Life

These Gifts That Give Back Will Help You Polish Off Your Holiday Shopping

From skincare to jewelry, these gifts will help you support charities and empower artisans.

by BDG Studios

Finding the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list is notoriously tricky. The best presents tend to be the most thoughtful — something the recipient wouldn’t necessarily think to get themselves or an item that’s been on their wish list forever. But what about the person who insists they don’t want anything? That’s where a gift that gives back becomes the perfect solution. Whether you’re supporting local artisans, or buying a gadget that donates a portion of its profits to charities, choosing a gift that means something is an act of kindness anyone will appreciate.

Don’t know where to start? Figure out what your recipient feels passionate about. Is it preserving the environment? Get them a candle from the Parks Project that’ll fill their space with the scent of Yosemite’s pine trees.

And to help make sure that your gift is ready to go straight out of the box, don’t forget to stock up on Rayovac batteries. Whether the item needs AAA or AA, RAYOVAC® batteries offer premium performance at an affordable price, so toss in a pack or two to ensure that your loved one can immediately enjoy their new present.

Read on for the best, most thoughtful gifts that give back this holiday season.

A Woodsy Smelling Candle That Gives Back To The Outdoors

We all dream about seeing El Capitan in all its glory at Yosemite National Park, but while giving someone a free trip might not be in your budget this year, this candle probably is. Featuring notes of lodgepole pine, granite, meadow dew, and fresh chopped wood, it’s a great gift for the person who loves being outdoors. And even better, a portion of proceeds from each candle sold will go to the Yosemite Conservancy, which funds the maintenance of the 800 miles of trails in the park.

A Must-Have Decor Item From A Small Business

Spend enough time on social media and you’ll notice one thing: Every cute space has a neon-lit sign that immediately gets turned on when the sun sets. Snag a heart-shaped one from a small Etsy creator for the friend who can’t resist an #aesthetic vibe.

A Water Bottle That Does More Than Just Hydrate

Whether they time their day around spin class schedules or they prefer to stream yoga classes from their laptop, a good water bottle is a great gift for literally anyone. S’well makes an insulated stainless steel one that’s also perfect for transporting coffee or cocktails (yas!). Plus, the brand donates a portion of the proceeds to UNICEF with the mission of providing clean drinking water to children around the world.

Mindfully Produced Tumblers Bringing Stability To Marginalized Artisans

Be it margaritas, old-fashioneds, or a bold original creation, there’s someone in your life who has the instincts of a pro mixologist, and this set of colorful tumblers are the perfect vessel for showcasing their skills. Available on Goodee, a home decor retailer focused on offering sustainable products, these tumblers were handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. What’s more, the collective that creates these glasses (called Xaquixe) also works to design special kilns that transform waste into biofuel, and create systems that allow them to source their recycled glass bottles from local hotels and restaurants.

A Trending Skin Care Gadget That Benefits Cancer Research

A vibrating skincare wand can help your beauty-loving recipient’s night cream and serums absorb better in addition to helping tighten and tone overall. And better: This one will donate a portion of its proceeds to Stand Up to Cancer, a charity working to raise funds for cancer research.

A Soothing Balm That Uplifts Farmers & Entrepreneurs

Dry winter air calls for a nourishing balm like this one from Zambeezi. Made with organic organic coconut, sunflower, mongongo, and jojoba oils and featuring a lovely wild rose scent, this not only will keep your skin and lips soft and moisturized, but also empowers local beekepers, farmers, and other entrepreneurs in Zambia.

Cozy Socks That Will Support Children’s Literacy

Know someone in your life who can’t resist recommending a good book? While they might be all set with their reading choices, they’ll love these socks from Conscious Step that benefits Room to Read, an organization that promotes children’s literacy in Asia and Africa. Each box purchased equals three books donated.

Soft, Organic Sheets That Also Give Back To Local Community Charities

Made from organic cotton, this soft sheet set will be a welcome gift that anyone would be thrilled to receive. Delilah Home also makes it a point to donate 10% of their profits to an array of local charities ranging from health to kids to pets.

Stylish Towels That Empower Local Artisans

This denim stone washed Turkish towel is hand-loomed on old looming machines by artisans and use 100% cotton. It is super absorbent, soft, and makes the perfect bath or beach towel. Plus, Qui Quattro also donates 10% of proceeds towards Bridge to Turkiye, an educational fund for Turkish adolescent girls.

A Warm Hat That Helps Fight Pediatric Cancer

For the person who always says a cozy look is incomplete without a hat, give them this fun pom-adorned beanie from Love Your Melon. The organization donates 50% of their net profits to nonprofits around the world that lead the fight against pediatric cancer. The brand believes in creating therapeutic experiences and funding charitable programming initiatives for children and families battling the disease.

Colorful Earrings Made From Female Artisans

In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, local women who lived by the coast would collect sea glass by hand. These pieces then get cut and transformed into the earrings you see here. Not only will they make for a colorful finishing touch to an outfit, every purchase supports Gift of Hope Haiti, a charity organization that was created to provide employment for mothers in poverty.