Let’s face it, most of us don’t need much more than we’ve got! It’s nice to gift material treats, epecially items that people wouldn’t gift themselves. However, the past couple of years it sometimes feels as though I’m just going through the motions of gifting. Finding several gifts to give loved ones is so stressful financially and mentally. So what to gift the person who has everything? Gifts that gift back!
A few years ago, my inlaws decided that we would just do a gift exchange for one person in the family. That way we could be thoughtful and not spread ourselves to thin in the holiday madness. I think we all loved the idea. Note: My own family has not embraced that because we/they love gifts too much. 🙂 For people like in my own family where we are still gifting several things, and they don’t need much, gifting a gift that gives back is perfect!
Lurie’s Children Hospital
If you or the gift recipient live in Illinois, and have a child, this is a no-brainer! Lurie’s Children Hospital is one of a kind in it’s research and kid-centric experience. I can’t reommend this hospital enough. We’ve been there more times than I’d like, but each time we are cheerfully treated with kindness, consideration and professionalism! Lurie’s has a program called “Feel Good Gifts” that range from giving disadvantaged kids access to Santa visits! Please check it out here, for gifts of all price ranges.
Books That Heal
I’ve covered this amazing organization before! Books that Heal is a gift that gives back in a major way. They help kids fighting terrible, chronic illnesses publish a book. They help illustrate, narrate, and hold a book party for their friends and family. It’s a way to celebrate the child’s story during a difficult time. The added bonus is that you can gift an actual book that has been published by one of these awesome kids. Really, I can’t recommend it enough!
Jewelry Benefitting Immigration
This cuff by Melissa Joy Manning. Available in four sizes in both silver and gold, these chic cuff bracelets benefit RAICES (the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) an organization that helps detained and separated families, unaccompanied minors, and other people seeking asylum in the United States. The silver cuff retails for $50 and donates $25 to RAICES, while the gold cuff retails for $600 and donates $250 for each purchase.
Education for Kids
This gift is perfect for teachers and educators, especially empowerers. Education is not a luxury and it’s not a given. Many kids in the world can’t get one. This is one of my favorite gifts that I’ve ever made my husband! I think it was one of his as well. 🙂
SWELL WATER BOTTLE– Provide water $35
Gift a gorgeous Swell water bottle, which helps save the Earth from plastic. This gift gives back by donating a portion of proceeds to UNICEF’s clean water program.
100 Meals & a Beautiful Bag $198
This is one of my favorites on the list! Everyone could use a tote bag, and more than that, everyone could use a meal. This organization has donated almost 108 MILLION meals to date.
Plant a Tree With Orignial Grain $250-500
I’ve had the honor of collaborating with this awesome brand before! They plant a tree with the purchase of each watch in partnership with Trees For the Future!
Hope you got some ideas for gifts that give back! Please share your ideas below, would love to include next time. XO, Z
