gift

Christmas Gift Ideas That Support a Cause

In our age of abundance, it can be hard sometimes to come up with Christmas gift ideas for loved ones. Many of us have all that we need in our houses, and gifts that are funny or cute in the moment, often end up relegated to the garage or donate pile not long afterward.

But, with a rise in stakeholder capitalism and socially conscious companies, there are many companies which not only make amazing products, they are also working to save the environment and better the world through social activism. Whether your money goes to employing fair trade artisans or donating to charity, giving a gift that supports a cause means you get the double feel-good vibes of investing in the well-being of those less fortunate. In the end, isn’t this what the holiday spirit is about?

Not only that, but studies have also shown that giving gifts, caring for others and performing acts of kindness can all provide boosts to your mood and happiness levels. A study called, “Do unto others or treat yourself?” showed an increase in the levels of psychological flourishing after performing acts of kindness, including social well-being and emotional well-being of the participants. It showed, when we are kind to one another, we actually achieve a higher level of positive emotions compared to being kind to ourselves.

So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at our list of 18 Christmas gift ideas that support a cause – helping you bring joy to your friends and family, while helping you feel good too. Read on!

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

The following women-owned businesses are all committed to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

1. SheEO is a global community of radically generous women who support women-owned businesses that are committed to solving the world’s to-do list (otherwise known as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals). Check out the SheEO 2020 Holiday Gift Guide to support women-led and women-owned Ventures that are working on the World’s To-Do List when purchasing gifts for friends.
2. BeauTex Designs is a collection of sustainable work wear and eco-friendly shoes designed to be as reliable and hard working as you. Their gender neutral, eco vegan shoes are made from recycled plastic water bottles diverted from oceans and landfill and the soles are made from a combination of recycled rubber. 
3. Code Like A Girl is a social enterprise providing girls and women with the confidence, tools, knowledge and support to enter, and flourish, in the world of coding! Why not buy someone you know (kids or adults) a course to get them started!
4. Grow Your Mind wants to see children, families and teachers with the same awareness of looking after their mental health as they do for their physical health. They exist to make topics such as brain awareness, resilience, mindfulness and compassion relatable for all. Check out their shop for resilience kits, journals and more.
5. Pure Peony cremes, soap and shampoo naturally heals irritated inflamed skin using scientifically proven peony root extract from our organic farm.
6. The World’s Biggest Garage Sale aims to activate dormant goods for good as a way to make purposeful profit that creates a positive impact on people and the planet.

Environmentally Conscious Gifts

The following companies and products are all environmentally friendly and sustainable. Here are some Christmas gift ideas that also protects our planet this Christmas?

Socially Conscious Gift Ideas

Whether you’re contributing to ending slavery or helping people less fortunate than you, the following companies and products are all committed to making the world a better place.

1. The Tote project creates fair trade, organic tote bags sewn by human trafficking survivors. Each bag supports survivors in the US as they pursue their dreams.
2. Warby Parker realised that 15% of the world’s population lack access to glasses, making it difficult for those individuals to navigate the world clearly. Every time you buy a pair of glasses, a pair is distributed to someone in need.
3. Did you know socks are the most requested clothing item in homeless shelters? Bombas knows this, and it’s why they’ve donated more than 10million pair of socks. All you need to do is buy one pair of socks to have one pair donated.
4. One of the original B Corp companies, Toms has been using sustainable materials, being transparent about their supply chain, and donating profits to help partners create positive change for people to feel physically safe, mentally healthy, and have equal access to opportunity. They recently surpassed the $2 million mark for donations.

Secret Santa Gift Ideas and Gag Gifts

Are you looking for Christmas gift ideas to make people laugh? Need something for the office Christmas party? We’ve got you covered there too…

1. Given the mad rush to stockpile toilet paper this year, and the fact that EVERYONE uses it, why not gift wrap some socially conscious toilet paper from Who Gives a Crap? Who Gives A Crap was started after the founders learnt that 2.4 billion people don’t have access to a toilet meaning that around 289,000 children under five die every year from diarrhea diseases caused by poor water and sanitation. They donate 50% of profits to help build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world.
2. Do you know someone who loves The Crown? Or perhaps they’re a bit full of themselves? Either way, this next company has you covered… Established Titles is a Scottish company that is using the Scottish land ownership laws to sell plots of land. The money contributes to the preservation and protection of woodland areas in Scotland, and the owner of the land is granted the title of Lord or Lady. Yes, this is fully legit. You can buy a small piece of Scottish land, and come away with a title for you or a loved one, while at the same time preserving the beautiful Sottish woodlands. Not only that, but they plan a tree for every order.

Giving Back to People in Need

We can all agree 2020 has been a tough year and for some, this means that Christmas will be even tougher. If you’re at the point where your loved one really doesn’t need anything more in their house, why not consider making a donation on their behalf – that way 100 percent of your gift will help someone in need.

The Salvation Army makes it easy for you to make a direct difference in someone’s life this Christmas. From buying someone a Christmas lunch, or a warm cup of soup, to a Santa stocking for kids or a phone call to an elderly person who is alone, there are so many ways to give back to people in need. Explore the heartwarming range of ideas to relieve suffering in our community from only $5.

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