With the holidays around the corner, I’m scrambling to get all of my gifts taken care of before finals begin. With the rush and excitement of it all, I think it is easy to forget that the holidays are a time for giving back and are the perfect time to make a difference in someone else’s life. Small or big, every bit helps and every bit matters. With that said, here is a list of 10 companies that you can buy your holiday gifts from, knowing that you are helping support another cause while also getting the holiday gifts you need!
1. Love Your Melon- Love Your Melon has a buy one, donate one program where each purchase of a beanie (headband or hat) results in the donation of a hat to a child battling cancer! Best part: the company is run by college students who deliver the hats to the kids directly WEARING SUPERHERO COSTUMES! Definitely check them out, you won’t regret it. (Also, I have ordered both headbands and beanies from them- such great quality, I promise!)
PC: loveyourmelon.com
2. Picks for Peace- I found this company a few years ago online and have been hooked on their jewelry since. “When [their] father, a musician and guitar player passed away from cancer, [their] family took his picks and started to wear them to keep his heart and soul close to [theirs]… Each Pick in [their] jewelry represents something positive in life and supports individual meaning.” And even better, a portion of the proceeds are donated to The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance!
PC: picksforpeace.com
3. Radiate Market- Started by college students at Fordham University, Radiate Market “works to empower artists in developing regions by providing an online platform” to “allow these creators to access a larger and more consistent market”. They primarily work with very talented merchants from the Dominican Republic and have the cutest corkboards and metal decorations for your room… Several of their pieces are on my Christmas list this year, fingers crossed I get one!
PC: radiatemarket.com
4. The Adera Foundation- This wonderful company is close to my heart as several friends of mine have dedicated their lives to helping this company to succeed. Adera sells beautiful handmade necklaces made by women in Ethiopia to help them to become self-sustaining individuals that can support their own family with their “hard-earned income”. Head to their website (aderafoundation.org) to read several life stories merchants have shared and be inspired by their strength.
PC: aderadesigns.com
5. Dot Products- The founder, Hallie Darphin, traveled to Uganda back in 2011 on a mission trip and came back feeling inspired to create Dot Products to help fund education around the world in poor countries. Dot sells schools supplies to raise money to support schools in Tanzania, Mexico, DRC, and Haiti (and are rapidly expanding global partners). Check out their hand painted journals if you want something trendy and affordable, they’re the best.
PC: dotproducts.org
6. Chloe and Isabel- Founded in NYC, Chloe+Isabel is a lifestyle and jewelry brand that uses a merchandiser pyramid business plan to sell their products worldwide. This means that instead of creating store fronts, Chloe+Isabel is able to empower women through helping them to start their own small businesses and sell Chloe+Isabel jewelry. Chloe+Isabel is also very chartiable and partners with organizations nationwide, HerCampus included! Check out their adorable handmade ewelry pieces if you are looking to support women in your area chasing their dreams.
PC: chloeandisabel.com
I hope that one of these companies caught your eye and that you will at least check them out. Each company has something truly unique and spectacular to offer and I just think that there is no better way to spread holiday cheer than to purchase a gift that keeps on giving! Happy shopping y’all!