I don’t know about you, but the holiday season came fast this year! All of a sudden, there was snow on the ground, the neighbourhoods filled with Christmas lights, and my shopping list for gifts was left entirely unfulfilled.
Last year I compiled the first Gifts That Give collection of holiday gift ideas that give back to the community, and it was a big hit.
For good reason too – why not spread double the cheer if you are spending money on new gifts for family and friends over the holidays? So let’s do it again!
Here’s my favourite places to buy Gifts That Give this year:
Cambio Market
Cambio Market is a curated collection of thoughtful, responsible goods that empower low-income artisans. They believe buying products you love AND supporting a good cause can be one and the same. That’s why they are committed to bringing you products that are fair trade, sustainably made, and designed to last you for years.
The London Infinity Scarf by Krochet Kids :: Take a look
Handmade in Peru, this scarf is entirely and solely created by one individual woman – the one who signed it! Krochet Kids is a non-profit committed to lifting communities. They work with vulnerable women in Northern Uganda and Peru to give them jobs, and provide mentorship and education programs that help these women lead empowered and independent lives beyond Krochet Kids.
FEED Projects
FEED was founded in 2007 by Lauren Bush after she saw the impact of child malnutrition first hand. FEED creates simple products that engage people in the fight against hunger in a tangible way. Each product has a number stamped on it that signifies the amount of meals or micronutrient packets provided with its purchase.
Voyager Tote :: Take a look
Raven + Lily
Raven + Lily was created to alleviate poverty among women. They work with over 1,500 marginalized women at fair trade wages to give them access to a safe job, sustainable income, health care, education, and a real chance to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families. Raven + Lily is committed to providing beautiful and unique modern minimalist products that are made by hand, follow fair trade standards, and honor our eco-friendly commitment.
Wood Tray :: Take a look
This tray was handcrafted in India using reclaimed wood. Use this piece as a staple on your living room coffee table or as an eye-catching piece while entertaining. This collection is empowering artisans living at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains.
Indosole
Indosole intercepts old rubber tires before they get to the landfill or are burned, and repurposes the rubber to make ultra durable shoes.
Ikhanna Women’s Sandals :: Take a look
Artisan and Fox
Artisan and Fox partners with ethically responsible individual artisans, small artisan group and social enterprises to bring you unique items. After costs, their artisan partners receive 50% of the profits from every purchase.
Kharayo Stuffed Bunny :: Take a look
This product is crafted by Kriayt, a social enterprise that empowers Nepalese women. Often uneducated, the women artisans are empowered to be independent, such as being taught to make crochet dolls.
MiiR
MiiR is a B Corp that designs products for active people. Every year, they give 5% of their revenue (regardless of profitability) to clean water, mobility and education projects. When you purchase a product, you can even login and track the impact your purchase contributes to directly.
Wide Mouth Water Bottle :: Take a look
The perfect every day bottle, built for people on the go. Choose from 3 sizes and keep the drink you’re enjoying hot or cold for hours on end.
Oliberté
Oliberté is a sustainable brand supporting workers’ rights in sub-Saharan Africa. Believing in empowerment and transparency, all products are made with a lifetime warranty, and every employee, everywhere in the world, is treated with respect. They were also the first footwear manufacturing company to become Fair Trade Certified in 2013.
Adibo Men’s Dress Shoe :: Take a look
BAM Essentials
BAM Essentials’ mission is to create high-quality, natural personal care products, by training young women with the work and life skills to succeed.
Roll on Scent :: Take a look
These roll on fragrances come in a variety of scents, to help with everything from staying calm or focused, boosting energy, relieving muscle pain or migraines, relaxing before sleep, and much more.
+ Social Stocking Stuffers Ideas
100% Wool Dryer Balls from For the Love of Laundry :: Take a look
Global Citizen Socks from Conscious Step :: Take a look
Still don’t see the perfect gift for someone on your list?
Here are 27 Online Stores That Benefit Non Profits and 10 Tribute Gift Programs That Benefit Non Profits.
Want to learn about more innovative social enterprise business models?
Read our list of 22 Awesome Social Enterprise Business Ideas.
And I would love to know… what social enterprises have you bought from before?
Let me know by sharing them in the comments. Happy shopping!