With Christmas season comes the season of gift giving. You can listen to kids talk about what they're asking Santa for, overhear family members boast about the perfect gift they got their sibling and spend time with each other near the Christmas tree celebrating. But don't forget that Christmas isn't about the worth of the gifts under the tree. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. How God sent his only son, the greatest gift, for us.
This Christmas season I have loved finding and buying the perfect gifts for family and friends, but for some reason when I see a price tag that's a little more than I expected, but has a note that says the company is giving back, I am more than willing to pay. I love being able to tell the person I am giving the gift to that some of the proceeds are going to a charity.
Here's a list of companies that give back and some marvelous gift ideas.
1. TOMS
In high school everyone had a pair of TOMS. I remember my first classic black pair of TOMS that were extremely comfortable and cute at the same time. I made the mistake of wearing them to work or during bad weather one too many times and had to get rid of them. But I love what the company stands for, "With every product you purchase, TOMS will help a person in need".
Their ONE FOR ONE campaign has expanded from just shoes to bags, apparel and eyeglasses. Any of their products would make the perfect gift.
2. Yoobi
I personally love the school supplies section of Target, but in the past have always skimmed over the Yoobi products and have relied on Paper Mate. What I didn't know is that for every Yoobi product you purchase, an item will be donated to a classroom in need right here in the United States.
I love this idea. Although school supplies might not be on the top of everyone's Christmas list, if you're buying a coloring book for someone or maybe a craft kit I'm sure they could use coloring pencils or another Yoobi product to go along with.
3. CAUSEBOX
If you follow me on Pinterest you probably see me pin something from CAUSEBOX at least once a week. Although I have never subscribed to CAUSEBOX I have always wanted to. Maybe this upcoming year I will treat myself.
Every quarter, subscribers receive a seasonally inspired box with products from companies who are impacting the world. In the past they have featured companies like The Giving Keys, Noonday Collection, Krochet Kids International and One Love Organics. By paying annually of a quarterly fee of $49.95, you will receive a box at your doorstep of products that are providing jobs and hope for women around the world.
5. WeWood
A perfect gift for the man in your life. Not only are WeWood watches unique and stylish, but they are made from scrap wood and for every watch sold, WeWood plants a tree. A refreshing and eco-friendly company.
6. Hand in Hand Sustainable Suds
A gift for the homeowner who loves to host. Whether you are giving as a hostess gift or for a friend who loves natural soap, Hand in Hand Sustainable Suds is a great option. For every purchase, Hand in Hand donates a bar of soap and a month of clean water to a child in need.
7. BOGO Bowl
A healthy dog and cat food alternative gives a bag of pet food to an animal shelter in needs for every bag purchased the company BOGO Bowl. I know there are people out there who buy gifts for their pets during the holidays, why not consider giving a gift that also gives back to the animal community?
8. Ivory Ella
Ivory Ella has promised to donate 10% of their net profits to Save the Elephants, a Kenyan organization that protects elephants. Some items that will help in benefiting the organization are drink ware, hats and apparel.
9. FEED
Products from FEED provide meals and nutrition for people globally. By purchasing a FEED product you can know exactly how you are giving back by looking at the price tag. There will by an icon or symbol that shows in what way you are giving. FEED provides meals for children in schools, nutrition for expectant mothers and children and supports artisans.
Help feed the world by buying and giving FEED products this holiday.
Overall we love to give and to receive gifts, but it will feel 10x better knowing that the same gift is helping someone else, someone you might never come in contact with, but can impact from a distance with one purchase.
