Sponsored by PayPal

5 Chic Holiday Gifts From Businesses That Lift Women Up

By Suzanne McKenzie

The only better feeling than receiving a thoughtful gift is opening something that you know also benefits a good cause. In the midst of the holiday craziness, it can be so easy to trudge through your annual shopping list, with little or no regard to the impact (or lack thereof) that your purchase is making on others.

That's why this year, I resolved to start making an effort to shop businesses whose practices I not only believe in, but that inspire me by their quests to make the world a better place.

And when it comes to improving the world around us, a great place to start is helping improve the lives of women. Whether it be through donations, employment programs, or artisan partnerships, there are tons of businesses out there that use their resources to uplift women.

To make giving better easier than ever this year, Bustle teamed up with PayPal to find gifts for your best gals, all of which (bonus!) come from businesses that give back to women in all kinds of incredible ways. So go ahead and skip the coffee gift cards and the stale fruit cake this year, and instead keep scrolling so you can surprise your fave lady with a gift she'll love the meaning behind just as much as she loves the gift itself.

A Throw Pillow That Adds Spice To Any Room
Palace Pillow
$105
|
Block Shop
Help your loved one spruce up their space with this gorgeous hand-dyed pillow from Block Shop, a women-founded and owned textile company whose main goal is to support the Indian hand block printing tradition. Even better? Their entire executive team is made up of talented ladies.
A Candle With A Glowing Mission
Happy Holidays Candle
$34
|
The Little Market
Nothing sets a holiday mood quite like a scented candle, and this is one you can feel great about gifting. Each purchase directly supports the resettled refugees who are making them by providing a living wage, plus skills that help them start a family-supporting business of their own.
An On-Theme, Reusable Holiday Shopping Bag
Gift Tote
$12
|
The Little Market
Got a friend who loves to shop? Gift her this in-season tote from The Little Market for all her holiday shopping spree needs. Each tote is handmade with sustainable fabric in Bangladesh by artisan women, and bonus: all of The Little Market's products support economic wellbeing of women all over the world.
A Spa Set That Helps Her Feel Good Inside And Out
Spa Gift Set - Classic
$76
|
The Little Market
Another standout from The Little Market, this luxurious spa set will be perfect for anyone in your life who deserves a little R&R. It comes with sugar scrub and soaking salt, both of which are handmade by young mothers in Bright Endeavors' paid job-training program, handmade soap that supports homeless women via MADE by DWC, and more.
Something Soft For The Cat-Lovers In Your Life
Gracie Cat Toy
$68
|
Hazel Village
Whether you have a stuffed animal-loving niece or nephew on your list, or you just have a friend who's a huge fan of cats, this unique handmade toy might just be the perfect present. Hazel Village is women-owned and committed to running a socially responsible business — they ensure this by partnering with organizations that lift up artisans with job training and fair wages.

This post is sponsored by PayPal.