With the holiday season upon us, most of us are already prepping for gift shopping mode. And though there’s a special joy in giving a present to a loved one that they can use and cherish forever, it makes a gift even more meaningful when they go towards supporting larger causes around the world.
And it’s easier to do so today with more companies including philanthropy as part of their businesses. From donating proceeds to environmental organisations or funding girls’ education across Asia and Africa and more, here are their 11 gifts that really give back this festive season.
Riau soy candles not only smell delicious – check out scents such as Mountain Rain, Sandalwood & Citrus, to the festive Merry Mistletoe -- which make for the perfect gift to unwind and kick back to, but 100% of their profits also goes towards charity to empower women and local families in Riau, Indonesia in need of a better future.
This boho-chic Wayuu Bucket Sling bag is sure to placate your most stylish of friends, which are finely woven and assembled by the indigenous women of the Wayuu tribe in Colombia. The homegrown label, Our Bare Hands, works with craftsmen-led cooperatives such as these to ensure income sustainability in the long run.
Here’s something for your furry friends. The festive season appropriate bandana by Bali Paws is well suited for both felines and dogs, and part of the proceeds from this purchase goes towards rescue organizations for dogs in Bali.
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A purchase of this pearl bracelet is equal to the cost of reaching out to 20 women in the red light district. The Starfish Project helps exploited women and girls by providing jobs and access to education and healthcare. To date, they have employed over 140 women and served thousands through their community Outreach Services.
True to its title, this giftset by Tatcha is perfect for every makeup lover. It comes with the clean beauty label’s most loved items formulated with Japanese superfoods, including a full-size Luminous Dewy Skin Mist and travel sizes of The Dewy Skin Cream, The Silk Canvas, and Violet-C Radiance Mask. Each purchase supports their Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures program in conjunction with nonprofit organization Room to Read, which helps fund girls’ education across Asia and Africa, lifting future generations out of poverty.
These leather dress shoes aren’t just about the comfiest shoes ever, thanks to its sports footbed and rubber sole, but 10% of this homegrown label’s revenue goes towards supporting children in need via World Vision in Vietnam, funding food supplies and orphanages, which contribute towards sustainable communities where children can thrive in the long run.
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This stylish necklace makes for a meaningful gift in more ways than one. The leaves stamped on Pippa Small's 18-karat gold necklace represent growth, revival and renewal, and are handmade by local artisans. The ethically driven business works with industry standards including fairly mined gold, fair trade sources, and work with charities and NGO’s to support communities on human rights, protecting heritage, and promoting artisan’s skills in the long run. Plus, it’s got Duchess Meghan Markle’s stamp of approval.
For someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this necklace and bangle set by Eden+ Elie may just be the perfect gift. It comes in intricate Peranakan inspired woven patterns and in 24k gold-plated chain and bangle, and the company works with underprivileged artisans by providing them with fair and sustainable work.
For the practical men in your life, get them this chic all black duffel bag that is made from lightweight recycled materials in water repellent finish. Patagonia pledges at least one percent of sales or 10 percent of pre-tax profits – whichever is more – to environmental groups, who are often overlooked or rejected by other corporate donors. The company is known for their strong dedication to environmental activism and has donated more than $89m euros to environmental organizations to date.
Newly launched Danish watch brand August Berg aims to promote the art of #timefulness through their watches. $5 from every watch sold will be donated to the Human Practice Foundation, a Danish not-for-profit organization dedicated to offering 6 months of quality education to children in Asia and Africa. Try the double rose gold case and mesh strap with a gorgeous emerald dial for something elegant yet festive.
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This stylish stainless steel bottle by S’well comes in a shiny, high-gloss finish, appropriate for the festive season. It is not only eco-friendly and stylish, but proceeds go towards charitable organizations such as UNICEF to provide clean and safe water to the world’s most vulnerable communities.