Before you shop ’til you drop this holiday season, consider if your gifts are doing good. Gift giving with a purpose helps organizations doing good in the world, and makes you feel good, too!
Booties are here!
‘Tis the season for gift giving!
My overall goal for holiday shopping is to either shop local OR support bigger companies who have a mission – like the ones I’m sharing in this post.
Here’s my win-win plan for Christmas gifts for Mazen and Birch: Remember that show where kids were released in a Toys “R” Us and got to keep as many toys as they could stuff in their cart in a certain number of minutes? I’m going to do that at the local toy store! No list – just go in there (probably with Thomas too) and pick out a selection of gifts that I know they will love. Santa shopping in one hour or less! (And I’m hoping to take advantage of their gift wrapping, too!)
This year I am focusing on hitting our local shops first before The Most Famous Online Store Of All Time and supporting artisans when possible. While I can’t deny a good deal on Cyber Monday, I’m focusing how I give back on Giving Tuesday – a global day of giving.
My Giving Tuesday Donation
Today and tomorrow (Giving Tuesday), I’m donating 26% of my earnings from my Digital Clutter course (now 50% off!) and Beautycounter orders to our local Charlottesville food bank. Thank you for shopping small through me <3
- Buy Digital Clutter here.
- Shop Beautycounter here (get 20% off today!) and look for the Giving Tuesday popup at checkout.
Gift Giving With A Purpose
If you do find yourself needing to do some online shopping for whatever the reason, here is a list of some of my favorite brands who have missions that go beyond profit.
Bombas Socks
Bombas socks are some of my comfiest socks! For every pair of Bombas socks purchased, one pair of socks are donated — and the proceeds from any red, blue or white socks go directly to homeless veterans. Bombas has donated more than 50 million clothing items!
Toms Shoes
Put your Bombas inside Toms shoes! From their dressier shoes to boots and sneakers, Toms are a great gift for men, women, and kids alike. My go-to dress sandals are Toms – they’re so comfortable! Toms is a certified B Corporation that commits 1/3 of their profits for grassroots good – supporting people building equity at the local level. Plus everything is on sale!!!
KiwiCo
Spot sponsored by KiwiCo
I think I speak for most parents that experience gifts are the absolute best! I’ve been a fan of KiwiCo since Mazen was a toddler. We did the Koala Crate subscription box when he was little, and my mom got him the Kiwi Crate (for ages 5-8) subscription for Christmas a few years ago. The company has expanded so much over the years that now there are crates for cooking, STEM, doodle + art, global themes, electronics, robotics, and more. And the age range goes from 2 to teen.
If you’re not ready to commit to a subscription, try any of their a la carte kits instead. There are several holiday themed ones too – like a Christmas Candle Carousel that magically moves! KiwiCo subscriptions are on both my kids’ holiday wish lists this year – what a great gift for the kids and parents alike!
Patagonia
I know I would be very happy with a new fuzzy Patagonia fleece under the Christmas tree, addressed to me. Patagonia not only makes quality clothing and outdoor gear, but they’re dedicated to the preservation of our planet as well. Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. The brand has awarded more than $140 million in cash and in-kind donations to domestic and international grassroots environmental groups making a difference in their local communities.
Always matching!
Beautycounter
Beautycounter not only formulates safer, high-performing beauty products, but they are a B Corporation doing good for the beauty industry as a whole. The leaders in clean are taking a stand on Capitol Hill, advocating for more health protective laws across in the industry. Their limited-edition gift sets include sample sizes of my favorite skincare and clean beauty products – they make the perfect self-care stocking stuffers.
Today only get 20% off site-wide and free shipping on orders over $50!
Who Gives A Crap Toilet Paper
We actually use and love this TP in our house, and I think it would make for a funny (and practical) White Elephant gift. Who Gives A Crap donates 50% of their profits to help build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world. Get $10 off with this link.
Rothy’s
Rothy’s makes adorable shoes, totes, and more from single use plastic water bottles. They divert plastic bottles from landfills and turn them into durable, washable(!) and sustainable shoes, bags and accessories. This beautiful tote would make a special Christmas present! The kids’ sneakers are so sleek too – I have some for Birch for next year!
Sydney Hale Co. Candles
I think candles make great hostess gifts for the holidays! Sydney Hale Co. (based in Richmond, VA) donates 10% of their profits to support animal rescue organization. They have so many lovely scents. Blue Spruce + Spearmint, Clementine + Clove, Garden Mint – there’s a scent for everyone!
FEED Projects
For every product FEED sells, they provide school meals to the most vulnerable communities across the globe, through on-the-ground partners. Listed by each product, you’ll see a number for how many school meals will be donated from a single purchase. FEED has a plethora of reusable bags and totes that would be great for taking to the farmers’ market.
Parks Project
Know someone who loves the outdoors? Purchasing this National Parks poster supports the National Parks Conservation Association and their mission to fight for the future of public lands. I love the neutral colors!
Free People Leggings
Women need another pair of leggings, yes trust me – they do! Wink wink. While I gravitate towards Athleta for activewear (another B Corp), Free People donates 1% of all activewear purchased from FP Movement to Girls, Inc – inspiring young women, to be strong, smart, and bold. These leggings look awfully comfy and come in so many colors.
Lovevery
I wish I had discovered this company sooner! They are B Corporation with sustainability at the top of their priorities. They offer Play Kits through a subscription, but you can also buy their products a la carte – like The Block Set that has every kind of block a toddler would need.
Are you giving gifts with a purpose this year? Share your ideas in the comments!
Jen says
I love the National Parks poster but don’t see it on that link/site. Where did you find it?
Jen says
(Nevermind…I found it in the header link. I was confused!)
Jackie says
Which Patagonia jacket do you have?
Kath Younger says
I have the Nano Puff in the half size (the blue one in this post)
And I have the Silent Down Parka for really cold.
DW says
What are those gray boots in the first picture?!?
Kath Younger says
I can’t figure out what their name is, but they are very similar to the Lea Boot.
Kath Younger says
Found them!! I got them through Stitch Fix. They’re the Loren Suede Heeled Bootie in Dark Gray. No longer at Toms.com but at Amazon.