35 truly fabulous gifts that give back to 35 fabulous causes
We’re always committed to showcasing our favorite gifts that give back, but this year in particular, there are just so many charities and issues in need of attention. If you have big-hearted friends or family with causes that are near and dear to them, we’re here to help with some outstanding gift ideas that donate some or all of the proceeds to support all kinds of charities. And be sure to look around the shops for even more fantastic gifts that give back — and maybe if you’re feeling extra generous, consider making a cash donation in a friend’s name too. That’s really the spirit of the season.
Don’t miss our $500 Etsy gift card giveaway to help support independent makers and designers. Visit our main holiday gift guide page for details.
All gifts have been editorially determined by our staff, there is no compensation in exchange for picks. CMP is an rstyle and Amazon affiliate. Discount codes expire 12/31/16.
To Support Military Families:
Sterling Dog Tag Style Locket with Your Photos
We’re big fans of the beautifully made keepsake lockets from with You lockets, and so happy to discover they’ve branched out to offer this unisex silver dog tag with a slot on the back for a photo. It was named for the “spitfilre, hellraiser and solider grandfather” of the CEO to honor his memory, and support other veterans through the American Fallen Soldiers Project.
$129, With You Locket
To Support LGBT Youth:
Sparkling Brut Pride Box
These gift sets help fund operational costs for a help line for LGBT youth in need. We love the combo of celebratory glitter edition champagne, rainbow disco ball bottle necker, confetti, and card from CMP fave Emily McDowell.
$99, One Hope
To Support Environmental Action:
Tree of Life Ornament
There are plenty of ornaments through the NWF gift shop to support this fantastic org, but this tree of life seems perfect for…your tree.
$9.99, National Wildlife Federation
To Support Children Impacted by Hunger:
Fair Trade Hand-Knit Dolls
For every one of the adorable dolls purchased, 10 meals are provided to children through World Food Program USA and the Children’s Hunger Fund. The doll even comes with a little cloth bracelet to remind the recipient of this kindness.
$45-95, Cuddle & Kind
To support the fight for tolerance, justice + civil rights:
Totem Candle Bundle
Not only do we love these modern, unscented beeswax candles, but a portion will be donated to the support the important work of the Southern Poverty Law Center through 12/10 | Entire set of 9 is 15% off
$120, Areaware
To Support Cystic Fibrosis Research:
Sterling Breathe Necklace
Julie Booras makes just gorgeous, substantial keepsake jewelry that we’ve loved for years, and we’d recommend this necklace even if it weren’t donating 25% of the proceeds to an outstanding resource. But it is.
$125, Heart and Stone Jewelry
To Support US Food Banks:
Bosc Pear BOGO Gift Box
Too many families are hungry around the world, and that includes right here in the US. The fruit baskets from this amazing company are matched pound-for-pound with a fresh fruit donation to a food bank.
$39.95+, Donate Fruit
To Support the US Homeless:
Handknit Beanies
For the past two years, we’ve loved the hip clothing and accessories from this Austin company that operates with a buy one-gift one model for those without hats, gloves or socks, while employing local people in need through shelters and placement agencies. | $10 off orders $60+ with code 10for60
$24-26, Mitscoots
To Help Low-Income US Entrepreneurs in the Food Industry:
All-Natural Gourmet Treat Gift Boxes
This wonderful company not only makes delicious chocolates with a commitment to sustainable and earth-friendly practices, but they donate a percentage of net profits to La Cocina, a non-profit food business incubator in San Francisco that helps low income entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. | Free shipping orders $75+
$16-95, Kika’s Treats
To Support Native American Artisans:
Hand Beaded Luxe Hoop Earrings
Native Americans reservations are among the poorest in the US, and this New Mexico company was founded with the purpose of employing local artisans to help preserve their important cultural history and offer opportunities to make a living wage. The result is a collection of spectacular beaded earrings and bracelets (really, they are just gorgeous) all made using unique traditional Navajo techniques and equipment.
$350, Etkie
To Support Teens Transitioning out of Foster Care:
Leather Studded Touch Gloves
Through 12/24, for any purchase in the Cold Weather Shop of Echo Design, a similar item will be donated to give a young woman a chance to transition to independence from the foster care system. There are tons of great scarves, cowls, hats and gloves, but it’s these super hip touch screen gloves in studded black leather we think are pretty hot.
$129, Echo Design
To Support Children with Cancer and their Families:
Joy Ceramic Mug
How sweet is this mug that happens to support one of our favorite all-time charities, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. They do so much incredible work with children suffering from cancer and other terminal illnesses. To learn more, check out these 10 things you probably don’t know about St. Jude’s that we learned on a visit with them earlierthis year. Remarkable.
$15, St Jude’s Gift Shop
To Support Education for Children Worldwide:
Monogrammed Blanket Scarf
Love this cozy scarf, even before we knew proceeds help support Pencils of Promise to provide education to kids in need around the world.
$42, Rosa Gold
To Support Postpartum Mental Health:
Hair Tie #BandofStrength Bracelet
If you know someone who needs an upgrade from the hairband she’s always wearing around her wrist (we’re guilty too!) Maria Shireen makes gorgeous hair ties that double as chic bangles. This one in particular supports one of our favorite non-profits, Postpartum Progress, which offers essential suport to mothers suffering from depression and mental health issues to lift them up and help them see the light.
$40, Maria Shireen
To Support STEAM Education for Underserved Youth
i.am+ buttons Bluetooth Earbuds
This brand new company founded by will.i.am is combining music, fashion, and technology to make stylish, high-performance earbuds. Purchases don’t directly support causes with donations; however will.i.am is a notable philanthropist, with projects that include i.am.steam educational programs, to help transform the lives of underserved youth starting in his hometown LA neighborhood. So we’re happy to support all of his commercial endeavors, knowing profits are put to so much good use.
$229.95, i.am+
To Support Darfur Aid:
Chocolate Caramels + Bracelet Gift Set
Relief International benefits from this amazing gift set from Compartés, and if you’re buying it for a family or a couple, you can even purchase additional bracelets separately so there’s one for everyone.
$55, Compartés
To Support LGBTQ Equality:
Alex & Chloe Painted Heart Tee
We love everything about the Human Rights Campaign, which can use a lot of support right now. This Alex & Chloe collaboration tee is so poignant in its simplicity, plus profits go to a noble cause.
We’re sorry, but this item is no longer available.
$35, Human Rights Campaign Shop
To Protect Children’s Lives:
Beaded Rattan Basket
The UNICEF Market has so many incredible items to support kids all around the world, but this basket in particular caught our eye with its vibrant beading that would look fantastic in any decor.
$69.99, UNICEF Market
To Support Women’s Rights:
Feminist Heart Pin
NOW will benefit with a full 40% of all profits from this fab handmade pin made from an original illustration by Michigan artist Sara Pulver. We know about a zillion women on our lists who’d love one. (And men, too.) Check out her shop for other nifty gifts that give back.
$8, Dear Ollie
To Support Animal Rescue:
Pinot for Paws Gift Box
A California Pinot Noir for the two-legged recipient, and a few treats for the four-legged one mean you’ve helped to provide a forever home for one shelter animal through the ASPCA.
$49, One Hope
To Support AIDS Initiatives:
Barbra Streisand Funny Girl Ornament by Christopher Radko
The Broadway Cares shop is filled with fantastic gifts that provide AIDS support and funding, but it’s vintage Broadway Babs that we want on our trees this year.
$60, Broadway Cares
To Support Fair Trade Initiatives:
Compass Bracelet
All the lovely jewelry from Brave is woven and carved by hand by Cambodian artisans who come from underprivileged backgrounds or suffer from disabilites. The work helps them earn fair wages and benefits; while an additional percentage of the company’s profits are donated to fight human tracking in Cambodia.
$45, The Brave Collection
To Support Single Mothers + Widows:
Eco-Dyed Silk Malaysian Scarf
This hand-dyed eco-scarf is making us swoon. Especially knowing it benefits single mothers and widows in Southeast Asia to help them provide for their families with dignity. | Get 15% off your first purchase with newsletter sign-up
$78, Raven & Lilly
To Support Gun Violence Prevention + Police Departments:
Upcycled Metal Cufflinks from Gun Buyback Programs
Beyond these amazing cufflinks, you’ll find incredible bangle bracelets and cuffs, all made using metal from illegal guns and shell casings seized by local police departments or turned over via gun buyback programs, and stamped with the city name and firearm serial number. In addition, a percentage of all purchases are donated back to cities including Detroit, Miami, Newark, Hartford and San Francisco so they can continue the good work of getting illegal guns off the street and keeping communities safer. Since they were founded in 2012 in collaboration with Newark Mayor Cory Booker, they’ve raised over $147,000 for police departments.
$270, Caliber Collection
To Support Autism Research:
NEST Blue Garden Candle
So many people are fans of NEST candles, and they’ve made this beautiful blue garden version, with scents of hyacinth and forget-me-nots, exclusively to benefit Autism Speaks.
$39.95, Autism Speaks Store
To Support Global Maternal Health:
Illuminate Cuff Bracelet
Cult favorite jewelry company, Stella & Dot has created this gold-plated cuff with hand woven accents with 100% of the net proceeds benefiting the maternal eatlh efforts of Every Mother Counts. Inside, you’ll find words for mother, sister, daughter embossed in three languages making this a great gift for, well, a mother, sister, or daughter. Maybe even someone who’s all three. You can buy it from a favorite indepdent stylist, or right from the website.
$39, Stella & Dot
To Help End Rural Poverty in the US:
Beacon Alley Bamboo Skateboard
Non-profit HERO started more than 20 years ago to help end poverty in the Alabama rural black belt. While they’re best known for their bikes made sustainably from locally grown bamboo, they’re now out with this gorgeous skateboard that also helps provide economic development opportunities in Greensboro.
$200, HERObike
To Create Job Opportunities for At-Risk Women:
Abera Crossbody Leather Tote
Every bag, piece of jewelry, scarf and accessory from fashionABLE is something sure to be loved by someone on your gift list. But our hearts are with the striking two-tone crossbody leather tote. You can even have it personalized for an extra $8 making it extra special. And it’s so fantastic knowing your purchase is creating real career opportunities for women in Ethiopia including healthcare, education, and care for their families.
$178, fashionAble
To Support Women in the US who are Former Refugees or Trafficking Victims:
Teal Layering Necklace
From the Freedom USA Collection of jewelry from nonprofit Passion & Compassion, this meaningful triple-strand beaded necklace is made by women in North Carolina overcoming poverty, injustice and exploitation. However proceeds help to benefit women in need both here and abroad.
$68, To the Market
To Support Global Conservation:
Panda Mittens
Emblazoned with the WWF’s well-loved logo, we’re smitten with mittens! Can you blame us?
$55, WWF Store
To Support Womens’ Healthcare Access:
Nasty Heart Charm Necklace
If you have a BFF channeling her inner nasty woman, she’ll love this edgy necklace handmade in LA. 25% of sales supports Planned Parenthood’s mission to provide invaluable health services, from pap smears to breast exams, to nearly 5 million patients a year. There’s so much fun stuff in the shop — just know it’s not all quite so G rated!
$44, Bunnies in LA
To Create Career Opportunities for Artisans in Poverty:
Raw Wood Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Everything at Enrou is just lovely and supports meaningful impact in 47 communities worldwide. We’re coveting this handcrafted natural wooden cheese board in particular, which is made by artisans in Sub-Saharan Africa. | $10 off your first purchase when you signup for the newsletter
$150, Enrou
To Support Breast Cancer Research:
Tory Burch Eau de Parfum Rollerball
This limited edition feminine fragrance from Tory Burch is a great, affordable gift that lots of women will love. Plus, 20% of the purchase price goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
$29, Macy’s
To Support American Civil Liberties:
Pocket Constitution of the United States
We’re big fans of the ACLU, which works vigorously to protect and defend the constitutional rights of every American. We think this 10-pack of pocket constitutions makes for great stocking stuffers for adults, or add-on gifts for socially conscious friends and family — all while supporting the ACLU’s vital efforts.
$11.99/10, ACLU shop
To Support Her Own Favorite Pet Causes:
Altruette Charm Bracelets
Whatever her favorite charitable cause, from education to animals to children to education and the arts, Altruette has a charm for it. Buy one to add on to a bracelet or necklace she already owns, or check out their collections that help support multiple charities with similar missions. Talk about a statement piece!