Down syndrome awareness month: shopping guide

Meet Ivy. She is a toddler born with Down syndrome. Ivy's design "Spread Joy" was inspired by the light and joy she radiates wherever she goes!

You can support Ivy by making a purchase from her store. And remember, Ivy gets 60% of the profits from each sale!

Kayla is a super talented artist who lives and breathes in the world of color. She makes stunning and sustainable wall art and standing Christmas trees out of recycled Tyvek.

This group of three friends makes super cute, high quality bags and pouches by hand with original patterns. One of the three friends has Down syndrome, and all three of them participate equally in their business because they believe everyone deserves the opportunity to have a meaningful career and fulfilling life. You can even find them at Madewell!

With over 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities unemployed nationwide, Beau’s Coffee created a path for people with disabilities to become more valued, accepted and included in every community. The shop is run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and owned by a family with two children with Down syndrome: Bitty and Beau. You can order their delicious coffee and sweet merch online, or visit one of their stores in NC, SC, GA, or MD.

Inspired by owner Maggie Blair's younger brother, Matthew, who has Down syndrome, every colorful piece of jewelry at Margrit Co. is made of recycled glass and matted to replicate sea glass. It's all wrapped and designed by hand, and 15% of profits go to their own scholarship fund that provides mentorship, education, and business startup funds to individuals with Down Syndrome who want to become entrepreneurs.

Trista is a talented sewer, artist, and gymnast. She also is a 31-year-old woman with Down syndrome. From masks, to headbands, to dog bandanas and baby burp cloths, every item she sells is handmade by her and absolutely one-of-a-kind.

Collette ​has Down syndrome — and perhaps the most delicious business on this list: cookies. She has sold over 180,000 cookies to date! Her ultimate goal is to work with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to create policies that would increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

There's nothing like a good tie. And Ry knows it best. With a variety of neckties, bowties, socks, and accessories, you're bound to find the perfect gift for the dapper gentleman in your life. Because according to Ry, some people weren't meant to fit in a box.

Sweet Heat Jam Co.

Looking for a gift for your favorite foodie? You've got to try Sweet Heat Jam Co. Chef Nolan makes hot pepper jelly with homegrown peppers and a whole lot of talent. His Sweet Heat Gift Box voted #1 Best Foodie Gift by USA Today!