What is Alternative Gift Giving?

What if we could transform the way we give gifts into something more sustainable, meaningful, and impactful?

Our annual alternative gift fair gives ethically minded and socially conscious shoppers a central location to "put their money where their heart is" in terms of aligning their desire to live with intention throughout the year with their spending habits around the holidays. Oftentimes, individuals want to make more conscientious choices in recognizing the incredible potential they wield in galvanizing their purchasing purchase to cast a vote for the kind of world in which they want to live.

November 30, 2025

Discover the Gift of Giving Alternatively!

✓ 11 AM - 3 PM
✓ Free Admission
✓ Bring Your Friends & Family

We hope to see you there!

When did we start

How do we promote altruistic giving in our holiday shopping?

Lancaster has been consecutively hosting an alternative gift fair since 2008! The Gifts that Give Hope Gift Fair not only promotes altruistic giving through the purchase of alternative gifts, it is also a community event! Holiday shoppers can purchase fair trade, social enterprise, environmentally friendly, business for good, and locally & ethically sourced gifts, as well as delicious tastes from around the world from some of Lancaster's tastiest food vendors.

How To Prepare

  • 01. Identify Your Recipient

  • 02. Choose a Cause

  • 03. Gift with Ease

Make a checklist of loved ones and important recipients that you would like to give a gift that makes a difference.

We've made one ready for you – download it below.

Download Checklist

Select a cause or impactful gift that aligns with your recipient's passions and values at our in-person holiday fair or online year round.

Meet our nonprofits that will be joining us this year below!

Receive a card and detailed insert to give your loved one, assuring your gift's impactful contribution to them and the cause. 

Savor More Than Flavor

Throughout the day, enjoy delicious offerings from some of Lancaster’s favorite food trucks and market vendors. A full list of this year’s featured food partners will be shared soon — come hungry!

Meet Our 2025 Marketplace Vendors

  • Bench Mark Apparel

  • Binding Love Scarves

  • Centered Soul Creations

  • Chestnut Ridge Honey & Beeswax

  • Crafted & Chosen Jewelry

  • Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio

  • Food Is Love

  • Hope Inspire Love

  • Hope Noted

  • Hope Served

  • HappySilence

  • Mitzvah Moms

  • MollyauContraire

  • My Peruvian Treasures

  • Olive Tree Embroidery

  • Peace Kids to the Rescue

  • RecycloCraftz

  • Soaps by Survivors

  • Trade Faire

  • Wild Child Fibers

  • Work Of Worth International

  • Women's Global Village

Meet our 2025 Nonprofit Partners

Get Involved!

  • Nonprofit Partners

    Are you part of a nonprofit doing impactful work? Join our marketplace to share your mission and receive support through charitable gift giving.

    Apply to Be a Nonprofit Partner
  • Sponsor Opportunities

    Support meaningful giving and connect with a community that cares. Our sponsors help make the Gift Fair and year-round impact possible.

    Explore Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Volunteer

    Help us bring the Gift Fair to life! From setup to social media, there are so many ways to lend a hand and make a difference.

    Sign Up to Volunteer
  • Vendor

    Do you offer fair trade, handmade, or sustainable products? We welcome vendors whose values align with ours for a festive, ethical shopping experience.

    Apply to Be a Vendor

Celebrating Our Partners!

It takes a community to create something meaningful. We’re proud to recognize the businesses that stand with us in promoting charitable giving and supporting vital nonprofit work—locally and globally.

Pati Frey