The holidays have always been my favorite time of year. That is, if we’re not counting my birthday. Speaking of birthdays, let’s get on the subject of gifts. I seriously love getting gifts. On that note, I also seriously love giving gifts just as much, maybe even more so. Holiday gift shopping is literally one of my favorite things; the idea of handpicking something special for someone in my life is just a great feeling. This year, I recommend knocking out two birds with one stone: give back to your favorite cause, while still giving knock-out gifts to the fellow collegiettes in your life.
1. Ivory Ella
If you don’t know what Ivory Ella is, they’re an online store that sells the cutest t-shirts and sweatshirts at reasonable prices, with 10% of their profits going towards Save the Elephants, an organization working towards ending elephant poaching in Africa. If your roommate or gym buddy is into the comfy-casual look, consider dropping into Ivory Ella and scooping up a long-sleeve pocket tee in a cute pattern. They also have new holiday arrivals, and you can check them out here.
2. The Elephant Pants
Let me start off by saying that I originally did not plan on getting a pair of these pants because I was worried about how they would look on me. But, let me tell you: these are one of the most comfortable pairs of pants I have ever owned. On top of that, the print is absolutely adorable. Like Ivory Ella, The Elephant Pants is a store that donates a portion of each sale to a foundation that helps the elephants. The goal of The Elephant Pants is to help prevent poaching, while protecting elephant habitats and spreading awareness. Who wouldn’t want to support a cause like that? They’re recently expanded their horizons, and now they sell also leggings and rompers. Check those out here
3. Pura Vida Bracelets
Pura Vida just happens to be one of my favorites on this list, specifically because I frequent their site the most. Pura Vida sells some of the prettiest handmade bracelets ever, and some of them can start at around $5. All bracelets are handmade in Costa Rica, and each bracelet sale helps give back to causes all over the world, approximately 190, if we want to be more precise. My favorite bracelets are the bitty charms, but they also have braided, beaded, and plain bracelets, and anklets as well, if you’re not into the bracelet thing. Check ‘em all out here
4. Lokai
Everyone’s heard of these bracelets. They’re actually on my Christmas list this year. The white bead contains water from Mount Everest, to represent the high points of your life. The black bead contains mud from the Dead Sea, representing the low points. The bracelet is meant to be a symbolic reminder to “find your balance.” Pretty sweet, right? If that alone isn’t cool enough, 10% of the net profits from these bracelets are donated to Lokai’s charity partners, which include the Alzheimer’s Association and Best Buddies. They also feature limited edition products that support specific causes. Check out their awesome products here .
5. Love Your Melon
The last one on our list, Love Your Melon, was founded by two students at the University of St. Thomas. Their goal was initially to provide every child fighting cancer with a hat, but this soon expanded into a business that provides support and helps to fund cancer research. 50% of the proceeds from these hats go to nonprofit organizations working towards fighting pediatric cancer. Another, smaller, plus side: not only are the hats super cute and cozy, but they come in a multitude of colors. Check out Love Your Melon here, and show your melon some love.
People always stress that the holidays are about a lot more than just gifts. Maybe this year, we can all use gifts as a way to give back to others. Happy Holidays, collegiettes!
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