We’re kicking things off with my favorite gift guide of all: The Gifts That Give Back Gift Guide!
I started featuring this particular gift guide on the blog a few years ago and it quickly became my favorite to put together because I absolutely love highlighting companies who make awesome products that give back in some way.
There are lots of fun goodies below and I hope you find something fun for someone you love!
Gifts That Give Back
Noonday Collection’s mission is to create economic opportunity for the vulnerable by partnering with artisans in the developing world, empowering them to grow sustainable businesses. (Learn more here.) The company sells gorgeous jewelry (I love the Athena cuff from India), accessories, bags (the lines and stripes bag from Guatemala is my favorite) and more.
- Krochet Kids Hats, Scarves, Bags and More
I first discovered this company when I was browsing around the Birchbox store and almost didn’t give them a second look because their name made me think they only made products for kids! I’m so glad I investigated further! I adore the look of an oversized slouchy beanie and when I read all about their impact and their support of employment, education and empowerment in Uganda and Peru, I purchased one of their beanies immediately. They sell tons of cold weather gear, including ear warmers, scarves and hats but also feature beautiful bags, apparel and accessories. Favorites: Cranberry beanie, Goldenrod scarf (<—gorgeous!), Oatmeal slouchy beanie
- The Little Market Gifts
The Little Market seeks to build sustainable partnerships with artisans around the world, by connecting them with customers through an online marketplace.
The company seeks to empower women artisans to rise above poverty and support their families and the products sold on the site are absolutely stunning. From gorgeous bags and jewelry to handmade toys, blankets, linens and ceramics, there’s something for everyone on this site!
These gorgeous and oh-so-cozy scarves first caught my eye at my local Pure Barre studio. When I found out that they give 20 percent of the proceeds from the sales of their scarves back to the charity that corresponds with the color heart on each scarf, I fell even more in love with them! I bought the cranberry infinity scarf (pictured above), but they have a bunch of beautiful colors available including teal, black, cream, gray and more.
- Threads by The Shine Project Jewelry + Apparel
From the Threads by The Shine Project website: “Threads is a cause driven business that changes the future of at risk youth. By employing them, we instill values of self reliance and hard work. They are paid fair wages for the bracelets they make, and in turn are able to pay their way through school. Your purchase will directly impact a student. Even beyond financial support, your belief in them is a symbol of hope and trust that they can achieve what for so long seemed impossible. By purchasing Threads you are wearing more than just a bracelet, you are wearing change.”
- Sseko Designs Bags, Shoes and Accessories
Sseko Designs hires high potential women in Uganda to make sandals to enable them to earn money through dignified employment that will go directly towards their college educations and also designs and ethically sources products from East Africa. Sseko products are all made in Africa and create jobs, empower artisans and help end the cycle of poverty by building healthy communities and economies.
- Napa Wine Chiller + Balls Of Steel Drink Coolers
The Balls of Steel made it on my holiday gift guide a few years ago and I still think they’re pretty darn cool (and funny)! They “shift bring your drink down to a more desirable temperature and maintain the delicate flavor balance of whiskey and other robust spirits,” and 15% of all proceeds are donated to testicular cancer cure research. The Napa Wine Chiller is a little more my speed since I prefer wine to whiskey! They are “endlessly reusable and stored in your freezer allowing you to chill glass after glass,” and 15% of proceeds goes toward testicular cancer cure research at MD Anderson. You can use the wine chiller to bring your favorite light red or white wines to the perfect temperature, never diluting he flavor or altering the taste.
Love With Food delivers new organic or all-natural snacks to your door every month, with memberships starting at $10. Every month, Love With Food members receive a curated box of unique, hard-to-find tasty snacks which varies based on seasonal themes. For every box sold, Love With Food donates a meal to several food banks such as the Feeding America Network and Share Our Strength – No Kid Hungry.
- The Little Bee Co. Cloth Diapers
For each diaper purchased, The Little Bee Co. donates a diaper to an orphan in need. According to the company, their passion is to “help children in
need and bring an awareness to the orphan crisis consuming the world today.”
- Alex and Ani Charity By Design Bracelets
The Charity By Design line of these popular bracelets empowers non-profit organizations both on a national and local scale to reach their goals by sharing their mission through the power of positive energy and creative design. The company creates customized symbolic charms that capture the essence of a charity making it more accessible to the public while raising awareness and funds. A portion of proceeds are donated directly to the non-profit organizations represented on the bracelets. Favorites: Prints of Love (benefitting the ASPCA), New Beginnings charm (benefitting The ONE Campaign), Lotus Blossom (benefitting Women & Infants Hospital)
Disclaimer: None of the items featured in PBF gift guides are sponsored and companies may not pay to be a part of the gift guides. The items featured are simply items I think would make fabulous gifts for loved ones this holiday season. Some affiliate links may be included and, as always, I truly appreciate your support.
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I love this post! I recently discovered The Giving Keys and will be getting one for each of my bridesmaids. The company employs those who are transitioning out of homelessness. Each of my bridesmaid will get a personalized one with a word that I think symbolizes them. After they’ve had it for awhile, they should eventually give their key away to someone who they think needs the message. 🙂 Here’s their link: http://www.thegivingkeys.com/
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Love this! Thank you so much for sharing, Molly. What a special bridesmaid gift!
I love this idea! Your bridesmaids are going to love it!
Thank you! 🙂
I am surprised to see cloth diapers on your list. is that a typical gift and I’m unaware?? 😉 Love the scarves you featured!
Great finds Julie!
Great gift ideas. I really want to get a Soulscarf for myself!
love this! thanks for sharing!
This is wonderful! I love a product that does a little good for the world, while still being a great gift. Thank you for putting this together! 🙂
Love this post every year, Julie! As a native Rhode Islander and owner of many Alex & Ani Charity by Design bracelets, I completely agree that they make great gifts! Also, I think the Balls of Steel are a riot and would make a great gift for my husband! Happiest of holidays to you, Ryan and Sadie!
I just realized that I used an exclamation point after each sentence. OMG — as a former communication professional, I’m so mortified. Sorry about that — the holidays just bring out the exclamation points in me! :0)
I love your gifts that give back list! So fun and great ideas!!
I love this post. Gifts that give back are always better. So many times we give gifts that people do not need, while others have so many needs. I love gifts that give back concept. I have gotten chickens that were given to a family in Honduras. My Aunt gives her kids a different animal each year that is delivered to a family that needs it. We are so blessed why not bless others. http://www.eatallovertheworld.weebly.com
Fantastic gift guide!! Definitely going to check these out! 🙂 I’ve been trying to find unique presents for my bestie 🙂
Love this post! Here’s another great one! http://www.carryacountry.com/
These are awesome and perfect during the holidays especially!!!
Thank you for this wonderful gift guide! I think it’s the best one I’ve come across yet. I often struggle with what to get my mom every year. She doesn’t like gifts (always says she would rather us spend our money elsewhere), but I still like getting her something. I’ve donated to charities in her name in the past, but I love this idea!! I can give her a beautiful piece of jewelry( on of her faves) while supporting a great cause. That will definitely make her happy. Thanks for this great roundup.
Some of these things will definitely be making it onto my Christmas list and my giving list! Thanks for sharing!
AAAAND now I want to buy something from each of these! Great post to include this time of year Julie, to remind us Christmas isn’t all getting, but giving too.
Gifts that give back are such a great idea! I know receiving that type of gift would mean so much to me, so I’m sure friends would love them, too 🙂
I so love that you did a things that give back gift guide. Very unique!
These are great ideas! I love the chilled balls and soulscarf!
Love Alex and Ani bracelets! I have two bracelets and want to add to my collection.
I loooove all of these ideas!
These are amazing! Thank you so much – I love gift guides that give back. I love Soulscarf in particular!
Loooooooove the scarfs and Alex and ani bracelets!!! Those are both my go-to birthday and Christmas gifts for the girls in my life! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing The Living Market! I love giving gifts that have a story and do good.
I kid you not, I just sent my husband an email about the Sseko sandals. I have been wanting them for a couple of years now. My husband got me three Alex and Ani bracelets for my birthday yesterday. I have been wanting some for a while and I love them. He got me one with each of our boys’ birthstones on them, and one with a dolphin!
Thanks so much for this post! I’m a terrible gift giver, but there are some great fail-proof ideas here 🙂
Love love these! I’m doing a 21 Gifts That Give post each day this month focusing on foodie gifts but digging all your fashionista ideas here 🙂