You know those generous folks on your holiday shopping list—the do-gooders who make the world a better place? They’ll adore these handpicked charity Christmas gifts ideas and the range of “presents with a purpose” that give back to charity.
It’s here: that time of year full of magic, wonder … and lots of shopping. But this year, we’re here to help with making that list and checking it twice. We’ve already covered the ultimate list of gifts for travel lovers, but what about the best holiday gifts for charitable friends dedicated to supporting charities both close to home, and those organizations helping out in the communities they’ve visited on their travels?
For charity-focused friends, they may be working to save the planet, speaking out for struggling local charities, or advocating for women’s and children’s issues. No matter their nearest and dearest causes, these friends and family members have a heart of gold. They deserve the best, and that’s what they’ll get when you shop off our handy list of the ten best gifts that give back to charity.
Gifts for those Who Want to Choose
Uncommon Goods offers remarkable designs by independent makers, and they do it with a positive impact on both people and our planet. $1 from every Uncommon Goods sale always goes to a non-profit organization of the customer's choice (causes include forest conservation, anti-sexual violence and natural disaster relief). Gift something tasty like a Peanut Butter Sampler ($40). You can also give the gift of relaxation with these Calming Shower Steamers (starting at $25)- who doesn't like to be pampered?
Gifts for the Environmentalist
Those who care the most about preserving our beautiful planet are often the ones who are out there enjoying it, always looking for the next adventure whether at home or abroad. That makes perfect sense, of course. Once the wonders of nature are experienced, one develops a desire to protect them. The explorers on your list will no doubt appreciate sustainable, durable gear to last them through years worth of travel—using sustainable products and changing personal habits is a profound way to help shift money to businesses prioritizing our planet.
The Caldera 4-Wheel Carry On ($469) just might be the perfect pick. It avoids harm to the environment with it's 100% recycled Cordura® poly that has a low carbon footprint. You can count on this gift to last, as its sustainable fabrication provides extreme abrasion, tear and water resistance. A generous main compartment, large front compartment, and padded laptop sleeve ensure safe places to store all of your things.
Wearing the Wayfinder Waist Pack ($40) keeps hands free and lightens one’s loads, but there’s still plenty of room for adventure essentials. Perks include a fleece-lined electronics compartment, a key fob, and organizational compartments for tiny necessities. The main body is made of recycled plastic bottles (believe it!), which helps keep materials in the Wayfinder collection out of our oceans and waterways.
A whole lot lighter than it looks, Cargo Hauler Duffels (from $99) are the workhorse of any trip that goes off the beaten path. With huge wheels on the 110L and 130L versions, easy-to-access gear pockets and tie-down daisy chains on all sizes, Cargo Haulers can nimbly handle whatever backroads journeys are dished out. Plus, the bag is covered, like all Eagle Creek products, by the No Matter What” Warranty—an expert repair team works hard to keep bags out of landfills.
Experienced travelers have learned the value of staying organized and packing smart. The Pack-It Original Sac Set ($28) is a great gift thanks to its versatility. The different size pouches easily tuck away odd-shaped necessities of varying sizes, and it can just as easily be put to use back at home stashing toiletries, makeup, and more in the bathroom. Double-duty products like these are naturally planet-friendly.
Gifts for Women’s Health and Empowerment Advocates
The OOmg all-weather Boot ($200) features a patented footbed design to reduce pressure on ankles and lower backs—the parts that always seem to take a beating while doing a lot of walking while traveling. It’s a featherweight boot, with a thin shaft that can easily be rolled down for packing. And while most charity-related breast cancer products are pink, these chic black boots still aid in the fight. Each purchase helps find a cure for breast cancer.
The Little Market, a nonprofit founded by actress Lauren Conrad to empower women around the world, specializes in handcrafted gifts with a global flair. One example: Layered Tassel Earrings ($38), the purchase of which supports female artisans in Cambodia .
Gifts for Folks Who Take a Global View of Doing Good
Through Heifer International—a nonprofit aiming to end hunger and poverty by providing agricultural training to impoverished communities around the globe—you can gift life-changing livestock in honor of a loved one. Or, if you have a child on your shopping list, Heifer’s Plush Animals ($15) can inspire her or him to learn about the needs of others around the world. A portion of that purchase helps families achieve self-reliance through the gift of livestock.
Now, with some of the toughest people to buy for taken care of, it’s time to find great gifts for everyone else on your list!
Related Links (From Eagle Creek Blog):
20 Gifts Perfect for Millennial Travelers
Spring into Sustainability: Our 7 Favorite Eco-Friendly Buys
