Gift Guide for the Conscientious

November 29, 2019 in Lifestyle

As the commercialization of the holiday season grows more and more out of control, (when did Black Friday turn into a whole month of deals?!) it might be worth considering how your gift-giving habits can impact the world. This season, gift with a purpose! I have rounded up a few gift ideas that you can give (or request/purchase for yourself) that support a cause that may be close to the recipient’s heart.

Gifts for the Environmental Warrior

Let’s be honest, your environmentally conscious friend already has their favorite set of reusable straws and mugs. Shake it up a bit with these two items:

Dudley Stephens

I know, this is the second gift guide that Dudley Stephens has been featured in on the blog this month, but it’s because I really believe in the company. The woman-owned company specializes in fleeces made from recycled water bottles. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they are SUPER well made and SUPER comfy as well. Grab one here.

Pela Case

What do you do with your old phone cases? SO many phone cases are thrown out every year once a new version of a phone comes out and billions of new, plastic phone cases are made every year. Pela Case is a biodegradable phone case that completely (that’s 100% people) compostable case. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, Pela cases can be composted after use, which is so much better for the environment. The cases come in a variety of colors and some limited edition designs. Pela also carries sunglasses with biodegradable frames! Learn more about the phone cases here.

Choose Your Own Adventure

While there are so many great causes in the world, there is sure to be one that you or the one you love feels a tiny bit more passionate about. That’s where these gift options come in! These websites give back to causes depending on the product or cause that YOU select when you purchase. Consider purchasing an item from one of these three companies:

Vote Like a Girl

Created by two local moms, Vote Like a Girl is a brand that is focused on empowering women to have a voice in the issues that they care about. With every purchase on their site, a portion of the proceeds goes towards supporting organizations of your choosing. These organizations include (but are not limited to) the Environmental Defense Fund, Planned Parenthood, Every Town for Gun Safety, and Black Lives Matter. You simply have to select the cause when you are adding the item to your cart or you can even elect for “the girls” to select for you. Learn more here.

Conscious Step

Are you for or against receiving socks for Christmas? Now, what if I told you that the socks were made from organic cotton, certified vegan, ethically manufactured, fairtrade certified, AND gives back to a cause of your choice? I, for one, would LOVE those Christmas socks. Conscious Step has a variety of options to choose from, but my favorite is the gift boxes. For example, the Fight for Equality gift box (pictured) includes 3 pairs of sock, each giving back to a different (but similar) cause. The diversity of the cause list is definitely worth checking out. It includes everything from animals/the environment to diseases to education. Learn more here.

The Tote Project

The Tote Project’s mission is to help empower survivors of human trafficking or what the company refers to as modern slavery. Their products are ethically and sustainably manufactured by a unique workforce. The pouches are created by women who have escaped from the sex trade and the totes are created by women who underwent a training program for the socially disadvantaged. In addition to providing jobs, 10% of the Tote Project’s gross income goes to Two Wings; a program that helps survivors of sex trafficking get back on their feet. Their products feature messages about the aspects and causes that you hope to empower. Right now they are offering 25% off your purchase with the code “Holiday.” Learn more about the Tote Project here.

Gifts for the Book Nerd

Out of Print

All of the items featured in this section of the gift guide are from one company because they are so affordable (less than $15!) and perfect for the book nerds in your life. Merchandise purchased from Out of Print goes towards supporting literacy programs around the world. Since its start in 2010, the company has donated over 3 million books to those in need! They have a wide selection of book-themed merchandise to shop from. The site is currently offering a BOGO tee deal for Black Friday! To learn more, click here.