Gifts That Give Back | Blogmas #19

In the time of giving, some of my favorite gifts to give are the gifts that give back. In a change from our usual gift guide, here is a list of some brands that I want to highlight as helping make the world a better place.

Global Goods Partners helps women in Asia, Africa, and South America market fair trade artisan products. They earn reliable, fair wages, and are encouraged to form woman-led, community organizations. My pick from them is this Navy Ikat Tote Bag.

Mitscoots Outfitters employs homeless people leaving in Austin, Texas, paying them above minimum wage and providing a schedule that allows people to work at their own pace. For every pair of socks you buy, they also donate a pair to charities nationwide. Check out a pair of socks here.

Sudara makes fantastic lounge pants that are made by women in India who were victims of human trafficking or sex slavery. Many of the women are also the sole breadwinner for the family, and are working to support their family with the fair wages that they earn. Get your own Punjammies here.

At Women’s Peace Collective, you can find beautiful, 100-page, tree-free journals made from recycled cotton rags. They are also made in a fair-trade cooperative to provide sustainable work for rural women, including many who have never worked outside the home.

BeeLove creates beautiful honey products in Chicago. I think it’s also impressive that the production is done entirely by men and women who are recently returning from incarceration. I don’t think that we often think about how hard it must be to reintegrate to society after a prison stay, and this helps them find meaningful, legal work. Try some honey here.

The Brave Collection supports Cambodian artisans from low-income backgrounds, or with disabilities. They also receive an allowance for their children to go to school. They sell beautiful bracelets in a million rainbow colors. Check them out here.

A classic gift that keeps giving is Heifer International. You can donate an animal, which provides wool, milk, and eggs to a family in need. This can mean access to medicine, school, and nutrition. If you don’t want to donate an animal directly, they have some lovely ornaments you can buy that also help support their programs in Africa and Asia.

Happy gifting!