Gifts That Give Back
During the holidays, our collective consumerism can reach a fever pitch and prompt some very real self-reflection. With this in mind, we encourage readers who have the bandwidth and budget to donate time or money—at any time of the year—to local mutual aid initiatives or larger organizations like The Loveland Foundation, The Trevor Project, Last Prisoner Project, Everytown, Kiva, RAICES and more. Sometimes, though, you can buy a present that a loved one will adore and give to an important cause at the same time. With art, accessories, apparel, food, skincare products, jewelry and much more, our Gifts That Give Back guide overflows with ideas that will have far-reaching, positive effects.
Hero image For The Birds LP 3, cover art by Simone Shubuck, courtesy of the Audubon Society
Stoneware Dog Bowl by Helen Levi
Stoneware Dog Bowl by Helen Levi
This limited edition stoneware dog bowl is a collaboration between ceramicist Helen Levi and Kismet, a new pet food company. A donation to Project Street Vet and Paws for Life is made for each purchase.The bowl is also available in a larger size, along with a matching mug for pet parents.
Added: November 2024
This product is sold by Kismet
Hand Knit Star Hat
Hand Knit Star Hat
This playful, abstract star pattern hat is hand knit with upcycled yarn in Peru by local artisans. Available in three colors, it will keep you warm while supporting the local community. It measures 10″ wide when measured flat, 8″ tall when measured with the fold, and unfolded is 12″ tall.
Added: October 2024
This product is sold by Degen
Parks Project Moab 3
Parks Project Moab 3
The hero product of a new “Shrooms in Bloom” capsule collection from Parks Project and Merrell, these Moab 3 hiking shoes are made with HyphaLite™, a 100% bio-based, biodegradable and regenerative mushroom leather. Like all Merrell Moab 3s they have a Vibram outsole with extra grip that covers the heel and toe for long-term wear protection. Other materials include recycled canvas with 8% pineapple yarn upper and 100% recycled laces. The uplifting, summery, flora-inspired colorway is carried through the t-shirts, pants, shorts, socks and hat in the collection. The collaboration will donate $9k to the LA County Parks Foundation to support their work to “improve community health through parks, recreation and conservation.”
Added: June 2024
This product is sold by Merrell x Parks Project
Todd Snyder + Navot Miller Artist Series Terry Beach Towel
Todd Snyder + Navot Miller Artist Series Terry Beach Towel
All proceeds from Todd Snyder’s newest Artist Series collection with Navot Miller go to Visual AIDS, a not for profit that “uses art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV+ artists, and preserving a legacy, because AIDS is not over.” Navot’s colorful collection appears on several products. This extra large terry towel is based on his work “French Boys in Deià” and brightens up any beach, park or pool for you and a friend.
Added: June 2024
This product is sold by Todd Snyder
Tomato Vine Candle
Tomato Vine Candle
This garden-inspired candle gives the summer feels we’re vibing, with a mix of tomato, citrus and earthy green scents that hit just right. Handmade in the USA, its coconut and apricot wax blend burns smoke free. It features a wick made from renewable fibers, a reusable glass jar, and each purchase sends 5% to support the Trust for Public Land.
Added: May 2024
This product is sold by Outdoor Fellow
Socks That Protect Sloths
Socks That Protect Sloths
Conscious Step creates socks, hoodies and candles that feature illustrations of a range causes—from protecting Sloths to building homes, planting trees and saving rainforests, providing meals to those in need, and many others. A donation is made for each item purchased, one small way for you to subtly share concern about our world and the many ways in which we can help make a difference, however small it may seem. Purchasing a pair of these socks sends $1 to Conservation International. Kids and toddler sizes, , footies and more are also available.
Added: March 2024
This product is sold by Conscious Step
Made Here: Recipes & Reflections From NYC’s Asian Communities
Made Here: Recipes & Reflections From NYC’s Asian Communities
More than a recipe book, Made Here: Recipes & Reflections From NYC’s Asian Communities is a love letter to the chefs, bakers and food vendors that make food in 43 Asian eateries across NYC. Packed with essays that give context to dishes, interviews, illustrations and more, the cookbook spans cuisines and regions. Learn how to make Thai Diner’s som tum, Pecking House’s dirty fried rice, Awang Kitchen’s tahu gejrot, Kuih Cafe’s pulut inti Kuih Cafe, and more. Best of all, 100% of net proceeds go to Send Chinatown Love’s community-focused projects.
Added: February 2024
This product is sold by Send Chinatown Love
Piruwa Kettle
Piruwa Kettle
Honoring 65,000 years of Australian culture, Breville has worked with Alison Page—a Wadi Wadi and Walbanga woman of the Yuin nation and founder of the National Aboriginal Design Agency—to create the Aboriginal Culinary Journey collection. Four different artists created original works for the collection; they each own the copyright to their works and receive royalties from the sale of the products. Further, Breville is donating 100% of the profits from this collection to be split between the National Indigenous Culinary Institute and an Indigenous scholarship fund at the University of Technology Sydney. A total of 10,000 units were produced with the goal to raise AUD$1,000,000. Shown here is the Piruwa Kettle by Yalti Napangati.
Added: August 2023
This product is sold by Breville
2021 The Alright Fight Club Wine
2021 The Alright Fight Club Wine
This white blend from Tank Garage combines Grüner Veltliner with Chenin Blanc, making for a bright wine with hints of citrus, lemongrass and pear. Perfect for summery meals, it’s refreshing and crowd-pleasing. Best of all, proceeds from sales go to The Jed Foundation and Winston’s Wish—organizations that focus on children’s mental health.
Added: May 2023
This product is sold by Tank Garage
Summer Essentials AAPI Beauty Box
Summer Essentials AAPI Beauty Box
100% of profits from sales from this gift box will be donated to AAPI Women Lead, an organization that aims to end violence within and toward the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Island communities—with a focus on women, girls and gender-expansive individuals. The set includes items from Mohala Eyewear and Aloha Collection, Tatcha, Girlfriend Collective, Tower 28, Mount Lai, Kulfi Kajal, Eadem, Youthforia and Have A Nice Day. From hair accessories to cleansers, a gua sha and more, there are plenty of goodies within.
Added: May 2023
This product is sold by Various Brands
Table of Contents Community Cookbook
Table of Contents Community Cookbook
Table of Contents is a food, literature, arts and culture project from chef Evan Hanczor. The Table of Contents Community Cookbook features recipes and other works by 36 writers (including Alexander Chee, Carmen Maria Machado, Nafissa Thompson-Spires and Kaitlyn Greenidge), along with illustrations from more than 18 artists. In addition to being a diverse selection of recipes, the book is a way to give back to the community, with all proceeds going to Food Issues Group (FIG), a grassroots collective working toward an equitable and sustainable food system in New York.
Added: April 2023
This product is sold by Table of Contents
“Our Bodies Deserve Respect” Tote
“Our Bodies Deserve Respect” Tote
Embellished with a design by visual artist and trans activist Xavier Schipani, the “Our Bodies Deserve Respect” Tote is part of a collection of apparel and accessories from Noise For Now—a non-profit focused on reproductive justice and healthcare. The organization keeps 10% of proceeds from sales (in order to cover operations) and the other 90% goes to Texas Health Action’s Kind Clinic as well as other independent abortion centers.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by Noise For Now
“cultivate freedom, fund abortion” Sweatshirt
“cultivate freedom, fund abortion” Sweatshirt
The Jane Fund of Central Massachusetts is a non-profit dedicated to funding and supporting access to abortion for the state and beyond. Their ethos “cultivate freedom, fund abortion” adorns this classic sweatshirt (below a floral design). The garment is available in sizes small to 5XL. All proceeds from its sales go directly to the organization to support their critical, life-saving work.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by The Jane Fund of Central Massachusetts
Heart Cards
Heart Cards
Visual artist Ifeoma Orjiekwe’s heart-shaped faces adorn the exterior of these greeting cards from Heart n Soul, a visual arts company and non-profit that employs individuals with learning disabilities. Available in sets of two (in red or blue and orange), each card has a blank interior and comes with an envelope. Price is in Pounds.
Added: February 2023
This product is sold by Heart N Soul
“FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR” Knit Socks
“FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR” Knit Socks
Sky High Farm Workwear is a clever “food-to-fashion” collection from Sky High Farm, a New York-based non-profit that grows fresh produce to donate. Led by artist Dan Colen, the apparel’s visual language mirrors the farm’s ethos: it’s playful, functional and a reminder to be benevolent. Thus, their take on classic, mid-calf socks features “FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR” on the side. Cozy and durable, these socks benefit the non-profit.
Added: February 2023
This product is sold by Sky High Farm
Sovereign Land Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Sovereign Land Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
From Clothing The Gaps (a hybrid social enterprise and apparel brand), this long-sleeve “Sovereign Land” T-shirt states a fact and can work as a conversation starter about invasion, sovereignty and land rights. The Melbourne/Naarm-based collective designs and prints the garment in Wurundjeri Country in an ethical manner. Made from 100% cotton, its bold colors also echo those of the Aboriginal Flag. Price is in AUD.
Added: January 2023
This product is sold by Clothing The Gaps
No Trespassing Calendar
No Trespassing Calendar
Featuring work by acclaimed 12 artists, the “No Trespassing” calendar aims to raise money for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. Printed in an edition of 500, the spiral-bound calendar includes pieces by Faith Ringgold, Marilyn Minter, Louise Bourgeois, Jenny Holzer, LaKela Brown, Fumiko Imano, Maggie Lee, Catherine Opie, Farah Al Qasimi, Janiva Ellis, Ana Mendieta and Lauren Greenfield. All profits will be donated.
Added: January 2023
This product is sold by HOMME Girls
Blue Dogs Tea Towel
Blue Dogs Tea Towel
An ode to canine companions, this 100% cotton Blue Dogs Tea Towel features dog illustrations by artists who are part ARTHOUSE Unlimited, a UK-based non-profit that represents creatives who are neuro-diverse and/or have physical support needs. Each artist drew a pet’s portrait in blue pencil, creating a delightful print of all types of dogs. Plus, 100% of the proceeds from sales of the charming but practical product go back to the charity. Price is in Pounds.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Arthouse Unlimited
Checkered Santa Cruz Blanket
Checkered Santa Cruz Blanket
For each Sackcloth + Ashes blanket sold, the charitable brand donates one to someone experiencing homelessness. From them comes the Checkered Santa Cruz, a retro-colored blanket that features a bright and wavy take on the classic pattern. Made from recycled wool and polyester and spun without the use of dye, this sustainable blanket is colorful and cozy.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Sackcloth + Ashes
Abolish Prisons Shirt
Abolish Prisons Shirt
From Small Spells (the company helmed by artist, reiki healer and tarot card reader, Rachel Howe), this “Abolish Prisons” T-shirt has been solar-dyed by LA-based Jennifer Parry Dodge, who forages eucalyptus, Japanese alder cones and logwood for the process. Each shirt is unique, thanks to this natural method, so colors and patterns will vary from indigo to purple to gray. Additionally, 50% of the proceeds from sales of each garment will be donated to the National Bail Out collective.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Small Spells
Taste and Place: The Design Hotels Book
Taste and Place: The Design Hotels Book
Travel is intrinsically linked with food, and this new book from Design Hotels explores and celebrates the culinary offerings and practices at properties including Jamaica’s Rockhouse, Italy’s Rastrello, Mexico’s Círculo Mexicano and Japan’s Satoyama Jujo. Through images and words by photographers, chefs and culinary experts and writers, Taste and Place traces terroir to table settings, tradition, sustainability and beyond. The company has also promised to donate a portion of the proceeds to humanitarian aid organizations that were suggested by their two Ukrainian member hotels: 11 Mirrors and Bursa Hotel. Price is in Euros.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by Design Hotels
Eat More Baseball Cap
Eat More Baseball Cap
Phillip Lim and Panda Express partnered on a capsule collection of merch that benefits six organizations (Heart of Dinner, More Than a Meal (via Feed Forward), OCA-Greater Houston, Radical Family Farms, Respect Your Elders (Mama’s Drive-by Kitchen) and Welcome to Chinatown) that fight food insecurity within the AAPI community. From the three-piece collection, the “Eat More” baseball cap has been embroidered with the words “eat with us” on the front, and “eat more, share more, love more” at the back. With a buckle closure for adjusting the size, the six-panel cap is made from 100% cotton. All proceeds from sales of the cap are donated to the aforementioned organizations.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by 3.1 Phillip Lim + Panda Express
Macaroni Necklace
Macaroni Necklace
Crafted with hand-painted sand-cast beads—antique African trade beads made by turning glass into powder, a process that originated with the Krobo tribe in Ghana in the 1800s—each of SVNR’s Macaroni Necklaces is one of a kind. The beads are threaded on 38-inch raffia but can be restrung on metallic cord for extra durability. All proceeds from sales go to Build Black Bed-Stuy, an organization fighting to preserve the historically Black community in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by SVNR
Brooklyn Tote
Brooklyn Tote
West Brooklyn Waterfront Mutual Aid and Gowanus Mutual Aid partnered with GrowNYC to create a community-supported agriculture program that provides fresh produce to those in Brooklyn who need it. This tote, featuring a logo of the borough designed by Brooklyn-based artist Jessie Smith, supports the initiative, with each purchase funding one week of food for a family.
Added: December 2022
This product is sold by West Brooklyn Waterfront Mutual Aid
OYA Pour Over Set
OYA Pour Over Set
Made by the staff of POT—a ceramics studio in LA that prioritizes people of color, adult beginners and the LGBTQ+ community—this pink pour-over set is full of levity, featuring a speckled design and a wacky frowny face with eyes made of stars. 100% of the proceeds from purchases of this set go to OYA Studio-Museum in Philadelphia to help Black ceramicists make and acquire art.
Added: November 2022
This product is sold by POT
