It’s the most wonderful time of the year! During this season, the world comes alight with festive decorations, meaningful traditions, and the infectious joy of spending time with family and friends. I personally enjoy shopping for gifts for loved ones, but I always find it doubly special when I can give gifts that have meaning and give back. That is why this year, we are featuring intentional gifts by brands that are charitable and trendy. With missions to support female makers, preserve endangered species, empower children in need, and more…these retailers are reimagining the power of commerce. So let’s add generosity to our carts this year with these adorable and expansive gifting options. Philanthropy never felt so festive!
The Little Market
The Little Market truly is a one-stop shop when it comes to all my gifting needs. Their dinnerware collections are modern with intricate detailing, their jewelry is delicate, and their woven storage solutions are aesthetic life savers. The artisan touch is apparent in every item, a testament to The Little Market’s mission to ethically source from underserved communities in order to uplift their social and economic enterprises. The artisan entrepreneurs behind The Little Market are young mothers, survivors of sex trafficking, refugees, people with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit is all about providing sustainable opportunity for its makers, and expanding the distribution base for their products. I am using The Little Market to stock up on candles, bath bombs, and travel pouches for fun stalking stuffers. I might even swipe this adorable cookbook gift set for Lolli. Shh, don’t tell!
Gifting Brands
I am especially proud to include Gifting Brands in this roundup, because the store was founded by Dallas local, Jeannie Barsam. In an effort to help women, children, and families in need, Barsam created a company that addresses fashion industry waste and the needs of the community. Gifting Brands collects excess inventory from designer and luxury brands and offers them to customers at a discount. The non-profit currently gives 100% of proceeds to charity… that’s right, 100%. Luxury at a discount with a direct line to communities in need? What more could we ask for in this season of gifting and giving. This is where I am turning to shower all my fashionista friends. Their charity partners include A Better Chance, The Family Place, Charity : Water, and Together We Thrive. If you are in the Dallas area, be sure to stop by their Sip and Shop pop-up on December 19th.
World Wildlife Fund
I’m considering giving my kids a tiger this year. Or maybe a dolphin? Through the World Wildlife Fund, I have over 100 species to chose from for symbolic adoption. These adoption kits include a formal certificate, photo and species info card, and a plush version of the animal of choice. So if your kid has been begging you for a Komodo dragon, you can finally deliver while supporting conservation efforts. If your loved one isn’t ready for a tiger, even symbolically, WWF has a wide range of apparel and accessories for the wildlife enthusiast in your life. $0.83 of every dollar goes to the organization’s field work in communities and projects around the globe. For 60 years WWF has been a leader in conservation and strives to preserve not just wildlife, but address needs for food, forests, freshwater, oceans, and climate.
Tea
I cannot get over how stylish the clothing lines are at Tea. This company has a great sensibility for kids fashion; the clothes are trendy without being ostentatious, and most importantly, comfortable. Tea is also invested in the well-being of children worldwide. The company is committed to donating 10% of its profits to projects and organizations that can build a better world. Most notably, it has been a charity partner for the Global Fund for Children since 2003, which advocates for youth by establishing grassroots organizations in communities. Tea also engages with organizations throughout the world to address homelessness, education, and community building for children. Who knew a moose could look so hip?
STATE Bags
Not only does STATE Bags produce high quality, sleek backpacks, but the energy of their company is infectious! STATE Bags allocates 5% of its revenue for its give back programs, and they make sure that their donation efforts feel like a celebration for the communities who need a helping hand. Their signature “drop rallies” donate fully-packed backpacks to schools, but they are also an opportunity for students to dance, sing, and celebrate their educational efforts. I think STATE is the perfect gift for my friends who are always looking for stylish alternatives to purses. And the Kane Bike Bag and Lorimer Fanny Pack might be the perfect gift for my kids who always seem to be on the go. They can now be fully equipped for whatever adventures they get up to.
United By Blue
If you are like me, the beach is your happy place. That is why I was so excited to learn about United By Blue. This apparel and accessories company commits to removing one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every item sold. It makes shopping with them feel directly impactful to saving the environment I love. I am currently obsessing over their stoneware mugs. Knowing that its purchase helped clean to ocean will make my morning coffee that much more appreciated.
Bombas
Sometimes the most insurmountable problems can be helped with the simplest solution. Bombas understands the importance of basic needs being met, and this understanding is at the heart of their mission. For every pair of socks purchased with Bombas, a pair is donated to those facing homelessness. This model has been so successful that the company has expanded to selling other basics, such as T-shirts and underwear. Their commitment is the same with all of their products: for every item purchased, an item is donated. And not to get off-theme and make this all about me, but…Bombas socks are by far the comfiest and most durable socks to ever hug my feet. I am sock-ing up on them for myself and my family. Take my word for it, your dad will be happy that “all you got him was socks” this year. Perfect stocking stuffers!
Peruse even move stunning products from these do-gooders below!
What are some of your favorite brands that give back? Tag us in with all your intentional shopping finds @lolliandme in your posts on Facebook and Instagram.
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