Gift Guide: Gifts That Give Back
December is officially upon us. Which most likely means that the tree is up (or about to go up), celebration and holiday plans are in the…
December is officially upon us. Which most likely means that the tree is up (or about to go up), celebration and holiday plans are in the works, and gifts are either purchased or yet to have even been thought about. More than simply giving a gift, we love gifts that do good and give back too. If you’re stumped for ideas on what to get your loved ones this year, below is a list of great companies we love and who give back and do good.
Who doesn’t love fashion and products that look great, are stylish, makes you look (or smell) lovely and help make the world a better place? *Both hands up*
– Christmas Gifts That Give Back –
1 | 31 Bits
31 Bits is revolutionising the way people do business. Their goal is to empower people to rise above poverty, and they do this by creating products with exceptional quality and sophisticated design; it’s fashion for good. Products are made from recycled paper and the artisans in their program receive a sustainable income and holistic education. They recently released their 2014 Holiday Collection in collaboration with Taylor Sterling of Glitter Guide and we simply cannot get enough of it!
2 | Thank you
Thank you is an Australian social enterprise and a consumer movement that empowers you to fund life-changing projects through simple choices in your everyday life. Established in 2008 by then-19 year olds, this movement is pretty darn impressive and worth looking and buying into. Their current ranges include Water, Food, and Body Care. Personal picks for a Christmas gift? Anything from the Body Care range. Not only do they smell good, they are good. Each purchase goes towards funding life-changing hygiene and sanitation projects in developing nations.
3 | Sseko Designs
Sseko Designs is using fashion to educate and empower women. This ethical fashion brand hires women in Uganda to make sandals, enabling them to earn money through dignified employment that goes directly towards their college educations and ensures they will continue pursuing their dreams. Originally beginning with sandals, they have grown and now also have accessories and leather bags. To date they’ve enabled 47 women to continue on to university and currently employ 50 women in Uganda from all walks of life. Read their story here.
4 | The Giving Keys
The Giving Keys is, you guessed it, all about giving keys. Each key is engraved with an inspiring word and it’s sole purpose is that when you purchase or receive a key, you must give it away at some point to a person you feels needs the message. The charitable side to this great company is that they employ those who are looking to transition out of homelessness. Remarkable.
Krochet Kids Intl. is a lifestyle brand and an innovative non-profit, empowering people to rise above poverty in Northern Uganda. What sets KKi apart is that each product is limited, exclusive and personal. Inside each product is the handwritten signature from the woman who made it. A signature is a source of pride for the women who work there. We love that.
Sackcloth & Ashes is a company that sells high-quality blankets in the United States. With every blanket purchased, they give a blanket to your local homeless shelter. We’ve been huge fans of their Instagram for some time now, but we’re even bigger fans of their heart, purpose, and story.
7 | LUSH Fresh Handmade Products – Charity Pot Body Lotion
Most of you would know and love LUSH – there’s bound to be a store near you if you’re in the States or Australia. But did you know that they have a Charity Pot Body Lotion? Every cent that you pay for it goes into their Lush Charity Pot Fund, and then given to the various organisations they support. Each pot also has a label on it with a little story about one of the charities, good causes, and hand-picked groups that they have supported.
8 | TOMS
TOMS is a for-profit lifestyle company with a savvy ‘One For One’ model. What began with shoes in 2006 has transformed into a movement. They now also sell eyewear, sunglasses, coffee, have an e-commerce Marketplace and more, and each product sold helps someone in need. Their movement includes an annual One Day Without Shoes and World Sight Day to raise awareness for the global issues of poverty and avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
9 | Sevenly
Sevenly was founded in 2011 with a mission of leading a generation toward generosity and the core belief that “People Matter”. Sevenly creates weekly cause campaigns where a charity is highlighted and $7 from each of the products purchased that week is donated to them. To date they have raise over $4 million and helped 1.3 million people. Great culture. Great products. Great do-good model.
10 | Warby Parker
Warby Parker is not only in the business of selling sunglasses, but also in the business of doing good. Each month they tally up the amount of sunglasses sold and make a donation to their non-profit partners. The non-profits they partner with train men and women in developing countries to give basic eye exams and sell glasses to their communities at affordable prices. Smart model. Stylish and quality product. We’re a fan.
What companies do you love who give back?
