We love the holidays – mainly because we LOVE giving gifts.
It may sound cliché, but our favorite type of gift to give (as widely as possible), is a gift that gives back. Every year we go
on a quest to find a new gift that we can give our friends and family that
gives an even bigger gift to someone else. We have been doing this for years
and it is amazing to see so many companies now offering products that
support important causes. For this short list we are going to
highlight some of the grass roots organizations that are on the ground, around
the world, making 'doing good' their mission year-round. These are perfect
holiday gifts for friends, family, teachers, coaches, co-workers and great
stocking stuffers. We have purchased all of these products for our own families
over the past 3 years so we can vouch for the quality, the
packaging and the legitimacy and impact of the organizations.
Here are our top 4 products + 1 straight up giving back
recommendation.
3 billion people in the world cook over an open fire. The
smoke is equivalent to smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day. 4 million people –
mostly women and children – die from respiratory diseases every year. The Adventure Project trains women in Kenya and Tanzania to become stove
entrepreneurs. These handmade stoves drastically reduce toxic smoke emissions.
For every bar of gorgeous Adventure Project charcoal soap you buy, a family is
given a stove. The charcoal soap is wrapped beautifully for the holidays
and comes with the clearest explanation of the gift you are giving -- $20.
Last year, we gave this soap to everyone we know. This year
The Adventure Project has added a candle you can add to the soap and create a
larger gift set - $45.
Free shipping when you use code appleseeds at
checkout.
After doing aid work, a college student at American
University realized that soap is a very important part of the hygiene equation
and needed attention. Each time you buy a Soapbox product the company donates a
bar of soap to someone in need – often with proper hygiene education. These donated bars of soap are made from recycled bars
from hotels that have been shaved down, sanitized and reformed to make a brand
new bar. Soapbox works with local soap makers whenever possible as to ensure that giving away soap for free does not hurt their businesses. They have
lots of products to choose from...we purchased the liquid hand soap this
year, alongside the other gifts on our guide, for everyone on our list (ps. don’t tell them) -
$4.99.
Raven + Lily helps to employ 1,500 women around the world
offering them fair wages, healthcare and a safe job. You can shop by country or
product. In past years we have purchased stationary and candles -- $8 - $28.
Our go to holiday gift for the past decade. Every single
year a bunch of lucky friends, family and business partners get these delicious
cookies from us and we get to help kick pediatric cancer’s butt. (100% of the
profits support childhood cancer research.) Wrapped beautifully with info about Cookies for Kids' Cancer
inside. 12 flavors to choose from. Always fresh. Always delicious. $29.99.
*We have been closely involved with this organization for 10 years. Your donations go directly to funding more effective, less
toxic treatments for children. Cookies' partner centers include 7 of the top pediatric cancer
hospitals in the country. Every single penny is put to vital use. Email cookieorders@beagoodcookie.org with questions or assistance on your order.
In Kenya, high school is not free. Due to extreme poverty
and cultural practices an estimated 65% of Kenyan students won’t graduate high
school – most of them girls. Started by our friend Brad Broder and local
community leader, Dominic Muasya, Kenya Education Fund provides scholarships so
as many kids as possible can stay in school. So far KEF has given this incredible
gift to over 2,500 students.
$25 provides a student with a scientific calculator needed for school / $750 pays for an entire year of school.
$25 provides a student with a scientific calculator needed for school / $750 pays for an entire year of school.
*We have been involved with KEF for 12 years. We have seen
the impact of KEF first hand. It has been life changing for the students and
us.
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