34 Unique Gifts That Give Back—For Twice the Joy

As people around the world continue to struggle with a whole range of pressing issues and climate change continues to reshape how we live, the desire to share our resources is stronger than ever. Donating directly to a cause you love and volunteering are both impactful ways to help those in need, and conscious shopping is another great way to contribute.

There are a ton of brands that support meaningful causes by providing resources or donating a portion of profits. So, if you’re going to spend money on holiday gifts anyway, why not buy things that support these efforts for double the joy?

To help you buy more meaningful gifts for your loved ones, here are 34 thoughtful gifts that, in turn, give back.

1. Millstream Home Artisan Wood Dipping Board, $80+

Millstream Home’s collection of home goods pays homage to traditional Amish craftsmanship—each item is handmade by an artisan in Pennsylvania and built to last for generations. Plus, the company donates $1 from every sale to Bridge of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness among Lancaster County’s women and children.

2. Farmacy Beauty The Giving Back Pack, $30

This kit, which features four of the brand’s best-selling minis, is the perfect gift for any skincare enthusiast—and for each one sold, Farmacy Beauty donates 20 meals to Feeding America.

3. Block Shop Hand Block Printed Linen Robe, $195

A fancy robe always makes a good gift—and this gorgeous, printed one from Block Shop is no exception. It doesn’t hurt that the company invests 5% of its annual profits into occupational health programs in Jaipur and arts initiatives for LA’s under-resourced youth.

4. Parks Project National Parks Woodcuts 2023 Calendar, $20

Even if they’re not campers or hikers, they can still appreciate a bright, graphic wall calendar that supports the National Parks Conservation Association and its mission to preserve public lands for generations to come.

5. Lush Charity Pot Body Lotion, $9+

For every one of these floral-scented body lotions sold, Lush donates 100% of the purchase price (minus taxes) to grassroots organizations that support human rights causes, animal protection, and environmental justice.

6. Handmade Mixed Patterned Snack Dishes by Wonki Ware, $68

Not only does South African ceramics brand Wonki Ware make delightful, unique, handmade pottery—the company also makes a point to hire people from disadvantaged communities and gives them training to become artisans in the field.

7. Lovey & Grink First Responders Pajamas, $42-$44

Not all heroes wear capes. These kiddie PJs are dedicated to brave first responders, and a portion of sales goes toward Doctors Without Borders and the World Health Organization.

8. Ban.do Feeling Feelings Card Deck, $19.95

It’s been another weird year, to say the least, and these colorful cards can help a loved one navigate, understand, and process their emotions. Half of the net proceeds will benefit The Loveland Foundation and its mission to help heal communities of color—focusing on Black women and girls—with therapy, resources, and more.

9. STATE Lorimer Diaper Bag, $198

Carrying a heavy tote bag in one hand and a wriggly baby in the other sounds like a bad idea. A diaper bookbag can keep things balanced while still holding all the essentials (and then some), including a compartment for a laptop, a luggage sleeve, and an insulated pocket for bottles. Part of STATE’s mission is to help children and families in need around the U.S. through bag donations, rallies, and more.

10. Armadillo Nala, $1,565+

A thoughtful gift for someone who’s looking to dress up their space, this graphic rug from Armadillo is equal parts beautiful, functional, and charitable. The brand has a charitable leg called The Armadillo Foundation where it donates 10 percent of net profits to various charities benefitting young girls around the world; in the U.S., the funds go toward the Los Angeles and New York City chapters of Girls Inc.

11. Tracy Llewellyn Alphabet Vase, $50

With every purchase, Uncommon Goods donates $1 to a Better to Give partner of your choice. That means this fun, letter-shaped vase can do some serious good.

12. Pottery Barn Pride Doormat, $29 $16.99

Welcome all love into your home with this rainbow coir doormat that benefits The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention efforts for LGBTQ+ youth.

13. Sounds Palo Santo, $18.50

Thirty percent of the profits from this palo santo, which was sustainably harvested from naturally-fallen trees in the forests of Ecuador and Peru, goes to rotating organizations like NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., National Bail Out, and American Civil Liberties Union.

14. Juniper Ridge Sierra Forest Room Spray, $16

Fill your home with the enchanting scent of the pine, fir, and cedar trees from the Sierra Nevadas with this all-natural room spray. Juniper Ridge, an Oakland-based fragrance brand, donates 10 percent of profits to wilderness defense organizations.

15. The Citizenry Tizu Accent Pillow, $125

Handwoven by a group of talented women in India, this accent pillow features gorgeously detailed stitching. Along with its fair trade practices, The Citizenry invests 10 percent of proceeds back into its partner artisan communities.

16. Global Goods Partners Handmade Felt Flower Bouquets, $24+

Flora that lasts forever, these felt bouquets are crafted by female artisans in Nepal using fair-trade practices and helping break the cycle of poverty.

17. Lula’s Garden Jewel Garden, $44

Three adorable succulents are planted in a box and ready to display with this precious gift garden. Each purchase provides six months of safe water for one person in the developing world through water.org.

18. Hand in Hand Assorted Bar Soap Set, $19.99 $18.99

Made with rapeseed oil to soothe and moisturize skin, these organic soaps come in scents like cactus blossom and island mimosa. For every bar sold, Hand in Hand donates one bar of soap and clean water to a child in need.

19. Sand Cloud Pearl Dream Towel Bundle, $192 $142

Three striped, quick-drying Turkish towels come in this beachy set that you can feel good about. Ten percent of Sand Cloud’s profits goes towards marine conservation.

20. Material The reBoard, $35

This minimalist cutting board is BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and made of excess plastic discarded by the kitchenware production process. The best part? Fifty percent of proceeds from the To Pó-Po with Love colorway goes to Heart of Dinner.

21. Goldbelly Monthly New Orleans Subscription, $84.95/month

This clever subscription lets you to support New Orleans restaurants and small food makers while gifting a tasty box of iconic Louisiana treats in the process. If NOLA isn’t your flavor, try ones from New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Miami instead.

22. West Elm Personal Best Ceramics Spoon Rest, $32

Wheel-thrown and hand-glazed by Baltimore-based artist Whitney Simpkins, this earthy spoon rest supports a small business and No Kid Hungry.

23. Olympia Provisions Salami Bouquet, $50+

It’s hard to make this Oregon-made salami taste better than it already does, but knowing that 10 percent of the proceeds are donated to farmers across the country through the All For Farmers Coalition by Tillamook does the trick.

24. Williams Sonoma No Kid Hungry Towels, Set of 2, $24.95 $11.99

Cookbook author Gaby Dalkin designed these charming pizza and avocado towels to benefit No Kid Hungry’s fight against childhood hunger in America.

25. Family Meal: Recipes from Our Community, $5.99

Culinary legends like Ina Garten, Dan Barber, Kwame Onwuachi, and Ruth Reichl came together to compile recipes that represent their home cooking in this e-book that benefits the Restaurant Workers' Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

26. Loveland x Little Words Project “Love Yourself” Bracelet, $25

Wear an inspiring self-love mantra on your wrist while supporting The Loveland Foundation, an organization that provides free therapy and mental wellness resources to Black women and girls.

27. Rethreaded Leather Hope Journal, $58

By purchasing this journal made of leather upcycled from retired airline seat covers donated by Southwest Airlines, you're creating a safe, supportive work opportunity for the survivor of human trafficking who handcrafted it.

28. Tory Burch Embrace Ambition Bracelet, $30

This silk bracelet was created in collaboration with the Tory Burch Foundation to encourage women to embrace ambition, and features the designer’s signature Gemini Link charm.

29. Noto Agender Oil, $44

With hemp seed oil to promote growth, smoky vetiver to reduce inflammation, and lavender to calm, this hair and body oil is a gender-free dream. Plus, a portion of profits go towards rotating organizations like Planned Parenthood, Los Angeles LGBT Center, The Okra Project, and Black Lives Matter.

30. Everlane 100% My Body Crew, $35

For every 100% My Body organic cotton t-shirt sold, Everlane donates 100% percent of the proceeds to the American Civil Liberties Union to help continue its century-long fight to protect fundamental freedoms.

31. Women's Stripe Quarter Sock 4-Pack, $64 $60.80

Give the gift of warm, wool-clad feet with this set of four striped pairs of socks—literally. You won’t just be comforting the toes of your lucky recipient—for every pair of these colorful socks sold, Bombas donates a pair to someone experiencing homelessness.

32. Corkcicle Classic Canteen, $32.95

With this angular, insulated water bottle, you can help Corkcicle further its work with Charity: Water to create access to clean drinking water in developing countries.

33. FEED Elephant Family Pouch, $38 $28

Equally fun and functional, this light blue, elephant-adorned pouch provides 10 school meals to hungry children in America.

34. Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier, $59.95

Portable and USB-powered, this compact humidifier is a treat-yourself luxury. As the humidifier rebalances the dry air around you, Hey Dewy donates 10 percent of its sales to clean water initiatives like The Water Project.

This post was updated October 2022 with more great charitable gift ideas that give back.

How are you supporting your favorite non-profit organizations this year? Drop some inspo below!

This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. Food52 earns an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.