Holiday Gift Guide: Part One

Whenever my friends or family say that they don't want to exchange gifts, I get slightly disappointed.  It has nothing to do with me not getting anything for the holidays.  

The thing is, I love getting people gifts.  I love searching for the perfect one and seeing their face light up whenever they open it.

It truly is one of my favorite parts of holidays and birthdays.

This week I'm featuring a holiday gift guide in two parts.  I know this is a little late, but for anyone who left their shopping up until the last minute, it's perfect!  This is also great for January birthdays.  One part, which will probably come tomorrow, will feature gifts for mom, dad, siblings, pets.... you name it, it'll be here!

Tonight's is a little more close to my heart.

I love gifts that serve two purposes.  Gifts that give back are perfect because the receiver will love her or his new scarf/shoes/shirt, you will feel good knowing it serves two purposes, and someone in need will be getting their own gift.  

Here are my favorite gifts that give back to the community!

1.  Sac Chantal, $34

This gorgeous clutch is created in Togo by Chantal who wanted to create a batik business.  With the help of Nest, she has been able to provide employment for women in her village.

2.  Pink Dots Boy Short, $22

10% of the profits of all of Pact's underwear go to one of their nonprofit partners, which range from forest protection to urban renewal.  

3.  Classic Cords, $54

I always talk about Toms' shoes on here because it truly is amazing.  For every shoe you purchase, Toms gives a pair of shoes to a child in need.  

4.  The Original Whistle, $34

The Falling Whistle movement has brought be to tears, and I plan on purchasing one soon to support the movement.  Each whistle purchased is bought to protest the war in the Congo.  100% of the proceeds go to help children whose lives have been torn apart by the senseless war in the country that needs peace.    Read this to learn more.  

5.  Rug Pillows, $29

I think these pillows would make the perfect gift for a friend, niece, sister, cousin, or daughter.  All of the proceeds go to St. Jude Children's Hospital to help find a cures for pediatric diseases.  

6.  Miles Glasses, $95

For anyone who wears glasses, Warby Parker is the perfect place to get them.  For each pair of glasses bought, Warby Parker gives a pair of glasses to someone in need.  The best part is, you get the frames, lenses, and shipping all for $95.  Give the gift of a Warby Parker gift card to let the receiver find their perfect pair!

7.  Bitter Orange Candle, $35

Candles are always one of my favorite gifts to give and receive.  One of the reasons I love the site Gifts that Give is because everything on their vast site gives back to a charity of your choice.  By purchasing this candle, or any other one of their fabulous products, the site will donate 20% to a school or charity of your choosing!

8.  Hugs and Kisses Pendant, $140

This gorgeous pendant spells out hugs and kisses in braille!  I think that is such a unique touch to an already amazing necklace.  On U Jewelry is donating a portion of the proceeds to the American Foundation for the Blind.

9.  Daphne Bracelet, $10

These bracelets would be such a great addition to my growing number of everyday bracelets.  The mission of 31 Bits is to give women in Uganda an opportunity to make a living by creating jewelry and headbands for people internationally.  

I love each and every one of these gifts, not only for their unique designs, but for the wonderful causes and charities they support!  Even if it is a little late for holiday shopping, these are perfect for those who aren't seeing their families on Saturday, who have out of state friends, or who know people with January birthdays!

xo