10 Ways to Shop and Give Back

Hello!  I hope everyone is having a wonderful week.  Have you finished your holiday shopping yet?  It's not too late.  Also, I've been thinking a lot about gratitude. I can't help but recognize how blessed I am to live the life I lead today.  I haven't experienced hunger this week, I have clean water to drink, and I have acquired an education.  I'm extremely grateful.  However, it's also for this reason that I feel compelled to give back when I can.  I hope that you too will consider shopping from this list this season.

10 Ways to Shop and Give Back 

1. AUrate New York

This year give the gift of Literacy.  This company makes beautiful modern yellow, white, and rose gold jewelry in New York.  They employ a "Book for Your Look" philosophy when it comes to giving back.  For every piece of jewelry that is purchased, they donate a book to an economically underprivileged child.  It's the ultimate gift that keeps on giving and that's always a good investment. 

2. The Giving Keys

This year give the gift of Empowerment.  This company is based in Los Angeles and employs those transitioning out of homelessness in Los Angeles to make their keys.  Did you know that Los Angeles is one of the cities with the largest population of homeless individuals in the United States? You can purchase holiday gift sets with a key and candle for your loved ones here.  And if you purchase one for yourself, don't forget to pay it forward.

3. Sweet Cavanagh

This year give the gift of Recovery.  You can purchase gorgeous jewelry designed and handmade in London by women recovering from eating disorders and addictions.  All profits go to Free Me, a registered charity that provides free therapy, group support, career training, and access to a registered dietitian.  These proceeds can help give these women access to resources they desperately need, but may not be able to afford.

4. Bloom and Give

This year give the gift of Education.  This company donates 50% of the profits from handmade scarves and bags to support education for girls in India.  This model is based on the premise that education is the most effective way to fight poverty and gender inequality for generations to come.

5. One Hope Wine

This year help Support Our Troops. The Support Our Troops Gift Box contains One Hope Zinfandel, and a special Italian silk David Fin tie with camouflage lining.  With every six gift boxes purchased you will be providing a veteran a chance to continue serving through disaster relief.  Each tie helps a veteran get a job through the Hiring Our Heroes initiative.  It's a great gift for an awesome boss or colleague.

6. Bird and Stone

This year give the gift of  Inspiring Women to become Independent Entrepreneurs.  This company helps teach single and widowed women in Kenya about business, agriculture, and accounting to help lift themselves out of poverty and make a living though starting their own businesses.  This dainty jewelry is so pretty, you'll want to give it to all the special people in your circle.

7. Bombas Socks

This year give the gift of Warm and Comfortable Feet with Socks built with Innovative Technology.  Did you know that socks are the most requested item in homeless shelters? This company donates one pair of their socks for every pair sold to a homeless person in need.  You can never have too many socks, especially unique ones like these.

8. SoapBox Soaps

This year give the gift of Hope, Soap, and Clean Water.  Soap=Hope  By purchasing one bar of soap, this swell little gift will give clean water to someone in need and will help teach individuals about hygienic practices through hand washing to help save lives.  We can always use a little more soap our lives.

9. Warby Parker

This year, give the gift of  Seeing Better.  Warby Parker gives one pair of glasses to a person in need for every pair that is sold.  They offer prescription, reading, and sunglasses.  What could be better than helping someone else see the world better!

10. Alex and Ani- Charity By Design Collection

This year give the gift of Empowerment, Love, and Community.  Alex and Ani donates 20% of each bangle purchased to various organizations during the holiday season.  With so many beautiful bangles and charms to choose from, you will have a hard time deciding on just one.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are you grateful for?