On its own merit, a hand-knit baby sweater always touches your heart. But weave a story of women overcoming adversity into its threads and your heart is likely to burst.

Kenyan-turned-New Yorker Siamanda Chege created clothing and accessories line BébéRavi after witnessing the dire conditions of women in her native Kenya. Sparked by the country’s almost 40 percent unemployment rate and many families devastated by AIDS, she set about employing local women so they could provide better futures for themselves and their children.

The collection includes everything from baby gowns and rompers to toddler dresses and hats — all handcrafted from fine Italian merino wools and Egyptian cottons. Plus, a percentage of profits funds an orphanage founded by Chege.

Just one more thing to love.

Select styles available at Pomme, 81 Washington Street, at York Street, Dumbo (718-855-0623 or pommenyc.com); Space Kiddets, 26 East 22nd Street, between Park Avenue South and Broadway (212-420-9878 or spacekiddets.com); online at beberavi.com, $20-$140.

SAVE
DailyCandy Deals in New York
What: Get the lowdown on amazing steals (40-70 percent off) at your favorite places around town.
Why: Your wallet’s feeling a tad light from splurging on gifts for your brood.
When: Uh, now.
Where: Sign up online at dailycandy.com.

HEAR
Peter & the Wolf
What: Isaac Mizrahi narrates Sergei Prokofiev’s children’s classic, complete with backing by the Juilliard Ensemble.
Why: Artwork by Takashi Murakami’s production company brings the tale to life.
When: Sat., 4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. (Also Dec. 17-19, 2:30 & 4 p.m.)
Where: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., at 89th St. (212-423-3587). Tickets online at ovationtix.com. Adults and children, $35.

BUILD
A Gingerbread House
What: A family workshop full of sweet square footage.
Why: Learn to make your holiday dream house with frosting, candy canes, and gumdrops.
When: Sat. & Sun., 9:30 & 11 a.m., 12:30, 2, 3:30 & 5 p.m.
Where: Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 W. 27th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves. Register online at tastebudscook.com. Parent and child, $75.

WATCH
The Colonial Nutcracker
What: A version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet with powdered wigs, cloaks, and red coats.
Why: An hour-long abridged version is a revolutionary idea.
When: Sun., 2 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Rd., Brooklyn. Tickets at 718-951-4500 or online at tickets.com. Adults and children, $6 in advance; $7 at the door.

Photo: Lee Clower / Courtesy of Bebe Ravi