Gifts that Give Back: Holiday Shopping That Makes a Difference
Struggling to come up with a meaningful holiday gift for your mom, boss, client, or coworker? Before you default to a boring gift card—or telling everyone you're boycotting consumer culture and ditching gifts altogether this year—we've got a better idea. Consider giving one of the below thoughtful, socially responsible options that will make your staff or loved ones smile, and make the world a teeny bit better.
1. The Classic: "A Donation Has Been Made in Your Honor..."
What to get for the person who has everything? One timeless and impactful option is to give them the gift of supporting others who aren't as fortunate. Though Oxfam recently retired their classic symbolic giving program, many other organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and Heifer International still offer fun ways to send a symbolic animal gift to loved ones representing real good that your gift will do for others. (And of course, nearly all charitable organizations will work with you to send a basic acknowledgment of a gift made in someone's honor—even if they don't offer something as fun as a stuffed animal or card saying "I bought a pig for you".)
2. Something Sweet: Baked Goods with Purpose from Greyston Bakery
Ok, we'll share a secret: these brownies are what we're sending to several of our clients this year! We always look for something tasty and meaningful, and were thrilled to discover Greyston Bakery, a certified B Corporation that hires bakers who might otherwise face challenges in securing traditional employment. Plus, everything they make is Kosher, and their vegan options are just as tasty as the regular stuff! We particularly appreciated the easy nationwide shipping and individual packaging to keep things fresh and be respectful of those with allergies in large office settings.
3. Pressed for a Better Future: "Extra Hopeful" Olive Oil from Sindyanna of Galilee
In the midst of all the horrific news coming out of the Middle East, it's never felt more important to support those working to bring lasting peace to the region. If you're feeling hopeless about the conflict, consider purchasing this gift set or any of the other gourmet food products from Sindyanna of Galilee, a female-led nonprofit that unites Israeli and Arab women who share a vision of peaceful coexistence. (And we can personally vouch, it's genuinely very high-quality olive oil!)
4. Trend Forward: Style That Says Something
Shopping for an animal lover, environmental activist, or other do-gooder with a passion for a particular cause? Give the gift of a cozy sweatshirt or graphic tee that also happens to support their favorite charity. Whether it's a "Rescued is My Favorite Breed" shirt supporting an animal shelter or a "Bold Women, Bright Futures" hoodie for your favorite independent woman, sites like Bonfire and The Mindful T-Shirt Company make it easy to find impactful swag for everyone on your list.
5. Fair Trade Frenzy: It's Everyone's Cup of Tea
For tea or coffee enthusiasts, strive to shop fair trade to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their work at the beginning of the caffeine supply chain. There are numerous companies that sell ethically sourced, organic tea and coffee that's also delicious. Some of our favorites include: Brooklyn Roasting Company, Numi Tea, and Grounds for Change. You can even support rescue pups by getting your java from Grounds and Hounds!
6. Packed with Purpose: Curated Gift Boxes for the Socially Conscious
Feeling overwhelmed with all the options, but still committed to gifting something with a net positive? Let the expert team at Packed with Purpose handle the whole thing for you, from choosing the perfect products from purpose-driven businesses to packaging and shipping your goodies wherever they need to go. Choose from a range of themes to find just the right box for that special someone.
7. Down to the Letter: Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards
If you're sending out holiday cards this season, be sure to choose an environmentally friendly company like Paper Culture that offsets their impact by planting a tree for every purchase! Their customizable designs and sustainable printing practices are a great way to spread holiday cheer without contributing to deforestation and climate change.
We hope these suggestions helped you find some great giving options! And no—we weren't paid by any of the above companies to include them (though we did throw in an affiliate link where we could). They are just genuinely our favorite suggestions for ways to spread smiles AND good! Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season.