They say that giving is better than receiving…so giving twice as much has to be unbelievable, right? Whether you’ve been naughty or nice so far this year, there’s still time to get on Santa’s good side. Here’s my list of amazing charitable gifts for the people on your list.
1. The Betty Hat from Krochet Kids International ($25.95)
Krochet Kids International is a nonprofit that sells hats, scarves, and clothing made by women in impoverished nations. They teach the women how to crochet, sell their products for them, and then return the proceeds to the women. Every piece is signed by the woman who made it, so you can search for her on the krochetkids.org website and thank her. As if that wasn’t enough, the hats, scarves, etc. are all beautiful and on trend. It’s starting to get cold out, so go get ‘em.
Visit: http://www.krochetkids.org/
2. Twilight Cuff from 31 Bits ($34)
31 Bits provides education, training, and care to women in Northern Uganda, as they employ women to craft paper beads and jewelry to be sold internationally. Go to their website and watch the video under the “About Us” tab. It’s incredible. Then go buy a gorgeous piece of jewelry for a friend (and/or yourself). Join the movement.
Visit: http://31bits.com/
3. A V-Neck Shirt from Sevenly ($22)
Sevenly is a “for-profit social good company” that features a different charity each week for which they design awesome shirts and totes. With every item purchased, they donate…you guessed it. Seven dollars. It’s always fun waiting for the new designs on Mondays, and they rarely disappoint. Their tees are great and their charities are even better.
Visit: https://www.sevenly.org/
4. Fabric Wrap Bracelet Short from Same Sky ($30)
Same Sky is a fair-trade company that works to empower women around the world by training them with skills (like hand blowing glass beads) and employing them – allowing them to earn sustainable incomes. Same Sky works with women in Zambia and Rwanda, many of whom are HIV-positive. Same Sky jewelry has been worn by Jessica Alba, Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Fergie, and many more. Join the list! The fabric wrap bracelets are only $30, but they sell some gorgeous necklaces and bracelets at a higher prices if you’re shopping for someone extra special.
Visit: http://www.sameskyshop.com/
5. Handmilled Soap Gift (Fall Scents) Set from Ravenandlily.com ($22)
Raven and Lily is a company that’s dedicated to bettering the lives of women around the globe. They work with local artisans in Cambodia, Ethiopia, and India to design and craft raw materials for their products. They then employ women through fair trade standards to assemble the products, sell the products, and return 100% of the net proceeds to empower the women who made them. Their products are very anthropolgie-esque and include scarves, jewelry, bags, home decor, and soaps.
Visit: https://www.ravenandlily.com/
6. RxArt Coloring Book volume 3 from RxArt ($20)
RxArt is a non-profit organization that places art in healthcare facilities. Their mission is to improve the environment for patients through art in order to “promote healing and inspire hope in patients, families and staff.” They have 2 different coloring books to choose from, each of which features the work of contemporary artists. They also come with stickers and there is a gift wrap option (could it be any easier?). 100% of the proceeds from the sales benefit RxArt.
Visit: http://www.rxart.net/
7. Do Good Coffee Blend from Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company ($12.95)
Land of a Thousand Hills works to support the economy in Rwanda by providing jobs and fair pay to coffee farmers. They also have a “Forgiveness Wins Campaign” that encourages forgiveness, reconciliation, and acceptance. Their work is bringing the people of Rwanda back together after the tragedy they faced in 1994. Whether you’re shopping for a coffee or a tea person, know that every sip will be supporting someone in Rwanda.
Visit: http://landofathousandhills.com/
8. Nail Lacquer from Shabby Apple ($15)
Shabby Apple is all about empowering women. They are owned and operated by women, and donate funds to help other women start their own businesses. Their chic and feminine designs have been featured in Real Simple, Lucky, Glamour, Marie Claire, and more. If you decide to buy yourself a treat while you’re there, definitely check out their vintage-inspired dresses. If you’re sticking to the gift giving, think about their nail lacquers that are environmentally friendly and look as good in the cork-topped bottles as they will on nails. Not too shabby.
Visit: http://www.shabbyapple.com/
9. Classic Headband from Headbands of Hope ($14.85)
Headbands of Hope was started by a college student who was inspired by her time spent working with the Make a Wish Foundation. For every headband you purchase, one headband will go to a little girl with cancer and $1 will be donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fund childhood cancer research. Plus, the headbands are so affordable that there’s really no reason not to buy one for a friend.
Visit: http://www.headbandsofhope.org/
10. Lola Mini Cupcakes from Eat My Words ($33)
This mini cupcake collection includes flavors like Belgian chocolate and vanilla lemon and feels as sweet as it will taste. The Eat My Words company raises money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which supports grassroots groups in sub-Saharan Africa, helping to change the course of the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
Visit: http://www.eatmywords.org/
11. Orphan Collection T-Shirt from Common Threadz ($38)
Common Threadz is a non-profit that aims to empower kids, their communities, and local grassroots organizations. One way you can support them is by shopping their t-shirts and accessories. If you purchase a shirt from their orphan collection, which features a design drawn by an orphan, they will feed a child in need for a month. One shirt, thirty days of food. The purchaser (or recipient) will also have their name put on the Honor Wall in Africa and receive the profile of the child orphan who benefited from the purchase. The designs are really sweet and if you check out their website, you can see the original pictures and the kids who drew them.
Visit: http://commonthreadz.org/
There are tons and tons of amazing charities out there that would love you to play a part in their giving. If your friend isn’t one who needs any more “stuff,” look for charity websites like justgive.org that allow you to make a donation to different charities in your friend’s name. The possibilities really are endless. Once you give back, you never go back (to buying plain old, regular gifts).