Inside the TED Gift Hub: A tradition of generosity

The Gift Hub at TED2024: The Brave and the Brilliant, April 15-19, 2024, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Photo: Felicia Chang / TED)

Generosity matters.

Whether you’re giving your time, your talent or a special gift, generosity is an important force in the world. Giving back not only feels good, it’s good for you, too.

At TED, we give our talks away for free on the internet. We give our brand away for free through our TEDx program. We empower people around the world who are bringing real change to their communities through free programs and initiatives like the Audacious Project, TED Countdown and TED Democracy. As head of TED Chris Anderson says: “Be brave. Give what you can, and then be absolutely amazed at what happens next.”

Align your giving with your values

TED’s global community is built on curiosity, bravery and generosity. TED donors, patrons and partners help fuel our nonprofit mission to bring the gift of knowledge to millions of people around the world. All of the TED Talks you know and love are made possible thanks to the generosity of others.

This spirit of giving extends to our events, where our in-kind gifting partners play a crucial role. By donating their goods and services, these partners help create the extraordinary atmosphere that makes the TED experience spectacular.

Each of our outrageously generous in-kind partners are carefully selected not only for their quality of products but also for how their values and mission embody the spirit of TED. These partnerships allow us to offer our attendees gifts that are meaningful, memorable and aligned with the ethos of our community.

Attendees at TED2024: The Brave and the Brilliant, April 15-19, 2024, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Photo: Jason Redmond / TED)

A look inside the TED Gift Hub 

At TED2024, the Gift Hub wasn’t just about giving — it was about discovery. Attendees explored a curated selection of in-kind gifts, resources and communities that reflected TED’s values, including: 

Sustainable living

We partnered with Solgaard (recycled plastic backpacks), Grosche (eco-friendly drinkware), Stasher (reusable storage bags) and Heirloom (sustainable coffee) to inspire an eco-conscious lifestyle.  

Creativity and exploration

For those fueled by curiosity, brands like LEUCHTTURM1917 (notebooks to capture bold ideas), Celestron (telescopes for stargazing) and Huion (digital design tools) offered endless opportunities for creative discovery.

Mindful connection 

To encourage moments of reflection, relaxation and connection, we featured thoughtful gifts from Flare Audio (enhanced sound experiences), Nidra (tools for better sleep) and ShareWell (a peer support community).

Wellness and growth

Attendees were introduced to innovative brands like FitnessGenes (personalized fitness insights), Molecular You (health and wellness profiling), Outway (performance socks) and Plankplad (interactive fitness), making health and personal growth accessible and exciting.  

Attendees and in-kind partners at TED2024: The Brave and the Brilliant, April 15-19, 2024, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Photo: Jason Redmond / TED)

Emerging tech and design

From cutting-edge devices to imaginative tech, brands like Anything Speaker (portable speakers), Bond Touch (connection bracelets), EarFun (audio devices), Frenz (smart headsets), Mobvoi (AI wearables), Mymanu (translation earbuds), ZWILLING (kitchenware), Shelly (smart home solutions) and Petit Qoobo (robotic cushions) showcased tools and tech that enhance everyday life.

Elevated self-care

To bring holistic well-being into attendees’ lives, we partnered with brands like Aesop (sensorial products), Graydon Skincare, Flaus (oral care tools), VERIPHY Skincare (eco-conscious skincare), Aramweer Organics (South Sudanese natural skincare), Mwani Zanzibar (seaweed products) and Spicewell (nutrient-rich seasonings), bringing thoughtful self-care to every aspect of life. 

Playful discovery

Finally, for moments of joy and discovery, brands like Fufuly (playful relaxation tools), Page6 (market intelligence for leaders), MoFi Electronics (premium audio), and Wicked Problem Solving (problem-solving frameworks) brought unexpected delight to the Gift Hub.

Every gift was thoughtfully curated, empowering attendees to choose items that truly mattered to them. This intentional approach shifted the focus from accumulation to discovery, prioritizing meaningful gifting, reducing waste and connecting attendees with products and ideas that aligned with their values and needs.

Attendees and in-kind partners at TED2024: The Brave and the Brilliant, April 15-19, 2024, in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Photo: Jason Redmond / TED)

What will 2025 bring? 

As we prepare for TED2025 (April 7-11, 2025), we’re already imagining how to surprise and delight our attendees with gifts that embody the themes of the conference and the spirit of TED. What stories will the items in the Gift Hub tell? How can each gift inspire curiosity, spark connections and encourage generosity in the lives of our community?

This year’s theme, Humanity Reimagined, challenges us to think deeply about innovation, collaboration and the values that define us. Our gifting partners are hard at work designing and curating items that reflect these ideas, blending creativity, sustainability and purpose.

From practical tools that promote mindful living to unexpected treasures that spark joy, each gift in the TED2025 hub will be thoughtfully chosen to enhance the experience of being part of TED’s global community.

Stay tuned as we unveil the partners and surprises in store for TED2025. We can’t wait for you to see — and feel — the generosity that makes TED a tradition unlike any other.