As fun as the holidays can be, sometimes the mass consumerism seems like overkill. Shopping for gifts for people who already have plenty can leave us feeling guilty when there are so many in need around the world.
Fortunately, many companies recognize there's good they can do, and offer ways to give our loved ones great gifts that also make a difference in the world around us. We can't think of a better way to truly embrace the spirit of the season than giving gifts that give back.
While gift giving always leaves us feeling warm and fuzzy, knowing it's also helping those in need ups the warm-and-fuzzy factor big-time. Here are 20 fantastic gifts that give back in wonderful ways.
Adventure Bracelet
With each purchase of this gorgeous bracelet, $10 will be donated to The Adventure Project's hunger program that supports rural farmers in Kenya with irrigation pumps and training.
Adventure Bracelet, $40; at Soko
Leather Bag
This handy leather bag is a classic, and when you purchase it online, 10 percent of the cost will go straight to a charity of your choosing.
Abera Crossbody Tote/Chocolate, $170; at Society B
Teddy Bear
Sweet, cuddly, and made of organic cotton, this is one great teddy bear. Actually, it's two, because for every purchase, another bear will be given to a child in need.
Organic Cream Sherpa Bear, $45; at Bears for Humanity
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'Be Kind' Hoodie
This cheerful hoodie boasts a simple but powerful message: Be Kind. For each one purchased, Givida Activewear will provide 12 life-saving meals to a malnourished child.
Be Kind Thermal Hoodie, $39.95; at Givida Activewear
Watch With a Cause
At 1F, you get to choose a watch color based on the charity you want to support. For example, blue helps donate charcoal-efficient stoves to people in Haiti.
Environment Watch, $77; at 1Face
A Gorgeous & Giving Blanket
When you purchase this fabulous, versatile cotton throw, 10 percent of the cost will go to artisan education, youth academic scholarships, and community health initiatives for the artisans of Aid to Artisans.
Chiapas Throw, $155; at Enrou
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iPhone Case
Not only does this cool-looking phone case send a clear message "Clean Water Changes Absolutely Everything," but 100 percent of the profits fund clean water projects around the world.
Water Drop Case, $35; at Charity: Water
Art With a Message
This sweet print is perfect for a child's room or anywhere in a home. Each one purchased provides five meals for children in need.
Throw Kindness Print, $20; at cuddle+kind
Hand-Carved Serving Spoons
These gorgeous spoons are hand carved out of olivewood. All proceeds go to help World Vision and its mission to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice.
Hand-Carved Serving Spoons, $75 or more; at World Vision
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A Better Beanie
There's so much more than meets the eye with this stylish hand-knit beanie. For every hat purchased, a knit kit — containing wool, needles, a pattern, and more — will be given to a young adult undergoing cancer treatment.
Ladd Beanie in Crystalline, $125; at Shit That I Knit
Notebooks
Everyone should start the new year with a clean slate — in other words, a nice new notebook just waiting to be filled. For every purchase of this quirky set of audio-inspired notebooks, NPR will donate 25 percent of proceeds to fund creative work in public schools.
Public-Supply Notebooks: Set of 3, $30; at NPR
Heartwarming Socks
Put a little purpose in his step with these Socks That Treat HIV. Funds from each pair purchased provide a week of HIV treatment to an expectant mother.
Socks That Treat HIV, $14.95; at Conscious Step
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Wine Gift Set
Here's a good reason to raise a glass. This red wine gift box comes with a great bottle of wine and delicious snacks, and every box purchased provides therapy for a child with autism.
Red Wine Gift Box, $69; at ONEHOPE
Candle for a Cause
These candles are hand-poured in Brooklyn. Proceeds support the company's mission to provide solar power for people in need around the world, which is no small goal considering there are 1.3 billion people living without electricity.
Orange Flower + Amber Candle, $55; at Starling
Ear Bling
These pretty earrings are handcrafted by survivors of slavery. All proceeds go to International Sanctuary, an organization that provides care for young women rescued from sex trafficking.
Naja Hoop Earrings, $18; at Purpose
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Bluetooth Speaker
Not only does this handsome walnut bluetooth speaker look and sound great, but each purchase also helps provide hearing aids to people in need.
Walnut Wood Satellite Bluetooth Speaker, $99.99; at LSTN
Body Lotion
Can body lotion be so good it's life-changing? This one from Lush can, as 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to environmental conservation, animal welfare, and human rights groups.
Charity Pot Body Lotion, $7 to 25; at Lush
A Tee for a Tree
For every T-shirt purchased, Amour Vert will plant a tree in North America. With classic, well-made styles, it's easy to see why celebrities love these.
Francoise 3/4 Sleeve Tee, $78; at Amour Vert
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Charm Bracelet
This pretty bracelet made of clay beads sends a simple message: peace. Even better, each bracelet sold creates 15 sustainable jobs and helps bring clean water to the people of Haiti.
Blanc White Charm Bracelet, $30; at Simbi
Soap With Substance
For every one of these lovely soaps purchased, hand in hand donates one bar of soap and a month of clean water to a child in need. We can't think of a better reason to give this good clean gift.
4 Pack Assorted Bar Soap Set, $32; at hand in hand
