Best 2021 Gifts that Give Back

Felt mice ornament

They’re adorable and perfect for any Christmas tree or winter wonderland scene. But to kids suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases, these cute ornaments are so much more. West Elm will donate 50% of the purchase price to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Perfect for those whose trees can always use just one more ornament and anyone with a soft spot in their heart for kids.

Paddywax Parks Candles

The best part about this collection of candles is that Paddywax is pledging a minimum donation of $25,000 to help support the National Parks Foundation. Each candle is scented to match a different park. They come in a beautifully textured jar and with wood wicks to capture that true campfire feeling. Perfect for outdoorsy folks who still appreciate a good indoor snuggle and those who want to support our natural wonders.

Bolé Road Textiles Coverlet

If you’re looking for a way to support black- and minority-owned businesses, check out the Bolé Road Textiles’ collections. The pillows, rugs and bedding are inspired by owner Hana Getachew’s Ethiopian heritage and are handwoven in her native country. It’s hard to beat stylish with a good cause. Perfect for socially conscious shoppers and those who enjoy global design.

Brilliant or BS?

Described as a “hilarious bluffing party game,” Brilliant or BS? could be what takes your next get-together to a new level. You don’t have to actually know anything to win this trivia game, just be the best at making others think you do. When you purchase this for your loved ones (or even yourself), you’ll be supporting a Black woman entrepreneur. Perfect for trivia nerds and at-home entertainers.

Conscious Step socks

Whoever gets this gift will love that their toes are kept toasty in fun style. They’ll also love the impact they have on a variety of causes. Each design corresponds to a different charity – socks with keys help build houses, socks with dogs support the Best Friends Animal Society and socks with waves help to restore oceans. Other causes include empowering women, fighting for equality, supporting mental health and more. Perfect for nature lovers, social justice warriors and those who don’t take their footwear too seriously.

Hand in Hand bar soap

We all know at this point how important it is to wash your hands in order to stay healthy. This soap comes in delicious scents like cactus blossom, lavender, citrus grove and sea salt. Plus, when you buy a bar, you also give a bar to children in need. Hand in Hand’s donations provide soap and clean water to kids in Haiti. Perfect for everyone who’s still counting to 20 every time they wash up and those who know that nearly half of the 5 million children who die from water-related illnesses each year could have survived by washing their hands.

Sackcloth & Ashes blanket

This is your chance to give something that’s both beautiful and meaningful. You might have a hard time choosing from all of the stylish designs, but that’s OK. For every blanket you buy Sackcloth & Ashes will donate a blanket to a local homeless shelter. Inspired by people who know firsthand what homelessness is like – the company’s founder started the initiative after his mother lost her home – this gift will warm the body and heart. Perfect for those who recognize the privilege in having a home they can decorate.

Conscious Step socks

Whoever gets this gift will love that their toes are kept toasty in fun style. They’ll also love the impact they have on a variety of causes. Each design corresponds to a different charity – socks with keys help build houses, socks with dogs support the Best Friends Animal Society and socks with waves help to restore oceans. Other causes include empowering women, fighting for equality, supporting mental health and more. Perfect for nature lovers, social justice warriors and those who don’t take their footwear too seriously.

White sage + wild mint botanical tea

Where to start? This gift is at once a cozy tea, a happy hour treat – you can add bourbon for a twist on the mint julep – and a good cause. Not only is it made with sustainably wild ingredients, but 10% of sales are also donated to Indigenous and First Nations groups. Perfect for socially conscious sippers.

Yoobi DIY & craft kit

These kits are sure to keep your kids entertained for hours. But if stationary – unicorn pencil cases, neon tiger notebooks, ice cream cone pens – is more their style, Yoobi has that, too. The best part? For every item purchased, Yoobi donates a school supply item to a child in need in the U.S. Perfect for tiny DIYers and those who believe that everyone deserves a good education.

Causebox

Who doesn’t love subscription boxes? Your loved one gets to try new products they never even knew they needed, and with new items every month, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Causebox ships socially conscious items from skincare products to homewares to jewelry and more. They’re ethically made, sustainably sourced and cruelty free, all while empowering women and creating opportunities for marginalized and disadvantaged populations. Perfect for long-distance friends and family, and those who are always saying, “How did I ever live without this!?”