‘Tis the Season for Giving: 12 Gifts That Give Back

Sure, throwing spare change in the Salvation Army Santa’s bin is a nice thought, but let’s kick it up a notch this year. 2020 has been hard on all of us, so let’s try and end it on a positive note!

One of the best ways to give back during the holiday season is with charitable gifts. And if you’re a last-minute shopper like me, then you may need some gift inspo. This list has something for everyone from beauty lovers to fitness fanatics, supporting all types of great causes.

1. The Dewey Skin Cream – Tatcha ($68)

As Glamour’s 2020 Beauty Award winner, this cream not only works wonders for your skin, but a percentage of every product purchased goes to Room to Read, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and educating girls in Asia and Africa.

2. Three Blend Starter Kit – Grounds & Hounds ($27.99)

This three blend pack is the perfect gift for the coffee and animal lovers in your life. Grounds & Hounds donates 20% of the proceeds to animal rescue partners around the country.

3. Burgundy Beanie – Love Your Melon ($24)

Nothing beats a cute and comfortable winter hat. With the weather getting cold and snowy, this beanie makes a great stocking stuffer. And 50% of Love Your Melon’s proceeds are donated to nonprofits that fund programs for children and families battling cancer. 

4. Jewel Garden – Lula’s Garden ($38)

Succulents are one of my favorite home decorations, and they’re low maintenance plants which is even better. This jewel garden comes in a planter gift box and they even throw in a water dropper! A portion of the proceeds benefit organizations that support access to safe water.

5. Scratch Cards – LottoLove ($20)

Everybody wins when you scratch off a LottoLove card. Each card reveals a surprise charitable gift (weeks of clean water, months of solar energy, sets of literacy tools, or nutritious meals), given to someone in need.

6. Journal of Reflections – Women’s Peace Collection ($18)

Each journal is handmade from recycled fabric scraps by women in India.  Not only is this product environmentally-friendly, but the organization helps impoverished women around the world create a better life for themselves and their families.

7. Chocolate that Changes Lives – ME to WE ($8.99)

Chocolate is always a crowd pleaser, and with ME to WE products, you’re supporting social change in low-income communities around the world. These fair-trade, vegan treats, give a percentage of the profits to help children in Ecuador receive a better education, and provide job growth for cacao farmers. 

8. Tiny Letter Necklace – GLDN ($36)

Who doesn’t love personalized jewelry? I’ve always been a fan of something simple and elegant, which is exactly what you get with GLDN. With some collections, they even donate 100% of the profits! This year, their partner organizations include The Body: A Home For Love (helps sexual assault survivors), She Should Run (supports women running for public office) and Lydia Place (serves the homeless).

9. Wine – ONEHOPE ($25)

Cheers! You can’t go wrong with giving wine during the holidays, and this bottle of cabernet helps fund Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism.

10. Positive Vibes Athletic Headband – Headbands of Hope ($22.85)

This cute workout accessory is the perfect gift for exercise enthusiasts in your life. Whether they’re into yoga, running, biking or hiking, this headband will keep flyaway hairs out of your face. Headbands of Hope supports childhood cancer charities.

11. Essential Oil Sampler Pack – Organic Aromas ($49)

Aromatherapy offers a variety of mental and physical health benefits. And each essential oil has a unique healing power. Lavender reduces stress and anxiety, peppermint boosts energy and orange provides pain relief.

This sampler pack contains six different oils, including these three. A percent of the profits benefit Coats For Kids.

12. Crazy Crew Socks – John’s Crazy Socks (13.99)

Before you roll your eyes, these are no ordinary socks. Designs are 90s throwbacks! (in case you’re wondering, yes, Hey Arnold was my favorite childhood cartoon) Along with donating 5 percent of its earnings to the Special Olympics, John’s Crazy Socks employs disabled individuals.

Happy shopping!