The holidays tend to bring an uptick in the number of charitable requests I get. Understandable, since so many people make end of the year donations for various reasons. However, this time of year can also be very tight, money-wise and it can be hard to choose between giving gifts to those you care about or to those you’ve never met.
Fortunately, many companies have programs that can do both. If you’re looking for gifts that give something back, here are a few companies – some are retailers, others are charities that sell products to help raise funds – that do double duty. Some can even be found on my list of gift ideas for people who already have everything! Following each company you’ll find links to a selection of products offered, but please click over and see what else these amazing companies offer.
Ben’s Bells. The mission of Ben’s Bells is to inspire, educate, and motivate people to realize the impact of intentional kindness, and to empower individuals to act according to that awareness, thereby strengthening ourselves, our relationships and our communities.
What Makes Me Special. What Makes Me Special was created after Lillian was given an assignment at school. It was called “Special Me” and she had a week to show her class all the things that made her special. Lillian has many wonderful attributes, and several were the same as other kindergarteners in her class. It was then that her mom shared with Lillian that she believed what makes a person different from everyone else is, in fact, what makes them special. Thus, this flapping good tale was created about a girl, written by the mom who loves her. All of the author’s profits are being given to the High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire.
Uncommon Goods. Through our Better to Give program, we’ve been able to build a better business by connecting our customers with charities around the globe. With every purchase you make, we’re proud to donate $1 to the non-profit of your choice. Charities include RAINN, American Forests, Women for Women International, Reach Out & Read
Sevenly. Activating the “cause art” movement worldwide, Sevenly began by creating 7-day cause campaigns, inviting customers to purchase products that gave $7 to a weekly charity. Now widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading “social good” companies, mashable.com just named Sevenly “America’s most social small business” and “one of the Top 10 Stories in the First 10 Years of Facebook.”
Krochet Kids. We work with highly vulnerable women who live in poverty-stricken regions of the world. Our program empowers women with the resources to rise above poverty. Forever. Empowered women transform their families, communities, and the developing world.
Yoobi. Yoobi, pronounced “you-be,” means “one for you, one for me.” For every Yoobi item you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to a classroom in need, right here in the U.S. It’s that simple! Yoobi was born to make colorful, vibrant tools that spark learning and creativity. Not only did we want to perk up the school supplies aisle, but we wanted to help solve a very big problem.Together we can!
UNICEF. Through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work, and other efforts in support of the world’s children. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization.
