It’s no secret that we Americans spend billions of dollars every holiday season purchasing gifts for each other. It’s also no secret that many products we purchase are made in industries that have been neglectful (at best) when it comes to the lives of factory workers.
Most of the time, we shop for the best deals: what’s in it for me? Can I get this any cheaper? Can I finish this any faster? We often forget that we’re usually the last person in the story behind the item. Someone else gathered the materials, assembled them, packed them, shipped them, and put them out for display.
Can we really make a difference?
We’re all aware of the social problems associated with fast fashion and cheap food– but we can also feel powerless to change any of these systems of injustice. I have good news for you today: your purchases can make a positive impact on the lives of needy people around the world.
I’m passionate about this issue because I love gift giving. In recent years I’ve reined in my spending and given humbler gifts, but the process of selecting something special for someone special still makes my heart happy. So if you’re like me– and you’re not sitting out on gift giving this year– check out these amazing companies that are doing good things around the world!
7 Socially Responsible Gift Ideas
1) Jewelry and Accessories from Noonday Collection.
In case you haven’t heard, I’m an advocate for Noonday’s development model! Noonday uses fashion and design to create job opportunities in vulnerable communities. Jewelry is such a popular gift during the holidays that there’s bound to be someone on your list who would love to receive Noonday!
2) Blankets from SariBari.
SariBari is one cool organization. They provide jobs and training to women who are coming out of sex trafficking in India– by helping them learn to create beautiful blankets, bags, scarves and more! This is the gift for that eclectic, globally-minded boho-chic friend in your circle.
3) A much-needed item through a charity gift catalogue.
For the social-justice loving minimalist, or the friend in your life who has made a huge difference, you can make a huge difference in honor of them this year. Many global charities– particularly those involved with poverty development– offer a gift catalogue through which you can give animals, tools, education, clean water and more to a specific child or family. Check out this gift catalogue through World Vision.
4) Tickets to a local performance.
Support local actors, musicians and dancers by purchasing tickets (or a whole season). These are such great events to use as date night or a girls’ night out– many performance venues also offer kid-friendly options that are fun, educational and inspiring. Plus, it’s a big treat for many to get dressed up to go see a show.
5) Lingerie from Naja.
Naja is a lingerie brand that is doing things differently from most others. Lingerie is often made by underpaid workers overseas (or American prisoners), but Naja employs single mothers who are heads of their household– giving them a reliable job, higher-than-market pay, and healthcare. If someone on your list could use a new piece of undergarment or sleepwear, look no further than Naja!
6) Cozy pants from Sudara Goods.
We all love to wear comfortable, elastic waist (please!) pants when we’re cuddling on the couch or sitting by the fireplace. For the girl in your life in need of some holiday quietness, choose from a difference-making array at Sudara Goods. Sudara Goods offers employment to women who have been sexually trafficked as an alternate route to financial independence. Women are provided with healthcare, childcare, job training, education, ongoing support and– most importantly– a reliable paycheck.
7) Membership to a local museum, aquarium or zoo.
I can’t express how valuable it has been for us to be members at our local botanical garden and museum. The privilege of strolling onto the grounds before the general public, and to use the space as a retreat away from the stresses of work, are no small gift. Give this privilege to your friends by giving them a membership. In many cases, membership fees are also used to fund research and education initiatives through the organization.
[Tweet “Let your holiday gifts make a difference. 7 socially responsible gift ideas via @daisylinshih”]
Yes, it’s hard to get started with ethical shopping, but it’s something I care about a lot! We’ve gotten so used to hiding the people behind our products that we rarely think about them… but they are there, and many of them have no choice but to continue in their less-than-dignified jobs. Perhaps I’ll share a bit more on the topic some time!
Yes, I love those blankets too! I’m really trying to keep my shopping to a minimum– and when I do shop, to purchase things that were fairly compensated and sustainably made!
These are such great ideas and gift suggestions, Daisy!! Shopping in a socially responsible way is something I haven’t been good about in the past…but I’d love to support businesses such as these. Thanks for the list and the extra “oomph” to get me thinking in this way!
Love the whole idea of giving a socially responsible gift for the holidays—thanks so much for sharing, Daisy! Plus, those blankets are absolutely gorgeous!
xoxo
Kat
I need to check that out, Catherine! Thanks for the suggestion!
We really do– and so many of those votes are going to companies that have a pretty negative impact on the developing world.
Exactly!! 🙂
Great question, Hannah! I haven’t come across anything like these companies for shoes unfortunately. The next best option is to look at companies’ corporate sites for social responsibility. I know that the Ann Taylor Inc. has pretty good regulations on their factories and provides good services and trainings. Plus Ann Taylor shoes are relatively affordable– especially when on sale.
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ve definitely been seeking to be more responsible in my shopping, but it can be hard to get started. I’m wondering, do you know of any good shoe companies that are socially responsible? I’ve heard of a few, but many of their products are way out of my price range. I’m okay saving up for things, but over $100 gets a bit difficult.
Great gift ideas! I think the experience one at the end is a really good one – it’s the gift that gives through the year! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Thanks for sharing! It’s important to remember that we do ‘vote with our dollars’.
I really like everything on fashionable.com and their mission! They also say that their customers tend to be minimalists, so that’s cool 😉
Ahh so glad to find a fellow Noonday lover! These other companies are really great as well, working on a very similar model (though some are nonprofit). I hope you find things you love!
Absolutely! There are also local options like Angel Tree– an organization that gives gifts to children whose parents are in prison. Many options are better than just another random thing from Target.
I know right!!! 🙂
Aw thank you Arianna!! I’m so glad to have stumbled across them!
Thank you Alyssa! And I had no idea that Darling Magazine supports IJM– that’s amazing!
I LOVE THAT! Your aunt is awesome. I really like Angel Tree– it’s an organization that gives gifts to children whose parents are in prison. Really special, and really memorable.
I LOVED your suggestions! I’ve bought plenty from Noonday (love them!) but hadn’t heard of a few of the other companies you highlighted and I will be checking them out! Thanks!
That Noonday Collection jewelry is just beautiful!!!
I love this! I was actually looking through places that donate things to give to my friends! They’re more thoughtful gifts that way!
Such a great list Daisy! Each year since I was little my Aunt’s Christmas gift to us was buying an outfit and a toy to donate to a child in need. Each year I loved going with her to pick out the items, and now that I am an adult I appreciate this gift even more.
I love this list, Daisy! I would also say that a subscription to a magazine like Darling Magazine is wonderful because it fuels your mind and they support the International Justice Mission.
This is the best list I have ever read. Thank you so much for sharing these artists and organizations doing something really great! THANKS!!!
https://pandaonavespa.wordpress.com/