Gifts That Give Back: A Charitable Christmas

This Christmas you can make a difference and give a gift that keeps on giving.

If you’re looking to give a gift that gives back to someone in need and is a little more meaningful than the average fare, here are some great options.

You’re going to bring a bottle of wine to dinner anyway, so why not bring one that has the capacity to change lives. This California sparkling Brut is just one of the many offerings of the California-based ONE HOPE Wine.

“Every case provides 25 meals to a child in need,” they said. The company also partners with other companies to provide medicine, clean drinking water, and supplies, along other charitable efforts, to those in need.

ONE HOPE Wine
Having trouble finding great gifts for the men in your life? This $32 Cambodian Men’s Recycled Tire Travel kit is one of many products handcrafted by Friends International, which provides resources for kids to go to school.

One Hope Wine

“By training their out-of-work parents and offering them a range of comprehensive services, Friends International is helping families strengthen their resources and improve their children’s futures,” said Global Goods Partners.

Global Goods Partners
Another great men’s gift, this $32 T-shirt not only looks good and feels great, but also helps to end atrocities in India.

“Sudara’s chill T-shirts and comfy-but-cute pajamas help end sex slavery in India,” said Refinery29. That’s a momentous task, given the high rate of human trafficking there — the country is home to an estimated more than 3 million sex workers, many of whom are believed to be victims of exploitation. Sudara forges partnerships with indigenous organizations to create sewing centers that employ survivors and “offer these women a fresh start and place to heal.”

Refinery29
Alpaca fur is soft and warm, and this Peruvian Alpaca scarf is not just great looking and useful for cold winters, but also generates “income for 250 women and family workshops throughout Peru,” said Global Goods Partners. “The sale of this product allows Allpa to provide craft training and access to low interest loan to artisans.”

Global Goods Partners
This great looking bag is also a great way to give back.

“With its intricate beading and distinctive Masai print lining, this artisan-made bag quickly became (and continues to be) a FEED favorite,” said FEED. “Not only does it support the talented people who hand-bead the bags, but every bag sold provides meals to two children in Kenya for one year.”

Kenya-Bag-Front_main

FEED
A great stocking stuffer or hostess gift, these bars of soap are just one of the hand in hand products that give back. For every product purchased, the company donates a bar of soap and provides a month of clean water to children in need.

hand in hand
The perfect gift for the animal-loving kid in your life, these $17 PB Teen pillowcases are also charitable, with $5 of each going to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Good Housekeeping
Finding a thoughtful and affordable gift for friends, neighbors, and coworkers isn’t easy. This cup and bowl combo from West Elm is super cute, and, better yet, 50 percent of every purchase is donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.

West Elm
Want to really make an impact on a family in need? Donate an animal.

“Options offered through Heifer International range from rabbits ($60) to a heifer ($500). You can even donate a llama ($150),” said Refinery29. You can also donate a share of an animal.