Make a difference this year by giving family and friends gifts that give back. Use your holiday shopping to lend a hand to people around the world who need our help by purchasing gifts from companies that donate a portion of their profits to charity or match items one to one. From sponsoring education and cancer research to funding clean water projects, here are 11 companies with charitable gift options.
1. State Bags
Not every kid gets a backpack for the school year, and State Bags is working to change that. For every bag purchased, one fully stocked backpack is hand-delivered to an American child in need. Plus, their backpacks come in a variety of colors, patterns and shapes—fit for any gifting need.
2. Make-A-Wish®
Make-A-Wish has proven time and time again that no wish is too big. Make-A-Wish transforms the lives of children with critical illnesses by granting their one true wish and this holiday season, they’re teaming up with Shutterfly to continue making magic. If you order any of our Wish holiday cards between 11/8/17 and 12/8/17, $1 of every holiday card order will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $75,000.
3. Love Your Melon
Join the fight against cancer by purchasing a beanie from Love Your Melon, an apparel company dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America. The company also gives to nonprofit organizations leading the fight against pediatric cancer. You can opt for a knit headband, cozy scarf or pom beanie—all perfect for the cold season.
4. Bears for Humanity
Photo: Bears for Humanity
Completely safe and organic, these huggable bears make the perfect gift for any child on your list. With every purchase, Bears for Humanity donates a teddy bear to a child in need. Comfort the kids in your life with these cute bears while making a child across the world feel just as special
5. Charity:Water
From water bottles and phone cases to stylish tees and candles, Charity:Water carries all kinds of items perfect for gifting during the holidays. And 100% of the profits from these goods directly fund clean water projects in developing countries around the world. You can help save a life at the click of a button.
6. Fire Dept. Coffee
Gift loved ones with bags of coffee that also happen to support firefighters, veterans and military assistance programs. Founded by firefighters with a love for strong coffee, Fire Dept. Coffee gives a portion of every sale to military and firefighter charities. Plus, their coffee is roasted and packaged fresh to order.
7. The Doll Kind
Photo: The Doll Kind
When you purchase an adorable doll from this organization for a child in your life, t another doll will be donated by The Doll Kind to a child less fortunate. Each doll also comes with 10 tokens that can be given out to strangers or loved ones as a reminder to to pay it forward—a great way to teach your kids about giving back.
8. Goodbye Malaria
From bracelets and teddy bears to colorful pajamas, giving a gift from Goodbye Malaria supports malaria-elimination programs in Mozambique. This organization funds an on-the-ground team that sprays houses to protect families against malaria.
9. Sudara
Helping women in India gain job skills that last a lifetime, Sudara is an apparel company that fights trafficking and sexual abuse. Purchasing a pair of beautifully printed pants or a yoga tank directly funds Sudara’s training program and keeps women employed.
10. Kidbox
Make shopping for your little one easy and give back at the same time with Kidbox—a clothing company for kids that ships you five clothing boxes a year. For every box you keep, a new outfit gets donated to a child in need.
11. LifeStraw
Making contaminated water safe to drink one straw at a time, this company is working to secure clean water for people everywhere. From their straw water filters that can be used on the go, to their water bottles and water purifiers, LifeStraw is making it easier to get clean water. For each straw purchased, one school child in a developing community receives safe water for an entire school year.
Technology has made it easier than ever to give back. So this year, turn your gift-giving into charitable action and help someone in need—in your own city or across the globe.
