At some point, many of us have felt the holidays are sometimes too “commercialized.” We may think we lose sight of what gift-giving should be. Wouldn’t it be great to give gifts these holidays that your friends and family really want, and at the same time, give back to a worthwhile cause? We found 5 Great Websites for Gifts That Give Back to charitable causes around the world. Here are ideas for every personality on your list.
The Environmentalist – worldwildlife.org
We all have those friends or family members that love animals and their habitats. The World Wildlife Federation (WWF) is committed to protecting wildlife and nature around the world. This year why not give the gift of “species adoption,” and choose whatever species best suits your friend. Each “adoption” comes with a plush animal, adoption certificate, species card, and other goodies. Your “environmentally friendly” gift recipient will appreciate you every time they hug their adorable, “adopted” plush elephant.
When you donate through WWF’s Gift Center, you help create a safer world for wildlife, protect amazing places, and build a future where people live in harmony with nature. Your donation will support WWF’s conservation work around the globe.
A Home For Everyone – thegivingkeys.com
The Giving Keys is working to end homelessness through employment. The result is beautiful pieces of jewelry made from keys, which incorporate messages like DREAM, CREATE, or INSPIRE. All products are assembled, packaged, and shipped by people out of homelessness. Graduates of the program have secured and maintained housing, started their own businesses, regained custody of their children, stayed sober, and found a renewed sense of purpose.
Give that thoughtful person on your list something they can wear every day, like this Dainty Key Bangle Bracelet. The Giving Key encourages gift recipients to embrace their “word,” then pay it forward to another person in need of the message.
Girl Power – thistlefarms.org
Thistle Farms is an organization committed to giving women who have survived challenges such as trafficking and addiction a well-deserved second chance at life. This includes safe and supporting housing, therapy, employment, and healthcare. Graduates will have job skills and the ability to earn a wage to support themselves. All Thistle Farm products are handmade in small batches by women-survivors in their production facility in Nashville, Tennessee.
We think any woman on your list who wants to give a leg up to another woman would love to indulge in these beautiful, handmade products. For example, consider Thistle Farm’s bath soak trio. All this bathtub “me-time” for your friend may get her thinking about how she can make a difference herself at Thistle Farms.
The Dog Lover – foundmyanimal.com
We all have that friend or family member who would rather hang with their dog than their friends. Here’s the perfect website for their gift. The way to their heart is through their dog, and Found My Animal is an organization with a heart for the rescue dog.
Found My Animal promotes animal adoption in a straightforward way by getting dogs and their owners to “wear” the message. They encourage people to rescue animals instead of purchasing them. Part of the proceeds from sales of their unique products for dogs, like these cool, rope collars, goes to support rescue organizations. Attached to each collar is a stamped FOUND tag to celebrate adoption awareness.
The Visionary – twoblindbrothers.com
Two Blind Brothers is on a dual mission to cure blindness and raise awareness about visual impairments. Their website offers a beautiful, hand-crafted leather bracelet. The bracelet is made with their signature braille metal tag with the word “Feel.” This functional and symbolic accent is recognizable, trendy, and a great conversation starter.
photo courtesy of twoblindbrothers.com
Two Blind Brothers donates 100% of profits to charitable foundations, programs, and researchers focused on their mission. The profits go towards research programs that are developing therapies for retinal eye disease cures.