SPREAD THE CHEER
If you’re stymied on a holiday gift, something that has a philanthropic component is always a safe bet. Whether a percentage of sales goes toward rescuing a dog, caring for orphans or funding a homeless shelter, giving something from this list will convey
Upcycled and eye-catching The pieces from World Vision look like they could have come from a trendy Melrose Place store, and a purchase means help goes to where it’s most needed — be that medical supplies, chickens and goats to sustain families in developing countries or blankets and clothing for struggling families in the U.S. $135. donate.worldvision.org Greening Africa Conveying quite the alpha male vibe are watches from Original Grain, made from repurposed barrels once used to house bourbon. Each time a watch is bought, the brand works with the Trees for the Future organization to plant a tree in Africa. Whiskey Barrel Watch, $219. originalgrain.com Baking for good Architec, an all-female-run company in South Florida, is behind the Totally Sweet Products line of pretty kitchen essentials, whose sales raise money for Bake for Benny, a charity that supports no-kill animal shelters. The products are directed toward the aesthetically minded baking buff — mixing bowls in hot pink, mini-sifters in rose gold, BPA-free cupcake cups in pastel blue and pink. Prices start at $4.99. architecproducts.com Feeding kids in need Everyone loves a gift box. And Gratitude Collaborative ups the feel-good factor with its curated boxes that each include a built-in donation to provide meals to the hungry all over the country. For example, the “Fun For Him” box, at $150, includes filet mignon beef jerky, a handmade slingshot, chocolate, toffee and a cocktail kit. And ordering one means 25 kids in need are fed. gratitudecollaborative.com Hurricane rebuilding As post-hurricane rebuilding continues in the Caribbean, fragrance brand Nateeva has stepped in with an initiative to restore animal shelters in the islands by donating a percentage of proceeds from sales of its perfumes and body lotions. The scents are created using native flowers — such as hibiscus, lignum vitae, elderflower — from St. Martin, Aruba, St. Thomas and other islands. Lotions are $52, eau de parfum $125. nateeva.com Gifting wellness A nifty stocking stuffer — or small gift — is a sleek hair tie bracelet from San Diego brand Maria Shireen. Designed by an engineer, the bracelets go from accessorizing a wrist to keeping hair neatly off the face while exercising, working or running errands. The company donates a portion of sales to women’s health and wellness nonprofits. Bracelets start at $45. mariashireen.com