3rd Annual Giving Thanks & Giving Back Blog 2017

2017 Giving Thanks & Giving Back |

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward on giving back

2017 marks the 3rd annual Giving Thanks & Giving Back blog. Find 2015 HERE and 2016 HERE. Every year I feature new companies and try to provide great press to even greater companies who are following generous business practices. That’s right, all of the companies you find in this post are giving back every day, every customer, and every purchase. They are the changemakers we all want to support and share with our friends and family! This time of year makes us feel even more thankful and that’s why I continue to write this post for you. 

Be sure to check out these brands and products while you are shopping for the holidays this year!

Men

MatchBack (http://matchback.org/)

Mission: This California based company was founded to provide shirts and other items to kids who may not be able to go out and purchase new things. The founder understood how important ‘fitting in’ was and how being less fortunate can have averse effects on one’s education.

I genuinely love how this company gives back to teens around the country and has such a powerful mission. Everyone deserves to own nice things and have clothing to call their own. Every purchase means another bundle sent to a kid who needs a new shirt on their back.

They offer a new bundle every month and I always love their choices. This bundle I received featuring Sevenly was perfect! They also have signature items in their Do Good collection available on their site.

Conscious Step (https://consciousstep.com/collections)

Mission: Socks that fight poverty, hunger, etc. Every sock pair gives back to an individually selected charity. You can choose by cause or by style. Either way, you’re giving back to a great cause!

I came across this company in my search and immediately thought ‘I love it’. Every pair of socks gives back to a different cause.Their Conscious Sock Collections are my favorite for gifting. I know so many men who love their dress socks which makes this a perfect choice for them.

Women

Mercy Ships (https://mercyships.org/)

Mission: Mercy Ships is an international charity founded in 1978. They operate the largest non-governmental hospital ship and are run completely from a devoted group of volunteer doctors and other professionals. The ships provide humanitarian aid to patients who are in need of help. 

This company is very unique to my post this year. I’ve never found a company quite like this. Their mission is one full of hope that couldn’t be executed without their teams of volunteers; some who help full-time. They have a gift catalog with many beautiful gifts with my favorite being the Hope for Africa Necklace. It is a sterling silver piece with meaning that falls right where you want it.

A few of my other favorites include the Africa Mercy Tree Ornament, Mercy Ships Capri Stripe Cotton Tote, and Advocacy Crew T-Shirt.

Sudara (https://www.sudara.org/)

Mission: Sudara goods are made by women in India who have escaped a life of sex trafficking and exploitation. Sudara donates money back to providing necessities of life including education to these women. They provide them with jobs and, most importantly, hope for a better future.

I love wearing cozy PJs and Sudara’s Punjammies are no exception. They have wide legs and a soft fabric that is perfect for lounging in. There are so many different patterns and styles it’s hard to choose just one. I ended up choosing the Jatha Full and sized up because I like my PJs to be loose!

Their sizes range from XS to XXL Women’s and S to XL Men’s. Their 2017 Holiday Sets are a great gift for all the ladies and gentlemen you know! My favorites are the Arush Men’s Pant and Shirt Holiday Set and Kala Robe and Short Holiday Set.

DIFF Eyewear (https://www.diffeyewear.com/)

Mission: For every pair of glasses they sell, DIFF donates a pair to someone in need through their Buy One, Give One program. Learn more about their unique community HERE.

These shades are adorable. They have so many awesome pairs and partnerships with celebrities including Khloe Kardashian, Lauren Akins, Jessie James Decker, and Christina El Moussa (all with their own collections). They also have Men’s and Kids pairs to pick from. There’s no doubt I’d buy my kids a matching pair, if I had any.

My favorites are the Cruz Gold + Pink Mirror Lens and Barry Tortoise + Grey. Right now you can get 1 pair 30% off, 2 pairs 40% off, and 3 50% off!

Esperos SOHO (http://esperosinc.com/)

Mission: With every product sold, Esperos funds a year of education for children in the developing world. They donate every quarter to partners including The Nobelity Project and Pencils of Promise.

Esperos has gorgeous bags that are great quality and simple. The leather is so SOFT. I love carrying my clutch around with me. It looks small, but fits quite a bit inside. You can dress them up or down!

My favorite bags are the Flat Crossbody, Bucket Bag, and Clutch. They also have totes, backpacks, and work bags.

The Tote Project (https://www.thetoteproject.com/)

Mission: The Tote Project was created by Fay Grant and Michelle Chavez based on a passion for restoration, empowerment, and freedom. They empower survivors of human trafficking worldwide. 20% of every purchase is donated to Two Wings to help survivors in the US pursue their dreams.

US based companies always grab my attention because I love to help and support those who are closest to me. The Tote Project is founded by two empowered, exceptional women who stride to make a difference. Their products have some of my favorite designs too.

The Free To Dream, Free To Explore, and Free To Roam are my personal favorites. They all sell out fast so make sure you order when you see it’s available. The designs are perfect for carrying every day!

Babies, Kids & Teens

Krochet Kids (https://www.krochetkids.org/)

Mission: Krochet Kids trains and employs vulnerable women in communities around the globe. They are helping them to come out of poverty through their partnerships. The women they impact actually make these products.

I love how Krochet Kids is not just donating money, but is providing the women with jobs to advance their lives and improve their well-being. The products are hand signed by the woman who made it. The material they use for their hats is super soft and keeps your head nice and toasty.

My favorite part about this brand is the kids section; specifically the animals. The kids are so adorable in the photos that you can’t help but smile when you see them! The Baby Shoes are absolutely precious; The Poketo x KK intl. Limited Edition Kids Beanie, and the Fox Stuffed Animal are my other favorites.

Rumba (https://rumbatime.com/)

Rumba is a specialty watch brand out of New York City. While the whole company isn’t based on giving back, they had one watch that stood out to me on my search. The watch I chose is called The Jane. It is a part of their Young Survival Coalition which helps young women diagnosed with breast cancer by donating $2 with every sale.

You can choose Gold or Silver for the face and one of two straps. The Jane GiveDirectly helps families living in extreme poverty in Uganda and Kenya. These watches are casual and cute making them the perfect gift for teens. Plus, it’s on sale for only $39!

House Gifts

Coffee & Tea Lover’s Basket 

1. Grounds and Hounds ( https://groundsandhoundscoffee.com/ )

Mission: “Happiness is a warm puppy” ~ Charles Schultz | 20% of all proceeds are donated to the rescue partner located closest to the customer. Grounds & Hounds gives sheltered friends the second-chance they deserve! 

Everything about this brand resonates with me. I love my pup and don’t know what I would do without him. I have family members who have rescued and whole-heartedly support the shelters missions. The coffee is very good and the names of each brew are too fun!

Check out Rudy supporting Grounds and Hounds:

They also have mugs and shirts so you can make up the basket!

2. MY RED TEA ( http://myredtea.com/ )

Mission: 10% of all profits are donated to support education in the Rooibos farming communities. The first donation was made in September of 2016 and has continued since. Kim Koen, founder, believes in using a product that’s good for you to give back to others!

First thing’s first… the tea is definitely worth drinking. I have been having a cup every morning, night, and sometimes during the day. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients inside. The tea comes in bags of 80 or 160 and can be purchased on Amazon HERE.

Combining these products with other small items like a Tea Mug, Tea Strainer, Coffee Grinder, or Coasters.

Optimist Co. Natural Soy Candle (https://theoptimistco.com)

Mission: This partnership is with One Tree Planted, an organization that is helping a US state recover after major environmental impacts from fire, drought, and insect damage. Each candle means another tree planted.

I love this company especially because it is based out of Boston, my home. The candle comes in two scents including Sweet Orange & Clove and Rosemary & Mint (my personal favorite). They are 100% GMO free soy with a hemp wick and 100% pure food grade essential oils which means you can feel good about burning it in your home or giving it to someone.

On December 4th and December 11th, The Optimist Co. will be doubling their tree donations for each candle sold. The candles retail for $26 and are currently on sale for $23.

Furry Friends

Hooray For The Underdog (http://hoorayfortheunderdog.com/)

Mission: 5% of all profits go to animal welfare charities.

Hooray For The Underdog celebrates the efforts of animal shelters. They offer greeting cards, stationery, note card sets, and pet tags. The note card sets are perfect for gifting in a basket for anyone who is a true animal lover. I love my pup and would be excited to receive any of their designs.

For the pups you can pick up a few of their fun and affordable toys (my dog would go nuts for these), a new wool collar, EZ Dog Tag Clip, or a Dog-Gone Good Cuisine book on eating healthy with your pooch.

What are your favorite gifts/companies that give back?