Gift Guide

These gifts that give back support charitable organizations.
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30 Great Gifts That Give Back To Equally Amazing Causes

So many incredible organizations to choose from.

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Originally Published: 
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Between birthdays, holidays, and milestone events, there seems to always be someone you need to buy a gift for. Giving someone you love a present is always fun, but buying gifts that give back is even more fulfilling because you’re putting your money towards something to make the world a little better. After all, why not put your spending power to good use?

Though they can sometimes be hard to find, there are quite a few fantastic companies that have built their business models around helping people in some way or another. Some companies specifically employ people from vulnerable communities, while others set aside a portion of their profits to donate to a charity they care about. If there is a specific organization you want to support, such as Black Lives Matter, be sure to check out their website because they often sell products that directly fund their mission.

If you’re currently on the hunt for something for someone you care about, but you don’t have a ton of time to scour the internet to find sustainable gifts that give back to the community, here are some great options. All of these organizations give back in one way or another, and chances are high you’ll be able to find a fantastic gift from at least one of them.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

1

Jewelry

Created in 2017 by a former geologist in Austin, Texas, Rox Jewelry donates a portion of profit from every product they sell to charity. Their jewelry gives the most, at $5 for every piece sold. Even better? You get to pick which charity they donate to when you buy an item. You can also choose from their list of charity-specific items if you’d like to put your funds toward a specific cause, be it animal rights (Austin Pets Alive), events in childrens’ hospitals (A Moment Of Magic), or anti-racism work and women’s empowerment (YWCA Austin). Every piece is made-to-order by local artists.

2

Thoughtful Gift Box

Whether you want to say thank you, toast to something special, or welcome a new baby, you can do it while also giving back. Packed with Purpose creates a variety of gift boxes with products sourced from companies and organizations that provide jobs to victims of abuse, people who were formerly incarcerated, and refugees. The gift boxes are themed to match a variety of vibes and personalities, from a home office collection to a cocktail kit to a box of outdoor goods. (They also have a box of gluten-free and vegan treats perfect for the plant-based people in your life.)

3

00’s-Inspired Ring

This ring will give the recipient some serious nostalgia, since all of the pieces from BONBONWHIM are loved by the “Y2K Vintage” style crowd (just look at the colors!). However, what sets this specific ring apart from the rest of the jewelry is that 50% of its profits will be donated to AAPI Women Lead, Stop AAPI Hate, the Asian-American Legal Defense Fund, as well as the families of the victims of the 2021 Atlanta mass shooting. Each ring is made-to-order and takes four to six weeks for delivery, so order early if you’re hoping to get it in time for the holidays.

4

Minimalist Bracelet

When you purchase this bracelet, you’re also supporting The Pad Project, an organization that helps end period stigma and provide period essentials to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them. For every bracelet purchased, Lucky Feather donates $5 to this organization. That money goes toward helping make pads more accessible to menstruating people across the world, which then allows them the freedom to work and attend school while on their period. It also helps open up conversations about reproductive health in communities where it might be stigmatized. Buy a few to hand out to your friends and help a good cause.

5

Sweet Treats

The organization This Saves Lives provides one packet of nutritional food to a child in need for every delightful treat purchased from their website. You can pick from a variety of delicious snack bars, kids bars, and krispie treats, like this pack of six that are jazzed up with unicorn sprinkles, or other packs called “Crocodile Chocolate Crunch, “Mammoth Marshmallow Krisp,” or “Dragon’s Dream Cookies and Cream.” The snacks are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and made in a peanut-free facility, so they’re safe for any little ones with food allergies. Even better: They contain a full serving of fruits and vegetables for a sneaky added health benefit.

6

Black Lives Matter Gear

By purchasing some gear directly from Black Lives Matter, you’re donating straight to the organization while also giving a friend or family member the opportunity to show their own support with style. They have a variety of products including this cropped sweatshirt, as well as hats, water bottles, face masks, and more. The products are made by BLM’s artist and designer partners, and all proceeds go toward funding the organization’s work to combat violence against Black communities, as well as helping to support Black innovation and empower Black creators. The website also contains gift guides with items in different price ranges, so you can get something for everyone on your list.

7

Horoscope Print

AAKS was created to provide sustainable jobs to people in Africa and introduce the world to the beautiful and bright weaving techniques by Ghanian women. The bags are handmade in styles meant to maintain the spirit of traditional techniques and colors. This Tia Ruffle Bag, sold in partnership with Madewell, features a stunning raffia fringe and is big enough to fit all your everyday essentials, whether it be your work items, road trip essentials, or snacks for your kids. The brand also launched their weaving initiative, “Weaving for Change,” which creates dignified and fair work for refugees in Burkina Faso.

8

Fresh Coffee

Blk and Bold donates 5% of its profits to organizations that support at-risk youth across the United States, so any purchase you make helps contribute to that mission. Choose from whole bean coffees, loose leaf teas, steeped coffees, and more. If you love this organization and want to help amplify their work, you can spread the word at your local coffee shop or grocery store — Blk and Bold is currently sold in more than 5,000 retail locations, including restaurants, coffee shops, and other independently-owned businesses. Plus, they’re a certified B corporation, so their products are made with people and the planet in mind.

9

House-Warming Gift Box

When you purchase this gift box, you’re putting money directly into Project Home, an organization that helps to provide housing, medical care, education, and employment opportunities to people facing homelessness. So far, they’ve built 976 permanent supportive homes for families, provided 26,021 healthcare service visits to more than 5,000 patients, and supported 100% of high school students in their education program through graduation. This box comes with a soy candle, a package of cashews, cranberry sauce, and a Project Home coffee mug, making it a great house-warming gift or holiday basket for anyone who loves to stay in.

10

Artisan Jewelry

Akola provides jobs with livable wages and financial literacy education to women in Uganda, and every purchase made helps to further this mission. They have a wide assortment of gorgeous jewelry to choose from, including these earrings, which are hand-carved by the women Akola employs. Every piece is made with sustainable materials from the artist’s local community, and the designs are inspired by the East African landscape where the pieces originate. To add even more to your jewelry collection, check out their hinged bracelets engraved with words like joy, hope, strong, and brave. You can also snag a DIY bracelet kit to make your own one-of-a-kind piece.

11

Sustainable Plastic Cutting Board

This cutting board has a huge following because it’s stylish, functional, dishwasher safe, and sustainably made from recycled plastic and sugar cane. (Seriously, it’s made almost entirely out of plastic kitchen scraps.) You can get it in six different colors; however, if you purchase either the “Reimagine Justice” or “To Pó-Po, with Love” styles, then 50% of profits will be donated to Heart of Dinner, a meal delivery service to elders in NYC, and Drive Change, which provides on-the-job training in culinary arts to at-risk youth. Bundle three or more cutting boards for $20 off, just in case you want to gift one and keep a couple for yourself.

12

Skincare Products

For every product Tatcha sells, they’re able to fund a full day of school for girls in Cambodia, Nepal, Vietnam, and more through their partnership with Room to Read. To date, they’ve funded almost six million days of school (and counting). They’re also working to provide diverse books to underserved communities in the U.S. So, any time you gift someone a face mask, some hand cream, or a bottle of their amazing face mist, you’re also providing essential education materials to young people all over the world. Your skincare-obsessed friends will love this gift and the purpose behind it.

13

Backpack

STATE has partnered with a variety of organizations including Time’s Up, Seeds of Peace, and Bottomless Closet, but they also give back on their own by donating backpacks full of school supplies to children in need. Every backpack purchased through STATE funds one of their donation bags or helps further the company’s mission to support American families through initiatives and programs with their charitable partners. 45% of the bag is made from recycled materials, and it’s also available for personalization. It can fit a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, sneakers, books, and pretty much anything else you need for a day on the go.

14

Reusable Tote Bag

In collaboration with Welcome to Chinatown, Pearl River Mart created the “Chinatown Collection,” which is a line of products created specifically to help businesses in Chinatown, New York that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the profits from the collection will go right back into Chinatown, including a 10% donation to some of the community’s charities. Whether you’re an NYC local or just love the city, this is a wonderful way to wear your heart on your sleeve (literally) with these designs inspired by Chinatown’s beloved local businesses. It’s the next best thing to being about to visit the shops in person.

15

Bedding Set

For every Venice bedding set they sell, Parachute donates one bed to Nothing But Nets, an organization that works to protect vulnerable families from malaria. Since 2006, the campaign has raised over $70 million to donate 13 million bed nets to families in need, in partnership with charitable groups like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares. You’d want to get the bedding set anyway, though, because it’s made from luxurious, soft linen and includes a fitted sheet, pillowcase set, and duvet cover, all in cozy, well-made fabric that gets softer with time.

16

Meaningful Apparel

Phenomenal partners with a variety of organizations to help raise money for underrepresented groups and communities. They offer a variety of products, each of which supports a specific organization or group. This hat is made by Urban Native Era, an indigenous-owned brand focused on visibility, and it’s sure to help start conversations with people in your life about indigenous rights and activism. Phenomenal also makes comfy clothing with messages like “Thank Black Women,” “Abortion is Healthcare,” “Latina Power,” and “Pro Science, Pro Dolly.” For the dads in your life, the “Girl Dad” sweatshirt is sure to be a winning gift.

17

Casualwear

For every product sold from the 100% Human collection, Everlane donates 10% of profits to the ACLU, which fights to protect and advance civil rights and liberties for people in the United States. The ACLU has fought for everything from abortion access to immigration justice to LGBTQ+ rights, and the partnership with Everlane has raised over $1 million so far. The collection is full of great t-shirts, tote bags, and sweaters. If you want to rep your home city or give a t-shirt to your hometown friend, there are also options that say “100% LA,” “100% SF,” “100% Boston,” and more.

18

Facial Oil

ILERA Apothecary strives to keep West African practices alive in their natural and holistic skincare products, featuring soothing ingredients like “okwuma,” which is the Igbo term for shea butter and is grown in the Shea Belt of Africa. Not only are their clean skincare products extremely nourishing and healing to the skin, but ILERA Apothecary also maintains several partnerships with organizations like the Global Shea Alliance, which aims to improve the lives of rural African women. “We want our customers to feel confident in their skin knowing they are using the best ingredient for their skin and the environment,” the brand states — all while uplifting others.

19

New Socks

Bombas offers a wide range of fun, comfy, and cozy socks and clothes for women, men, and kids, ranging from basic ankle socks to seasonal patterned knee-highs with compression technology. For every clothing item they sell, they donate another item to someone in need in the U.S. The organization helps to support the homeless community and has partnered with more than 3,000 giving partners across all 50 states. As for the merch itself, Bombas has a 100% happiness guarantee, and their customer service team is available to help with gift recommendations, return questions, or anything else you need.

20

A Pair Of Sunglasses

For every pair of glasses sold by Warby Parker, another pair is donated to someone in need through their “Buy A Pair, Give A Pair” program. They’ve reached more than 50 countries with their mission of helping people see more clearly. (Did you know that 2.5 billion people around the world need glasses but don’t have access to them?) Additionally, as of April 2020, Warby Parker is donating a portion of profits to fund PPE and medical supplies for frontline healthcare workers fighting COVID-19. They have a huge selection of both prescription and non-prescription glasses and sunglasses, so you’re sure to find something your friend or family member will love.

21

Phone Case

Casetify has a huge selection of products you can choose from, but their Stop Asian Hate collection stands out because 100% of profits from these sales are being donated to the Stop AAPI Hate organization. The collection includes a wide variety of design options, in just about every style and color you can think of, from three artists. This case was created in partnership with LA-based brand Poketo and is inspired by bright fruits and joyful vibes. If you just can’t get enough, the collection also includes AirPods cases, Apple Watch bands, water bottles, and more irresistibly colorful graphic designs.

22

Handmade Scrunchie

All of the products sold by It’s Not OK are made by individuals who were at risk of or who experienced human trafficking. All profits from this store feed directly into the It’s Not OKorganization, which helps fight poverty, human trafficking, and other vulnerabilities for families through various projects and initiatives. Their work with the Ivory Project, for example, helps provide supplies for new parents in maternity hospitals across Australia. Their work with the Extraordinary Initiative supports families raising children with disabilities. For more gift ideas to support these causes, take a peek at It’s Not OK’s jewelry and household items.

23

Home Fragrance

Sydney Hale donates 10% of their profits to animal rescue organizations, so the animal lovers in your life will feel extra good about receiving this delicious-smelling Bourbon + Brown Sugar home fragrance. The brand has contributed more than $300,000 to their primary shelter recipients since they launched in 2010, chipping away at their goal to help end animal homelessness and inhumane breeding for good. If you have a furry friend, you can also get them a collar, dog toy, dog shampoo, bandana, or “Best Friends” charm to wear on their collar or leash. Add a hand lotion to your cart for a little extra self-care, too.

24

Handpoured Candle

Every candle from Prosperity Candle is hand-poured by a woman refugee living in the United States. The organization employs these women, paying them living wages, aiming to help them develop the skills and experience needed to build a new life in the U.S. Each candle comes in a unique glass or ceramic mug that you can repurpose once you’ve burned it, and you’ll also get a story card about the woman who created it. Prosperity’s gift sets pair candles with additional items like herbal tea, chocolate truffles, or caramel, and they all make wonderful surprises for coworkers, family members, neighbors, and loved ones.

25

Throw Blanket

For every purchase of sustainable home goods at Jungalow, the brand will plant at least two trees as part of Trees for the Future, an organization with a mission to end poverty and hunger by training farmers in African communities how to regenerate their land with forest gardens. (They’ve helped to plant over 220 million trees so far!) They’ve also teamed up with a number of other nonprofit organizations, including Black Lives Matter, Girls Who Code, and the ACLU, to name a few. So, any purchase you make, including one of these adorable natural-dyed throw blankets, helps them contribute to these charitable causes.

26

Stylish Headband

When you purchase a headband through Headbands of Hope, you’re also providing one to a child with an illness. Through their one-for-one program, Headbands of Hope has provided headbands to kids in every children’s hospital across the U.S., as well as in 15 other countries. With your purchase, you’ll get confirmation of the specific hospital where the headband is being donated. Stock up on other accessories like scrunchies, hair clips, beanies, and bucket hats, embroidered with messages like “stay kind.” For new parents, Headbands of Hope also makes swaddle sets with matching hats in every adorable pattern you can imagine.

27

Affirmation Ring

This jewelry brand has earned cult-status since its launch in 2013. Simple designs, sustainable practices, and use of recycled materials already make GLDN very attractive to jewelry lovers, but their commitment to giving back really seals the deal. The company donates 10% of profits for every piece sold to various nonprofits, with special collections contributing up to 100% to partnered organizations geared toward commuting building, liberation, or education. 50% of profits from The Body X GLDN collection, which includes this “I am Worthy Ring”, goes toward The Body: A Home For Love, a nonprofit that provides care to Black women healing from sexual assault.

28

Luxury Purse

Olivela offers a variety of products across their website, from clothing and home goods to jewelry and accessories — like this amazing crossbody bag from Rag & Bone. Plus, 20% of every purchase gets donated to one of their charity partnerships, including St. Jude’s, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, The Buddy Program, CARE, and more. Whether you want to support girls’ education, climate action, healthcare equity, children’s services, or all of the above, this is a wonderful way to do that while finishing up your holiday shopping. Don’t be surprised if you want to bookmark the site for future gift-giving, too.

29

Handmade Bag

Gift of Hope employs more than 70 Haitian people, paying each one a livable wage (at least three times the country’s minimum wage) in an effort to fight poverty while nurturing the talent of local artists and creators. On the organization’s website, you can meet each individual artisan and learn how your purchase helps support them and their families, whether it be providing educational opportunities or helping to fund essential medical care. Profits from any product purchased from Gift of Hope, whether it’s this gorgeous bag or another handmade item, go directly towards furthering this mission and uplifting Haitian families.

30

Skincare Bag

For every product sold, FEED provides meals to children in the most vulnerable communities across the world through their on-the-ground partners. Each item is paired with a number that represents how many school meals the purchase will provide — so you can really quantify your impact. For example, when you buy this skincare bundle, you’re not only getting a cute toiletry tote filled with clean beauty products, but you’re also supplying 28 meals to kids in need. So far, the organization has provided over 100 million meals to school children facing hunger, while also supporting the livelihoods of the artisans who make their products.

It always feels good to give someone you love a gift, but giving them a gift that also helps someone else in the process is even better. There are so many great retailers that are working to make the world a better place, and they're definitely worth supporting.

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