Do Good. Feel Good.
Do you ever struggle between wanting to find the perfect gift and making that gift meaningful? I do. Each year around this time I try to find gifts that give back. I want to give gifts that give back in some way big or small. When I do this it makes me feel good and…it’s the right thing to do! I’ve been browsing the internet these past few weeks to find some of the most unique and special gifts that I think your “someone special” would love. As a bonus, almost all the gifts I found are under $25.
National Park Project
A portion of these charming coffee mug purchases supports the National Park Foundation’s Open OutDoors for Kids program, which creates pathways for kids to enjoy and connect with nature by facilitating outdoor activity, experiential learning, and cultural heritage exercises. This classic camp mug has a glossy finish and is perfect for any adventure in the great outdoors. Designed with iconic National Parks imagery, this enamel-coated mug is not only stylish but also tough enough to withstand campfires.
Ethique
Ethique’s goal is to “raise the bar” for what it means to be a responsibly run business. We are forever working on how to reduce waste, operate ethically, and give back to nature and communities.
It’s not enough to simply do no harm – this company wants to be a positive force for good. That’s why Ethique strives to purchase direct and fairly traded ingredients and donates 2% of sales to charity. That’s not all! The company works to plant trees for every order and donate soap to those in need. Shop the website to find many gifts under $20!
Doughp
Raise your hand if you love cookie dough. Me! This fun purchase would make a great gift for grandkids or that significant other who has a sweet tooth! As seen on Shark Tank, this direct-to-consumer cookie dough is safe to enjoy raw, half-baked, or fully baked. This pack includes the four fave flavors: chocolate chip, sprinkles & frosting, cookies & cream, and chocolate brownie.
A portion of each purchase is donated to mental health and addiction recovery through #Doughp4Hope
Out of Print Apparel
Out of Print transforms literary classics into apparel and accessories for book lovers. From Harry Potter, The Great Gatsby, Star Wars to T-shirts, socks, and coffee mugs-you name it they’ve got it. Every purchase helps fund literacy programs and book donations to communities in need.
Who Gives a Crap Bamboo Toilet Paper
This company really loves toilet paper because it’s their way of making a difference. Three friends started Who Gives A Crap after learning that 2.4 billion people don’t have access to a toilet (now 2 billion – yay for progress!). That’s roughly 40% of the global population and means that around 289,000 children under five die every year from diarrheal diseases caused by poor water and sanitation. That’s almost 800 children per day, or one child every two minutes.
This TP is great for the environment — there’s no plastic whatsoever and it’s made from renewable bamboo — and it also builds toilets across the world, all part of a larger effort to promote hygiene, clean water, and sanitation for all.
JIGGY Jigsaw Puzzles
Does anyone else love jigsaw puzzles like I do? This gift idea intrigued me from the minute I spotted it online. Each JIGGY puzzle comes in a reusable glass jar and includes a tube of puzzle glue, a straight-edge tool to spread the glue, and a print of the art to follow. A percentage of every sale goes directly to an emerging female artist from around the world who is behind the design. When you click on the link for a puzzle it gives a detailed description of the artist who created it.
Tinggly Experiences E-Gift Card
I love this gift idea! A gift from this company would be perfect for that person who has an all-out zest for life (or someone who just wants to get out of their comfort zone)! With this company, you can gift someone an experience. It has everything — ziplining, spa resort stays, hot air balloon rides, food/tasting tours, city walking tours, and many more—in a variety of places across the U.S. The best part? Tinggly works toward a ton of climate initiatives, like cleaning up plastic pollution and planting trees for every gift.
Their mission is to change the culture of gifting. They want to bring happiness by reducing the number of material things cluttering people’s lives. Hence their slogan: Give stories, not stuff. Tinggly loves the planet as much as we do. That’s why they’re committed to caring for the environment in every way they can.
BLK & Bold Coffee
Coffee is my love language so when I came across this gift idea it caught my eye. Five percent of profits made from sales of BLK & Bold’s loose-leaf teas and coffee blends go to nonprofit organizations that are aligned to pouring into children the confidence, exposure, and guidance for them to be the best version of themselves. Their motto is: coffee for you. Impact for our youth.
Skechers BOBS
Calling all animal lovers! Put your love into action with BOBS – the brand that partners with animal welfare organizations to save shelter pets. Skechers has donated over $10 million, funds that have helped protect and support 1.9 million dogs and cats – from Petco Love in the US and Canada, to Woodgreen Pets Charity in the UK and Alma in Japan. But wait; there’s more! Since 2011, Skechers has donated more than 16 million pairs of new shoes to children in need worldwide through its BOBS charity program. The shoes support Head Start programs, education foundations, homeless shelters, disaster relief and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
Warby Parker Glasses
Warby Parker believes in vision for all! Did you know that around the world approximately one billion people need glasses but don’t have access to them? In the U.S., two million children lack the glasses they need to read a book, see the board, or participate in class.
The Warby Parker Impact Foundation is a public charity dedicated to helping people overcome the barriers that prevent them from receiving quality vision care. Since 2010, Warby Parker has worked with community partners, nonprofits, government agencies, and academic leaders to provide free vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses to adults and children through its Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program (for every pair of Warby Parker glasses purchased, a pair of glasses is distributed to someone in need).
UBUNTU Life
I’ve been to Kenya, Africa, so when I saw these gift ideas online I had to dig a little deeper. I’m so glad I did! Ubuntu Life Foundation was started by two pastors to help the people in need in Kenya. Ubuntu Life creates beautiful products for sale in Kenya and Internationally, providing mothers of special needs and others with sustainable employment. The Foundation operates a special needs center and specialty medical program that provide life-changing therapy and medical care to hundreds of children in the Maai Mahiu area. You’ll find beautiful bags, shoes (the espadrille mules were on Oprah’s 2020 Favorite Things List) and jewelry on their website.
Harry & David Lucca & Sons Sausage & Cheese Gift Box
This item is part of the Smile Farms Collection! When you purchase a gift from this collection, Harry & David will donate 20% of the net proceeds to Smile Farms, their signature philanthropic partner. The mission of Smile Farms is to create meaningful work opportunities for people with disabilities in agriculture and hospitality. When Smile Farmers are trained in gardens and restaurants, they develop valuable transferable skills. Their work generates purpose and pride, enhances life skills, and fosters socialization. Smile Farmers are truly enriched by their work, and the benefits they obtain make all the difference in their quality of life.
No Kid Hungry Mark & Graham X Steele Waterproof Tote
With a giveback to No Kid Hungry, each bag sold can provide up to 100 meals for kids in need. Thoughtfully made from water and tear-resistant vinyl, this do-it-all tote is perfect for poolside lounging and everyday adventures. Lightweight yet super durable, the bag has long comfortable straps and an inside pocket for your phone, keys, or sunscreen.
No child ever deserves to grow up hungry, which is why Mark and Graham have teamed up with No Kid Hungry, a national non-profit campaign dedicated to ending childhood hunger. With your tax-deductible donation, No Kid Hungry will provide vulnerable kids with nutritious food and teach their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.
Ostrichpillow
From neck pillows to eye masks to heated neck wraps this company has it! All prices are very reasonable. The best part is that they’re environmentally mindful. From product design to supply chain, Ostrichpillow aims to be environmentally conscious every step of the way, wherever they can, they’re taking action to reduce their carbon footprint.
You buy, they pay. For every purchase made on their website, they plant a tree. Then they match that amount with investments in carbon-offsetting projects.
Pottery Barn-St. Jude Collection
Half of the purchase price of this cute little teddy “thumbie” will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The underside of the bear is made to be blankie-like so it feels extra cuddly. Other products include teddy bears, ornaments, “anywhere chairs”, and baby blankets. Your purchase gives back! When you shop Pottery Barn’s exclusive St. Jude collection, up to 50% of the purchase price will go to supporting research at the hospital.
World Central Kitchen Cookbook
Do you know someone who loves to cook? This reasonably priced cookbook might just be the perfect gift! World Central Kitchen has been providing food to people affected by humanitarian crises and natural disasters around the globe. This cookbook captures the stories (and recipes) shared during some of their work, such as a chicken chili verde served to California firefighters battling the wildfires, and Ukranian borsch served to comfort families in the war-torn country. Famous supporters of José Andrés and his charity also shared recipes, including chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Guy Fieri, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. All author proceeds will go to WCK to help support their work. You can find out more about World Central Kitchen here.
Bombas
Oooh, I just love a comfy pair of slippers! These cozy, sherpa slippers have a rubber sole so you can step outside with them if needed. Bombas doesn’t just sell slippers-they sell socks, shirts, and underwear too! For every pair purchased, Bombas donates a pair to a homeless shelter. You Buy, They Get to Work. For every item you purchase, they add to their total items donated tally and get to work purchasing fabrics, booking factory time, and all the other steps that go into making clothing. To date, customers have allowed Bombas to donate more than 100 million essential clothing items.
Plantgem
Here’s a one-of-a-kind gift for the gardener in your life! Plantgem’s seeds and bulbs include unique varietals you probably won’t find anywhere else—think purple sunflowers and plate-sized marigolds. This grand seed collection features 36 different types of seeds that’ll grow in every zone, with specific easy-to-follow instructions for a grand garden (they have more reasonably priced kit collections). Plantgem donates seeds and bulbs every season to prison gardens and family shelters to help spread the joy of gardening and flowers to everyone.
OURA
A bath towel may not seem like a super-exciting gift, but this one is special. The Alta towel is made with 100-percent cotton that is sonically infused with copper, making it hypoallergenic and great for skin health and elasticity. Not only are towels available on their website, other OURA products include hats, skincare, apparel too. OURA grants wishes to children in need through Make-a-Wish and Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times.
Love Your Melon
Buy this cozy knit beanie or shop for mittens, shawls, or scarves and 50% of the profits will go to the brand’s nonprofit partners in the fight against pediatric cancer. Love Your Melon supports nonprofit organizations that are paving the way in groundbreaking research, therapeutic experiences, and family support for children and families battling pediatric cancer.
Happy shopping!
Love all these idea’s! Thank you! It is so nice to buy items that also ‘give back’ in other ways!