Holiday Gifts....That Give Back
By Valerie Reiss, CNBC.com
Gifts That Keep On Giving
Are you looking for more meaningful gifts this holiday season? One way to do that is to pick a present that not only surprises your loved ones, but also gives back by helping those in need.
We've rounded up gift ideas that will be enjoyed by a range of recipients - from women to men to the kiddos - that also donate to a wide array of charitable causes. These charities use a portion of the profits from their products to support causes, such as employing women in war-torn Uganda, teaching kids in U.S. cities to write, finding medical cures, and more.
See the slideshow: Holiday Gifts That Give Back
So that pretty necklace? It makes her look great and gives people hope. Now that's a trend worth following.
Check out some ideas for holiday presents that keep on giving, and double your generosity with a single gift.
A Bright Future
You may have heard of TOMS one-for-one footwear program: The company has donated more than one million pairs of its comfy slip-on shoes to kids in extreme need. But you may not be aware of TOMS' chic new line of sunglasses for men and women. The one-for-one concept stays the same: But now each pair of shades gives a blind or sight-challenged person around the globe - starting with Nepal, Cambodia and Tibet - medical treatment, prescription glasses, or sight-giving surgery. The glasses are made in Italy, hand-painted, and have 100 percent UVA/UVB protection too. Glasses are priced between $135 to $145.
Paper View
Adorn her with this triple-strand necklace made of shiny paper beads - while helping an entire community. Ugandan women handcraft these unique, colorful baubles from recycled paper for 31 Bits, an organization that employs nearly 100 women and offers them financial, health, and vocational training. The idea behind the company's transformational four-year employee-training program is to empower each woman to sustain herself and her family through her creations. This Rock Palette necklace costs $38, and layers beads of grey, red, teal, and brown on leather strands.
Kisses for Peace
A good lipstick is hard to find - and a do-good lipstick is even more elusive. Slip a luscious tint from Peacekeeper Cause-Metics into her stocking and give to women's health and human rights organizations, all while keeping her kisser toxin-free. The all-natural, cruelty-free company gives all after-tax, distributable profits to a worthy group, such as V-Day, Project Hope International, and Unifem. It costs $12 for a tube of Lip Paint lipstick.
iRock Out
If the music lover in your life needs a MP3 infusion, you can do it with a conscience. The slick, ultra-portable red iPod nano benefits (PRODUCT) RED, the organization dedicated to quelling AIDS and HIV in Africa. To date (PRODUCT) RED has donated $170 million for the Global Fund. A portion of the sales of each of the (PRODUCT) RED iPods goes to the organization. It costs $129 for eight-gigabyte iPod.
Inspiring Vessels
Whether they're holding wine, a fresh bloom, or a flickering votive, Glassybaby's handblown cups add beauty. Tougher than they look, the multipurpose glasses are made with three layers of glass and glow in a rainbow of colors. Started in 1998 by Lee Rhodes - who was then juggling the care of three young kids while fighting a rare form of lung cancer - Glassybaby supported her search "for a few moments of serenity." The company's built-in goodwill policy has already donated more than half a million dollars to charities that benefit "health, healing, and quality of life" - that includes Gilda's Club, American Red Cross, and Humane Society. Single vessels cost $50, or $250 for sets of six.
Charming Jewelry
"Look good. Do Good." That's the motto of Altruette, a company that gives 50 percent of its net profits to a range of charitable organizations, from Toys for Tots to the African Wildlife Foundation. First select a chain (bracelet or necklace; gold or silver), then add charms - everything from a mini coffee cup to a cupcake to a dog to a laptop. Proceeds from each charm go to a specific organization. Silver bracelets cost $150; charms start at $75.
Want to see more? See the full slideshow: Holiday Gifts That Give Back
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