Giving back looks good on you. So when you’re done self-gifting this year, spread the love. From trendy ties that fund uniforms for kids in need to a sleek iPad case that buys medicine for those with HIV, here are 13 gifts that—literally—keep on giving. Happy helping.
$79
Even the leatherman would approve of this treasure. Made by the Red Earth Trading Company, the multi-purpose “Frontier Clutch” is not only hand-stitched by artisans in East Africa (helping fuel a stable and fulfilling workplace) but 100 percent of the profits go to sustaining the community development work of the online global support mission KnowThinkAct. A durable gift with an even stronger mission.
$95
Four eyes never looked so good. Settling on a new pair of spectacles for a loved one isn’t easy, but with Warby Parker’s buy a pair, give a pair program, at least you know you’re in the right place. Celebrated for their affordable, trendy eyewear, Warby Parker’s “Do Good” campaign provides a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair sold. So basically, you buy your brother these Old Fashioned Winstons and you’re also buying a pair of glasses for them. This is one you may have to see to believe.
$54
In the realm of gifts that give back, TOMS is an oldie but a bona fide goodie. With new funky designs like the Tribal Knit, they’re a must-have this holiday season. Plus (in case you’ve somehow missed the boat) for every pair sold, they’ll give one to a child in need. As of October 2011 the company had given away shoes to more than 2,000,000 people in need across 40 different countries. Go ahead, run wild.
$42.95
Here’s a perfect gift for the crunchy-granola person in you’re life. This year, KIND snacks launched their first-ever Snack & Give Back campaign. Pairing up with tastemakers Arianna Huffington, Bobbi Brown, and Grace Potter, they’ve created a custom-designed box of bars, KIND cubes. By purchasing the cubes, you'll be supporting the Committee to Protect Journalists, Broome Street Academy, and the Alzhiemer’s Association, all of which will receive a $10,000 donation. KIND bars that spread kindness, that’s a no brainer.
$5.95
Clean teeth on a mission. The perfect gift for a reluctant little brusher, this holiday season you can buy your child a new toothbrush while donating one to another in need. Not only are the bristly brushes inexpensive, but they’re crafted using biodegradable bamboo and a recyclable box. Smile Squared’s founder, Eric Cope, says the company’s buy one, give one plan—combined with teaching dental hygiene at places like orphanages—is meant to “give children their smile back.” Hard to argue with that.
$66
Baby, it’s cold outside. Luckily Blanket America has the warmth you need to get you through the winter. With fun styles like this striped woven throw all you’ll be missing is Netflix. Plus, for every blanket purchased, Blanket America will give one to someone else shivering in the cold.
$35
Three words: treat yo self. Bypass those high-priced edibles this holiday season and go for a 12-piece brownie gift box set from Greyston Bakery. Known as the “bakers on a mission” Greyston churns out desserts using locally made products that provide a sustainable, satisfying livelihood for low-income workers. A “leading model for social enterprise,” the New York–based Greyston also helps fund affordable childcare for its community, affordable housing for homeless and low-income families, and affordable health care for persons with HIV
$80
It’s so much more than a bag. Inspired by Lauren Bush’s travels as a student ambassador with the United Nations, this Feed1 Tote Bag does exactly what it says: feeds one. For every bag purchased, the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) will provide school meals to one child for one year. Made of organic cotton and natural burlap, it works for both men and women. Plus, it’s reversible!
$75
Never underestimate the power of neckwear. FIGS doesn’t. Uniting an “impassioned interest for ties and pocket squares” with the mission to promote global education, the company gives an entire school uniform to a child in need with every tie sold. So when you buy this classic Dots Silk Woven Blend tie you’re also instilling confidence in school kids and empowering them to learn with purpose.
$34
A heart-shaped necklace with a heartwarming purpose. Proceeds from the hopeFULL heart rose gold charm, made by DogEared, go to supporting One Voice, an organization that provides assistance to families living in poverty. Share the love!
$69
Most things look better in red, iPads included. Bring a little red cheer this holiday with Project (RED)’s iPad smartcase. Like your favorite Apple products, this gift is multifunctional; every purchase of the iPad Smart Case could provide more than one week of lifesaving medication to someone living with HIV in Africa.
$13.95
A picture book about the life of an isolated pit bull in an animal shelter, Max the Shelter Dog teaches kids the importance of compassion to animals. A portion of the proceeds go to charities that increase awareness for pit bulls, one of the most misunderstood breeds.
Prices Vary
Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the East Coast of the United States, with many still struggling to put their lives back together. In response to the devastating impact, Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue are mobilizing their industry to raise funds for those affected through an online auction at Charitybuzz.com, with items ranging from a swim lesson with Olympian Ryan Lochte to lunch with fashion maven Rachel Zoe. All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and to various relief organizations in the tri-state area.
