Gifts that give back—for health

It’s the season of holiday parties, indulgent meals, good cheer—and gift giving. There’s a special joy that comes from watching a friend or family member open a present that you oh-so-thoughtfully picked out and packaged. The only thing that could make that feeling even better? Knowing that your generosity also helped someone in need. 

As you look for the perfect item for each of your loved ones, check out these companies that partner with charities to help improve the health of people around the globe. 

 

Philosophy

One in five people struggle with mental health conditions—particularly during the holiday season. When you purchase any Philosophy product, part of your purchase goes toward funding community-based grants to support treatment for women and families. Slip Hope in a Jar ($39) into a loved one’s stocking, and along with moisturized skin, you’ll give a helping hand to someone battling depression or anxiety.

 

One Hope

You never know when company will drop by with an unexpected gift during the holiday season. Stock your wine rack with bottles from One Hope ($20-$100), so you’re always prepared with a festive drink or reciprocal present. When you shop by cause (instead of varietal), you can choose to contribute to research for an Alzheimer’s cure or eliminating rare diseases.

 

Conscious Step

Socks from grandma….again?!? Before you let out your yearly groan, know that each Conscious Collection gift set ($44.95) is helping make the world a better place. Choose the socks that fight for her box, and rest assured that your warm toes are helping early detection of breast cancer, provide safe water, and plant trees.

 

Project 7

When in doubt, give candy. Whether it’s on its own, or filling up a stocking, everyone is in the mood for a sweet treat during the holiday season. Each purchase of Gourmet Gummies ($17.59) supports one of seven causes: treating malaria, planting trees, housing the homeless, getting clean water to those who need it, educating students in developing countries, or stopping bullying in schools. 

 

Blind Brothers

If you’re staying with friends or relatives this time of year, pack the Blackout Candle ($32) in your luggage. It’s the perfect gift for your host, and the products are designed by two brothers with an eye disease that causes blindness over time. Their mission? Fund a cure with every purchase.

 

Alex and Ani

Gift some sparkle to the special lady in your life. Twenty percent of each Peace and Love bangle set ($78) purchase goes to the Race to Erase MS foundation, dedicated to curing multiple sclerosis. Decorated with Swarovski crystals, it’s the little something that goes with everything.

 

Love Your Melon

As the temperature drops outside, warm someone’s head—and heart—with a beanie ($30) from Love Your Melon. Half of all net profits support nonprofits that fight against pediatric cancer. 

 

Luna Zorro

Everyone knows someone who needs a tote. Help them stow all of their belongings with this Woven Bag ($95). In the process, you’ll be making pregnancy and childbirth safer for women worldwide. One hundred percent of proceeds go to Every Mother Counts to fund maternal care.

 

ImPaper

For your friends or relatives who always have their noses in a book, gift a magnetic bookmark (or two!) from ImPaper ($5.50). Pick the perfect saying for their personality, or choose by the charity it supports. Every purchase provides a specific item: a tetanus vaccines, a polio vaccine, anti-malaria pills, a powdered milk sachet, two pencils and a book for a child, or four meals to those in need.

 

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer

You’re invited to a cookie exchange, but you’ve never been much of a baker. Rather than show up empty-handed, pick up a batch of Chunky Chocolate Chip ($29.99). Crunchy on the outside, and soft in the center, they’re just as good as homemade. Each purchase funds research to cure pediatric cancer—and spares your friends your overcooked, burnt mess.

 

LSTN

For the music lover in your life, give the Satellite wireless speaker ($99.99). It’s small enough to bring anywhere, but with big sound. Each purchase helps the Starkey Hearing Foundation provide hearing aids to people with hearing problems around the world, so no one has to miss out on life’s beautiful melodies.

 

World Vision

Need something for that person who has everything? Donate medication for children who need them, and send your loved one a card about the good works in their name with a photo, a description of your gift, and a personalized message. You can pick the amount that fits into your budget and your purchase multiplies in value when translated to life-saving antibiotics and supplies.