Unique & Thoughtful Gifts That Give Back
The older we get, the more we realize it truly is better to give than receive. And with that comes our desire to give meaningful gifts; gifts with impact that make life better for others.
Whether you want something for under the tree or simply to make a symbolic donation, there are lots of options to suit every interest, budget, and passion. From hats and school supplies to body products and goats, gifts that give back are guaranteed to make more than just one person happy this holiday season. Here are a few of our favourites.
Final Straw
What IS IT with kids and straws? If your budding environmentalist loves her straws but knows how bad the plastic ones are for the environment the Final Straw ($24.50 USD) is the perfect gift. The campaign raised close to $2 million on Kickstarter and all straws are collapsible and come complete with their own carrying case and keychain holder. Available in five different colours include Sea Tur-Teal and Shark-Butt Grey, the final straw makes a great stocking stuffer or teacher gift.
WWF Canada Symbolic Animal Adoptions
Make your favourite animal lover happy and conserve wildlife for future generations by adding WWF-Canada’s symbolic adoptions to your list of favourite things to give this holiday season. Animals are all high-quality plush and come with a stunning information pamphlet and personalized certificate featuring the recipient and giver’s information. Animals available for symbolic adoption range from $40-50 and include Cheetah, Giant Panda, Polar Bear, Emperor Penguin, Lion, Three-Toed Sloth, Narwhal and African Elephant. Shipping is free on orders of $80 or more.
Love Your Melon
Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer. Fifty percent of net profit from the sale of all Love Your Melon products is given to the Love Your Melon Fund to support the fight against pediatric cancer, create therapeutic experiences and fund charitable programming initiatives for children and families battling cancer. To date, more than 150,000 beanies have been distributed. From beanies and pom beanies to headbands and scarves, Love Your Melon products are as stylish as they are functional so maybe, just maybe, it won’t be so hard to get your kid to wear a hat this January.
Plan Canada
Plan Canada is dedicated to female equality and advancing children’s rights. With Plan International Canada you can be sure your donation is reaching someone in need of that specific support. Gifts of Hope include baby chicks ($17), medicine for moms and babies ($20) and goats ($75). Make your money go even further by choosing a matched gift so your donation can be matched by a local or government organization. Matched gifts include books and bed nets ($10 each), blankets ($15) and clean water for families ($80).
SickKids Foundation
SickKids Get Better Gifts are heartfelt, symbolic gifts you can give to the special people on your list while also making a life-changing impact. Through their wide range of donation options, SickKids make it possible for all gift-givers to choose something that is meaningful to them. Whether it’s a crib mobile ($65), Gingerbread decorating ($20), a Holiday meal for a family ($45), or a post-operation blanket warmer ($75) there’s a way for everyone to help the children at SickKids this holiday season.
The Body Shop
All of the Body Shop‘s 2018 holiday gifts are in the “enchanted forest” theme, including skin care, fragrance and body care. All purchases help protect endangered creatures and restore rainforest. Our favourite is the super cute Born Lippy Butterfly Gift Set ($18) that’s filled with five refreshing, fruity balms to mix and match and keep little lips soft, moisturized and protected all winter. Pucker up!
TOMS
To date, TOMS has given 86 million pairs of shoes to children in need through their one-for-one program. All purchases support improved health, access to education and confidence building through TOMS’ giving partners. Kids’ shoes come in dozens of colourful, sparkly and all-around adorable prints and start around $50 a pair. Adult styles include everything from classic flats to ankle boots, high-tops, and sandals … something for every fashionista – big or small – on your list.
WE Charities
ME to WE Artisans helps more than 1800 makers in Kenya and Ecuador lead their families and communities to a brighter future. When you buy a ME to WE gift you become part of a sustainable cycle of good, supporting projects like a new clean water system in Kenya or building a school in Ecuador. Items include bright and bold Rafiki bracelets, handmade in Kenya ($10), silver and rose quartz hoop earrings ($35), chocolate bars ($4.99) and coffee ($12.00). Best of all, through the “Track Your Impact Promise”, ME to WE buyers are able to see the stories behind their purchase.
World Vision Canada
World Vision Canada is a Christian global relief, development and advocacy organization that works against poverty and injustice in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Their holiday gift guide includes more than 90 items such as Family Food Baskets ($50-100), Alpacas ($250), water filters ($50) and artisan gifts like satin scarves ($95), assorted votives, necklaces, bracelets and ornaments. You can also choose to make a cash donation to support areas of highest need. Many gifts multiply in value and are accompanied by a card.
Yoobi
Pronounced “you-be” (meaning “one for you, one for me”), Yoobi’s mission is to bring colour, differentiation and innovation to school and office supplies while ensuring that all kids in Canada have the tools they need to learn and be active. For every Yoobi item purchased at Indigo, a Yoobi school supply item will be donated to a Canadian classroom in need through the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation.
