Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts That Give Back

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”

― Anne Frank

There are so many ways to give back this holiday season with your time, your talents, and your heart. If you don’t have the means to give a physical gift, the easiest way to give back is by volunteering. Those who volunteer tend to lose weight, have lower rates of heart disease, and report higher levels of happiness than those who do not volunteer. Decide what you do best and volunteer your time. Write letters to soldiers. Serve meals at a local soup kitchen. Play a game of euchre with elderly neighbors. Bake cookies for your friends. Walk dogs at the local humane society. Gretchen Rubin’s advice for the “laziest, most excellent good deed” to give you a happiness boost and potentially save a life is signing up to be an organ donor.

If you are on the hunt for a few meaningful gifts to give your loved ones this holiday season, look no further – this holiday gift guide has something for everyone and helps support companies that give back to those less fortunate, too.

1. For the Person Who is Always Moving Naturally

These TOMS sunglasses are a perfect gift for that person on your list who is always on the go. And with every pair of eyewear you purchase, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need.

2.  For the Hostess Who Deserves a Nap

This Calm(RED) sleep mist is a natural elixir of lavender, frankincense, chamomile and clary sage essential oils to promote better sleep. Centenarians in the blue zones, particularly those in Ikaria and Sardinia, take daily naps and sleep about 8 hours a night. For every purchase of this product, $1 will support (RED)’s efforts to fight AIDS through the Global Fund.

3. For Your Purpose-Driven, Hard Working Dad

This beautifully crafted duffel bag is perfect for all of the daily commuter essentials and big enough for a quick weekend getaway. For every bag purchased, STATE hand-delivers a backpack full of essentials to an American child in need.

4. For the Plant-Slant Gardener

This mini succulent garden is perfect for the person on your list who is itching for spring’s planting season and needs a touch of indoor gardening to brighten up the season. Lula’s Garden “proudly supports organizations that help improve lives around the world by providing access to safe water.”

5. For the Dog-Lover

Dog-owners walk up to 5-miles more per week than non-dog owners. Help inspire an extra walk with a stylish (and blue!) leash. Found My Animal helps encourage animal adoption and supports animal welfare.

6. For Your Mom Who Needs a Reminder to Downshift

This blanket, made from loom-woven cotton, helps employ a transitioning homeless individual. For each blanket purchased, Mitscoots gives an equal quality blanket to a shelter helping those in need.

7. For Your Wine @ 5 Friends

From saving the planet to ending childhood hunger and providing clean drinking water, OneHope has a gift (and a cause!) for everyone.

8. For the Coffee-Addict

Centenarians in almost all of the blue zones areas drink up to three cups of coffee a day. Give the gift of a longevity brew this holiday season with a bag of fair trade coffee from a company that empowers women and supports farmworkers in countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Colombia, and Sri Lanka.