7 Meaningful Gifts That Give Back

Over the years I have grown more and more into a person who allows my heart to guide my mind and connect to a deeper sense of purpose. I’ve become more aware of the meaning behind actions – both mine and those near me. And what I’m finding more and more is that gift giving has re-centered away from mindless gifting and more toward the thoughtful, and meaningful things. Making memories and spreading joy are what the holidays are truly all about for me.

So anytime I have the opportunity to give a gift that is truly meaningful and has the ability to enrich and impact another’s life, I grab on to the opportunity.

And more and more, I’m growing more conscious about my money and how I spend it. So, today I am partnering with the Allstate Foundation to share seven meaningful gifts that give back. All of these gifts have special causes to close to my heart, so I hope you are able to find something you love and be able to give back in a special way too.

1. Purple Purse Charm

Ever since Allstate Foundation Purple Purse created a beautiful mural using a Seattle artist to highlight financial abuse and the need to make this type of domestic violence visible, I’ve heard numerous stories from strong women bravely sharing their survival stories of making it out of abusive relationships. I’ve cried every time as well as been inspired by the beauty of their strength. One in four women experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, and this is a heart-breaking reality that I hope we can do something about. 

This Purple Purse charm was designed by the advocate and ambassador for Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, Serena Williams. At just a$10 donation, with it all going to help domestic violence nonprofits and the survivors they serve, this charm is definitely a gift that keeps on giving. Women need to know they are supported and not alone, and this charm is a powerful reminder of that.

You can find the charm here. –// Your donation goes to Purple Purse nonprofit allies and the victims they serve.

2. Elegantees Clothing

In the heart of Nepal where sex trafficking runs rampant, Elegantees offers an opportunity for these women to heal from the trauma of their experiences by providing them with stable sewing jobs. Each shirt you buy is handmade by a sex trafficking survivor and goes to fund jobs for more women who deserve the same opportunity.

I remember the first tee I ever received from them came with a tag saying “Handmade by Gita.” My eyes welled up as I thought about the woman’s story whose life is able to be restored by making the clothing from Elegantees.

Elegantees JOLIE top // Funds go towards employing nearly 20 women in Nepal so they can receive independence, a healthy self-image, and confidence that restores lives from sex trafficking

3. Lush Charity Pot

With a delicately floral perfume of ylang ylang and rosewood oils in a hydrating cocoa butter base, this moisturizing lotion is perfect for the beauty fanatic in your life. I love that Lush uses natural essential oils and fair trade products.

Great for the skin and makes an impact in the world, 100% of the proceeds go to the small grassroots organization featured in the pot. These groups work support important causes such as environmental conservation, animal welfare as well as human rights.

Lush Charity pot // 100% of funds go to environmental conservation, animal welfare as well as human rights small grassroots organizations

4. Moorea Seal Scarf

Moorea Seal is a local boutique owner, author, and jewelry designer from Seattle with a huge heart. Her motto is “do good, do great” and she lives by that by donating 7% of all proceeds from her store towards select non-profits.

I chose this scarf because it is my lifeline in the cold winter days in Seattle. Proceeds also go to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This is an important cause to me, especially after dealing with depression (more about that here) in the past myself.

Ashworth Scarf // 7% of the proceeds go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

5. Moorea Seal Hat

Another gift from Moorea Seal, but a completely different important cause. As a former teacher, any time I get the chance to support children I jump at the chance. And when you can combine gift giving, fashion, and supporting children in need I am over the moon happy.

Brazil Without Barriers is a volunteer-based organization that gives at risk children in Brazil the opportunity for education, support and other resources or supplies they are in need of.

Alfie Beanie  // 7% of the proceeds go to the Brazil Without Barriers organization.

6. Empowered Lipstick

The lipsticks from Color The World Lipsticks all go to support important causes. The lipsticks themselves are all natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and made with organic oils and natural waxes. 

Anxiety is a daily battle for me so buying this particular shade of lipstick called “Empowered” (which is a great every day color) will help empower individuals through education, practice, and research. If this feel particular shade isn’t your favorite, I’m sure you can find plenty of other great shades and causes to support through your purchase!

Empowered Lipstick // 10% of the net profits will be donated to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.

7. Fearless Girl Tee

The word fearless means a lot to me. It’s tattooed on my wrist as a daily reminder to step outside my comfort zone and not let fear and anxieties hold me back from pursuing my passions. This tee is a cute tee that’s made from an artist who has hand designed these letters.

On top of a powerful message, 20% of all of their net profits goes to two charities. The first charity supports the Malala Fund, which creates safe spaces for girls around the world to go to school and have a brighter future.

The second charity,  Bring Change to Mind, is a non-profit that focuses on raising awareness of mental health. I absolutely support their mission because I think we need to break down the mental health stigma and be more open about often an invisible illness.

Fearless Girl Tee // 10% goes to Malala Fund a non-profit that helps girls around the world go to school — another 10% goes towards Bring Change to Mind a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging dialogue about mental health, and to raising awareness, understanding, and empathy

Let me know if the comments what gifts you’ve found that give back. I love hearing about other amazing companies with great hearts to support!

Keep smiling!