Christmas time can be a great way to use our buying power in a truly positive way. Every time we purchase something, we are contributing towards helping that type of product, service or business continue and thrive, investing in the type of future we want to see.
This year, why not think about giving gifts that work double-duty by supporting important causes and give twice the joy? Check out our top 10 gifts that give back, for each person on your nice (and even naughty!) list.
The animal lover
A WWF adoption makes a fantastic gift, especially for the little ones! For as little as £3 a month your lucky recipient will receive a cuddly toy, fact packs with bookmarks and stickers, regular updates, personalised adoption certificates and computer video background. Plus, you’ll be helping to protect precious habitats around the world and all the species that rely on them.
The person who has everything
We all live such busy lives these days, and especially with the arrival of COVID-19 and a second lockdown this winter, lots of us will be missing our nearest and dearest more than ever. We all need to feel accepted and loved, so the best way you can show someone your love, care and respect for them might simply be with your time and full attention. Instead of sending cards and gifts, why not think about organising some special one-on-one time, even if it is over Facetime this year.
The fashionista
Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign is a female-powered organisation that brings awareness to various women’s empowerment and social causes and supports non-profit partners. They have a range of clothing supporting a range of social justice campaigns including Black Lives Matter, Families Belong Together and Justice for Migrant Women.
The humanitarian
On behalf of a loved one who can always spare change for the homeless, contribute to Crisis Christmas, giving someone who is homeless access to friendship and support from volunteer befrienders, essential food and festive treats, a place to stay over Christmas, year-round support including education and training.
The coffee lover
Change Please coffee doesn’t just taste great (it’s all ethically sourced using the highest quality beans to achieve the perfect flavour), but the company also reinvests all of its profits to help people out of homelessness by training them to be baristas and help them find jobs.
The homemaker
Look after your friend’s hands and others with this, UK-made, solar-powered, vegan hand wash. After sourcing the products, paying their staff and marketing the brand, You’re So Kind donates everything goes to the largest and most respected charities in the UK including Macmillan, Mind, Crisis, The British Red Cross and WWF, helping relationships, health and the environment.
The book lover
Easy to wrap and cheaper to post, books can make fab evergreen gifts for anybody! Have a think about what they’re most interested in, whether that’s sustainability and eco-friendly living, feminism or social justice – there’s a great book out there for everyone. The book could even help inspire them to help create a better future too. A couple of our favourites right now?
For kids: A is for Activist written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara, Greta and the Giants: Inspired by Greta Thunberg's Stand to Save the World by Zoë Tucker, And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnel.
For grownups: Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given, Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge, Turning the Tide on Plastic by Lucy Siegle.
Extra points if you can seek out books printed on recycled and recyclable paper! 😊
The magpie
The Giving Keys jewellery, which is 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).
The beach bum
Shopping at the RNLI’s gift shop can make a life-saving difference. With 100% of their profits supporting their mission to save lives at sea, the RNLI were able to aid just shy of 40,000 people last year.
Visit the shop here.
That's it from us for now! Got any gifts that give back ideas of your own? That's great! Share them with our community in the comments below.