Great gift ideas for last minute shoppers

If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet, you don’t need to panic. We have some great gift ideas that will not only make your friends and family very happy, but will also benefit families in need at minimal or no extra cost to you.

1. Dollar Energy Fund Santa Skate for Warmth auction items 

Skip the long Santa lines at the mall and attend our Santa Skate for Warmth Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa. For only $20, you can take a photo with Santa; skate for three hours with Iceburgh, Wattley, Freddy the Flame and others; and enjoy holiday music and refreshments. We’ll have more than 50 wonderful gifts at both auction prices and buy-it-now prices. The gifts include dozens of autographed Pittsburgh Penguins items, children’s toys, baskets, jewelry, spa products, restaurant gift certificates and more. Not only will you have one less gift to buy in a crowded store, but 100 percent of the proceeds from your purchase will benefit your neighbors in need. You may register online for the Skate or purchase tickets at the door.

2. Wattley Doll 

This popular Pittsburgh icon makes an easy, affordable stocking stuffer. For only $5, you can “take Wattley home,” and feel confident that all proceeds will benefit Dollar Energy Fund. You can purchase a Wattley doll online, or pick one up during weekends in December at the Kennywood Holiday Lights Event.

3. Pens Gear Sales 

During the holiday season, Pens Gear stores will host a point of sale fundraiser for Dollar Energy Fund. If you know someone who loves the Pittsburgh Penguins, visit a Pens Gear Store (there’s a newly opened one at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex) and round-up or donate to families in need while you shop.

   4. Amazon Smile 

Buying your holiday gifts through Amazon Smile is one of the easiest ways to help Dollar Energy Fund’s clients, at no additional cost to you. Sign up by visiting smile.amazon.com and select Dollar Energy Fund as your charity. Then, shop on Amazon through the smile.amazon.com link and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to our organization. This is a great way to support our Hardship Program and help the thousands of families who risk facing the winter without basic utility service.

As always, all funds received through these gift ideas will be matched dollar for dollar by our partnering utility companies.  Happy shopping!