“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is that time of year again – the time for appreciation, positivity, and LOTS of shopping. With Christmas in our sights and gift buying on our to-do lists, it is time to think about everyone who has made an impact on your life. All of these individuals who have done things for you, big and small, deserve to be recognized this year (even if it’s simply a card)!
Without the incredible individuals who have supported me thus far life would be very different. We can give back to them and others. How? You can give them a gift that gives back!
Finding organizations to donate to is easy, but finding products that give back to those organizations… not so much. I am recognizing a handful of small companies that have gone above and beyond in generosity! They were founded on a business model where giving back to charitable organizations was guaranteed.
I am here to share my… Top Gifts that Give Back!
Men
Sevenly (http://www.sevenly.com/)
Mission: Founded in 2011 with the mission of leading a generation toward generosity. Based on a simple, core belief that ‘People Matter.’ Sevenly has raised over $4 million, created billions of cause-related impressions, and touched nearly 2 million lives!
Sevenly is unique to the charity game because they let you choose the organization or cause that you give to. Their causes include autism, cancer, education, environment, military, kindness, and mental health awareness (along with select others). The collection has more than just men’s products. They are great quality items and all have a special meaning. My favorite products on the site now are their give bags where you can choose a cause and it puts together a special gift for you!
The collection is fun, unique, and would make for a winning gift.
Bull + Moose (http://www.bullandmoose.com/)
Mission: Buy a Tie, Help a Guy. We are proud to use our profits to help fund micro loans via Kiva.org for underprivileged men in north America. If you are a Kiva lender please consider joining our Kiva lending team at http://www.kiva.org/
Bull + Moose is a veteran owned business with a purpose. They sell Ties, Bows and Squares for the fashionable men on your list. The products are affordable and come in a variety of styles including formal and camo. When looking for the man on your list, I highly suggest these high quality products.
This is the perfect gift for the classy, working gentlemen on your list.
Women
Soapbox Soaps (https://www.soapboxsoaps.com/)
Mission: SoapBox is a fo
r-purpos
The SoapBox products leave the skin and hair feeling soft and healthy. Each bottle comes in a generous size and goes a long way. With a mission of promoting good health across national and international borders, this company was founded for a necessary purpose.
It is simple to choose a product collection on the site and put together a nice gift basket for someone on your list. Forget about those big bath & body style chains and support a company that is making a difference and makes quality products.
Thrive Causemetics (https://thrivecausemetics.com/)
Mission: Thrive Causemetics is Beauty with a Purpose: for every product you purchase, we donate one to a woman in need. We believe changing the world starts with a single ingredient, and that’s why we create vegan formulas whenever possible containing proven ingredients without the use of parabens, sulfates or toxins.
When I read the Thrive Causemetics mission I knew I had to feature the brand in this years blog. It truly envelops the meaning of Beauty With A Purpose. The products look incredible on and are easy to apply. I tried the eyeliner and lip mark and can say that it has a longer-lasting effect on me than most of my drugstore and specialty store products.
The owner, Karissa, founded Thrive after she lost a dear friend to cancer. Helping cancer patients all over is a newfound passion that inspired the company. Her devotion to inspiring and empowering women is remarkable! Purchase these products for the ladies on your list and they will be sure to love it.
Babies + Kids
Sydney Paige (http://www.sydneypaigeinc.com/)
Mission: To promote the importance
Sydney Paige Inc. is a successful, woman-led business out of Seattle. They have a selection of backpacks for kids of all ages and young adults. The backpacks come in a variety of colors and patterns. In addition, they have a few books and accessories available. I am giving one to a family member for Christmas (shh… don’t tell) and I know they will adore it! A backpack is donated to a child in need with every purchase.
How can you gift a backpack to a child in your life? Buy a Sydney Paige and stuff it full of small items! It is the perfect way to make their gift fun and exciting. They are of high quality to last through most playground shenanigans.
Willy Nilly and Thumper (https://willynillyandthumper.com/)
Mission: For each book purchased in the Adventures of Willy Nilly & Thumper series, a new book will be given to an organization that supports literacy in communities.
Willy Nilly and Thumper is an warm-hearted, delightful book series I found while browsing the internet for new children’s books. As of December 2016, there are now three titles in the series. The story of Willy Nilly and Thumper is one all kids can enjoy while they are learning how to read or simply being read to. I always loved receiving books as a gift when I was young; they are educational and allow for bonding between you and the kids in your life.
What stood out to me most about Willy Nilly and Thumper is the company’s commitment to giving back. With every book that is purchased, a book is given to an organization that supports literacy in their surrounding communities. Every book is full of new surprises and characters that are sure to please the readers – especially for their bedtime story.
House Gifts
ONEHOPE Wine (https://www.onehopewine.com/)
Mission: ONEHOPE Wines was founded as a company that creates thoughtfully-crafted products that empower people to do more good. Each of ONEHOPE’s wines support a different charity through its proceeds, whether it’s finding homes for shelter animals or educating women on the risks of ovarian cancer. By purchasing a bottle of ONEHOPE wines, consumers can make a positive impact on the world in a simple, yet effective way.
ONEHOPE donates to quite a few causes (you can see them all here). Located in Napa Valley, ONEHOPE stands out above the competition and noise of the wine industry. It is one of the first wine brands to utilize the concept of giving 🙂
Their glitter wines are perfect for the holidays and the traditional reds are perfect for all the time. Whatever your preference, bring a bottle of ONEHOPE to your guests house (or serve it at your own) and people will be asking where they can buy it themselves! Dress these bottles up in a nice basket or in a wine bag to give as a gift.
Furry Friends
Nylabone Cares (http://www.nylabone.com/about/nylabone-cares/)
Mission: Over the past five years we have donated more than 1 million dollars in chew toys and additional support to dog shelters, animal welfare groups, and canine service organizations across the United States.
The Nylabone Dura Chew comes in sizes for both small and big dogs. They aren’t easily torn apart so you don’t have to worry about a mess like some of the softer chew toys. Archie loves his Nylabones and so do the other pups in my family. He takes it and puts it away for when he wants to play with it again and, like some dogs, buries it so nobody else will find it (even if it is under his bed or in a cushion).
The Nylabone brand has more than just the Dura Chew. Their products range from toys to treats to crates and carriers. The brand does so much more than make our dogs happy. They provide both product and monetary support for shelters, animal welfare groups, and canine services all across America! Try these out for your pet – maybe Santa will stick them in his or her stocking…
KONG Supports (https://willynillyandthumper.com/)
Mission: Obviously, we’re all about animals and the people who share their lives.
I always saw the KONG brand when going into the pet store and never thought about the impact they made in the world. They are the global leader in the pet industry and are present in over 80 countries. As part of the company’s culture, it has a devotion to giving back in all of the countries it serves. Since our first KONG Classics hit the market in 1976, KONG has donated toys and treats for charitable causes everywhere. Shelters, rescues, non-profits, etc. can apply to receive a donation from KONG to support their community.
This is one of my favorite pet products. You can stick a treat or peanut butter inside your pets toy. It keeps them distracted and entertained for quite a while. It is perfect for when you are stepping out of the house for a bit. What’s better? They are affordable and make a great gift for your pet! If you are going to a family member’s house who has a dog bring one along as a special treat!
What are your favorite gifts/companies that give back? Comment below!
