The holiday season is all about giving – and it’s even cooler when the gift you give, also gives back to a charitable organization. If you know where to look, there are some absolutely lovely and fashionable presents you can get for your loved ones, and the purchase will also benefit a cause truly worth supporting! Here are some of my favorite gifts that give back – just in time for the 25th!
Heart Of Haiti items at Macy’s.
The assistance that Haiti requires is urgent, vast in scope, and absolutely undeniable regardless of which side of the political spectrum you’re on. That’s why I love the concept of Macy’s Heart Of Haitipartnership – artisans in Haiti use materials like recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier mache, and stone to create incredible artistic crafts that will add color and spice to your home decor. Proceeds help to provide nutrition, education and healthcare to artisans in Haiti. I especially admire the colonial tray, and the fire bird hurricane candle holder is a lovely conversation piece. I have the necklace holder, which is so lovely and amazing that it breaks my heart to tell you it’s sold out for the holidays. But the candle holders and bowls are still in stock and make a striking gift!
Rachel Roy’s Pakistan tote bag.
You already know how I feel about Rachel Roy! She’s the bee’s knees and the cat’s pajamas in my book as it is (and if she comes through with that plus size line, boy howdy!) I love her design aesthetic, and her continually charitable nature. I love the concept and execution of her Pakistan tote, which is signed by tons of her famous friends. For each tote sold, Rachel will donate $20 to UNICEF’s efforts in disaster relief and recovery for the victims of the Pakistan floods. The cotton and linen tote costs $20 and boldly states the intent behind it. Kindness is always fashionable, so go forth and be as fashionable as you can!
Kiehls and Koons Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection
Kiehls has a long history, and charitable support has long been a prominent part of their business. This year’s charity-supporting initiative is particularly pleasing to the eye and the olfactory senses. The Kiehls and Koons Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection is a four-piece collection of luxurious skin-pleasing goodness. The Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter smells absolutely edible, a decadent blend of honey and soy milk. And the packaging features the artwork of TULIPS by Jeff Koons. And Kiehls just released a second, extremely Limited Edition Creme de Corps (500ml) adorned with an image of Large Vase of Flowers installed in the Queen’s Bedchamber at Versailles – the 16.9 oz. size of Creme de Corps costs $45. 100% of Kiehl’s net profits from the sale of each product will benefit The Koons Family Institute, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC).
Toms are known to be charitable and functional – but fashionable? YES. Have you seen the Glitter Toms yet? I saw quite a few very stylish women rocking them with LBDs and flowy wide legged pants during last New York Fashion Week, and I fell in LOVE. Ever since then I’ve been dying to get a pair in gold. And if Toms ever made their super popular Ash Vegan wrap boots in black glitter, I’d be ALL OVER THEM. And of course, for every pair bought, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need as part of their One for One initiative. Win/win.
If you want to get your loved one or dear friend a gift that supports charity but don’t quite know which charity to pick – go to your nearest Lush locale and get the Lush Charity Pot. The deeply moisturizing body butter within is made with skin-softening Fair Trade cocoa butter and almond oil, and Lush donates 100% of the proceeds to carefully selected charities around the world that support animal rights, environmental protection and humanitarian concerns. Click here to purchase, learn more, or suggest a fitting charity you may know of!
Do you know of any other great gift items that also give back? Let me know in the comments!
I used to work for LUSH and i must say…not only is Charity Pot giving to great organizations its an amazing product & feels so good on the skin. Its not extra greasy & is beneficialto all skin types.
Thanks so much for your post on #heartofhaiti. We met at Blogalicious. I truly believe that every blog post, every mention and certainly every purchase goes a long way towards helping the artists in Haiti and their families. Afrobella, you give back through your heartfelt posts!!
Danica
(Note I work for Everywhere and am involved in helping to promote the Heart of Haiti campaign through social media.)