I love this quote because it’s a reminder that we can all do a little bit of good every time we do anything — even when we shop for holiday gifts.
I’ve come to realize that the only way to foster change is to put your money where your mouth is and support companies that give back in some way. Here are five great options for gifts that give back. They’ll make your recipients happy and they’ll make a real difference in the world.
1. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer: Who doesn’t love cookies?! These all-natural gourmet cookies come in 10 yummy flavors, and are preservative free, hand baked and delivered fresh. 100% of proceeds go directly to childhood cancer research and have already helped fund 48 research grants resulting in 9 promising new treatments now in clinical trial.
2. Beads For Learning: I’ve been a fan of the Leakey Collection for years not only because their jewelry is gorgeous but because they also make a difference. Order Beads for Learning bracelets, made from pieces of Zulugrass, for all your kids’ teachers. 100% of bracelet profits provide a teacher’s salary in rural Kenya for one day.
3. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Collection: This holiday season, Kiehl’s is donating 100% of profits from their collection of six essential products, including Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Moisturizer and Ultra Facial Cream, to feed families in need in partnership with Feeding America. Kiehl’s has made a commitment to provide 1,000,000 meals to families in need this year.
4. OneHope Wine: Produced in partnership with Rob Mondavi, Jr. these quality wines make for a great gift or addition to a holiday party. Half of all profits from each bottle benefit charities such as Educate Our Girls, Support Our Troops and Help Children with Autism.
5. GIV Mobile: GIV Mobile is the first wireless service of its kind to donate 8% of every customer’s monthly plan amount to charity. GIV Mobile utilizes T-Mobile’s 4G network and works on most unlocked GSM phones. Paired with GIV Mobile’s Unlimited service that starts at only $20/month, it is an affordable gift which allows the receiver to choose up to three charities to support, including The Humane Society of the United States and Kids in Need Foundation.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Those all sound like wonderful organizations. It would be hard to pick just one.
Sarah Bailey says
What wonderful gift ideas and some fantastic charities supported – it’s so nice to be able to give while you shop.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
It’s wonderful to be able to shop for the stuff you need anyways AND give back at the same time.
Ruth Curran says
Giving gifts with both your heart and your conscience is the most amazing feeling! I love these suggestions so much Lois!
Debbie Denny says
These are all great gifts. Love when a gift is useful.
Tam Warner Minton says
This is a wonderful post. I love gifts that give back!
kim tackett says
Love these. I actually try to give to small non profits. I do work for some global organizations, and try to support as many of the smaller groups here at home as I can. $200 can make a huge difference to them.
Lisa at GrandmasBriefs says
The beads of No. 2 are lovely and what I’d most likely LOVE to give and receive. Although it’s the cause in No. 3 that’s closest to my heart. Feeding the hungry tops my list of “musts” as there’s nothing more necessary than food.
All are super ideas, Lois. Thank you for sharing.
Terry says
My Hubs would be up for the wine. Nice to know that half of the profits go to charity.
Carpool Goddess says
Love these gifts that keep on giving! Such an important thing to keep in mind while shopping this season. I have my eye on the cookies and the wine 😉
coolchillmom says
There are so many great organizations doing good out there.
Thanks for showing me some new ones. I love the Orphaned EArring
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
Everyone wins when companies give back. I am going to have to hop over and check out that wine.
Heather says
These are the best kind of gifts. Because really – who needs more stuff?
Debbie L. says
These are really nice gift ideas….all totally new to me. I will be checking out each organization. Thanks for sharing…
Pam says
I always love giving gifts that give back. These are some great options for several people on my gift giving list.
JEANINE says
Great gift ideas and the fact they give back is incredible! Great causes!
Ronnie says
Having worked at non profits in the past, i like to ‘give back’ to the non profits that I know actually trickle down enough money to those in need. Thanks for the great list- I will take a look at them one by one!
Lesley says
I love gifts that give back. These are all some very good ideas. I’m still trying to figure out what to get my mom!
becca says
What wonderful gifts and causes. We like to donate gifts to the children hospital in town. It is such a joy.
Shauna says
I love gifts that gift back. Gifts that make a difference are a great idea. Thanks for sharing these ideas.
Janie Emaus says
Thanks for sharing this info. I love giving back.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What great items. Love the beads the most – they look great!
Angela Weight says
All of these are great ideas. I think the beads for learning are my favorites. Wonder if it’s too late to order some.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I love buying from a company that gives back. These are all great organizations.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
First of all, I love that quote you started with! Second of all, these are fantastic options, and I can’t believe I’ve never heard of any of them!
Pam says
They are all great gift ideas and it is a big bonus that the company is donating to charity and giving back. I think it is important to support these companies too.
celebbabylaundry says
Nothing better than a bag of cookies; I’d love some!
Stefany says
These are such great ideas. A great gift that gives back sounds perfect.
Sandra @ A Dash of Sanity says
Thank you for sharing! I really love shopping with companies that give back to the community.
Our Family World says
Awesome gift ideas, this is really helpful!
WendysHat says
Great choices! I LOVE LOVE LOVE a gift that gives back and think everyone should do this. Thanks for sharing these resources with me.
Kristin says
Thanks for all the great ideas! I love OneHope wine!
Krystal's Kitsch says
One Hope Wine is really good! I’ve had it before and love their message.
Rosey says
I like that the GIV mobile donates 8% each time to charity. That alone would sway me to use it!
censie says
I love this idea! Such a great way to give more gifts !
Rachelle J says
I LOVE companies that give back ,it’s so important this time of year to remember to give back!
Taralyn says
What a lovely collection of gifts! I love the thought behind this and that each gift benefits charity!
1010ParkPlace.com says
What a terrific idea! Thanks! Brenda
Amanda Love says
I actually love Kiehl’s and had no idea they were doing this. Now I really have to purchase some stuff.
Tough Cookie Mommy says
I love that these product purchases support such important causes. It’s a great way to give back.
Danielle says
Wow this is a great list. So now I don’t have to feel guilty when I eat cookies 🙂
Danielle says
Those little bits of good put together, overwhelm the world… I love that. Simply love it. I’m keeping it!
Carolann says
I will have to add Cookies for Kids to our list of charities for sure! All of them are great causes for sure! Thanks for sharing!
Melissa Vera says
I love companies that give back. It makes me want to support them more because they are giving back.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
Spending money on gift that give to a cause is so much more palatable. All great ideas!
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
I did donate a lot this year, but if I can do it with Kiehl’s and wine, I just might do more good after all!
Lois Alter Mark says
Ha! I totally hear you!
Anne says
I haven’t heard of Beads for Learning before, but it looks like a fabulous way to give a meaningful gift.