We've all been there: a friend's birthday is approaching and you have absolutely no idea what to buy them. Why not kill two birds with one stone and give them something that gives back too? There are many organizations and companies that sell beautiful and useful gifts and give some of their profits back to various communities and groups. Here is a list of 17 wonderful organizations that give to you and give back to others:
1. Pura Vida
Every Pura Vida bracelet is handcrafted by artisans in Costa Rica. Some are even a part of their Charity Collection, which has partnered with over 190 charities and donated over $1 million. You can support cancer research, environmental conservation, childhood education, and so much more!
2. Happy Earth Apparel
50% of profits from Happy Earth Apparel are dedicated to promoting conservation and sustainability. On top of that, 100% of their packaging is recycled/recyclable. Also, the clothes they sell are super comfy and super cute!
3. Live Lokai
The white bead in this bracelet holds water from the highest point on earth, Mount Everest, while the black bead holds mud from the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. Live Lokai bracelets are meant to represent the balance in life. 10% of net profits are donated to their charity partners.
4. To Write Love On Her Arms
To Write Love On Her Arms is a non-profit movement geared towards helping people struggling with addiction, depression, and self-injury to find hope while encouraging and inspiring them to move forward. You can support this cause by purchasing their merchandise online or attend events and campaigns.
5. Shelly Cove
Shelly Cove donates 10% of their net profits to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, NC, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured sea turtles. Their shirts come in a variety of colors and styles, and there's even a patriotic design!
6. Out of Print
Each purchase from Out of Print Clothing helps support literacy programs and book donations to communities in need. There are dozens of designs to pick from and even more products such as mugs, jewelry, pouches, and even aprons!
7. Planet Love Life
This company promotes sustainable living and marine debris awareness by crafting bracelets from fishing nets and ropes. Planet Love Life sells bracelets, keychains, necklaces, and even dog leashes and they all come in a variety of colors!
8. Endangered Species Chocolate
Each cause Endangered Species Chocolate partners with receives a minimum of $10,000 a year to use towards projects they deem important. In the past three years, they've donated over $1.3 million in the last three years alone. There are plenty of flavors to choose from, and who doesn't want chocolate that saves endangered animals?
9. United By Blue
United By Blue removes a pound of trash from the ocean for every product they sell. In total, they've removed 995,291 pounds of trash. On top of stylish clothes, they sell camp gear, coffee, travel bags, and so much more!
10. Serengetee
Serengetee takes fabrics created by artisans from around the world and makes stylish pocket tees, hats, tanks, and bag. Each fabric supports a different cause such as
11. Conscious Step
For every sock purchased from Conscious Step, a donation is made to their nonprofit partners who in turn plant trees to help save the planet. Buy a pair for your favorite sock enthusiast or for if you're feeling snazzy!
12. Alex & Ani
20% of profits received from the Charity by Design collection by Alex & Ani are returned to the charities that designed the charms. If you love Alex & Ani bracelets and want to help great causes, check these out!
13. Humanity Unified
Humanity Unified is a non-profit organization that empowers communities to rise out of poverty through education and food-security projects. Each Mala bracelet is made by women in India who have no other employable skills. Each purchase provides these women with a job and 100% of the profits go to women in Rwanda.
14. Bureo
Bureo skateboards are actually made from recycled fishing nets! Each board saves the ocean from 30 to 50 square feet of fishing nets. If you're not a boarder but still want to support, they also make sunglasses and apparel.
15. Siestas for Fiestas
You may use it at the beach, but that doesn't mean it's not Christmas somewhere! Each purchased blanket from Siestas for Fiestas provides a family living in poverty in Cancun, Mexico with a full Christmas dinner. These blankets are beautiful and perfect for the beach. (Did I mention shipping is free?)
16. Feed My Starving Children
Feed My Starving Children is an organization geared toward feeding malnourished children, their hand-packed meals are even specifically formulated for malnourished children. FMSC has reached nearly 70 countries and provided 5,263,360 meals just last year! Their online marketplace is full of jewelry, apparel, headbands, and much more.
17. The Home T
The Home T creates shirts that are made in the USA and a portion of the profits are donated to multiple sclerosis research. Buy one for someone who always wants to show their home-state pride!
Next time you're looking for a gift for your bestie or sibling, check out some of these groups! Especially if you're looking for someone who loves saving the world.
