Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed a bill that cut about $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which finances public media institutions NPR and PBS.
While NPR and PBS stand as titans in the public media space, more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations around the country that rely on federal funding to report the news and share vital information to local communities were devastated by these cuts.
In response, donations surged, but still fell short of closing the budget gap that keeps these stations fully operational.
For anyone who has watched and loved “Sesame Street,” listened to “Life Kit” on NPR, or streamed a Tiny Desk Concert — among countless other programming — funding public media is essential.
This holiday season, instead of buying another random gift from a big box store, consider this: A list of gifts that support the NPR and PBS programming our country relies on.
The best gifts that fund PBS and NPR
National Public Radio Script T-shirt
This gorgeous script font T-shirt is simple and straight to the point in support of NPR. Available in both black and green, it makes a great gift for any active listener (though there are other shirts they might love, too).
Every purchase from the NPR online store supports NPR programming.
Shop: NPR
Lingua Franca x PBS Sweaters
More of an investment piece, these delicately embroidered sweaters from Lingua Franca will make any Public Broadcasting Service superfan fall in love.
Get a vintage logo style, or opt for a “PBS kid” or “I Heart PBS” version, all available in adult and kids sizes.
According to Lingua Franca, 20% of every purchase from this collection “goes directly to keeping this vital public service free, accessible, and independent.”
Shop: Lingua Franca
‘Public Radio Rocks’ T-shirt
This union-made tee from Raygun really puts some oomph behind the importance of public media.
The bold and playful design comes in cream or light blue options and is part of a much larger collection of apparel, stickers, and other accessories that support public media.
Sales from this collection support Raygun’s partner organizations, which include NPR member stations in the Midwest.
Shop: Raygun
Sesame Street Books
Before you shop kids’ books from Amazon or another large retailer, consider buying them directly from the source: Sesame Street!
With over 35 titles featuring beloved characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita, Big Bird, and more, you can stock up your kiddos’ library — all while supporting Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street and its ongoing educational programming.
Shop: Sesame Street Official Store
‘Feral for the Free Press’ Tote Bag
This tote bag, featuring a darling possum, gets right to the point: We’ll go hog-wild without a free press.
Made with 100% cotton, it may just be the best accessory to virtue-signal (with genuine love and care) at the farmer’s market.
Every purchase from the NPR online store supports NPR programming.
Shop: NPR
Official Arthur ‘Protect Public Media’ T-shirt
Nothing communicates the collective rage surrounding the defunding of public media quite like Arthur Reed’s clenched fist. This T-shirt from the official “Arthur” shop, hosted by PBS Kids, acts as both a meme and a donation.
(There’s also another great shirt featuring a close-up of Arthur’s face that was a close runner-up for this guide.)
“Arthur” is produced by the PBS affiliate GBH in Boston, so all proceeds from this shirt will go to support the Massachusetts station.
Shop: Official Arthur Store
A subscription or donation to your local NPR affiliate
Of course, at the end of the day, nothing defends public media better than a direct donation to one’s local affiliate.
You can definitely funnel your money towards NPR as a whole, but if you’re looking for a specific member station, you can find them online by inputting your or your gift recipient’s zip code.
Setting up a subscription or a recurring donation keeps programming afloat, helps journalists stay employed, and ensures people right in your community have access to free and uncensored information.
A subscription or donation to your local PBS affiliate
Similarly, you can donate to PBS or any local public broadcasting station! Subscriptions give you or your gift recipient access to live programming, a vast library of shows and documentaries, kids’ TV, and award-winning reporting.
Find a local station online by searching your zip code.
You may also like: 38 Gifts That Give Back to National Parks & Public Lands
Header images courtesy of NPR, Lingua Franca and Raygun
