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Gifts that Give Back 2021 Edit.
In the few days since Halloween, I've already seen a restaurant decked out in holiday decor and heard Christmas music blaring from a passing car, which of course, is a good indication that the holidays are right around the corner! It may seem a little premature to start holiday shopping (I usually wait until the last minute), but given the current supply chain crisis, it's better to get a head start. Throughout November, I will be sharing some gift guides for gift giving and wish list inspiration.
The first gift guide is a continuation of last year's Gifts that Give Back. This year, I've discovered over twenty more brands that believe in giving back all year round! Their respective missions support causes related to protecting the environment, saving animals, providing care and resources to underprivileged communities, mental health awareness, and fighting for social justice, to name a few.
Especially considering the impact of the pandemic, it may not be the easiest time to donate. Fortunately, these companies make contributions to various causes with every purchase. Some companies use a buy-one-give-one model, while others donate a percentage of the purchase price or net profits to various charities and nonprofits. The point is, your purchase will benefit more than just the gift recipient.
Whether you are shopping for individuals who are passionate about a specific cause or you're interested in doing your part to make the world a better place, I hope this guide helps and inspires you to give back this holiday season!
Remember to refer to last year's Gifts that Give Back post for even more brands that are improving the world one gift at a time!
~Leah
give back to... MENTAL HEALTH
Every solution starts with a conversation. Therefore, I am a strong advocate for the destigmatization of mental health issues, and I am excited to have discovered more brands that share the same passion.
I'MMANY donates 15% of the net proceeds from the Flower Power collection to the Loveland Foundation. This foundation provides mental health support for communities of color, specifically Black women and girls.
Awareness Avenue strives to empower women by creating jewelry that encourages a positive self-image and healthy thinking habits. The company donates 5% of its profits from jewelry sales to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the country and is dedicated to bettering the lives of those impacted by mental illness.
Happiness Project is on a mission to spread happiness throughout the world and support those impacted by mental health issues. The company donates 15% of its profits to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This organization is dedicated to saving lives and supporting those affected by suicide. In 2020, Happiness Project donated over $50,000 to mental health efforts.
You Are Enough Co.
Founded by someone who lost a close friend to his mental health battle, You Are Enough Co. aims to normalize mental health conversations and encourage people to seek help and talk about their insecurities and mental health battles. 100% of the company's net proceeds go to mental health awareness and research.
IDONTMIND is an official campaign of Mental Health America. This nonprofit is dedicated to supporting those affected by mental illness and works to promote the overall mental health of all people. This campaign aims to inspire open and honest conversations regarding mental health. 100% of the proceeds from IDONTMIND sales support Mental Health America.
give back to... HUMANS
From empowering women, promoting literacy initiatives, and providing support for individuals living in difficult circumstances, these brands are working to uplift the global community!
Led by a team of wonderfully creative, inspiring women (and men who wholeheartedly support female empowerment,) bloom daily planners® is on a mission to inspire and empower others to bloom into the best versions of themselves. In addition to volunteer work, bloom donates to several organizations such as the Kids in Need Foundation, NEDA Feeding Hope, and Girls on the Run, to name a few.
As someone with a behind-the-scenes perspective, the company's desire to give back to the community and make the world a kinder place is palpable and deeply engrained in bloom's culture.
In addition to being sustainably and ethically made, each candle is poured to order by a former female refugee building a new life in the United States. Prosperity Candle aims to create opportunities for women artisans and refugees through the art of candle-making. This social enterprise believes providing equal opportunities to women and girls everywhere will lead to a brighter future for all.
Serengetee supports artisans, their families, and ancient fabric-making traditions by purchasing fabrics from over 25 countries. In addition, Serengetee donates 10% of its profits to grassroots causes that help improve the lives of the individuals living in the fabric's country of origin.
Every purchase from Out of Print helps support the company's mission of spreading the joy of reading to communities in need. To date, Out of Print has donated over 5 million books and has provided funds to several literacy programs around the world.
To help support the homeless community, Bombas donates one item to a shelter, nonprofit, or organization for every item purchased. The company works with over 3,500 Giving Partners across the country and has donated over 50 million items to people affected by homelessness.
give back to... the ENVIRONMENT
There is no Planet B; these brands understand the importance of reducing humanity's negative environmental impact and are doing their part to make the world a greener and safer place for future generations.
Sea Bags creates artisanal products from used sails primarily sourced from Maine and New England. The company uses eco-friendly inks and innovative manufacturing processes to reduce scrap. Since 1999, Sea Bags has prevented 700 tons of materials from going into landfills.
Park Project aims to protect and preserve U.S national parks. The company invests in advocacy and education, habitat and wildlife restoration, visitor programs, and youth initiatives. To date, the company has contributed over $2,000,000 to parks across the country.
GoodBeads supports worldwide wildlife protection and environmental conservation initiatives. For every purchase of GoodBeads' handmade jewelry, the company donates $5.00 to nonprofits dedicated to preserving natural resources and wildlife.
Juniper Ridge is a women-led company based on a sustainable eco-industrial lot in California. Through their Wilderness Defense Program, the company donates 10% of their profits or 1% of sales (whichever is greater) each year to organizations that protect the wilderness.
As part of their commitment to making choices that prioritize the planet and people first, tentree plants ten trees for every item sold. So far, the company has planted over 65 million trees and is on a mission to plant 1 billion trees by 2030. In addition to their planting project, tentree uses sustainable materials and continuously looks for ways to minimize its environmental footprint.
give back to... ANIMALS
Between man's best friend, my best friend (cats), and endangered species, these brands are helping to support and protect the wonderful creatures that are often left defenseless.
Aside from producing organic and eco-friendly coffee, Grounds & Hounds partners with animal rescue and welfare organizations across the country to help support at-risk pups. 20% of the company's profits go towards funding rescue initiatives. To date, Grounds & Hounds has funded 2.2 million shelter meals, supported 350+ rescue organizations, and helped to transfer over 3000 rescue pups.
MEOW is dedicated to saving homeless cats and supports organizations that help find safe and loving homes for abandoned cats. The company donates 10% of its net profits to no-kill animal shelters and cat charities. In the past five years, MEOW has donated over $500,000 to no-kill shelters and humane societies.
Rescue Chocolate makes vegan, fairly traded, organic chocolate that supports the company's efforts to raise funds for rescues. Rescue Chocolates donates 100% of the net profits from each chocolate sale to animal rescue organizations across the country. The packaging for each flavor of chocolate also highlights an issue facing the pet community.
Charity Paws aims to bring awareness to animal welfare issues. Through partnerships with various rescues and shelters, Charity Paws donates 5%-30% of every sale to an animal organization. In addition to supporting animals, the company also strives to make eco-friendly and ethically made products.
Under the Skin ensures 20% of print proceeds go directly towards the protection of endangered and at-risk animals. Under the Skin works with fifteen charities that are species-specific, sustainable, and local. Through their partnership, the company supports protection efforts for 17 of the world's vulnerable species.
give back to... any good cause of your choice
There are numerous ways to make the world a better place, but I believe the most effective path to be the one forged by passion. No one issue resonates with everyone. Therefore, these brands allow the customer to choose which initiative their purchase benefits.
Each bracelet in the Lokai Cause Collection supports a specific issue facing our world. Lokai donates a percentage of the profits from each sale to a charity relating to the bracelet's respective cause. The Cause Collection supports efforts related to mental health, cancer, various illnesses, endangered animals, environmental protection, social issues, children-in-need, and veterans.
BANDITS bandanas are sustainably made, support various charities worldwide, and feature exclusive designs by commissioned artists. For every purchase, BANDITS donates 10% of the proceeds to charities chosen by the artist who designed the specific bandana. To date, BANDITS has raised $100,000 for global charities and supported 52 organizations. BANDITS supports efforts related to the environment and conservation, social justice and rights, animal welfare, arts and education, and health and human services.
Ethically made in the U.S, Bird + Stone products support a variety of important causes. For every purchase, Bird + Stone donates a minimum of 10% of the purchase price. Bird + Stone donates to initiatives relating to women in politics, poverty, climate change, girls' education, social issues, and women's health.
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