Christmas Gift Ideas that Give Back
Wow, you guys. I don't really even know where to start...but it's just been a weird couple of weeks. Work is at its busiest time and I haven't had time to post much more than gift guides. I don't know why, but it just makes me feel gross. Not that gift guides are bad, but I don't write this blog to just push product on you. I am obviously sharing things that I truly believe in, buuut what I love about blogging is sharing more than just what I'm wearing, you know?
Anyway, the older I get, the more I realize that I don't neeeeeed anything for Christmas. You'll always have those people who love giving gifts and like recommendations, but there are some people who just truly don't need anything. For the people who just have everything and/or those who swear they don't need anything, a great alternative is giving them a gift that gives back! These days, there are SO many options and brands that give back, I just wanted to share some of my favorites with you. Another great thing is that some of these don't need "shipping time", so you can buy now and it will for sure be on time for Christmas;)
The brand that sparked the thought for me to make this post was Matchback. They sent me this sweatshirt (c/o) - it says DO GOOD, then in fine print says LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD. Matchback is an organization that works directly with a teens in need program, to help troubled and at-risk youth in the United States. They instill self confidence in young adults through the "buy one, give one" model. For every apparel bundle sold, they gift one to an underprivileged teen through charitable mentoring organizations, foster care service providers, group homes, school administration, coaches, counselors, case managers, social workers, U.S. Military Officer organizations, Police/Sheriff departments, and other nonprofit childrenās charities. My specific sweatshirt is from their "do good" collection - it is so soft, and I love the meaning!
Without further adieu, here's a list of some amazing brands, companies, and charities you can support while shopping this holiday season, or better yet, year-round! You've probably heard of some before, but hopefully you learn of some new ones to support!
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THINGS. This section sells products that benefit certain organizations whether in a partial donation or in total.
This is the one I mentioned above and where my sweatshirt is from! I remember trying to fit in through clothing during my teens, so I love this mission!
Essentially they are a non-profit, but instead of raising funds, they sell products to provide jobs! Inspired by homelessness, The Giving Keys were made to help break the cycle of poverty and homelessness, by providing stable, living wage jobs. They "hand them the keys" to unlock their potential. Their necklaces are the most famous - a simple key on a chain, with a word on it to inspire. you can customize your own, or buy one of the pre-made words like "love", "faith" or "believe". The idea is to gift it to someone in need, then when they are ready, they can give it to someone who needs it! It's a pay it forward gesture of kindness, which you can't beat!
The ultimate goal of Love your Melon is to help kids with cancer. They are committed to giving a hat to every child battling cancer, in addition to supporting organizations in the fight against childhood cancer. They used to mainly just have beanies, but have added other caps too!
BWB collects and sells books to donate fund, in addition to literature, to literacy initiatives worldwide! They have tons of great choices, from childrens, to chapter books!
I actually got my mom some of their soap, for Christmas! Basically, for everyone one bar of soap purchased, a bar is donated! They sell more than just bars though...think liquid soap, body wash, and haircare!
Hari Mari created flip flops that are good quality, but also good at heart. They support childhood cancer by donating 1% of profits to oncology and hematology centers, in addition to helping the families affected.
Sevenly has 7 day collections that target specific charities. $7 of each product sold during these initiatives are donated and then 7% of the cause themed collections to the specific non-profit. They have tons of different options and products, so you are bound to find something you support and like!
Probablyyyyy the trendsetter for this movement. Toms has been out for a while. They give shoes to children in need, for every pair of shoes purchased. Since their initial popularity, they have grown their shoe assortment and even added eyewear.
Chances are you've seen bloggers and celebrities wearing these glasses! Diff donates a pair of reading glasses to someone in need, for every pair of glasses purchased! They also sell Ugandan made pouches for the glasses, which provides employment and opportunities like building a school.
If this sounds familiar, it's because I actually featured Tribe and Glory a couple years ago! They are a jewelry company that pays sustainable wages to women in poverty stricken area. They go through the Tribe and Glory program and graduate with business knowledge, as well as the income to start their own business, which (hopefully) creates a domino affect in their town. They create mostly jewelry, and some home goods.
They started out selling jewelry made out of paper! They believe (as do I), that where you put your money is where your vote is - that is the business/es that you want to succeed. 31 Bits works with artisans all over the world to help them have a job and stable income. They have expanded their product offering and now sell much more than just jewelry!
A fair trade boutique, Raven and Lily commits to empowering women and helping them reach their potential. Everything they sell helps women all over the globe (10 different countries!) break the cycle of poverty.
This one is a no brainer. Everyone needs baked goods during the holiday season and ordering them creates less stress. Plus, every $20 you spend, $1 goes to a cause of your choice! They have a ton of different options, like animals, arts, children, education, and more!
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Animals. This section benefits animals specifically and/or communities for them to live in and benefit. I encourage you to research each one, to see what would like to support most + their mission.
You can sponsor a child specifically, or choose a gift! I love the idea of a goat and 2 chickens ;)
There are so many animal options here! Livestock and animals help families so much, whether it's food or just sustainability. I would personally do the alpaca -so fun! There are tons of price-points, and you can even go in on a shared item!
There are tons of ways to support children and families with Oxfam. They have anything from tools, to animals, to sponsoring a specific child.
Donate anything from pigs to bicycles, your choice!
They have a 100% organic stuffed bear collection. For every teddy purchased, they donate one to a child! They also are a part of the fair-trade initiative.
These donations go directly to helping animals! Search their site for specific situations, but they have anything from saving 25 dogs, to protecting a dog from rabies!
You can help specific world issues of your choosing, but the one I linked to saves a Sea Turtle nest! You also get a plush toy;)
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Charities. These are a list of Charities that you can support directly and indirectly, sometimes receiving a small gift or taken of gratitude in return.
Unicef fights for the rights of children all across the globe. My main muse Audrey Hepburn, was a huge activist for Unicef, so naturally I love it;) They support a ton of initiatives, so check the website for more info.
This charity is near and dear to my heart! I was a Tri Delta and this is our nationwide philanthropy. They provide treatment and even things like housing for families, while their child is undergoing care at St. Jude. They are one of the top cancer hospitals in the world and they don't cost a dime to the patients.
This is just a hub for tons of charities. If there's something specific you are looking to support, you'll probably find something here!
If someone you know is a teacher or an advocate for learning, this is the gift to get them! You can pick projects and fundraisers from teachers all over the U.S., who need help to get the best for their students.
So I didn't include this in the animal section, but you can donate some animals if you'd like! There are other ways to give, like directly to a family or child, so take your pick!
P.S. If you really would like to see my gift guides, you can view them here:
Gift Guides for Him mostly under $100
Gift Guides for Her mostly under $100
White Elephant Gift Ideas under $50
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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