED them.

NOVICA - They’re an impact marketplace, and one of their causes is supporting artisans with disabilities. From jewelry to home decor, they have so many beautiful, hand-crafted items to choose from.

Passion Works Studio - THIS is inclusion! They create integrated settings where people with and without developmental differences connect through art. And the end result is unique, fun, and funky items. Plus, they upcycle, which we love.

Zuggy Etc. - Founded by three best friends who have Autism - who used their unique minds to accomplish a goal: create employment opportunities that give individuals with special needs something of their own to work toward and take pride in. And from cool accessory bags to handmade aprons, there is a lot to be proud of.

Parcels - A curated gift shop of items made by, or through, businesses owned by people with disabilities. From stationary to chocolates and home decor to jams and preserves, there’s something for everyone here.

Karl’s Wheelhouse - Handmade goods inspired by Minnesota’s North Shore, created with a passion for quality craftsmanship and an appreciation for simple beauty. And all built around “the crazy idea that people with disabilities should enjoy meaningful work.” Nailed it.

[words] Bookstore - As an avid reader, I’m thrilled to have this bookstore on our list. [words] has hired over 100 young people with autism as part of their vocational training program. And they ship anywhere in the U.S.!

🎁 Guide Project-tested! Anyone who knows me knows books are my thing. This has been my new go-to for new books. Great service, fast shipping.

Hardback YoYo - A unique and fun (and meaningful) business! Owned by an entrepreneur with Autism who sells products from discarded books and other media.

Unintentional Humor - A series of hilarious books explaining the literal interpretation of language. Inspired and written by Brent Anderson, who is a self-advocate, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, humor aficionado, and a young man with autism.

If You Had Wings - Lindsay Holcombe, an entrepreneur with Down syndrome, is serving the IDD community one birdhouse at a time. And she builds more than just cool birdhouses; each month, she donates all profits to a local nonprofit.

River Bend Gallery - Owned by Geoffrey Mikol, a professional artist with Down syndrome, this nature photography is stunning!

A Farm Less Ordinary - This business provides employment and a welcoming community to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It produces vegetables grown using organic and sustainable methods. If someone on your list is into that, you can’t exactly order their fresh veggies online - but you can get their “puntastic” totes, shirts, and mugs.

The Guide Project is located in Georgia. There are some great local businesses that don’t ship outside the local area, but are GREAT to try if you’re near one of them!

Jack’s Cheesecake (Oconee, Clarke, and Barrow Counties) - Owned and operated by Jack, a teen with autism, Jack’s Cheesecake is GOOD. Don’t just take our word for it - they’ve won Best Dessert at Taste of Oconee for five years in a row. Place an order for the holidays!

🎁Guide Project-tested! Our taste-tester (who is somewhat of a dessert connoisseur; he’s 13, so that tracks) has declared this way better than a significant chain restaurant known for its cheesecake (or at least named after it).

Love.Craft.Athens - Created for adults with developmental disabilities to have an outlet for creativity and to learn jobs skills by making and selling pottery and other crafts. You can contact them through their website if you’re looking for something for specific, or check them out in the community

🎁Guide Project-tested! We spot them at AthFest every year and have snagged everything from a magnet to an amazing set of their one-of-a-kind tea towels.

Brewable - Now with two locations (one in Alpharetta and one in Roswell), they serve up “more than meets the mug.” Their employees, who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, train, learn, and excel in a community cafe setting. Give a gift card and an invite for a post-holiday coffee date!

Puzzle Piece Pastries - A Gainesville bakery that creates sweet futures! With everything from sandwiches to chocolate croissants, this is a perfect place to take a break from your holiday shopping.

SliceAbility - Serving up a slice of something special, this business, located in Cumming, celebrates the gifts and talents of the disability community.

🎁Guide Project-tested! We’re a pizza family, so there was no way we couldn’t test this one out. It was a perfect family outing!

Brightside Cafe - Serving a smile and a cup of joy to each person that walks through their Buford doors - they aim to build confidence, success and belonging for people with disabilities. And - the Guide Project has a brick with our name on it on their patio!

Rise Coffee & Tea - More than a Roswell coffee shop - they create community and opportunity for all. (And their menu looks really good!)

Sweet Abilities Bakeshop - Fun, flavorful desserts that create opportunities for adults with neurodevelopmental differences. Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and cake pops — all in Auburn, GA and the surrounding areas.

Sweet Alchemy Farmacy - Owned and operated by a self-described “neuro-spicy” fam, their pop-up bakery and porch pick-ups mean lots of goodies for you (think pies, poundcakes, cookies, breads, and more!). Located in Lilburn, GA.

MEND Coffee & Goods - An accessibility-first coffee shop and mission-driven marketplace in Buckhead. Coffee, lunch, and a little shopping? Sounds like the perfect gift experience. We haven’t visited yet, but the place looks stunning.