Christmas time is coming, and we all want to show that we care. We want to buy the best gifts, to help those in need, to give as much as we can.
In related news, we’re all ridiculously broke.
Luckily, there are some affordable gifts which offer the best of both worlds: products that return profits to charity. Yes, it would be great if we could just donate to charity directly. We should donate to charity directly. But, right or wrong, that look on a loved one’s face when they receive the perfect gift Christmas morning often takes precedent. Shopping for the perfect gift with charity in mind, however, can end with a major win-win.
I only posted products that give at LEAST 100% of net profits to charity (some products, like the Charity Pots, actually cover production costs and donate every cent of the sale). Note, of course, that a lot of these products are sustainable or fair trade, so overhead costs may be higher–for good reason.
(note: the pictures on my blog almost always belong to me, but the pictures used in this post were taken from vendors’ websites)
Sold by: Caring & Sharing Ottawa (in cooperation with Hallmark)
Cost: $15
Charity: Caring & Sharing Ottawa
Sold By: Lush
Price: $22.95
Charity: Variety of grassroots organizations (pick your favourite to support!)
Sold by: Global Benefit Coffee Company
Price: $13.95-$20.00, plus shipping & handling
Charity: The Water Project–profits will help build more wells in Rwanda
- I’ve mentioned how much I love coffee before, right?
Sold by: Philosophy
Price: $20
Charity: The Rainforest Foundation
Also check out: “to believe” cranberry currant shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath, which supports WhyHunger
Sold by: www.joanhornig.com
Price: Ranges from $30 (notepads, bookmarks, small bracelets) to several thousand dollars. My personal recommendation is to check out the necklaces and earrings in the silver collection, which start from $46.
Charity: Your choice!
Sold by: MAC cosmetics
Price: $18
Charity: MAC AIDS Fund
Sold by: Theory11
Price: $5
Charity: charity: water
Sold by: http://shop.pottermore.com/
Price: $6.35
Charity: Children’s charity Lumos
More Giving²:
Causeshoppe.com — A great resource to learn about and buy some of the best philanthropic goods on the market.
Peacekeeper Cause-Metics — vegan make up and nail polish. Puts 100% of profits towards women’s human rights causes and organizations.
Give Something Back Office Supplies — Known for it’s high corporate donor status, Give Something Back sells everything for the office, from furniture to coffee to recycled paper.
Don’t forget to look into tickets to events that support charity, too! Most sports teams have special charity games, while entertainment venues can house special shows for charity throughout the year–the National Arts Center’s annual Cracking up the Capital for Mental Health is a personal favourite!
Happy giving season, everyone!!
Shaunanagins 