‘Tis the season for giving AND giving back. While you can always donate to a charity of your choice, you can also purchase a gift for someone that supports a cause you care about. There are tons of brands that share the mission of paying it forward, so why not put your money toward a gift that gives back? We rounded up 5 of the best charitable gift items that benefit organizations across the United States, along with a few other ideas to support local businesses.
Bombas Socks
Shelters across the United States are in need of new clothing. Bombas was founded on the philosophy of donating socks to those in need, but has evolved to go deeper into the community. One pair purchased = one pair donated. They make socks of all kinds, from men’s and women’s socks to even adorable baby gripper socks.
(Photo: bombas.com)
Pura Vida Bracelets
Pura Vida carries a collection of charity bracelets that supports multiple causes such as animal awareness, humanitarian causes, cancer awareness, health awareness and environmental causes. For each bracelet sold, 5% of the purchase price will be donated to the corresponding organization.
(Photo: puravidabracelets.com)
Uncommon Goods Rainbow Market Tote
Uncommon Goods compiled rainbow designs created by kids and used them to design a reusable canvas tote bag to symbolize hope and solidarity during challenging pandemic times. It is donating 100% of profits to Americares’ COVID-19 response efforts in the United States.
(Photo: uncommongoods.com)
Hand in Hand Soap
With almost 3 million bars of soap donated, Hand in Hand found a simple solution to fight back against water-related illnesses in children. For each bar of soap you buy from Hand in Hand, another bar is donated to children in Haiti as part of the brand’s clean water program. Buy a bar. Give a bar.
(Photo: handinhandsoap.com)
Found My Animal
Found My Animal produces high-quality pet products and promotes animal adoption and rescue. A portion of their sales from their stylish items for both dogs and cats support numerous animal shelters and charities across the United States. It also has a page dedicated to pets available for adoption.
(Photo: foundmyanimal.com)
Donate to Charity in Someone’s Name
Stumped on what to get someone for the holidays? Skip a physical gift and honor friends, family, neighbors or colleagues by giving a holiday donation in their name! Choose a charity that is close to your heart and donate through the American Red Cross. Make the holidays special this year give the best possible gift: hope and support to those in need.
(Photo: redcross.org)
Shop Local/Small Businesses
Sew It Up Bernina
Small businesses are hurting the most this year. So, instead of slapping your credit card on yet another Amazon purchase, find a local boutique and visit it. One of my favorites is called Sew It Up Bernina. It’s a little sewing store in Hurst, Texas, that sells beautiful hand-selected fabrics, patterns, buttons, ribbons and trims. It’s also a Bernina Sewing Center, selling machines and other quilting equipment. Instead of just selling patterns, the owners display colorful, hand-sewn samples of children’s and ladies clothes, as well as quilts, bags and other items. Just walking into this shop raises your spirits, as the owners are cheerful and helpful. My favorite part are the classes they teach on everything from quilting to kids sewing classes. While classes have moved online during Covid, I expect them to be back in person soon! And yes, you can visit them in person or buy online.
(Photo: Sew It Up Bernina Instagram)
Paw Paw Everlast Label Company
Made in the U.S.A. products are a great way to shop local. There are hundreds of thousands of options out there. Two years ago I was searching for durable plant nameplates and stumbled upon Paw Paw Everlast Label Company, based in Paw Paw, Mich. I was looking for labels for a school garden I’d planted and all the plates I purchased at the big box stores were plastic and didn’t last a single growing season. Paw Paw Everlast Label Company makes weather-resistant labels made of 99.6 percent zinc. It also offers copper nameplates and stainless steel wires. So, basically, if you have a friend or family member who’s an avid gardener, these plant labels will elevate their garden to Botanical Garden Status. They also sell the marking pens and pencils to go with and will retain legibility for years to come. Customer service and shipping was excellent.
(Photo: Paw Paw Everlast Label Company)
–SLB Staff
