10 Gifts That Give Back

We know that the holidays are all about giving, but with consumerism at an all-time high it can be hard to remember or really feel that. And we do so adore gifting presents, but would love if some of that support made its way back to worthwhile causes. That has a ripple effect as the kiddos start to see gift giving with a conscience in action and learn about the power of the mighty dollar to create positive change. Here are some picks for gifts that truly give back and support movements, campaigns and organizations that are doing great work. Presents are still packaged, but causes in need also benefit – and that is truly in keeping with the season.

Purchasing this wooden recycling truck supports toy makers in rural Sri Lanka where jobs are hard to find. Many of the artisans have been able to move into permanent homes from the wages earned. Plus, this wooden truck contains no plastic and seeds the message of recycling at an early age! $36; Available at tenthousandvillages.ca

The purchase of any of the Body Shop’s holiday collection helps support the Peace Play Project in Lebanon, which provides a safe place for Syrian refugee children to play and participate in activities. And this gift keeps on giving. It’s a great gift box for three different varieties of fruity shower gels and lip butters inside, and can then be used as a money box to help the kiddos learn how to save money for future purchases (and charitable giving). $28; Available at bodyshop.com

Chocolate is always ideal, so we love the idea of a chocolate that gives back. Me to We offers this chocolate sustainably produced with cacao beans from Ecuador, supporting healthcare in Ecuador and empowering cacao farmers and the women who make each bar by hand. This is a great teacher gift or stocking stuffer. $5; Available at metowe.com

These sweet affirmation cards are full of important messages, from “I am authentic” to “I am brilliant”, which will power the wee ones with self-confidence, self-love and self-worth. These powers are not only good for the recipients – with every purchase, Love Powered Co. will gift a digital version of the Love Powered Boxed Set to a teacher who can use it to foster positive thinking and affirmation in the classroom. What a gorgeous, mindful offering! From $15; Available at lovepoweredco.com

We all adore Earth Rangers and the wealth of information and missions they provide on their website. So we know the kiddos will be excited to own their very own Earth Rangers notebook, covered with colourful animals. The blank pages inside are great for sketching or jotting down ideas about how to save the world (plus, it’s made from recycled paper). Proceeds from the notebooks go back into supporting Earth Rangers education programs. $14; Available at theearthrangersshop.com

Our little ones adore wildlife so much and want nothing more than to help. Thankfully, the World Wildlife Fund has been sticking up for critters for decades. By adopting an animal, the lucky recipient gets a gorgeous stuffie to remind them of their support and WWF receives funds to keep working tirelessly to protect animals. We adore the Canadian lynx but it was the river otter that really captured our hearts. $40; Available at WWF

This time of year everyone is yearning for fuzzy slippers to warm up frosty toes. Not only will these slippers get a ton of use over the holidays and in winter in general, purchasing a pair means that Tom’s gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. That can make a big difference for youth who aren’t as fortunate as us. $50, Available at toms.ca

For every product purchased, Ten Trees will plant ten trees – just like the name suggests! And that’s a good thing, because we know how amazing trees are. They reduce our carbon footprint, provide awesome habitats for birds and other wildlife, help prevent erosion, and are also very pretty to look at. The recipient of this beanie will be super stoked because not only does it look cool and keep them warm, but they’ll know that it enabled planting ten trees, which can then be tracked via the tree registry. That’s a good deed, alright. $30; Available at tentree.ca

Calling all ocean lovers – this bracelet is made with beads made from recycled glass bottles and the cord is made from recycled plastic bottles. Plus, every bracelet purchased funds the removal of one pound of garbage from the ocean – action that is sorely needed in this age of plastic waste. $20 USD; Available at 4ocean.com

Kids always need clothes, and this minimalist long-sleeved shirt pleases everyone in the family. Patagonia is a leader in corporate social and environmental responsibility, so we are always happy to support their endeavours. This shirt in particular is made with organic cotton and post-consumer recycled polyester. It is also Fair-Trade certified, which means that Patagonia pays a premium to workers, who then decide how to use the extra money. $35; Available at patagonia.ca