Gifts that Give Back

The holidays are nearing and I don't know about you - but with all the gift giving, I like to be able to  give and still make at least a little difference in the world. There are a ton of charities out there and a lot of neat sites that allow you to "donate a chicken" or "buy seeds" or something like that. But if you're feeling the need to buy something tangible for a person other than a donation in their name, there also are lots of sites that offer gifts that give back.

This is what I chose to do for the daughter of a few friends of mine. You see, she's a very mature and thoughtful little girl - for her birthday this year, she asked everyone to make donations to a certain charity instead of getting her gifts. So what unique gift could I find for such a thoughtful little girl? Find something neat that also gives back :)  

So I searched and searched and am happy to report I think I found a few things that she'll love. However, I figured it'd be silly to waste all that research. So here is a list of 12 of the unique gifts that give back that I found. 

Gifts that Give Back

Adopt a species - give a gift that will help protect the future of nature. Your symbolic adoption supports the World Wildlife Fund's global efforts to protect wild animals and their habitats. For a $50 donation you will get a plush toy of that species, adoption certificate, photo, species info card, and a gift bag. They even have holiday bags.

Giving Keys - each key has an inspirational word on it and is in the form of jewelry - a necklace, bracelet, ring, or even an iPhone case (ok, yes, I know that's not jewelry). The receiver of the key is encouraged to wear it and embrace the message. Then, when they're ready, pay it forward by giving the key to someone else who needs the message more. The purchase of a giving key helps those trying to transition out of homelessness.

FEED - help feed the world by purchasing a product from FEED. They offer bags, accessories, and apparel. The impact of your purchase is signified by a stenciled number on it so that you can know exactly how many people are helped.

Give Poverty the Boot - Roma boots help street children and orphans. For every pair of rain boots you buy, a pair is donated to a child in need. 

Candles - buy a candle based on scent or for the particular charity that it's purchase supports.

glassybaby - order these unique tea light holders or glasses and help support charity at the same time. 

Candle Set - purchase a mercury glass scented candle pot and votive set benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For every set purchased through Jan 2, 2014 - 50% of the purchase price is donated help support research and treatment for pediatric cancer and other deadly childhood diseases.

Presents For Purpose - each purchase helps support charities that help people live healthier, happier, and safer lives. The amount of your purchase that goes to charity appears for each product page.

Amazima - for every piece of jewelry you purchase you help employ a woman in Uganda and feed a hungry child.

Charity Pot - 100% of every charity pot purchased (minus the taxes) is donated to small, grassroots organizations. Each pot is filled with body lotion made of organic cocoa butter, moisturizing almond oil, and fragrant ylang ylang. 

Coffee Mugs - I found this one on a blog, each mug supports a different charity and 50% of the purchase price is donated to it.

Given Goods - site has lots of beautiful pieces. This ever changing mix of items for purchase gives back. Each item has an impact icon that you can hover over to see a quick description of how each product gives back. 

*BONUS*

AmazonSmile - haven't been able to find any products that float your boat but want your gifts to go an extra mile still? Shop at AmazonSmile to support global conservation efforts. It's the same Amazon site you know and love, same products and prices, and 0.5% of each purchase price is donated back to the World Wildlife Fund. 

**FYI - I do not have any connection to any of these (other than a few past purchases from some). Also, I did not look up/research each of these. Simply found something neat and made note of the site. It is always wise to research a company/organization before deciding to make a purchase or donation if you have never purchased/donated there before just to be sure it is a trustworthy one.