10 Gifts That Give Back — Glitter for Breakfast

My birthday has come and gone which means that we're officially into the next round of holidays, although most people seem to think these are the only December holidays :) As the saying goes, it’s better to give than to receive, but do you know what’s even better than giving? Giving gifts that give back. Here are 10 companies with products that will delight everyone on your list while making the world a better place.

The Giving Keys

A gift from The Giving Keys is truly special. Each key is engraved with a word to inspire and empower. The idea is simple, take what you need from your word and then pass it on to someone else who needs that same message. But the “pay it forward” model doesn’t stop there. The Giving Keys is committed to creating jobs for those transitioning out of homelessness, and has hired more than 70 such individuals to date.

Greyston

If you’ve had Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream, you already know Greyston’s brownies. What you might not know is that the company behind them has values just as delicious. Greyston uses a self-created Open Hiring™ model, giving opportunities to all individuals. While this alone would be impressive, they have taken it farther, offering community programs which range from supportive housing to an early learning center. Can you say sweet?

WeWood Watches

Not only does WeWood use reclaimed and recycled wood to craft stunning watches for both men and women, but for every watch sold they plant a tree. With tons of styles to choose from, and the option to engrave a message on the back, this is a timeless gift (pun so intended).

This image just says "love" to me. PC: @wewoodwatch

FEED

For too many, the question isn’t “What’s for dinner?” but rather “Is there dinner?” FEED works to bring food to those who need it most, both in the US and abroad, and lends aid to emergency relief efforts as needed. From jewelry to tees and some really fun clutches, FEED is so much more than the canvas bag you remember them for.

Prosperity Candle

Candles are the perfect way to combat dark winter days. Prosperity Candle hires newly emigrated, refugee female artisans, who hand pour each fair trade-certified candle. These candles will brighten the lives of your loved ones and women from around the world.

Love Your Melon

The best thing about chilly days? Winter accessories! Love Your Melon has adorable pom beanies, cozy infinity scarves and so much more; there’s no need to sacrifice style in the name of staying warm. Founded with the mission of helping children battling cancer, LYM gives free hats to pediatric cancer patients, donates 50% of profits to non-profit partners, and goes around the country bringing joyful experiences like a trip to the circus to pediatric cancer patients.

Lula’s Garden

Are any of your friends on Team Plant Lady? Head to Lula’s Garden for eco-friendly succulent gardens that will fit in even the smallest of apartments. A gift from Lula’s Garden is sure to elicit smiles, particularly since they work with organizations that make safe water accessible.

Vibes

Ear plugs as a gift? Hear me out (I'm really into puns today, and frankly everyday). Hate the ringing in your ears post-concert? Worried that your fitness-loving friend is tapping it back to one too many loud playlists? Sick of your bf saying, “What?” after coming home from football games? Enter Vibes, reusable earplugs that look like earbuds. Unlike your drug-store earplugs, Vibes lower the volume of high- and low-frequency sounds so there’s no distortion, only a lower volume. Through its partnership with Hear the World Foundation, every pair of Vibes sold, supports education, funding, and treatment for those with hearing loss.

You laugh at those of us who wear ear plugs now but who will be laughing when we all still have our hearing? Seriously, protect your ears! PC: @discovervibes

OneHope

A bottle of OneHope’s wine, particularly if it’s a glitter bottle, makes a statement, not to mention amazing content for the ‘gram. A portion of all profits go to their non-profit partners which support causes ranging from childhood hunger to pet adoption, literacy education to breast cancer research, and so much more. (OneHope also carries non-alcoholic culinary gifts if that’s more your jam.)

So maybe you don't get the sparkle bottle for your guy friends. PC: @megrobins

Franklin & Whitman

Need something for that friend who’s all about home spa afternoons? Check out Franklin & Whitman. All of their products are plant-based, preservative-free, and cruelty-free plus 5% of ALL sales are donated to dog rescue organizations. Something for your friend, something for (wo)man’s best friend.

What are your favorite gifts that give back?

*A version of this post originally appeared on My Life OOO.