It’s no secret that the holidays are upon us and it all starts with the three-month stretch beginning in October. It’s a time of reflection that comes at the close of a year; the way we huddle a little more with our families, gather our friends around tables to toast and celebrate memories. And if you have stepped into any store lately, you’ve seen that retailers are already in full-on holiday mode. Trees are twinkling and the Christmas music has been cued and piped through the speakers. Depending on your personality, you either feel excited for the shopping season ahead or anxious as you wind your way through the decked halls.
There was a time where you had to choose between gifting someone on your list, including those that ‘have it all’ and are ‘impossible to buy for,’ a unique gift or via a donation, make a concerted and socially conscious choice. Today there are so many options allowing you to do both while increasing the visibility of noteworthy causes and organizations. Some gifts give a portion of the proceeds to these causes while others afford the artists a chance for a steady job. We hope you read on, get inspired and make a choice to give back this holiday.
Cuddle & Kind
For every hand-knit Cuddle & Kind doll sold, 10 meals are provided to children in need. https://www.cuddleandkind.com
The Home T Hometown Hoodie
Made exclusively in the US, these hoodies not only allow the wearer to showcase their hometown with pride, the unisex pullover (standard T’s, ballcaps, onesies, and home décor also available) gives back 10% to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and is earmarked for research. https://www.thehomet.com/
Love Your Melon Hats
Warm, winter hats are one gift that everyone will get use from. Love your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America as well supporting nonprofit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer. For each beanie sold, half the proceeds go to pediatric cancer organizations. https://www.loveyourmelon.com/
Discover Vibes
For the avid concert-goer, these earplugs are the gift they never knew they needed or wanted. These are also useful for fitness classes, construction sites, and autism & sensory disorders. In partnership with Hear the World Foundation. Each pair of Vibes purchased will help fund projects that provide hearing aids and hearing loss prevention to those in need around the world. http://www.discovervibes.com
Paper Clouds Apparel
Paper Clouds Apparel showcases the creative minds and artistic abilities of an individual with special needs while raising funds to provide financial support for special needs schools. A variety of t-shirts, hats, and totes featuring artwork designed by special needs students are available and Paper Clouds hires these individuals to package all of the sensory-friendly clothing. http://www.papercloudsapparel.com
Sseko leather iPad/Kindle case
Handcrafted by women in Ethiopia this case fits an iPad Air and a Kindle. The women are paid a fair wage, have their education subsidized and have the opportunity to assume leadership roles within the company. The Seeko Design company prides itself on providing employment and scholarship opportunities to women who are working to pursue their dreams and overcome poverty. https://ssekodesigns.com/
Bombas Socks
For every pair sold, Bombas will donate a second pair to a homeless shelter, as socks are commonly requested items. To date, the company has donated more than 4.9 million pairs. https://bombas.com
Sevenly
Sevenly, has raised millions of dollars to date for a variety of causes and charities by donating $7 from every item sold to a designated weekly cause. They have supported Down Syndrome, anti-bullying and global wellness to name just a few. On their website, you have the ability to shop by the cause you are interested in. Products include inspirational prints, shirts, toys, tech-gadgets, and accessories. https://www.sevenly.org
