Gifts that Give Back
With the majority of our world in isolation and many families cancelling or changing holiday plans to stay safe, it’s easy to feel removed from the things and people that matter most. We can still feel connected without being physically together, though. This holiday gift guide reminds us that there are countless people and organizations working hard to give back to local communities and the planet. Consider the following brands to support in the spirit of giving. They all make great gifts that give back with every purchase!
1. The Right to Shower
The Right to Shower is a soap company that works to provide the homeless population in the United States with hygiene products. Their soaps and body washes are sustainably sourced, cruelty-free, made from clean, organic ingredients, and are packaged with recycled material. 30% of their sales goes toward building mobile showers for people experiencing homelesness with the belief that “no one should be denied access to cleanliness [and] free showers should be made accessible to those living on the streets.” If you want to do more than just purchase their products, you can volunteer by hosting a cleanliness kit party, starting a mobile shower in your city, or simply spreading the word. So go ahead and give the gift of soap!
2. Serengetee
This T-shirt company was started in a dorm room 7 years ago by two college students who had just returned from traveling throughout Africa and Asia. Serengetee’s founders, Jeff and Max, were specifically drawn to the markets that sold local fabrics, and with minimal clothing design experience, they began to create tees out of fabrics from 25 different countries. Their mission is to use fabrics that support artists, their families, and their communities. 10% of every Serengetee purchase goes directly to the artisans and the causes they care about in their own communities. You can find tees and more at https://www.serengetee.com/.
3. QuiQuattro
QuiQuattro is a female owned and led company whose mission is to support and empower business women and female artists worldwide. From Turkish towels (their best-selling product), to vegan soaps, to jewelry and more, every item is handmade by artisans from all over the world. This fair trade company ensures that every artist is paid a fair wage, and they donate 10% of their profits directly back to the artists with whom they work. They have also partnered with the Bridge to Türkiye Fund, an organization that helps provide an education to girls in Turkey. Another 10% of QuiQuattro’s net sales is donated to this fund alone. Visit their website to find great gifts that give back!
4. Bombas
Warm up with a pair of Bombas this winter and feel good in your soles and your soul. This apparel company donates one pair of socks for every pair purchased. Their mission is to provide socks to those who don’t necessarily have the luxury of wearing clean clothes every day. To date, Bombas has donated over 40 million pairs of socks to the homeless population in the U.S. and they have charitable partnerships in all 50 states. Purchase a pair for a family member or friend and know you’ve helped someone in need this holiday season.
5. Zambeezi
What I loved about Zambeezi is its mission of “partnership not patronage.” This company, which produces organically sourced, fair trade body care products, focuses on working with and empowering communities, not just donating profits. Zambeezi works to connect Zambian farmers and beekeepers with the world market and ensures that all of its workers receive fair, living wages. They also partner with local churches in Zambia to help build schools and water wells, and provide access to medical clinics. Zambeezi lip balms and soaps make great stocking stuffers, so head over to their website and grab some for all your friends! Want to learn even more about this giving brand? Visit their online journal here.
These are just a few of the countless brands that give back when you purchase their products. We at Shared Planet are happy to be one of these companies as well, donating 10% of every purchase to our three charitable partners: Panthera, Polar Bears International, and the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Give the gift of clean, vegan cosmetics this holiday season, knowing you are giving back to the planet and its animals at the same time.
Maggie Blehar is a Philadelphia based writer/educator with a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Education. She has been plant-based since 2011 and is always in search of ethical companies to support. She loves traveling, walking her dog, painting, meditation, working for social justice, digging deeper into her zodiac sign, and exploring the Philly vegan scene with friends. Some of her favorite organizations are: Don’t Eat the Homies, Farm Sanctuary, CHNGE, Gentle Barn, and the Equal Justice Initiative.