One of my bigger resolutions; one that I am constantly struggling to stick with is buying more consciously and conscientiously. With the holiday season though, it only gets even tougher. So much consumerism is attached to the holiday season–the lights, the decorations, the gifts & stocking stuffers, the activities… the list goes on. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for holiday spirit. I’m not saying I don’t succumb to it and spend more money than I should on gifts, decorations and wrapping paper, but sometimes it gets too much. It makes me want to quote the awesome Charlie Brown and ask, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
So in the spirit of holiday giving, here’s a list of gift ideas for the holidays that will not leave you feeling depressed like Charlie Brown was. 6 guilt-free gifts that should leave you feeling happy, for having given a thoughtful gift while supporting a worthwhile cause.
CBCF Calendars
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) tirelessly works to raise breast cancer awareness. It invests not only in breast cancer research and health promotion. In support of this cause, Shop4Charity is selling 2014 Calendar Sweepstakes, where 75% of the proceeds will be given to CBCF. The 28-page “A Year in Canada” calendars are only $25 CAD each or as cheap as $10 CAD if you buy 25 or more, making it a great, cost-effective holiday gift.
LSTN Amplifier Necklace
LSTN is a company that makes quality headphones and a few accessories, made with reclaimed wood. Partnering with the Starkey Hearing foundation, LSTN is able to carry out its mission of “[creating] a company that could create global change by providing high quality products that help fund hearing restoration and spread awareness for the global problem of hearing loss and hearing impairment.” By buying from and supporting LSTN, the company is able to make donations that reach hearing restoration programs in over 120 countries!
Featured on this list is LSTN’s Amplifier Necklace. At $20, it’s a great gift for that music lover on your list. The bonus: you and your loved one become a part of helping restore someone’s hearing.
stone + cloth
Stone + Cloth makes bags–backpacks, totes, tablet cases and utility pouches–and in turn directs the proceeds towards providing scholarships for children. This is done in partnership with The Knock Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to help better the lives in developing countries by creating opportunities. In this case, though scholarships.
My personal favourite is The Lucas, in gray waxed canvas, which provides some water resistance.
Pencils of Promise
PoP’s vision and journey towards providing quality education for all started with (you guessed it) a pencil. Only having been founded in 2008, the 5 year old non-profit now prides itself 150 schools with the help and support of the local communities they’ve been serving. If you purchase this Pencils of Promise Limited Edition Tee, you’ll help send a child to school for over 4 months.
Liberty United Cuff
The recently launched Liberty United stems from Foundrie 47, whose mission is to help reduce gun violence in the United States by making jewelry and other pieces. These accessories are, recycled from illegal guns and bullets.
To the right, you’ll see Liberty United’s Skinny Bullet Cuff, which you can customize with a personal engraving.
Feed Philippines T-Shirt
Feed is a company that founded the FEED Foundation, whose mission is to aid the fight against hunger and malnutrition in impoverished areas around the world. Each product in FEED is environmentally friendly and and produced through fair labor practices. The Tee features on the left is in support of those recently affected by the typhoon (tropical typhoon) Haiyan. The typhoon,said to be the worst typhoon the Philippines has ever had to face, took thousands of lives. It also took many homes and livelihoods in the affected areas. This Feed Philippines shirt is only $33 and it will provide 10 emergency meals to those who were affected by the typhoon.
Note: I was not paid by any of these companies and/or organizations. I made the list in an effort to remind myself and my friends & family to consider giving back to a cause when doing their holiday shopping.
