Christmas With a Cause: Gifts that Give Back

Happy December Friends! 

Can you believe it's that time of year already????? Today is the official start of "christmas" for me...and my blog! I've been feeling very un-inspired lately, but I am totally gearing up for a better blogging 2016! This next year may not include a summer like I had at Disney, but I really want to get on the ball with my blog and try some new things!

Today I want to talk about some great gifts that actually give BACK this christmas season! As I've gotten older, I've realized how much money has dominated my Christmas wishes every year...and how awful that really is! Here are 5 companies that have gifts that give back - and have something for everyone on your Christmas list!

1) Sevenly

Sevenly is a really cool company that has gained some popularity over the past few years. Basically, every week they support a new cause...whether it's a well-building project, funding education, or autism research! They release a new design focused around that cause, and seven percent of the funds go towards that cause. The designs are always really really nice and they have almost any style you want in a shirt. If you're looking for a great way to gift something that matters this year, this would be my first suggestion! 

Basic Ts start at $25 - which is cheaper than a shirt from some popular stores AND it gives back - it's a win-win!

2) World Vision

World Vision is known for their work around the world, and their sponsorship program  that gives children from all over the world an opportunity to have food, medical care, and get an education. Around Christmas, WV releases a "Gift Catalogue" - and it has nothing on the Sears Wishbook! You have the opportunity to give gifts of vaccines, goats, sheep, care kits, and school supplies. Your gift can literally change a life. What's more in the spirit of christmas than that? 

Gifts start as low as $20 for baby chicks and go all the way up to $15, 000 to build a well and provide clean drinking water. 

3) TOMS

TOMS are a trend that started where I live a nice few years ago. A girl I went to high school with had gotten a pair while at a conference with her family and told me about them. When you buy one pair of TOMS, they give one pair to a child in need of shoes. Not only do they do one-for-one donations, TOMS are probably the most comfortable pairs of shoes you will ever wear, and now they even have wedges, flats, and boot styles. Also - Tiny TOMS for babies/kids. So adorable! 

Classic TOMS start at $55 and they even have a SALE SECTION where you can get older styles at an even lower price!

4) The Giving Keys

It is only recently I have heard of The Giving Keys. This company actually employs people who are transitioning out of homelessness to make jewelry out of repurposed keys that get sold and shared around the world. Every key is unique and carries a one word message. You can choose from a bunch of pre-selected words or get a key custom made. When the wearer of the key encounters someone else who needs the message, they give it away - hence the name "The Giving Keys". They then ask that you share your story of paying it forward. Such a cool idea!

The Giving Keys start at $40. 

5) Krochet Kids

Krochet Kids started with three friends who knew how to crochet. Weird right? Well, these friends decided, if anything could help break the cycle of poverty, why not crochet? By teaching this craft to the women of Uganda and Peru, they have been empowered and employed. Your purchase gives employment, education, and mentorship to the women of Uganda and Peru - and you get a pretty sweet hat in exchange. Your purchase comes with a tag of the lady who made it, and you can look her up on their website to know more about her life! 

Products start as low as $20. Check them out!

There you go! Five companies that make gifts that give back in some way, shape, or form! Now, time to finish off that christmas list! These are by no means the only companies out there - there are a million on every scale - you may even have one in your hometown! 

Let me know in the comments below if you've ordered from any of these places or tell me your favorite companies that give back! 

love + pixie dust,

sarah