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50 Thoughtful Gifts That Give Back to Meaningful Causes

Help fight for animal rights, curb childhood hunger and protect our environment with these special presents.

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gifts that give back
Hand in Hand/Erin Condren

When it comes to gift giving, supporting a worthy cause just feels good. While donations are a tried-and-true way of doing good, gifts that give back are just as meaningful. To help put some purpose on your plastic this holiday season, we've rounded up gifts that support organizations focused on homelessness, the environment, mental health, LGBTQ+ youth, animals and more.

Whether it's a unique gift for your parents, a special pick for your sister or a present for your boyfriend, there's something for everyone in this roundup. As you browse our guide, take note of the ways each cause is improving the world. Some support victims of human trafficking, while others aid Black-owned companies, Latinx shops and Asian-owned businesses, as well as helping to dismantle institutional racism. You'll find everything from beauty and fashion products to useful food and home picks. We're confident our list will bring the charitable holiday spirit to your nearest and dearest, so get ready to make the world a better place.

1
Gift That Gives Back For Your BFF

Kendra Scott Everlyne Yellow Cord Friendship Bracelet

Everlyne Yellow Cord Friendship Bracelet
Credit: Kendra Scott

Similar to their bestselling pendant necklace, these beautiful friendship bracelets give back to a good cause. Made of an elegant braided cord, 14K gold over brass and super sparkly dichroic glass, 20% of the proceeds help support women and youth.

2

DASH No Kid Hungry Tiny Chef Mini Waffle Maker

No Kid Hungry Tiny Chef Mini Waffle Maker

They can make delicious waffles and give back to children in need with this gift. Perfect for small spaces, the nonstick aluminum surface will cook their mini waffles (four inches to be exact) to absolute perfection. Thirty percent of the proceeds from each waffle maker supports the No Kid Hungry campaign — an effort to help end childhood hunger in the U.S.

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3

IGLOO Little Playmate 7 Qt Cooler

Little Playmate 7 Qt Cooler

Here's an extremely practical gift that also helps preserve our national parks. They can fill up this sweet little cooler with nine 12 oz. cans for tailgating, BBQs and camping (the list is endless!) It's made of recycled resin, and the foam insulation inside will keep their drinks extra cold.

4

Hand in Hand Bar Soap

Bar Soap
Credit: Hand in Hand

While bars of soap might seem like a boring gift, hear us out, — this one supports a really good cause. With their Buy One, Get One program, soap will be donated to those in need to prevent water-borne illnesses. It doesn't hurt that it's made of ultra-moisturizing eucalyptus essential oil, cocoa and shea butter, perfect for all skin types.

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5

Packed with Purpose Black-Owned Spotlight Gift Box

Black-Owned Spotlight Gift Box
Credit: Packed With Purpose

Support some of the best Black-owned businesses out there while also donating to sustainable agriculture, hunger relief efforts and at-risk youth. Their package will come with yummy snacks, including cookies, chips, popcorn and cold brew coffee, that also give back.

RELATED: Black-Owned Businesses to Shop Now and Forever

6

The Tote Project Free to Be Wild Tote

Free to Be Wild Tote

Gift them a pretty tote that donates 10% of its proceeds to human trafficking rescue and rehabilitation efforts. The pretty floral design is made of high-quality cotton. Plus, it features a cell phone and water bottle pockets to keep them organized on the go.

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7
DIY Gift That Gives Back

Pottery With A Purpose Beginner Pottery Kit

Beginner Pottery Kit
Credit: Pottery With A Purpose

Perfect for the budding artist, this pottery kit for beginners is a sustainable way for them to DIY with its ethically-sourced materials, including non-toxic white paint. The company even includes information about how to best recycle the packaging once they're all done.

8

Williams Sonoma Pride Rainbow Towels, Set of 4

Pride Rainbow Towels, Set of 4

Fifty percent of the proceeds from these soft Pride towels will be donated to The Trevor Project, which helps LGBTQ youth in crisis. Made of Turkish cotton, they come in a set of four and are yarn-dyed to ensure the colors remain bright over time.

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9

NutriBullet To-Go Cups

NutriBullet To-Go Cups

If they're obsessed with making smoothies in their NutriBullet, gift this handy pair of 24 oz. to-go cups with flip-top lids. This particular design helps to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

RELATED: The 7 Best Blenders of 2023

10

Benevolence LA Oud Wood Fall Candle

On Sale
Oud Wood Fall Candle

Not just your ordinary candle, this luxurious pick supports marginalized communities. It'll also burn for a full 35 hours and is made with essential oils that promote relaxation.

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11
Smell Great and Give Back

SKYLAR Rollerball Duo

Rollerball Duo
Now 10% Off
Credit: SKYLAR

Skylar gives a portion of its proceeds to a different charity each month — so your gift recipient can smell great with this bestselling rollerball duo, while also helping people in need. Whether they like fruity, woodsy or vanilla fragrances, there's a combo for them.

12
Support Artists

Erin Condren Las Flores Lined Notebook

Las Flores Lined Notebook
Now 12% Off
Credit: Erin Condren

This adorable floral notebook is a great way to journal and help others. Part of the brand's ongoing Heritage and Awareness Month series, its sales support Hispanic and Latinx artists for a full year.

RELATED: Latinx-Owned Businesses to Shop in 2023

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13
Coffee For Animal Rescue

Grounds & Hounds Three Blend Starter Kit

Three Blend Starter Kit
Credit: Grounds & Hounds

This three-blend pack will give any coffee lover a much-needed caffeine boost. An added bonus: 20% of all Grounds & Hounds proceeds are donated to animal rescue partners around the country.

14
Support Mental Health

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Matte Cream Lipstick

Matte Cream Lipstick
Now 31% Off
Credit: Rare Beauty

This soft matte cream lipstick glides on smooth and comes in tons of colors, for a cause. The Rare Impact Fund has a goal to raise $100 million over the next 10 years to give people access to mental health services — a mission founder, Selena Gomez, is very passionate about.

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15
Sweeter Than Sugar

Uncommon Goods Benevolent Brownies

Benevolent Brownies

Proof that it's possible to find something sweeter than sugar. Greyston Bakery, the company behind these top-rated brownies and blondies, follows an "open hiring" system, so that jobs can be filled with people who normally face barriers to employment, refugees and former prisoners included.

16
A Mug That Benefits LGBTQ+ Youth

Pottery Barn Pride Mug to Benefit The Trevor Project

Pride Mug to Benefit The Trevor Project

This mug will bring joy to their morning cup of joe, with a cheerful rainbow on its glazed rim. Part of Pottery Barn's Pride Collection, 25% of its purchase price will benefit The Trevor Project.

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17
Moisturize And Give Back

Lush Charity Pot Body Lotion

Charity Pot Body Lotion
Now 44% Off
Credit: Lush

This moisturizing body lotion is good for the skin and even better for the planet — 100% of proceeds go to grassroots organizations working for human rights, animal protection and environmental justice.

18
Stories For The Whole Family

The Parks Project Campfire Stories Book

Campfire Stories Book
Credit: The Parks Project

These stories can be enjoyed around the campfire or from the comfort of their home, great for kids and parents alike. Proceeds from the sale will benefit The Parks Project, which gives back to public lands around the nation.

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19
Gift That Gives Back to Homelessness

The Giving Keys Mini Key Post Earrings

Mini Key Post Earrings
Now 17% Off
Credit: The Giving Keys

The Giving Keys jewelry, made by people transitioning from homelessness, pays it forward in a big way: When someone is gifted a necklace, bracelet, ring, keychain or earring set, they're encouraged to pass it along to someone who needs it more (once they've been inspired, encouraged or strengthened by its message).

20
The Gift Of Safe Drinking Water

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Personal Water Filter

Not only does LifeStraw guarantee cleaner drinking water for anyone using their products, but they also make it a reality for people worldwide through their Give Back Program. For every product sold, a child in need receives access to safe drinking water and hygiene education for an entire school year.

Headshot of Amanda Garrity

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 

Headshot of Cailey Lindberg
Cailey Lindberg
Commerce Editor, Gifts & Lifestyle

Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com. 

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