Gifts That Give Back 2022

This year, it feels like holiday decorations were up before Halloween and Black Friday started two weeks earlier. I guess we just can’t wait to celebrate, so let me help you do just that! Like every year, I share a list of my favorite products to give and receive, but ones that also give back. Each of these are hand selected by me because they are not only wonderful gifts, but also meaningful. From empowering women and young girls to saving manta rays, these businesses make an environment or social impact. So make your holiday shopping worthwhile and give a unique, sustainable gift that also gives back in 2022 and beyond.

Fashion for The Ocean

A great gift for women who care about responsible fashion. FLORE QUO’s Iris cross-body shoulder bag ($350) is sleek and fashionable to carry during the holiday parties. I also use it to travel as it goes from the cocktail bar to the beach. The bag is made in Spain and comes with two crystals embellished interchangeable ornaments – signature Butterfly Crown and Manta. You can get it in pink, vibrant green and classic black.   

By wearing this bag, you won’t only make a fashion statement, but also show your love for the ocean and manta rays in particular. 10% of the profit from the bags are donated to the Manta Trust, a charity registered in England and Wales.    

Receive 10% off your purchase with FLORE QUO with code “GOEATGIVE.”

Jewelry for a Cause

Remember a loved one or give hope to someone battling a life threatening disease. Revive Jewelry’s affordable bracelets, rings and earrings (retail prices ranging from $25-$117) make for great gifts to moms, daughters, survivors and caregivers. Each of the pieces honors loved ones and survivors by incorporating cellular imagery in the design. The best part is you have flexibility to choose which cause you want to stand for.

10% of proceeds from sales are donated to an associated charity. For example, if you purchase the Forever Tied Awareness Bracelet, you can select which cause you want to give to – Alzheimers, breast cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. There are 18 causes to choose from.

Use code “GOEATGIVE” to get 10% off your purchase on Revive Jewelry. Valid through 12/31/22.

candles are gifts that give back

Candles by Refugees

Who cannot use a candle that gives back during the holidays? Prosperity Candle’s Burmese Candles ($28) are handmade with all-natural soy and coconut wax and premium fragrances. Each scent in this series evokes a cherished memory from the women artisans and refugees who came to the U.S. from their homeland of Burma (Myanmar). With handwritten Burmese symbols, each candle reflects the incredible qualities they brought with them as refugees seeking to build a brighter future for their families: such as peace, kindness, gratitude, joy, and compassion. Your purchase helps provide employment at a living wage.  

Use code “WELCOME10” at prosperitycandle.com to receive 10% off your first order. 

Wall Decor By Emerging Artists

Make a big impact in the life on an artist when you gift this trendy BIG Wall Decor ($40-700). The innovative two-part durable and portable wall decor system makes for good holiday, housewarming, office and college grad gifts. Designed by emerging artists, there are colorful abstracts, soothing nature and contemporary imagery for any space. And what is great is the massive size that fills up the wall without costing hundreds of dollars to frame. Since BIG Wall Decor started in 2019, they have paid over $500,000 to new artists. 

Use code “GIVE20” to receive 20% off BIG Wall Decor

Eco Friendly Slings

Anyone outdoorsy on your holiday gift list? Urban Bower is a sustainable eco-friendly outdoor gear store that sells high-quality products while caring for the environment. You can get lanterns, blankets, cutlery, chargers, towels, bento boxes and hammocks, but my favorite is the Circadian Sling Bag ($52). Made from plastic bottles and designed in Portland, Oregon, the bag is super light, hands-free with tons of storage for walking around town or hiking in the forests. Plus, you can get a design to represent your favorite animal – lion, camel, eagle, cobra and more!

Each of their products is sourced from businesses that are either a B-Corp, part of 1% for the planet, help clean waterways of plastic, give back to their community or give back in other ways.

Get 10% off your oder on Urban Bower with discount code “goeatgive10.”

Food To Fight Hunger

Foodies on your gift list will appreciate Bookmarks and Breadsticks’ Read It & Eat It Winter Hot Sauce box ($60). The perfect holiday gift contains a copy of the book – Hot Sauce Nation, a trio of hot sauces from woman-owned business Queen Majesty’s, and Bee Sting Honey Sriracha Flavored Chips for dipping. The site also offers holiday peppermint and hot cocoa boxes and $5 from each purchase is used to fight hunger in Buffalo. These holiday boxes support FEEDWNY and The Good Deed Grocery, organizations that bring free food to area schools.

best toys to gift in 2022

Toys That Empower Girls

Did you know that two-third of girls don’t think they can be whatever they want to be? Why is that? If you have a pre-teen girl to shop for, inspire them with fun and interactive LeadHER craft collection ($24.99). These craft kits includes an educational story of a known powerful woman, such as Maya Angelou, Greta and Amanda Garman Thunberg. They also include thoughtful discussion questions that encourage them to use their voice for change.

What’s more, LeadHER donates a portion of proceeds to organizations working to empower girls across the globe. They have given over $30,000 in products to Girls Inc. of Westchester and Girls on the Run LA this year alone.

dates that give back

Chocolate Covered Dates

If you gravitate to sugary sweet treats on cold winter afternoons, here’s one that is good for you, good for the world, and good for the planet. Hot Date Kitchen dark chocolate covered sweet and salty organic medjool dates ($9.79) filled with spiced sunflower butter are plant-based and gluten-free. They are also a Carbon Neutral company and donate 10% of their profits to the Clean Air Task Force (considered one of the highest impact charities working on Climate Change Mitigation), and to GiveWell (high impact non-profit working on poverty alleviation in developing countries).

But wait, this Black Friday weekend, they will be donating 100% of profits to Climate Change nonprofits.

Taaluma bag give back to artists in Rwanda

Totes Funding Micro Loans

I like to buy locally-made souvenirs from the places I visit, but don’t always have the luggage space to haul them back. That’s why, when I saw Taaluma Rwanda Tote by Isabelle S. ($95), I fell in love with the colorful fabrics and the backstory. As seen on Shark Tank, Taaluma works with fabric-making artisans from around the globe to make limited quantities of culturally-inspired tote bags. These can be used as backpacks at school, office or while traveling (they have passport and laptop pockets).

Each purchase contributes to funding a micro loan for a small business owner, therefore helping reduce poverty, eliminate hunger and increase access to education. Get one Taaluma tote from each country!

socks that give back to Seattle children hospital

Socks For Children’s Health

Get down to the basics. For your last minute stocking stuffers, get Arvin Goods‘ soft, fitting and responsibly made socks ($12+). They come in a variety of colors and athletic, crew and no-show styles. Made with 50% or more certified organic materials, each pair of socks helps save 50+ gallons of fresh water.  Arvin Goods donates 10% of profits annually to the Seattle Children’s Hospital.

give back to nature

Fashion For Earth

If you are shopping for activewear, tees or loungewear, Happy Earth Apparel is a new, stylishly sustainable B Corp certified fashion company that puts people and the planet first. The fabrics are organic and made with sustainable material. They partner with fair trade and carbon neutral businesses. When you check out, you get an option to give to causes such as reforestation, climate change and stopping pollution.

Make a statement with the soft and sustainable give a damn hoodie ($60) on your hikes, travels and gym visits!

Holiday Gifts That Give Back – 2020 Edition

It’s been months since I stepped inside the mall! With ongoing lockdowns, online shopping has become second nature. Now that its time to shop for the holidays, most of you would look to your web browser for ideas. So, how about helping each other out by giving meaningful gifts that also give back?

One thing 2020 has taught us is the important of living a simple and meaningful life, consuming less, and valuing our family and friends more. Here are some products that will not only make your friends, family and colleagues happy, but also give back to help someone in need. Shop directly from small businesses that are working towards uplifting others’ from poverty, empowering women, providing shelter to the needy, and protecting the environment, among other good deeds.

Work at home…

Hope slipper for Haiti
Proceeds from Give Hope Roger Slippers provide education, employment and healthcare in Haiti

Sandals For Haiti $50

These sleek and comfortable sandals are perfect for the men that are working from home or lounging after a tough day. They are made with locally and sustainably sourced leather.

Add a messenger bag, wallet and bracelet to round up your shopping. Give Hope Global is a non-profit ethical fashion line offering products that are handmade in Haiti. Proceeds from sales are used to open and operate schools, community health care program, model farms, transitional homes, and for providing dignified employment to Haitian artisans. 

Take 15% off your order of Hope Roger or other sandals with discount code “GOEATGIVE15”

Hippy Feet to end homelessness
Hippy Feet socks help fight homelessness in Minneapolis, Duluth, and Chicago

Socks For The Homeless $24

American-made Hippy Feet socks come in colorful holiday and travel inspired designs. These eco-friendly, recycled cotton socks are available for men and women in ankle, quarter and crew lengths.

When you shop Hippy Feet socks, you help provide jobs to young people aged 16-24 that are affected by homelessness. Since 2016, Minneapolis-based Benefit Corporation, Hippy Feet has provided transitional employment opportunities to over 120 young people affected by homelessness. 

Dosha mat is a gift to help relieve tension
Dosha Mat helps relieve stress and gives back to youth in need

Accupressure Mat for Youth Health $94.50

As you spend several hours of your workday in front of the screen, you may experience tension, soreness and body aches. This luxurious and eco friendly acupressure mat is based on the ancient Ayurvedic treatment. It works by massaging and stimulating key points on the body to promote deep relaxation and healing. In addition, Dosha Mats helps with sleep, stress, headaches, circulation, energy, and nervous and immune systems.

Each mat is carefully handmade using the highest-quality, hypoallergenic natural linen, a removable cushion made of 100% natural coconut fibre, and features more than 4,500 high-quality acupressure points in the beautiful shape of lotus flowers. Dosha Mat is a social enterprise that donates 15% of their profit to several non-profit organizations that work to provide exercise programs like yoga, to youth in need.

For when you can travel…

backpack give back to the environment
Day Owl Backpack is sustainably made from durable, recycled materials that create jobs around the world

Backpack for the Environment $149

The lightweight canvas Day Owl Backpack is the most responsible bag you will own and versatile for taking to school, airport, work and hikes. It is made ethically from First Mile waxed 100% recycled fabric, through traceable sourcing and fair working conditions. Each bag saves 25 bottles from landfills or oceans, 700 gallons of water, and avoids 1.2 lbs of pesticides (which is what is used in the production of a cotton bag).

Moreover, Day Owl supports quality jobs in the poorest parts of Haiti, Honduras, and Taiwan through its FirstMile program.

Gift Monos luggage to travelers
Monos focuses on minimalism, affordability and human connections

Terrazo Suitcase That Puts People Before Profits $335

Monos Suitcases are the most well-designed, affordable premium suitcase inspired by the Japanese concept of mono no aware – 
the profound appreciation of the beauty in fleeting moments. The bags are lightweight and unbreakable, made with aerospace grade material and vacuum-formed with German Makrolon polycarbonate.The extraordinarily resilient material absorbs energy from impacts and springs the case back to shape. Also, the interior lining is durable, waterproof, and anti-bacterial.

The Terrazzo collection is inspired by old Italian villas, 1920s Art Deco architecture, and modern designer spaces that have a similar design. The organic pattern and its stonelike, matte finish impart classic style, while rendering any scuffs virtually invisible.

Use code “EARLYBF2020” at checkout to save 35% on everything site wide during the early Black Friday sale.

Sustainable Snacking…

Steeped Coffee gives back to front line workers
Single use Steeped Coffee gives to frontline healthcare workers in California

Coffee That Gives To Front Line Workers $15

If you know someone who loves coffee, then you got to fill their stockings with California-based hand-roasted, ethically-sourced Steeped Coffee. The coffee comes in nitro-sealed single-serve bags (like tea) to ensure absolute freshness. And the package is made of compostable and renewable materials. All it takes to brew a perfect cup is hot water and a few minutes. At the end of the day, there are no wasteful plastic pods accumulating in waterways or landfills. Steeped is also great to take along when camping or traveling.

Steeped Coffee matches every gift your purchase, pack for pack, and delivers directly to frontline healthcare workers across California, as part of their “You Give, We Give” campaign.

Nunbelievable cookies give back to the hungry
For every cookie you buy, Nunbelievable donates a meal at a soup kitchen

Cookies That Feed The Hungry $29.99

Nunbelievable, a mission-based baked goods company, donates a meal for every cookie sold! Since they launched in October 2019, they have donated over 100,000 meals to partner soup kitchens across the country.  The GMO-free individually wrapped cookies are delicious and come in four flavors. Choose from Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin, and Double Chocolate Chip (Gluten Free), or get all four!

Send a 6 or 12 pack of Nunbelievable cookies to those you love this holiday season, and let them know you are thinking of them. Also, check out their meaningful corporate gifting program.

Self care…

Give the gift of Celestial silk pillowcases
Celestial Silk Gives 10% Back to Charity

Silk Pillowcases That Give Back $85

Mr & Mrs silk pillowcases make for a practical and luxurious gift to parents, in-laws or a special couple. Celestial Silk pillowcases not only keep your hair smooth and your skin moisturized, they also help you sleep better. Silk sheets are naturally hypoallergenic and are among the top bedding choice for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. All of their products are Oeko-Tek certified, which means no harmful chemicals ever touch the 25 momme pure mulberry silk. The pillowcases come in a gift-ready box with a card.

Celestial Silk donates 10% of all proceeds to charities such as EarthJustice. Further, they have donated more than three thousand silk pillowcases to chemotherapy patients and lower income women.

Read about the many benefits of silk.

Healing Crystal makes for a great gift
Healing Crystals necklaces give to children with respiratory diseases

Crystal Necklace For Respiratory Health $64.50

Many of us have faced stressful situations this year, including losing people we love, housing, income and health. Gift these folks a unique Healing Crystals necklace in amethyst, white jade, rose quartz or black obsidian. In addition to looking good, this necklace doubles as a Japanese mindful breathing tool which helps slow your breathing and calm your body and mind. Breathing into the crystal can reduce levels of stress and anxiety, increase positivity, improve concentration, improve posture, release toxins, and strengthen the immune system.

Healing Crystal Company is 100% female-run and has a “crystal karma” program whereby they donate 15% of their profits to non-profit organizations that work to provide healthcare to children with respiratory diseases in developing countries.

A bit of luxury…

Jazeera ring
Azeera’s conflict free gems donates to children’s organizations

Black Onyx Ring That Helps Kids $310

Create your own special ring with any combination of Amethyst, Citrine, Black Onyx, or Garnet. Inlay it in 14k rose, white, or yellow gold.

Azeera is a New York City based responsible online fine jewelry company specializing in customizing quality colored stones. Ethical miners and brokers provide conflict-free gems, which are then hand cut at a family-owned workshop in Jaipur, India. Azeera prides itself in creating fair standards and responsible working conditions for craftsmen in India. Additionally, they give back a portion of each sale to various children’s organizations.

Use code “goeatgive” to receive 25% off your custom made jewelry at Azeera.

Isabella Grace gives back to American Cancer Society
Proceeds from Isabella Grace Rose Gold Bead Necklace go to the American Cancer Society

Gold Bead Necklace for Breast Cancer Research $36

Consciously handmade Isabelle Grace Jewelry makes for a beautiful gift this holiday season. The brand donates 15% of the proceeds from their Breast Cancer Awareness collection to the American Cancer Society.  The elegant gold rose bead necklace supports those afflicted with cancer, as well as survivors of the disease. Also, check out their bracelets that feature inspirational sayings.  

Check out other great gift ideas…

Disclaimer: We accept product samples for review, but no remuneration for our opinions or proceeds from sales.

As an Amazon Associate, we also earn from qualifying purchases. All donations go to Go Eat Give, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Shop at smile.amazon.com. Make sure to add “Go Eat Give” as your preferred charity, so Amazon can donate for every dollar you spend.

Sustainable Father’s Day Gift Guide

Many malls and shops around the world are still closed, but that should not stop you from shopping for the special man in your life. This summer, shop for products online, that will make dad happy and help change the world! Here are some recommendations for Father’s Day gifts that give back to the community...

Vintage leather toilet bag is handmade and ethically sourced.

Toiletry Bag for Zambia $34.95

A 100% authentic Leather Toiletry Bag that comes in a vintage style, is timeless and useful for when dad is ready to travel again. Each wash kit varies in appearance to be as unique as your loved one. All Moonster products are handmade and ethically sourced. With every Moonster product purchased, a percentage of profits are donated to Tehila, a non-profit organization in Zambia that promotes the prevention of child cruelty.

Order the toiletry bag from Amazon and ship it directly to your dad this Father’s Day.

father's day gifts
Help your family and event planner in Florida.

Ultimate Care Package to Combat COVID-19 $48.50

Send dad a thoughtful care package for his Father’s Day gift, which contains all the essentials he needs to stay healthy and safe. PPE Gifts has created care packages of personal protective gear including a large bottle of hand sanitizer, flushable wipes, two pairs of safety glasses, and several pairs of gloves. Event Services Group (ESG) created PPE Gifts after the coronavirus pandemic completely shut down their event business in Florida. It helps keep their employees working, while also donating much-needed supplies to essential workers on the front lines of COVID-19.

Simply order online at PPEGifts.com and they will ship it directly to his door. Use code GOEATGIVE10 to receive 10% off your order.

For every pair purchased, a pair of socks is donated to charity.

Socks & Sock Subscription For The Homeless $57

Need to refresh your sock drawer regularly? Forget the boring black-white-brown socks and look at these fashionable designs! With a Society Socks subscription, dads will receive 2 new pairs of bold and expressive patterned socks each month. With every pair of socks purchased, another pair is donated to charity. Society Socks works with several charities to not only donate socks but to create a positive change through community involvement. Besides this, if you want something funny, that can instantly lift your dad’s mood and make him burst into laughter, then you can try customized socks. Webshops like MYFACESOCKS are known to sell funny face socks that can be personalized easily. Moreover, these products are known to be quite affordable, so if you want you can just purchase one in every color for your dad! Who knows, he might just wear that to his work also!

Anyway, if you choose the Society Socks subscription, then you can gift a pair ($6) or a 3-12 month socks subscription.

father's day gift
Demeter Cologne will transport to you to another country!

Nostalgia Inspired Cologne $36

For something unique, check out this travel and place inspired cologne from Demeter Fragrance Library. Through the limited edition Destination Collection, dads can travel to New Zealand’s fresh green outdoors, walk through the meadows of Ireland, or experience the vibrant nightlife of Cuba.

Demeter also sells fragrant hand sanitizers, and donates them back to the community. They have donated over $20,000 worth of their hand sanitizer to first responders in the Selinsgrove, PA area where they produce their line of fragrances.

Map Mug to Save the Trees $18-24

father's day gift
Color your own Trouvaille Global mug.

Dreaming of all the places you will go to? Color these USA or world map mugs to remind dad of the places you have visited together or would like to go in the future. Each set includes a mug along with a special green ceramic pen to color in. Make the ink permanent after baking it! Trouvaille Global sustainably produces the mugs in Europe. One of the charities they support is Tree Aid. Tree Aid prevents deforestation and promotes sustainable development by helping communities plant and protect trees. This helps them make their way out of poverty and protect the environment for now and for future generations.

Buy customizable map mugs on Uncommon Goods.

father's day gift
Leather wallet that keeps giving back!

Wallet for Charity $28

This trendy and company Fair Tribe men’s wallet is embossed with the world map and the phrase “miles to go” onto its sustainable leather. It is made with leather from sacred cows that die of natural causes and vegetable tanning methods, instead of chemicals. Each of their products has a story about the artisan who made it and this one comes from India! 1% of every sale is donated to one of 6 preselected, vetted non-profits of the customers’ choice, and the giving increases to 10% on Black Friday. Choose from charities that provide micro-loans, medical care, food security, environmental and wildlife protections. 

Check out the Fair Trade Artisan shop.

father's day gift
Sydney Duo Nausea Relief Bracelets

Blisslets For Good Health $29+

If your dad suffers from nausea or motion sickness due to flying, riding in the car, cruising, due to medication or even over-indulging during a Zoom happy hour, this is the right Father’s Day gift for him! Fashionable wrist bands called Blisslets discreetly trigger a pressure point on the wrist connected to the area of the brain that regulates feelings of nausea. “We designed Blisslets to be a product people would want to wear: one that worked, felt good, and looked good,” says founder and mom Katie Aparicio.”

Take 10% when you subscribe to My Blisslets newsletter.

father's day gift
Recycled sail cloth carries beverages in style.

Beverage Bags Made of Recycled Sails $75

For a picnic, golf day out, beach getaway or cookout, dad’s will love this gift. Marlin Beverage Bucket Bags from Sea Bags are stylish and durable for any occasion. There is a grommet in the bottom of the bag so the melted ice can drain, while beers, drinks and ice creams remain chilled. The durable bags, totes and accessories from Sea Bags are handmade from recycled sail cloth, in Portland, Maine. Through their unique recycling and upcycling efforts, Sea Bags has helped keep over 700 tons (and counting) of sail cloth material out of landfills.

Purchase on Sea Bags website.

father's day gift
10% of proceeds from sales of men’s masks go to #HealthyHappyFund

Handmade Masks $10

Masks are not a traditional Father’s Day gift, but an essential to go to work, grocery shopping or the airport! The triple-layered, 100% cotton reusable masks from ChicTweak, New York while also in fashionable prints and colors that men love. 10% from the profit of each purchase goes to a #HealthyHappyFund, which supports the Children’s Village and the International Rescue Committee.

Order your mask for a cause at ChickTweak.