Gift giving is one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season, but it can also be one of the biggest challenges. I like to pick out unique gifts that my friends and family will love, but I also want these gifts to be meaningful. Recently I’ve noticed that many companies and brands are taking a stance on giving back from their proceeds, and I’m loving this! Here are some of my favorite products I’ve found that I can’t wait to give as gifts to my loved ones while also making a difference in the lives of others around the world!
The Shop Forward
If you listen to The Bobby Bones Show, you’re probably familiar with this company. From hats to sweatshirts to jewelry, 100% of proceeds go to supporting various charities around the globe. My favorite item on their website is the 4 Things Tote which can be customized for everyone on your shopping list!
Diff Eyewear
This company is everywhere on social media, with lots of celebrities and influencers sporting these trendy sunglasses. But whats really incredible is Diff has multiple ways of giving back through their sales. For every pair of glasses purchased, Diff will provide a pair of glasses for someone in need. On their website you can also find beautifully crafted glasses cases that are made with beads from Ugandan artisans and are hand sewn by local tailors, which also supports their own economy. Glasses chains are also available and similarly handcrafted from Honduras. Not only does this help these artisans to have a steady income, but Diff also is creating programs through their Little Angels schools to help educate and empower more women around the world.
Cuddle + Kind
Created by loving parents who saw a need to feed children who otherwise might not be receiving the nutrition they need, Cuddle+Kind has provided over 8 million meals to children. Every doll purchased provides ten meals for children in need. The dolls are hand-sewn in Peru and are oh-so-snuggly and sweet!
Bombas
Known for their very comfortable socks, Bombas has a “one purchased equals one donated” philosophy. The company’s main mission started out to provide socks for homeless communities across the country, but has since expanded to shirts and sweats as well.
Sseko Designs
A new book telling the story of Sseko designs recently hit the shelves of bookstores, but this company’s heart is in helping Ugandan women learn valuable life skills while providing a positive work environment. Sseko also matches their savings during this work period by 300% so they can go on to pursue higher education. Sseko features beautiful bags, footwear, jewelry, and more.
Jewelry
It’s hard to go wrong with the gift of jewelry, and many jewelry companies are striving to help others through their sales. Noonday Collection helps provide jobs for artisan women around the globe and will also give back 10% of sales from Adoption Trunk Shows for families in the adoption process. Native Kansan (and University of Kansas grad) artisan Sierra Winter has select pieces available and will donate 5% of the proceeds to one of three charities of your choice. The Starfish Project helps women and girls who have been exploited through holistic care programs. From there, these women are given opportunity to gain independence while also working on skills to have their own careers.
I love the idea of giving back while also giving my friends and family a great gift they will love! Do you know of other companies that also focus on helping others in need through proceeds? Please share so we can lift up these companies with hearts for giving!
